Don't Tell Aunty
Surry Hills, New South Wales, Australia
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.
Entrance From, 414 Bourke Street, Fitzroy St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Don't Tell Aunty
Surry Hills, New South Wales, Australia
Overview
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
Real shots of the food, atmosphere, and signature dishes at this location.
Local favorites
Experience vibrant modern Indian dining with flavorful dishes, creative cocktails, and a lively yet cozy atmosphere in the heart of Surry Hills.
A standout selection of cocktails, beers, and wines perfectly complements the elevated Indian menu and lively atmosphere.
The restaurant welcomes families and groups, offering high chairs and a vibrant setting ideal for social gatherings and celebrations.
Enjoy dine-in, takeout, no-contact delivery, or drive-through services that cater to different dining preferences and schedules.
Delight in creative small plates and classic favorites such as Papadum Chutneys Naan Platter, Tandoori Chicken, and delicious vegetarian and vegan options.
A colorful, upscale yet casual dining space that blends modern decor with a cozy vibe, perfect for solo diners and groups alike.
Wheelchair accessible entrance and seating ensure comfort and convenience for all guests.
Situated in Surry Hills with entrance on Bourke Street, the restaurant offers free and paid street parking nearby.
Experience
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
Ideal for families and groups looking to share a variety of small plates and mains in a lively and warm atmosphere.
Open till 10 PM most nights, it's a great spot to savor flavorful late dinners or small plates accompanied by cocktails or wine.
The bartenders craft some of the best cocktails in the area, making it perfect for those who enjoy innovative drinks alongside their meal.
Visit during lunch for a relaxed meal featuring light yet flavorful options, suitable for solo diners or casual catch-ups.
Experience authentic modern Indian dishes from the comfort of home with available delivery, drive-through, and takeout choices.
Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner, ensuring a seamless dining experience in this popular spot.
Guest sentiment
A snapshot of what local diners frequently mention about this location.
"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."
"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!"
"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:)"
"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 "
"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!"
"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!!"
"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!"
"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
Weekly hours below — always confirm with the business before holidays or special events.
| 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 |
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.
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Menus, prices, hours, services, and availability may change. Please contact the food place directly before visiting or ordering.