We’ve all got our local Melbourne Thai restaurant that we swear by and practically have on speed dial—or at least saved in our favourites on our food delivery app of choice. No matter your preference, if you're looking for the best Thai restaurant Melbourne has to offer, you're in luck.
A quick search for ‘what is the best Thai restaurant in Melbourne,’ easily yields a plethora of results which is understandably overwhelming. So, we’ve done our darndest to round up the pick of the bunch for you.
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Here’s where to find the best Thai Melbourne has to offer in 2025:
Khao Soi
107 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Image: Khao Soi | Supplied - There’s a long dining room with an open kitchen so you can witness the magic behind the top-secret broth.
- Patrons are encouraged to season their soup to their liking.
- Leave some room for the traditional flavoured shaved ice dessert, bingsu.
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Longrain Canteen
430 Little Collins Street, Melbourne CBD
Image credit: Longrain Canteen | Alex Squadrito
The Little Bourke Street institution, Longrain, just scored a lunch-forward sister in Melbourne CBD, serving up reimagined versions of the restaurant's most popular dishes into take-and-go bites. Take the crispy pork hock for an example—what is usually served up in a bowl has now been thrown into a brioche bun with pickles, coriander and sriracha mayo. It’s all led by Head Chef Le and restaurateur Scott Pickett (Chancery Lane, Smith Street Bistro, The Continental Sorrento). It’ll only be around until Spring, open Monday to Friday, 11am to 2:30pm. More details and menu over here.
INSIDER INTEL:
- Prices are on par with what you’d expect for a CBD lunch: $16-18 for a salad, $18 for the crispy pork bun, and $21 for the red beef curry.
- Go thirsty, there's a stack of solid drink options too. Smash a Chang or a thai iced coffee or tea, or even a cocnut juice or canned wine.
- It kinda goes without saying but if you like lunch, make sure you book a solid night out at the original Longrain.
Vivid Cafe Lounge
114/616 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn
Image: Vivid Cafe Lounge | Supplied
The suburb’s go-to cafe, Vivid Cafe Lounge has recently decided to keep its doors open into the night, serving up dinner and drinks till late. The menu has done a complete 360, initially offering Melbourne cafe classics to now pumping out Thai spicy seafood dishes, curries and noodles, so it has obviously earned its spot in our best Thai restaurants in Melbourne round-up. Our top picks are the soft-shell crab, satay chicken with roti and the showstopper—pineapple fried rice served in a pineapple shell.
INSIDER INTEL:
- Drop by at lunchtime for an all-you-can-eat meal for $29 for 90 minutes of unlimited Thai food.
- The cafe now has an alcohol licence, so go to town with $10 wines by the drop.
- You can expect genuinely banging food for an affordable price.
Nana Thai Style Hotpot & BBQ
CBD
It may look unassuming but Nana Thai is one of the most authentic Thai restaurants Melbourne has to offer. Their menu is filled with street food-style goodness and we’d be remiss to not mention the spice factor.
These guys do spice the Thai way, which means sweat and tears, just the way it was intended. Try the stir-fried Thai basil with crispy pork, served with rice, it's an absolute banger, so make sure to put it on your ‘Thai Restaurants To Try’ list.
INSIDER INTEL:
- They always nail their pork offerings, so the fried rice with crispy pork and deep-fried pork belly are a must try.
- The Tom Yum soup is one of the best in the CBD, full stop.
- It ain’t fancy, but Nana masters real and bold Thai flavours.
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Pa Tong Thai
127 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD
Image: Pa Tong Thai Restaurant | Supplied
It's a simple shop—two levels of dining with checkered floors, blue walls and roughly around 40 seats, but it's the food here that provides Pa Tong with the immense clout it's earned since opening earlier this year.
Delving into more speciality coastal Thai dishes you'll find chicken rice and liver served with soup while more contemporary creations like the Melbourne fried chicken still fly from the pass. FYI, the Southern yellow Thai curry with fish, among other curries is hot, hot, hot.
INSIDER INTEL:
- It's not for the faint-hearted, the spice level is not to be trifled with here.
- FYI: just like in Thailand, the portions are on the smaller side but that’s all the more reason to order various dishes.
- If you have any sort of nitpicky dietary or personal preference request, the team always delivers.
