Aroma Restaurant - The Premium Pakistani Cuisine

In the bustling heart of Melbourne's CBD, at shop 2 and 3/540 Little Collins Street, Aroma Restaurant delivers a meticulously crafted premium Pakistani dining experience. Open for dinner from late afternoon into the early hours, this kitchen has earned a remarkable 4.8-star rating on Google Maps from over 2,500 reviews, placing it among the city's most warmly received destinations for Pakistani cuisine. The restaurant's own name signals its ambition: this is not simply everyday cooking but a deliberate step up, focusing on rich, slow-cooked flavours, carefully sourced ingredients and a menu anchored in the traditions of Lahore and Karachi while embracing the cosmopolitan appetite of contemporary Melbourne.

The restaurant's panel data confirms a moderate-to-upscale price point (reported at 20–40 $ per person), positioning Aroma as an accessible premium choice. It is a halal-certified kitchen, LGBTQ+ friendly, and built around three service modes: dine-in, takeaway, and contactless delivery. Whether you are gathering a group for a celebratory BBQ platter, picking up a quick biryani after work, or ordering a multi-dish family meal from the comfort of your home, the operation has been designed to handle all three streams smoothly. The dining room itself reflects a balance between traditional warmth — think low lighting, textured fabrics, subtle references to Mughal-era design — and the clean-lined, fast-paced energy expected on Little Collins Street.

Menu Highlights at Aroma Restaurant

The menu is built around a core of signature Pakistani dishes that appear again and again in customer favourites. Google Maps categorises the business as a Pakistani restaurant and its popular items list tells the story: BBQ Platter, Khoye Wali Kheer, Pani Puri, Biryani, Karahi, Khir, Naan, Korma. These are not random selections; they represent the twin pillars of Pakistani dining — the smoky, charcoal-fired grill and the deep, layered gravies that define the country's Punjab-to-Karachi culinary corridor.

BBQ Platter

The BBQ Platter is the star of the menu and the dish most often photographed by diners. It typically combines seekh kebabs, chicken tikka, malai boti and lamb chops, all marinated overnight in yogurt and spice pastes before being cooked over live charcoal. The result is a platter that balances char, smoke and tenderness, and it arrives sizzling on a hot iron plate with fresh naan, mint chutney and pickled onions. This is the dish to order when visiting with a group, and it anchors the restaurant's reputation for generous, celebratory eating.

Chicken Karahi and Mutton Karahi

Two of the most ordered curries on Google Maps are Chicken Karahi and Mutton Karahi. A true karahi — named after the wok-like iron pan in which it is cooked — is a tomato-and-ginger-based curry finished with fresh coriander, green chillies and a final sizzle of tempered ghee. Aroma’s version arrives bubbling, the oil separating at the edges in the classic Pakistani style, with a depth of flavour that comes from slow reduction rather than shortcuts. Reviewers frequently mention the Chicken Karahi alongside plain rice or butter naan, describing it as rich but not heavy, deeply spiced but not aggressively hot.

Biryani and Chicken Handi

Aroma's biryani — available in both bone-in and boneless chicken versions — is a dum-style layered rice dish scented with saffron, mint and fried onions. Customer reviews single out the biryani as a benchmark dish: one Local Guide wrote, "Endlich mal wieder richtig gutes Biryani in Melbourne" (finally a really good biryani in Melbourne again), while another praised the boneless version for its quality and consistency. The Chicken Handi, a creamier, yoghurt-based curry cooked in a clay pot, is also noted for its generous portion size and balanced spice level.

Desserts and Street Food

Khoye Wali Kheer — a dense, reduced-milk rice pudding studded with solidified milk solids (khoya) and cardamom — appears in the popular items list and is a dessert worth saving room for. Pani Puri, the beloved South Asian street snack of hollow crispy shells filled with spiced water, chickpeas and potato, also makes an appearance, linking the menu back to the subcontinent's vibrant street food culture. These smaller plates work well as starters or as a refreshing contrast to the richer curries and grilled meats.

The Dining Experience

Aroma Restaurant operates primarily as a dinner destination, opening at 17:00 (5:00 PM) and running until midnight Sunday through Thursday, with extended hours until 01:00 on Friday and Saturday. This late-night availability makes it a go-to for post-work meals, pre-theatre dinners, and weekend gatherings in the CBD. The space accommodates dine-in service with seating that suits couples, small groups and larger family tables. Reservations are not explicitly detailed in the available sources, so guests are encouraged to call +61 405 465 031 to confirm availability for larger parties during peak hours.

