The best Thai restaurants in Melbourne feature everything from fancy fishbowl cocktails to neon lights and cartoon-inspired food. We’ve done the hard work for you and picked our favourites after testing the best in the city. With countless restaurants to satisfy your cravings, our favourite spots will transport you from the laneways, straight onto the streets of Bangkok. Like days spent travelling across Thailand on the back of a scooter, dining at Melbournes South-East Asian eateries is a unique and exciting adventure. Let’s check out our list of the best.
Best Thai Restaurants in Melbourne at a Glance
Our list of the best Thai in Melbourne goes like this.
- The best Thai restaurant in Melbourne overall: Longrain
- If you’re looking for a late-night snack: Colonel Tan’s
- When you want the most authentic experience: Soi 38
Now we’ve had a look at our favourites, let’s check out the complete list.
1. Longrain
Longrain has been resurrected by Scott Pickett after the iconic restaurant announced its permanent closure in 2020. Brought back to life, with a brand new facelift, this rustic-chic South-East Asian restaurant certainly still packs a punch. Both their modern cuisine and their Thai-inspired cocktails are up there with the best in Melbourne. It’s a bit pricier than your local Thai joint, but we think it’s worth it for the 5-star dining experience. From the crispy whole fish to the yellow and green curry it’s a favourite of ours for a reason.
Address: 44 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Hours: Mon-Thurs 5:30-10pm, Fri 12-3pm & 5-11pm, Sat 5-11pm
Phone: (03) 9653 1600
2. Paradise Road
Looking for Thai restaurants outside of Melbourne CBD? Look no further than Paradise Road. This elegant restaurant, in the heart of Glen Waverley, gives you a little bit of time to relax on a busy day. The decor is striking – traditional red and gold monastery doors and Buddhist monk prints (from an actual Thai Monastery nonetheless) laden the restaurant’s feature walls. The food is just as exquisite, sizzling dishes, hawker-style satay chicken and an assortment of flavoursome curries. And if you don’t fancy one of the many beers on offer, wash it all down with a refreshing homemade Thai iced tea.
Address: 171 Coleman Parade, Glen Waverley VIC 3150
Hours: Tues-Thurs 5-9:30pm, Fri 12-2:30pm, 5-9:30pm, Sat-Sun 12-3pm & 5-10pm
Phone: (03) 9561 1888
3. Magic Mountain Saloon
Sister venue of The Toff and Cookie, Magic Mountain Saloon is a buzzy late-night bar and Thai eatery in Melbourne’s CBD. We’d call the menu a mix of ‘Thailand meets Australia’, full of creative, bold new ideas mixed with traditional South-East Asian flavours and the creativity doesn’t just stop at the food. The drinks list is packed with beers, spitzes and an incredible cocktail selection. It’s a pretty casual atmosphere, so why not sit back, relax and enjoy a couple of their popular boozy Thai Coladas?
Address: 62 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Hours: Mon-Weds 12-10.30pm, Thurs 12-11pm, Fri 12pm-1am, Sat 11am-1am, Sun 11am-1am
Phone: (03) 9078 0078
4. Chin Chin
Craving some bold, South-East Asian flavours with a modern twist? Chin Chin is the place to be. Queues form around the block most days since the day it opened more than a decade ago. And rightfully so, the food here is DELICIOUS and each and every dish is a flavour explosion. But this place isn’t just a party in your mouth, the atmosphere in the restaurant is too, with Neon lights, DJ music and a casual funky vibe all around. It’s no wonder Chin Chin has become a modern Melbourne institution.
Address: 125 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
Hours: Mon-Sun 11am-11pm
Phone: (03) 8663 2000
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5. BangPop
“Fresh fragrant and fun” is the philosophy behind Melbourne’s funkiest Thai restaurant, Bangpop. Overlooking the river, this casual restaurant is full of colour and an atmosphere of not taking itself too seriously which is very refreshing. Something they do take seriously, however, is the food and flavours – serving up unconventional hawker-influenced dishes, made with exceptional Australian produce and fresh Thai ingredients. We can’t go past the Bangkok chicken ribs with Thai black pepper caramel, toasted rice, cucumber and lime – we love how it’s equal parts fresh and naughty.
Address: 35 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf VIC 3006
Hours: Sun-Weds 12-9pm, Thurs 12-10pm, Fri-Sat 12-10.30pm
Phone: (03) 9245 9800
6. Rock Sugar
Inspired by the energetic hustle and bustle of Bangkok’s hawker eateries combined with Thailand’s famous Full Moon Party, Rock Sugar is a playful Thai restaurant with a rockin’ twist. Pick from the menu or choose a “Feed Me” banquet, picked by Phi Phi the lucky cat, you can’t go wrong with the food here. Cocktails aka. #rocktails are a mix of traditional sips and tropical flavours, from fairy floss martinis to Full Moon Party buckets. Perfect for a night out with all your friends, now all we need is the Full Moon.