Soi 38
38 Mcilwraith Place, Melbourne CBD
Image: Soi 38 | Supplied
Soi 38 is basically an institution. They serve world-class street food, and most of the menu is $15 –$18. An absolute favourite is Tum Tang, a spicy cucumber salad dish that is packed full of flavour with salted crab, fermented fish sauce and a hard-boiled egg. They also do hotpots, so go on an empty stomach. Be prepared to wait during the lunchtime rush though, as there’s no doubt this is one of the best Thai Restaurants Melbourne has right now.
INSIDER INTEL:
- The place is packed in the arvo, so just be prepared to wait during the lunchtime rush.
- Seating times are also limited to 1.5 hours during regular periods and 1 hour during busy periods.
- FYI: It’s tucked away in an inconspicuous location in a car park.
King & I Thai Restaurant
613 Whitehorse Road, Surrey Hills
Generous portion sizes, authentic recipes, and over 20 years old. King & I is a local legend around Surrey Hills, and there’s no question as to why. They’ve got an esteemed rep, and their duck wraps are to die for, aka duck, cucumber and carrot strips encased in roti bread and dipped in their own special sauce.
INSIDER INTEL:
- Try their Prawn Makarm—deep-fried prawns, covered in tamarind, shallot & cashews.
- If you’re getting takeout, pop the order in early as people are often lining up to get the goods.
- The classic sticky rice dessert is a rite of passage.
Thai Baan
51 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
With most dishes priced under $18.90, it’s not uncommon for Thai Baan to have a line forming down Bourke Street. The menu covers traditional favourites like meaty Ayutthaya (boat) noodles, pork bone soup noodles (not for the spice-sensitive folk), and refreshing papaya salad—you’ll be reaching for their milky Thai iced tea and coffee to balance out the punchy flavours. Despite only opening in 2023, Thai Baan has been acclaimed as one of the most authentic Thai Restaurants Melbourne offers.
INSIDER INTEL:
- Sit on colourful stools at steel tables, under bright flags garlanding the ceiling, and you’ll be transported to the streets of Thailand.
- Most of the chefs are from various regions of Thailand, so the food is as traditional as it gets.
- The banana sticky rice, served in an authentic banana leaf with coconut icecream is a must-try.
Kan Eang
306 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD
Image: Kan Eang | Supplied
While relatively new to the scene, the Kan Eang boasts a lineage rich in Thai cuisine, thanks to the familial roots of the sibling duo at its helm. May and Nat Pongvattanaporn, raised in the embrace of their parents' cherished Thai restaurants, have ingeniously crafted a dining haven that exudes down tempo atmosphere with dishes that showcase the vibrance of Thai cuisine and its regions from the sun-kissed coastal realms to the majestic mountain ranges.
INSIDER INTEL:
- The signature spicy fried chicken wings are a house special for a reason.
- Kan Eang spins a mean Pad Thai topped with whole-flame grilled king prawns.
- Kan Eang dials up the presentation but rest assured the food remains authentic in flavour.
Ging Thai
8 Whiteman Street, Southbank
Just off the Crown Riverwalk, there's a lot to like about Ging Thai. The menu is a harmonious fusion of Thai classics and innovative dishes that artfully intertwine with traditional flavours. From kingfish ceviche and gai yang salad to half-roast duck, yellow vegetable curry, pad see ew, and pork eggplant, the offerings are diverse.
The bar complements the experience with handcrafted cocktails, including Thai-inspired concoctions such as Spicy Tom and Sticky Rai, alongside Thai beers.
INSIDER INTEL:
- Indulge in desserts like caramelized roti and lychee pannacotta.
- From $72 pp, get the 'Feed Me' to try all the Ging Thai favourites.
- If you’re seeking an intimate experience, head to the floating mezzanine—a private dining space.
Issan Thai Street Food
16 Paisley Street, Footscray
Another place where the spice level is up to you, Issan Thai is one of the best Thai restaurants in Melbourne (or at least the westside). Located right near Footscray Station, this hidden gem has all the fixings that make Melbourne Thai food as authentic as you can find in Bangkok from the fermented pork and crispy rice salad to the classic Thai milk tea.
INSIDER INTEL:
- For an authentic experience, tuck into their huge selection of street foods.
- Generous portion sizes are a plus and you know you’re getting bang for your buck.
- Most of their dishes seamlessly balance spicy, salty, sweet and sour.
