Melbourne’s hospitality scene is home to a wide range of flavours from across the globe, and that includes some truly special Thai restaurants. Whether you’re craving pad thai, a piping hot bowl of tom yum or locally sourced seafood, the best Thai restaurants in Melbourne have something for every special occasion.
Melbourne’s CBD is home to a number of these restaurants, tucked down side streets, away from the hustle and bustle. Enjoy hearty dishes of Thai comfort food or new twists on old street-food classics. One restaurant seasons its fried chicken rib in-house and earns renown for it, while another wins the hearts of its customers with an unforgettable red curry. Head to Prahran for dinner in an iconic (and infamous) Melbourne venue, or relax with some uniquely Thai cocktails in Brunswick. Wherever you go, keep an eye out for sweet mango or coconut flavours on the dessert menu.
Read on for the best Thai restaurants in Melbourne and secure your spot on OpenTable today.
The best Thai restaurants in Melbourne – keep reading for a guide
For Thai cuisine with natural Aussie wine – go to Thai Tide in Melbourne’s CBD
Head inside the cosy, casual atmosphere at Thai Tide – Melbourne CBD and enjoy vibrant Thai comfort food. Based on regional recipes, every dish celebrates the bold flavours of Thailand’s varied cuisine and the quality of local Aussie ingredients. A curated selection of natural Australian wines lets you find your perfect pairing. The warmly lit dining space with hanging plants is the perfect escape from the busy CBD. Thai Tide aims to take diners on an adventure through Thai flavours. Start your journey with some miang kham bites wrapped in betel leaf or seasonal oysters served with burnt chilli jam. Keep exploring with the peppery, sweet caramelised chicken, flavoured with mah kwan. Alternatively, opt for the vegan and gluten-free wild mixed mushroom larb. For dessert order the Tearamisu, the Thai twist on a classic Italian dessert, replacing the coffee in tiramisu with tea.
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For Thai treats at an iconic Melbourne hotspot – visit Colonel Tan’s in Prahran
People know the infamous Melbourne institution Revolver Upstairs for weekend-long parties. However, from Tuesday to Saturday, Revs sheds the party atmosphere for the evenings and flips the script with a fun, American-style diner serving up traditional Thai dishes. Share plates of rice pancakes with tofu cream and charcoal bao with BBQ pork are the perfect way to start your meal at Colonel Tan’s. Noodle dishes like Bangkok bolognese and classic pad thai are popular mains. Hearty salads like crispy snapper with roasted chilli or lotus root with a coconut dressing make a great starter or light main. Stick around for a dessert of banana wraps with condensed milk or a simple scoop of refreshing coconut ice cream. If you’re still there when the clock strikes 11 pm (Tuesday to Thursday) or 10 pm (Friday to Saturday), get ready for the party to start.
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For noodles and cocktails in the heart of the city – head to Dodee Paidang Little Collins in Melbourne CBD
Head off Little Collins and down the stairs to the basement level where Dodee Paidang Little Collins serves up delicious Thai street food. This fun canteen-style space has tables packed with noodles and cocktails. Thai favourites like satay chicken and tom yum (indulge in the king-size bowl) are some of the most popular items on the menu here, but there are plenty more dishes to enjoy. With recipes from across Thailand, Dodee Paidang aims to be accessible to all diners, whether you’re a Thai connoisseur or you’re trying it for the first time. For dessert, try the mango sticky rice or the ever-popular fried bread served with a pandan custard.
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For signature Thai dishes in a laid-back atmosphere – don’t miss Kan Eang by Thai Culinary in Melbourne CBD
At Kan Eang by Thai Culinary, a story unfolds with each dish, giving diners a taste of Thailand in the heart of the CBD. Kan Eang’s signature offering is its fried chicken rib with house-made seasoning. Diners can enjoy it as a starter in fluffy steamed bao or order a larger serving as a main. Other popular dishes include the Lord of the Prawns pad thai and the typhoon ribs with Kan Eang’s signature OG sauce. Fried plain bao and Thai pickles with seasonal fruit are the perfect sides for any dish. The neon-lit jungle vibes with patterned wallpaper and comfortable bench seating create an intimate, inviting atmosphere. Kan Eang’s friendly waitstaff will guide you through your meal and ensure your next night out is a lasting memory.