Address: 477 Malvern Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141
Hours: Tues-Thurs 5-10pm, Fri 4-11pm, Sat 12-11pm, Sun 4-10pm
Phone: (03) 9826 2888
7. Pok Pok Junior
Just inside St James’ Mall in the heart of Melbourne CBD, Pok Pok Junior is known for its delicious street-style Thai street food that tastes exactly as if it were made in Bangkok. Escape from the bustling crowds of Bourke Street into a modern Thai-style resort, with decor that mixes Melbourne laneway street art and the hawker-style eateries of Bangkok. Expect pink stools, industrial interiors and flavours that transport you straight to the streets of Thailand. A simple, contemporary menu that works. We love the crispy barramundi salad with green apple, cashews, coriander, red onions and sweet-sour dressing.
Address: 9/555 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-9.30pm
Phone: (03) 9629 5881
8. Ladyboy
Looking for a funky night out and a delicious feed? Welcome to Ladyboy, a fantastic fantasy land and Richmond’s latest hawker-style diner, bringing Bangkok’s frivolity to Bridge Road. Graffiti wall art, colourful paper lanterns and large neon signs adorn the walls and ceilings of this bustling bar and dining room, set up to reflect the buzzing atmosphere on the streets of Bangkok. Like the decor, the food is fun and creative, share-style with mid and large-size plates alongside some of the best desserts this side of the river.
Address: 394 Bridge Rd, Richmond VIC 3121
Hours: Tues-Thurs 5-10pm, Fri-Sat 5-11pm, Sun 5-10pm
Phone: (03) 9421 3206
9. Isan Soul
Step away from the bustling crowds on Bourke Street into this lively two-storey eatery – a local favourite and one of the best Thai restaurants in Melbourne. Staple dishes from the region of Isan, pack a flavoursome punch, combining extreme heat and sourness to create a harmony of flavours. Try the crispy pork, the massaman curry and the crying tiger. This is a feast fit for a king.
Address: 98 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Hours: Mon-Sun 12-3pm & 5-10pm
Phone: 0411 539 922
10. Dodee Paidang
Dodee Paidang is a no-nonsense authentic Thai-style food eatery in the heart of Melbourne CBD. The flavours are to die for and for some quick and tasty grub, you can’t look past their grilled meats and seafood selection. It does get busy, as it’s very popular with locals, but if there’s a line you’re in luck because just pop around the corner is the sister venue on Swanston Street. This menu does not disappoint – the soft shell crab salad is our go-to.
Address: Basement/353 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Hours: Mon-Fri 12-3pm & 5-10pm, Sat 12-11pm, Sun 12-10pm
11. Thai 29
Looking for an authentic Thai experience? Head to Thai 29, a small restaurant in South Melbourne that packs a big punch when it comes to flavour. With menu items ranging from the staples such as Green Thai Curry and Pad Thai to some more unusual dishes such as Pork Neck Salad, there’s something here for everyone. If you’re not local to South Melbourne, head to the outpost in Carlton.
Address: 29 York St, South Melbourne VIC 3205
Hours: Mon-Sun 11:30am-3pm & 4:30-9:30pm
Phone: (03) 9078 8527
Address: 176 Rathdowne St, Carlton VIC 3053
Hours: Mon-Fri 4:30-9pm, Sat-Sun 11am-3pm & 4:30-9:30pm
Phone: (03) 9973 0174
12. Tom Phat
A cosy little Thai restaurant with an eclectic dining space and a traditional tatami ceiling, we love this little hole in the wall. As expected in the heart of Sydney Road, Tom Phat offers a fun and vibrant dining experience. All the dishes are designed for sharing, with small, medium, and large dishes on offer. The chilli caramel pork belly is without a doubt one of the best in Melbourne, so bring your friends and try the punchy Asian-flavoured delights that this little Brunswick gem has to offer.
Address: 184 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056
Hours: Tues-Sat 5-10.30pm
Phone: (03) 9381 2374
13. Colonel Tan’s
Head upstairs at Melbourne’s well-known nightclub spot, Revolver and you’ll find street food kitchen Colonel Tan’s. Great for big parties and Thai-inspired banquets, this is Thailand meets hipster American diner, (sounds crazy, but it works, trust us!) Complete with retro furniture and pineapple tablecloths this is one of Melbourne’s best Thai Restaurants and is full of South-East Asian flair. Open Thurs-Sat, the venue switches from grub to club at 11 pm…so why not stay for a boogie?
Address: 229 Chapel St, Prahran VIC 3181
Hours: Tues-Sat 5-10pm
Phone: (03) 9521 5985
14. Mango Tree Thai
With their flavours representing the heart of Thailand, ‘fierce, deep and sweet’, Mango Tree is truly one of the best Thai restaurants in Melbourne. A simple and authentic dining experience, using fresh Thai ingredients. Just walking into Mango Tree you feel as though you are on the streets of Bangkok and those hawker-style smells are almost as good as the dishes you are about to devour. Try the Kao Pad stir-fried rice for the full experience.