Pad Cha
319 High Street, Preston
Contemporary and fresh food awaits you at Pad Cha, and they’ve got a massive variety to keep the whole gang fed.
There are plenty of veggie options, like the fried tofu with steamed greens and peanut sauce, and most mains can have a meat option omitted. The Thai beef salad is also one to look out for, as is the Pad See Ew.
INSIDER INTEL:
- This one will probably require a booking, it’s one of the more popular Thai restaurants you’ll find on the north side.
- Get the beef massaman curry, no further encouragement is needed.
- You’ll be tempted to order the whole menu, so round up the crew and share dishes.
BKK
Level 3/270 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne CBD
Image: BKK | Supplied
Situated on level three of HER, BKK is the in-house diner centred around their self-described style of 'elevated Thai BBQ'. Headed up by chef Sungeun Mo, it may be new but BKK has developed as one of the best Thai restaurants in Melbourne's CBD.
The CBD local features a fiery menu that pairs up with an intimate moody interior inspired by the night markets of Thailand. Cooked over a five-metre-long charcoal grill and oven, steaming dishes of barbecued pork skewers, Chang Mai sausage and a flame-grilled T-Bone steak with a Nam Jim Jaew (Thai dipping sauce) swing around the sleek restaurant.
INSIDER INTEL:
- Snag a high stool (there are about 30) to get front-row viewing of the flames and woks.
- After dinner go down a level to the music room for hard-to-find vinyl tunes.
- Go for the $65 pp banquet to enjoy the best of BKK’s fine-dining menu.
Thai Tide
171 Bourke Street, Melbourne
If you’re after a delicious meal that also gives cred to your ‘Gram, then look no further than Thai Tide. This Thai restaurant in the Melbourne CBD makes beautiful food—in terms of both taste and looks.
The pink neon lighting and indoor plants make it ideal for cocktail hour, and so does their wine menu. They’ve got a truly staggering list of wines, from orange to sparkling and everything in between.
INSIDER INTEL:
- Try the mango sticky rice beer and other cocktails on the special drinks menu.
- Save room for dessert because the tearamisu (tea-based tiramisu) is epic.
- Opt for the chef’s selection menu that celebrates local ingredients.
Longrain
40/44 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Image: Longrain | Supplied
One of the longest-running and best Thai restaurants in Melbourne, Longrain, in the CBD is home to some seriously good modern Thai food. The rustic-chic restaurant is perfect for special occasions—or, if you’re like us, make it a fancy Wednesday night feed. With round, communal tables, there’s every reason to bring the crew together and relish in shared plates.
INSIDER INTEL:
- Go for the banquet menu if you’ve got cash to spend and you’re after a bit of everything.
- The caramelised pork belly is our pick of the bunch.
- This place is well-equipped to cater to people with eating requirements.
Paradise Road
171 Coleman Parade, Glen Waverley
If you ever find yourself searching for an authentic Thai feed in Melbourne’s southeast, hit up Paradise Road. You’ll find them located just off Glen Waverley’s bustling Kingsway strip.
One of their most popular dishes is their pineapple fried rice, which is served with egg, cashew nuts, vegetables and, best of all, it’s plated up in a pineapple boat. And yes, it’s as enjoyable to eat as it is to look at. You can choose to add prawns or chicken, or simply keep it vegetarian.
INSIDER INTEL:
- Make sure to make a reservation, it’s preferred over walk-ins.
- Go for the ‘feel the Thainess’ degustation menu for a hefty five-course meal for $47 pp.
- Try everything with the all-you-can-eat menu, from 49.90 pp on weekdays.
Khaosan Lane
Shop G25/350 Bourke Street, Melbourne
With neon-lit interiors just as colourful as its menu, Khaosan Lane brings Moo Kata (Thai BBQ and hot pot) and bucket-sized cocktails to Melbourne. Its name parallels Thailand's late-night tourist hub Khaoson Road, in all its vibrant and chaotic glory.
An ideal way to kick off a summer’s night out with friends, share their Sao Ching Cha cocktail jug made from a blend of vodka, lime juice, strawberry, and watermelon.
INSIDER INTEL:
- Expect fiery flavours grilled on an open flame like the Crying Tiger with grilled beef and homemade sauce, topped with sweet and spicy flavours.
- It’s on the more affordable side so you can go ham with more dishes.