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For one of the best Thai restaurants in Melbourne with vegetarian and vegan options – secure your spot at Holy Basil Thai in Croydon
If you’re planning a big get-together for a group of diners with varying tastes, Holy Basil Thai is one of the best Thai restaurants in Melbourne. The menu includes vegetarian and 100% vegan options as well as gluten-free choices. Whatever your dietary preferences, you can enjoy traditional Thai flavours with a contemporary twist. Start things off with some crispy tamarind prawns cooked in a green curry batter or Japanese-style vegetable fritters served with a Thai sweet and sour dipping sauce. Choose from a range of rich curries, including vegan or lamb-based masaman curries, both packed with protein and flavour. The spicy chilli jam crispy pork belly stir-fry goes great with a side of roti served with homemade satay sauce. If you fall in love with any of the sauces at Holy Basil Thai, you can buy take-home packets to use in your own kitchen.
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For adventurous fusion flavours – book at Cha Ching in Melbourne’s CBD
Cha Ching’s Asian fusion flavours and fun, neon-lit interior has quickly made it one of Melbourne’s best Asian restaurants. The aim here is street food served with finesse and plenty of creative cocktails. Head chef Ken Leung honed his skills at a MICHELIN-star restaurant in Hong Kong before getting to know the Melbourne food scene through kitchens at some of its most popular Asian restaurants. The most popular dish is the duck Thai coconut red curry, with most tables ordering it almost every night. Other popular offerings include the Hokkaido scallops served with a miso butter broth and beef tartar plated up with black truffle and wasabi. The drinks menu includes unique cocktails like a bubble tea-style Cha Ching Me On with gin, Soho lychee and popping pearls. Share a pitcher of yuzu chuhai fizz between friends, or order a glass of local Victorian wine.
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For one of the most unique Thai restaurants in Melbourne – visit Rin Sura in Brunswick
Gather around a table or pull up a chair at the bar at Rin Sura, a unique Thai restaurant bathed in soothing shades of blue. Start things off with share plates of twice-cooked chicken ribs with a caramelised sriracha sauce or kingfish hiramasa with a green chilli nam jim. Move on to something a little more substantial, like the spicy yum pla tod with fried barramundi or the vegan vegetable and hot tofu red curry. Finish things off with an aromatic jasmine panna cotta or a sweet coconut longan with sticky rice and praline. Pair your meal with one of Rin Sura’s signature cocktails, like its popular mai tai with two types of rum and fruity flavours. The mango margarita with house-made Thai-style chilli or the grapefruit, cranberry and peach-flavoured Princess Peach are fun, creative options. If you have a classic cocktail you prefer, the staff can make almost anything on request. Those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks can enjoy mocktails like virgin mojitos made with dry ginger ale.
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For a transportative Thai banquet to remember – visit Paradise Road in Glen Waverley
Enjoy an elegant slice of Thailand at this gem in the eastern suburbs. Buddhist prints and traditional monastery doors against the feature wall are the most stand-out features of Paradise Road’s inviting decor. If you’re dining in a group of six or more, consider ordering the Ko Samui or Royale banquets, which include a select choice of two to three courses. On the à la carte menu, start with a plate of crispy golden money bags filled with pork mince and served with sweet chilli dipping sauce. For a main, choose the BBQ pork ribs soaked in a sweet, acidic marinade and cooked for the best melt-in-your-mouth texture. Another signature dish is the stir-fried chilli prawns, which is delicious with a side of coconut rice. Finish things off with a dish of traditional Thai ruby pearls made with pink water chestnuts and coconut syrup.
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The best Thai restaurants in Melbourne serve up a wide range of classic favourites and creative fusion dishes. Pick any one of these restaurants and enjoy the aromatic flavours of satay, pad thai and red curry. Plus, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options mean organising your next get-together is easy. With signature cocktails served alongside, a great night out is always on the cards.