Address: 315 Stephensons Rd, Mount Waverley VIC 3149
Hours: Tues-Sat 12-2.30pm & 5-10pm, Sun 5-10pm
Phone: (03) 9807 7423
15. Son In Law
Named after the popular Thai dish, son-in-law eggs (kai loug kheuh) this popular eatery is great for the young folk in the family and also for Instagram lovers. This chic, modern Thai restaurant is decorated with pink walls and fluro chairs. On the menu are cartoon gau bao (actual edible bao made to look like your favourite cartoon characters) and even a drink topped with hello kitty and a mountain of fairy floss! Don’t worry though… this isn’t just for the young at heart. They do a mean Tom Yum Soup and an incredible savoury menu of traditional small and medium bites, noodles and rice dishes, without a Pokemon in sight. One of Melbourne’s most unique Thai restaurants.
Address: Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Hours: Mon-Sun 12-7pm
16. Soi 38
Previously a pop-up, now with a permanent home in Melbourne’s CBD and open 7 days a week, Soi 38 produces authentic Bangkok-style street food. Famous for their Boat Noodles (associated with central Thailand) they’re an intensely flavoured, but little-known traditional Thai dish, similar to a Vietnamese Pho with a punch. Once you’ve tried them, we think you’ll be hooked.
Address: 38 Mcilwraith Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000
Hours: Mon-Sun 11am-3pm & 5-10pm
Phone: (04) 03 547 144
17. Thai Thani
One of Fitzroy’s original South-East Asian restaurants, Thai Thani on Brunswick Street offers a street-smart hawker-style menu in its heritage-listed building. The space has a mainly monochrome theme with luscious indoor greenery and a large mural wall. Stand-out menu items come in the way of the Tom Kha Soup (one of the best in Melbourne) and hawker favourites such as Braised Pork Hock (Khao Kha Moo) and Muslim Chicken Rice (Khao Mok Gai).
Address: 293 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat 5-9pm
Phone: (03) 9417 7416
18. Jinda Thai
In true Thai style, family-run, Jinda Thai is a treat for all the senses. Enter into the atmospheric dining room, full of warm red exposed brick walls and low-hanging lights, with fun pops of colour. The flavours are popping, with dishes jam-packed with fresh Thai herbs and spices, inspired by grandma’s recipes. If you like your Thai curries traditional, this certainly is one of the best Thai restaurants in Melbourne. The massaman beef curry goes down a treat, as does the red curry with roasted duck.
Address: 1/7 Ferguson St, Abbotsford VIC 3067
Hours: Tues-Thurs 12-10pm
Phone: (03) 9419 5899
19. Nana Thai
This buzzing Thai diner has some of the best Thai food in the CBD, and the good vibes to match. The focus here is on classic Thai BBQ, so you can expect mookata, the signature hotpot-barbeque hybrid, as well as every curry under the sun and more than a dozen kinds of papaya salad. You can’t go wrong with a lunch stop here, or a long dinner with mates.
Address: 169 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Hours: Mon-Sun 5.30pm-1am
Phone: 0452 645 165
20. Cookie
Looking for a late-night Thai eatery? Cookie has you sorted. Headed by chef Karen Batson, this restaurant beautifully blends traditional Thai cuisine with a subtle Aussie influence. We love the option to roll your own rice pancakes to fill with either duck or Chinese sausage as well as the banana fritters, vanilla ice cream and honey for dessert. We also suggest ordering some of their yummy cocktails while you’re here too, because why not?
Address: 252 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Hours: Sun-Weds 12pm-1am, Thurs-Sat 12pm-1am
Phone: (03) 9663 7660
How Man of Many Chose the Best Thai in Melbourne
With more than 10 years of experience reviewing bars and restaurants, Man of Many’s team of editors has selected a list of the Thai restaurants in Melbourne we love. They’ve taken into account price, atmosphere and menus when compiling this list, while also leaning on author Aimee O’Keefe who is a North Melbourne local who loves Thai almost as much as you. As our resident Melbourne team member, Aimee is the perfect person to decode Melbroune’s many Thai establishments to bring you the very best.
Alternatives to Thai in Melbourne
If you’re looking to explore some more Asian cuisine, why not check out the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne? Alternatively, you can also check out our list of 100 Fun Things To Do in Melbourne or if you’re looking to keep the party going, we can also help you with your search for the best Live Music Venues in Melbourne.
Thai Restaurants in Melbourne FAQs
There are so many Thai restaurants to choose from in Melbourne’s CBD. Scott Pickett’s Longrain is highly regarded as one of the best Thai restaurants in the area. It offers modern Thai cuisine at its best and even has its own swanky cocktail bar. A visit here will be sure to impress your friends, colleagues or your picky other half!
If you are looking for traditional hawker-style Thai food, look no further than Isan Soul or Jinda Thai. Delicate yet punchy authentic flavours that will transport you from Melbourne, straight onto the streets of Bangkok.
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