- The raw prawns with green papaya salad hits, but it’s spicy. You’ve been warned.
Dodee Paidang
Various Locations
Image: Dodee Paidang | Supplied
Dodee Paidang first made their presence known in Sydney, but after they set up shop on Little Collins Street, there was no stopping them, and we’re pretty happy about it. The focus is on street food, showcasing bold and inventive flavours from around Thailand.
There are countless noodle soups to choose from, including variations on the classic tom yum, or you can try some of the Keaw Tod (deep-fried quail eggs) you see customers scoffing down around you.
INSIDER INTEL:
- Check out their range of Thai breakfasts too for a change from your usual late-night takeaway routine.
- We highly recommend the soft shell crab, thank us later.
- You don’t have to wave down a waiter for their attention because you can order via a QR code.
Mango Tree
315 Stephensons Road, Mount Waverley
Over in the sleepy suburb of Mount Waverley, you'll find Mango Tree Thai offering up simple and delicious Thai without any of that inner-city glam.
As you'd expect, the Pad Thai is a winner, but don't skip the Pad Makeua for something a little different from your usual order, and try the wok-fried eggplant with minced chicken or pork, chilli and Thai basil to round it all out. The whole fried barramundi with sweet, spicy sauce is a winner too. Can’t go wrong with the best Thai Melbourne’s southeast burbs can boast.
INSIDER INTEL:
- The whole fried barramundi is a winner, it’s sweet and simultaneously spicy.
- The papaya salad is a crowd-favourite, so give it a go.
- Cap off the night with coconut ice cream topped with seasonal fruits.
Rice Paper Scissors
Various Locations
Image: Rice Paper Scissors | Supplied
Right in the heart of Fitzroy on Brunswick Street and also smack bang in the CBD, this melting pot of Thai and Vietnamese fusion is brimming with flavour. It boasts a fab selection of small and large serves of street food that’ll curb your Thai craving in no time.
Infused with modern methods, Rice Paper Scissors is the perfect lunch or dinner destination, thanks to its share-friendly menu. They’re also one of the best Thai restaurants Melbourne has for vegan dining with a whole plant-based menu, not just vegan options.
INSIDER INTEL:
- The caramel tamarind sticky pork belly is a top pick from us, and most of their patrons.
- Veggie friends, the team has you covered with heaps of plant-pasted options.
- If you’re a cocktail enthusiast, the team runs signature cocktail-making classes.
Jinda Thai Restaurant
1 Ferguson Street, Abbotsford
Perched on Ferguson Street in Abbotsford, Jinda Thai has been famous for its incredible service, venue and cuisine since it opened its doors in 2013. Everything is fresh and flavoursome, plus the serving sizes are generous and everything’s affordable—as the best Thai Melbourne options should be. And yes, before you ask, it is worth the wait but thankfully you can make rezzies these days.
INSIDER INTEL:
- The soft-shell crab on a green papaya salad, authentic Pad See Ew, and grilled Moo Yang (pork neck) are worth trying.
- Definitely make a reservation, Jinda is packed even on Monday nights.
- Jinda has vegans covered with a slew of vegan dishes.
Cookie
252 Swanston Street, Melbourne CBD
We're all familiar with Rooftop Bar on a Friday evening in Summer, but head down a few levels and you'll find some of the best Thai food in Melbourne at Cookie. Amongst a whole bunch of funky cocktails (try the French Flip) you can polish off some steamed garlic and chive dumplings with sweet soy, a zesty salmon, avocado & pomelo salad served with lemongrass and ginger, and drunken noodles to get you through the night.
INSIDER INTEL:
- The pad Thai is top-notch and bursting with authentic Thai flavours.
- The vibes are high here, so get the dinner plans out of the group chat at Cookie.
- Cookie’s drinks menu is novel-like but the quintessential Mai Thai is always a safe bet.
The Toff In Town
2f/252 Swanston Street, Melbourne CBD
The Thai offering at Cookie is certainly extensive, but just a few rounds up the staircase you’ll find The Toff in Town, where there are even more Thai-inspired options from the Toff Kitchen menu. Think delicious DIY betel leaf bombs, chicken and cashew stirfry and a banana leaf Barramundi.
INSIDER INTEL:
- Perch yourself in one of their cosy, carriage-style seating arrangements and you’re good to go.
