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Don't Tell Aunty in New South Wales

Discover Don't Tell Aunty, a modern Indian restaurant in Surry Hills, offering elevated cuisine, great cocktails, and cozy vibes. Check menu, hours, and reviews.

4.3 2,059 reviews Modern Indian Restaurant American · Southern

Entrance From, 414 Bourke Street, Fitzroy St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia

FoodPlacee Passport Australia · New South Wales · 61683
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Don't Tell Aunty

Surry Hills, New South Wales, Australia

Papadum Chutneys Naan Platter Crispy Cauliflower Gulab Jamun Takeaway Tandoori Chicken
Rating★ 4.3 / 5
CategoryModern Indian Restaurant
Today 05:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Overview

About This Food Place

Don't Tell Aunty is a modern Indian restaurant located in the vibrant Surry Hills neighborhood of Sydney. Known for its elevated Indian cuisine and street food, this relaxed dining spot impresses with colourful decor that complements an inventive menu. The restaurant skillfully blends contemporary flavors with traditional elements, creating a unique culinary experience.

From thoughtfully curated cocktails to authentic dishes like vegan butter chicken and samosa chaat, patrons enjoy a carefully designed atmosphere that suits casual lunches, cozy dinners, or solo dining. Accessibility features and diverse service options make this spot welcoming to a broad audience, including families and tourists exploring Fitzroy Street.

Gallery

Photos from Don't Tell Aunty

Real shots of the food, atmosphere, and signature dishes at this location.

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Local favorites

Why People Come Here

Experience vibrant modern Indian dining with flavorful dishes, creative cocktails, and a lively yet cozy atmosphere in the heart of Surry Hills.

Exceptional Cocktails & Drinks

A standout selection of cocktails, beers, and wines perfectly complements the elevated Indian menu and lively atmosphere.

Family-Friendly & Group Dining

The restaurant welcomes families and groups, offering high chairs and a vibrant setting ideal for social gatherings and celebrations.

Flexible Service Options

Enjoy dine-in, takeout, no-contact delivery, or drive-through services that cater to different dining preferences and schedules.

Modern Indian Cuisine & Popular Dishes

Delight in creative small plates and classic favorites such as Papadum Chutneys Naan Platter, Tandoori Chicken, and delicious vegetarian and vegan options.

Trendy Cozy Ambiance

A colorful, upscale yet casual dining space that blends modern decor with a cozy vibe, perfect for solo diners and groups alike.

Fully Accessible

Wheelchair accessible entrance and seating ensure comfort and convenience for all guests.

Convenient Location & Parking

Situated in Surry Hills with entrance on Bourke Street, the restaurant offers free and paid street parking nearby.

Experience

When & How to Enjoy This Place

Perfect for those who appreciate playful innovation in Indian cuisine, Don't Tell Aunty welcomes visitors seeking flavorful meals in a chic yet inviting setting.

Elevated dishes paired with creative cocktails make dining here a memorable adventure. Whether visiting for lunch or dinner, expect a vibrant atmosphere where expert service complements each bite. — FoodPlacee editorial note

Group Dinner

Ideal for families and groups looking to share a variety of small plates and mains in a lively and warm atmosphere.

Late-Night Meal

Open till 10 PM most nights, it's a great spot to savor flavorful late dinners or small plates accompanied by cocktails or wine.

Cocktail Experience

The bartenders craft some of the best cocktails in the area, making it perfect for those who enjoy innovative drinks alongside their meal.

Lunch Break

Visit during lunch for a relaxed meal featuring light yet flavorful options, suitable for solo diners or casual catch-ups.

Takeout & Delivery

Experience authentic modern Indian dishes from the comfort of home with available delivery, drive-through, and takeout choices.

Reservation-Friendly Visit

Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner, ensuring a seamless dining experience in this popular spot.

Best for

Lunch Dinner Solo Dining Family-friendly Cocktails Takeout Reservations Recommended Wheelchair Accessible

Guest sentiment

What People Feel

A snapshot of what local diners frequently mention about this location.

SP
Sophia Psaros 3 week ago

"Very impressed with my experience at Don’t Tell Aunty! All of the food was extremely yummy. I had the shahi paneer masala and the samosa chaat which were both so good. The restaurant has a great atmosphere and the service was good. Would definitely recommend and would love to come again."

CO
Cara O'Doherty 1 month ago

"Went for my birthday meal after a few friends recommended and it didn’t disappoint! We got the papadam & naan chutney board with onion bahji for starters. Then got the goan fish curry, butter chicken curry and rice for mains along with garlic naan. The fish curry was gorgeous. And to top it off they brought out a birthday surprise for me too! Would definitely go back!"

AMT
Aishworya Malla thakuri 2 month ago

"I visited this restaurant yesterday and had a really great experience. The atmosphere was amazing very relaxing and enjoyable, making it a perfect place to spend time. What stood out the most were the drinks. They were fantastic, and honestly some of the best cocktails I’ve ever had. I ordered the Lychee Martini and the Raj Next Door, and both were absolutely amazing. The flavors were perfectly balanced and very refreshing. I also had a chance to talk with the bartender, and he was really sweet and friendly, which made the experience even better. Overall, it was a wonderful visit, and I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who enjoys great cocktails and a great atmosphere:)"

TR
Trusha Raval 2 month ago

"Wonderful Indian restaurant Food is good, vibes are good . Table was bit conjusted for 4 people though we loved the hospitality We ordered few vegetarian starters and all the starters were delicious. My recommendation, Go for Kashmiri Paneer & Papdi chaat. In our mains- we ordered Shahi paneer that was awesome 10/10. Plain Naan was too good. Only we had an issue with cheese garlic naan, it was very thick and too much of cheesy We also tried- onion chilli tomato salad, a bit spicy but loved it Service was quick Reservation is mandatory The atmosphere is vibrant. Funny part is the music played in the restaurant is not Indian though the video on the screens is all indian must play indian music too catch the indian restaurant vibe "

K
Krystal 3 month ago

"I love this place, I've come here a few times for people's birthdays and they go out of their way to make it memorable. They put intention in their dishes and it tells. It's a pricey for Indian cuisine but no complaints. I like the style of this restaurant and will definitely be back!"

