Whether you’re planning a celebratory special occasion or a casual light lunch, the best Thai restaurants in Sydney take hospitality to the next level. In Chinatown, experience Chinese-Thai fusion flavours or generous plates of traditional pad thai. Head out to Enmore for one of the best vegan restaurants in Sydney or visit Paddington for some Thai-inspired cocktails and snacks. Granville is home to a 100% halal restaurant and Kurrajong’s homemade touch sets it apart from the crowd.
Each restaurant has its own take on these fan favourites, using secret sauces and seasonal ingredients. Mango and coconut are stalwarts of the dessert menu, while iced tea, smoothies, wine and beer line the drinks menu. Most restaurants keep their recipes rooted in Thai traditions while incorporating modern techniques, fusion flavours and a local touch.
There’s never been a better time to try Thai in Sydney, so book a table at one of the best Thai restaurants in Sydney on OpenTable today.
The best Thai restaurants in Sydney – read on for a guide
For creative plant-based Thai dishes – head to Little Turtle in Enmore
Vegan Thai lovers will quickly fall in love with Little Turtle, a vegan restaurant serving up classic Thai dishes. Dig into aromatic tom-yum rice packed with veggies and spicy red curry bunny chow served in bread bowls. Crispy fried mushroom and tofu mousseline served with a sweet plum sauce is a great way to start your meal and the seasonal mango sticky rice is a crowd-favourite for dessert. Little Turtle brings to life the vision of its founder Vinita Chumsri. Her travels to Thailand throughout her life inspired her to create a welcoming vegan Thai restaurant that served up nutritious dishes packed with flavour. Little Turtle prides itself on friendly service with a personal touch, and special requests are always welcome. Step off Stanmore Road and into the relaxed, industrial-chic atmosphere where creative dishes and new memories are always on the menu.
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For one of the best Thai restaurants in Sydney – head to Khao Pla in Chatswood and Macquarie Park
Head Chef Pla Rojratanavichai uses his in-depth knowledge of traditional Thai cooking and an uncompromising commitment to fresh ingredients to create a modern, accessible dining experience for everyone. The signature decor of both Chatswood and Macquarie Park outposts are the layers of black and white photos that cover the exposed brick walls. Combined with hanging greenery and sleek seating areas, the effortless balance of clutter and order creates an atmosphere that’s easy to relax in. Enjoy rich curries like tom yum goong (made with Northern coast banana prawns and kaffir lime leaf) and massaman (a Southern Thai favourite with slow-cooked beef cheek). To ensure the best quality, the sauces and jams are homemade . You’ll also never go wrong with the classic pad thai, meticulously perfected by Chef Pla for over a decade.
📍 Chatswood — Check availability
📍 Macquarie Park — Check availability
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For elevated Thai-Chinese fusion flavours – get to Mangkon RD. Restaurant ร้านถนนมังกร 龙路 in Haymarket
In the heart of Sydney’s vibrant Chinatown, Thai and Chinese flavours and cultures come together at Mangkon RD. Restaurant ร้านถนนมังกร 龙路. Inspired by history, Mangkon RD. brings the stories and recipes of Chinese settlers in Thailand from hundreds of years ago to your table today. A large mural of a dragon dominates the far wall, slinking its way past the tables, hanging lights and semi-open kitchen. Start things off with a plate of chicken satay, grilled sous vide for a tender, perfect bite and served alongside soft fried buns. Twice-cooked duck served with a sweet plum sauce and wok-fried crab curry are popular mains, and you can order crispy pork belly on the side. There are also several vegetarian dishes on the menu, such as puff tofu and mushroom stir fry; there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this buzzing, welcoming restaurant.
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For one of Sydney’s best Thai restaurants that locals adore – visit Thai Khaen Khoon in Freshwater
Head up to the Northern Beaches and book a table at Thai Khaen Khoon, one of Sydney’s best Thai restaurants. Adding a local touch to classic dishes, this restaurant brings Thai flavours and traditions to the heart of Freshwater. Start things off with the crispy and cushiony curry puffs or some juicy marinated satay chicken skewers (the mixed entrée is the perfect way to taste a bit of everything). Try the unique, tangy flavours of the pineapple fried rice, or stick to an old favourite with the pad thai made with meat or tofu. Wood panel walls, green accents and plenty of natural light create a soothing atmosphere that’s perfect for your next catch-up with friends.