- Book a dinner here before one of their upcoming gigs and you’ll be in for a good time.
- Check out their weekly events that merge the world of jazz with Thai eats.
Pimm Thai
170 Bellair Street, Kensington
Located in quiet Kensington, this cosy little cafe is the west’s go-to institution for some of the best Thai Melbourne has on this side of the CBD. Highlights on the menu include the duck red curry, salt and pepper soft shell crab, and their famous curry puffs which deserve a chef’s kiss.
The entire menu is available online for pickup and delivery, but Pimm Thai is one of the cosiest and most romantic spots around, with cushion-filled booths against both walls—we’d recommend making the trip for this one.
INSIDER INTEL:
- Simple, yet a classic, the fried rice is reminiscent of those in Thailand.
- It may be unpretentious but the authentic, flavour-packed food always delivers.
- Pair the Massaman beef curry with coconut rice, it takes the curry to another level.
Chin Chin
125 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD
Image: Chin Chin | Supplied
Folks flock from near and far to try the good on Chin Chin’s menu, and who can blame them? Although It’s centred around a fusion of South East Asian flavours it's still (quite possibly) some of the best Thai Melbourne has in the city. Dishes worth phoning home about include the old and gold Pad Thai, the Rendang Wagyu beef curry and the corn and coriander fritters. There’s also a host of other delicious Asian dishes, so don’t feel like you have to restrict yourself to just Thai. Don't forget, if you're in Geelong there's Club Chin Chin.
INSIDER INTEL:
- Go for the 'Feed Me' option and get ready to be served with a selection of favourites.
- This isn’t your average Thai restaurant and its price reflects that, but the fine dining is certainly worth it.
- With moody lighting and banging food and cocktails, this is one of our date night recs.
Colonel Tan's
Level 2/229 Chapel Street
Fun fact, when Revolver isn’t Revolver, it’s actually Colonel Tan’s—one of Melbourne’s best Thai restaurants. Open from 5 pm Tuesday through to Saturday, this dance space is home to an eclectic collection of mismatched furniture and kitsch tables, plus it rocks an extensive and affordable Thai menu.
INSIDER INTEL:
- Don’t leave the venue without trying the Massaman sweet potato curry and the pork and prawn dumplings.
- It’s run by Karen Batson (Cookie and The Toff in Town), so you already know the food will be exceptional.
- The popcorn chicken is crisp and tender, hence, it’s one of our top picks.
Son In Law
211 La Trobe Street, Melbourne CBD
Son In Law offers some of the cutest food out. Expect the most creative, Insta-worthy culinary feats (because folks, these plates practically style themselves). Also, if you’ve never had Son In Law soft-shell crab before—you’re missing out.
INSIDER INTEL:
- Get stuck into the Cartoon Bao Buns, they truly need to be seen to be believed.
- The deep-fried crab legs, served with a dry green curry on rice are an obligatory order.
- The cartoon buns are so adorable, you’ll almost feel bad eating them.
Magic Mountain Saloon
62 Little Collins Street, Melbourne CBD
Just like Cookie, you'll find a classic combo of inventive cocktails and punchy Thai flavours when you step into Magic Mountain Saloon—they do have the same owner after all.
Anything you order is going to be damn delicious, but do yourself a favour and order the Magic Mountain BBQ Chicken, served with hot tamarind sauce and fried shallots.
INSIDER INTEL:
- Don’t sleep on the Thai tea profiteroles—it’s drool-worthy
- Tuck into some sticky beef ribs, chilli, garlic & kaffir lime leaf, you won’t regret it.
- Magic’s chefs and cocktail bartenders often find inspiration from their travels, so you know the food is authentically inspired.
Tom Phat
184 Sydney Road, Brunswick
Okay, chances are you've heard of this one. Tom Phat has a big reputation in Melbourne for its punchy flavours and vibrant dishes—and rightly so.
You could pretty much close your eyes and hope for the best when it comes to the menu (it's all good), but our tip is the BKK fried chicken with red curry spice, Nam Jaew and roasted rice. Or go vegan and grab the Chow Mein.
INSIDER INTEL:
- Don’t wear jeans here because you’ll need to unbutton them after a phat meal.
- Don’t fret about dietary requirements, the chefs are happy to adapt dishes.
- The hoisin pork baos, well we’re speechless, do yourself a favour and get a couple rounds of them.
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