M
Mel 3 month ago

"Friends recommended this restaurant, so went to try. The food was delicious, the service was awesome. And the price is reasonable. Highly recommended if you are craving for some delicious Indian foodBTW, you have to try Samosa Chaat!! We ordered it because we saw a lot of people posted this dish thinking it must be popular. Oh it was beyond delicious!!"

CP
Claudia P 3 month ago

"Visited for a family dinner on a Wednesday night and glad we booked ahead — the restaurant was packed. I’d heard great things about this place and was keen to finally try it out. Between four of us, we ordered the papadums with chutney and naan platter, happy shots, Tso cauliflower, and samosa chaat for entrees. For mains, we had the short rib korma, paneer masala, coconut rice, and cumin rice. The highlight was definitely the papadums, chutney and naan platter — each chutney had a distinct flavour and it was a fun, shareable dish to start with. The short rib korma was disappointing as there was only a few pieces of meat. Overall, the food was enjoyable and well-presented, though the flavours were a little milder compared to other Indian restaurants I’ve tried in Sydney — possibly tailored more towards Western tastebuds. Would definitely recommend visiting with a group so you can try a variety of dishes and make the most of the menu. Service was amazing and could not fault!"

SHF
Sydney Halal Food Blogger 4 month ago

"We recently dined at Don’t Tell Aunty, a modern Indian restaurant that blends nostalgia with playful innovation. From the moment we were served the Happy Shots, we knew this would be a fun and flavourful experience. The crispy puff filled with tangy and spiced flavours was an exciting way to start the meal, and definitely lived up to its name as Aunty’s signature welcome treat. The Papdi Chaat was beautifully presented — crispy wafers layered with yogurt, tangy chutneys, and a touch of hibiscus powder that added both colour and flavour. The TSO Cauliflower stood out with its perfect crispness and a balance of sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy flavours, enhanced by sesame and nigella seeds. From the tandoor, the Tandoori Chicken delivered on both texture and taste — juicy, smoky, and well-marinated. The highlight of the evening was the Pot (Thaali), which offered a curated selection of Aunty’s best. The Unauthentic Butter Chicken was creamy and rich, giving a modern twist to the classic. The Short Rib Korma was indulgent, with tender meat in a luxurious cashew and saffron gravy, while the Lamb Masala had deep, comforting flavours. The Aunty Daal and Punjabi Kadhi added a homely touch to the meal, perfectly paired with cumin rice, papadum, and the freshly baked chilli naan and butter naan. For dessert, the Gulab Jamun was soft and perfectly sweet, rounding off the meal beautifully. The drinks were refreshing and creative — both the Mango Lassi and Rose Lassi were smooth and well-balanced. Among the mocktails, the Grand Lime with lychee, coconut, and citrus bubble was light and tropical, while the Blood Orange Mojito offered a zesty, minty freshness. Overall, Don’t Tell Aunty delivers a vibrant, modern take on Indian dining with bold flavours, stylish presentation, and a lively atmosphere. A must-visit for anyone who appreciates contemporary Indian cuisine done right."

Visit info

When to Visit

Weekly hours below — always confirm with the business before holidays or special events.

Today Closed
Weekly hours
Monday 05:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday 05:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday 05:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Thursday 05:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday 11:30 AM - 02:00 PM 05:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday 11:30 AM - 02:00 PM 05:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM 05:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Hours may change. Please confirm with the business before visiting.

Best time to visit

Plan ahead for a memorable dining experience at this popular modern Indian spot with flexible hours and options for lunch, dinner, or late-night cravings.

Reservations recommended for dinner to avoid wait times Typical visit duration: 1-2 hours Lunch service available Friday to Sunday Open evenings daily, ideal for relaxed late-night dining Perfect for solo dining, family meals, or group celebrations

On the map

Where This Food Place Lives

Find your way to Don't Tell Aunty in New South Wales .

Address Entrance From, 414 Bourke Street, Fitzroy St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Phone +61 2 9331 5399
Area New South Wales
Call Address copied ✓

Questions answered

Food Place Questions

Find answers to common questions about dining at Don't Tell Aunty, a modern Indian restaurant in Surry Hills.

Don't Tell Aunty is open Monday to Thursday from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM. On Friday and Saturday, it serves lunch between 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM, with dinner from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM. Sunday hours are 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM. Hours may vary, so checking ahead is recommended.

The menu includes a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes alongside small plates and healthy options, catering to different dietary preferences for lunch and dinner.

Reservations are accepted and recommended, especially for dinner, as the restaurant is often busy and there may be a wait for walk-ins.

Guests can enjoy dine-in, takeout, onsite service, no-contact delivery, delivery, and drive-through options, providing flexibility for all preferences.

Must-try items include the Papadum Chutneys Naan Platter, Crispy Cauliflower, Gulab Jamun, and Takeaway Tandoori Chicken. The vibrant street food and chef's tasting menus are also highly recommended.

Yes, the restaurant features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating to accommodate guests with mobility needs.

The setting combines casual and cozy vibes with trendy and upscale décor, enhanced by colourful interiors and a lively crowd including families and tourists.

Payments by credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments are accepted for a convenient checkout experience.

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Menus, prices, hours, services, and availability may change. Please contact the food place directly before visiting or ordering.