The restaurant is reported by over a thousand users to sit in the 20–40 $ per person range, which for Melbourne's CBD positions it as a premium-casual option: more polished than a takeaway counter but not as formal as a white-tablecloth fine dining room. Service is described in reviews as attentive and exemplary — one diner wrote, “Die Bedienung vorbildlich” (the service was exemplary) — and the kitchen maintains a brisk pace even during busy periods. The space is wheelchair-accessible, per Google Maps attributes, and the team supports contactless delivery, reflecting the adjustments made for post-pandemic dining patterns. Takeaway is available for those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home or in a nearby park.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

With 2,528 reviews on Google Maps and a 4.8-star average, Aroma Restaurant has built a formidable reputation through word of mouth and consistent execution. Reviewers repeatedly highlight the quality of the biryani, the richness of the karahi dishes, and the show-stopping appeal of the BBQ platter. One Local Guide summed up the experience: “Das Essen war fantastisch, für meinen Geschmack etwas zu scharf, aber ansonsten von hervorragender Qualität.” (The food was fantastic, a bit too spicy for my taste, but otherwise of excellent quality.) This review, alongside others mentioning heat levels, suggests that the kitchen leans toward authentic Pakistani spice profiles rather than dialling down for a milder local palate, something appreciated by those seeking genuine cuisine.

Portion sizes receive frequent positive mentions. Sami Ullah, a Local Guide, noted that while prices appear slightly high at first glance, the portions are generous enough to justify the cost: “Der Preis wirkt zwar etwas hoch, aber wenn man die Portionen sieht, versteht man es.” Another recurring theme is the balance of the food — “nicht zu fettig” (not too greasy), a common worry with rich Pakistani cuisine, is called out as a point of pride. The BBQ platter, chicken handi, and mango lassi (recommended in a customer news snippet) are all flagged as must-try items. The restaurant’s LGBTQ+ friendly designation, visible to Maps users, is another signal that the space aims to be welcoming to all diners in Melbourne’s diverse CBD.

Aroma Restaurant in Melbourne's CBD

The restaurant is located at shop 2 and 3/540 Little Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, a prime CBD address just a short walk from Southern Cross Station and the bustling retail and office corridor of Collins Street. Little Collins Street is known for its high concentration of professional services, boutique retail and, increasingly, destination dining spots that draw a mix of office workers, tourists and local residents. Aroma's position in the city centre places it within easy reach of Melbourne's major tram lines and train stations, and while dedicated parking is not mentioned in the available sources, the area is well served by paid public parking garages and evening street parking.

The restaurant is wheelchair-accessible at the entrance, a feature confirmed by Google Maps attributes. Operating hours cover the dinner window exclusively: 17:00–00:00 Sunday through Thursday, and 17:00–01:00 Friday and Saturday. This schedule aligns with the rhythm of the CBD, where lunchtime trade is dominated by quick-service cafes and dinner becomes the main event. Contactless delivery is available for those ordering through the restaurant's own channels or partnered platforms, and takeaway is a fully supported option for those who prefer to eat at home.

Common Questions About Aroma Restaurant

What are Aroma Restaurant's hours of operation?

Aroma Restaurant opens at 17:00 (5:00 PM) every day. It closes at midnight Sunday through Thursday and extends to 01:00 on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Does Aroma Restaurant offer takeaway and delivery?

Yes. Google Maps attributes confirm that Aroma Restaurant offers dine-in, takeaway, and contactless delivery. Customers can order by phone or through the restaurant's website.

What are the most popular dishes at Aroma Restaurant?

According to Google Maps data and customer photos, the most popular items include the BBQ Platter, Chicken Karahi, Mutton Karahi, Biryani (bone-in and boneless), Chicken Handi, Khoye Wali Kheer, Pani Puri, and Mango Lassi.

Is Aroma Restaurant halal?

Yes, the restaurant is categorised as a Halal Restaurant on Google Maps, confirming that all meat served is halal-certified.

What is the price range at Aroma Restaurant?

Over 1,000 Google Maps users have reported a typical price range of 20–40 $ per person, placing it in Melbourne's moderate-to-upscale casual dining bracket.

Is Aroma Restaurant wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Google Maps attributes list a wheelchair-accessible entrance, confirming that the restaurant can accommodate guests with mobility needs.

Does Aroma Restaurant accept credit cards?

While not explicitly confirmed in the available sources, most full-service restaurants in Melbourne's CBD accept major credit and debit cards. Contact the restaurant directly at +61 405 465 031 for payment method confirmation.

Can I make a reservation at Aroma Restaurant?

Reservation policies are not described in the available sources. For large groups or weekend bookings, it is best to call the restaurant directly at +61 405 465 031 to check availability.

Melbourne's dining scene is rich with options, and Aroma Restaurant — The Premium Pakistani Cuisine has carved out its own loyal following through quality ingredients, generous portions and a menu that respects the depth of Pakistani cooking. When comparing restaurants on Ilistify, look for the details that match your occasion: the atmosphere, the service style, the specific dishes that diners rave about, and the convenience of the location. Aroma's combination of a stellar rating, late-night hours and a menu that moves effortlessly from street food to celebratory platters makes it a meaningful entry in the city's Pakistani dining landscape.