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For 100% halal-certified Thai dishes – head to Noah’s Halal Thai in Granville
Using only 100% halal-certified ingredients, Noah’s Halal Thai serves up traditional Thai fare in a family-friendly atmosphere. Highlights of the menu include crunchy prawn cakes and soft shell crab, both served with fragrant dipping sauces and vegetables. The lunch menu (typically available until 3 pm during the week) offers a range of curries, stir-fries, and Pad Thai with meat, prawns or tofu. The discount midday prices make it a great spot to take your lunch break or catch up with friends. For special occasions, consider the banquet menu options. Designed for two to three diners, they include between five and nine dishes, letting you share the best items on the menu. Every banquet includes the restaurant’s signature dessert: fried pistachio and baklava gelato. Crispy and creamy, it’s the perfect end to your night.
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For one of the best Thai restaurants in Sydney’s Chinatown – head to Thai 44 in Haymarket
In Sydney’s Chinatown, Thai 44 is one of the best restaurants in Sydney for classic Thai dishes. Diners can expect generous portions, fantastic flavours and a commitment to traditional Thai cuisine. With a varied menu that includes bowls of seafood, grilled skewers and fresh desserts, everyone can find something to enjoy here. Start with a golden boat featuring minced chicken with sweet chilli sauce and fried pork dumplings before moving on to the chef’s specials: deep-fried chicken topped with honey lemon sauce, stir-fried prawns with coconut and lime cream or a classic slow-cooked beef massaman curry in coconut milk.
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For family-style Thai food – book at The Baan Kurrajong in Kurrajong
The Baan Kurrajong takes its name from the Thai word for house. This reflects not only the welcoming atmosphere but also its commitment to creating items in-house with locally sourced ingredients. The chef cooks all family-style dishes fresh to order, so while you wait for your dish to arrive, pull up a chair and settle in over a glass of milk tea. Straw sun hats line the walls and potted plants hang from the ceiling over the relaxed, light-filled dining space. Stay indoors or head out to the sheltered patio area with views out over the trees outside. Spice lovers should try the Peking duck served with Baan’s signature curry paste. For a milder flavour, try the rich Panang curry or the Baan satay special. Most dishes on the menu have vegan or gluten-free options, so it’s easy for every diner to find something to enjoy.
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For some creative dishes with secret recipes at one of Sydney’s best Thai restaurants – book at Chubby Cheeks in Paddington
Step off busy Oxford Street and onto the herringbone floor tiles of the charmingly rustic Chubby Cheeks restaurant. Here, the kitchen brings you a wide range of Thai dishes (at a wide range of spice levels) alongside creative cocktails. The flavours of Bangkok inspire the menu, but each dish has a special, local touch unique to Chubby Cheeks. Don’t skip the satay chicken, made using the restaurant’s signature secret satay sauce. The aromatic flavours of the tea-smoked duck breast and banana blossom salad pair perfectly with a cheeky side of wok-tossed mushrooms. The drinks menu at Chubby Cheeks will take some time to peruse. Thai-inspired in-house syrups mixed with carefully chosen spirits form the basis for cocktails like the kaffir lime mojito and Thai spiced negroni. You’ll also find a range of international and local beer and wine.
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For an iconic Thai restaurant since 1989 – pull up a chair at Chat Thai – Haymarket in Sydney’s CBD
Chat Thai – Haymarket owes its success to its creative menu, friendly staff and delicious Thai dishes, which have been satisfying customers since its establishment in 1989. Colourful paintings adorn the exposed brick walls and diners can book a spot on the mezzanine level or the main floor. For starters, try the sai grog isaan, sausages made with fermented pork and glutinous rice. Moving onto mains, a rich curry like gaeng daeng bped, made with roast duck and pineapple, or a sweet green papaya salad are two popular options. Coconut is the star of the dessert menu, whether you order Khanom bha bin (a crispy shredded coconut pancake) or bua loy kai warn (taro dumplings served in a warm coconut broth). Pair your dishes with some refreshing blended juices or the sweet, caramel flavours of cha nohm yen.
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With halal, gluten-free and vegan-friendly hotspots, the best Thai restaurants in Sydney have a little something for everyone. From the heart of Chinatown to the Northern Beaches, Sydney is bursting with delicious Thai flavours, rooted in traditional recipes while bringing contemporary, local twists. These restaurants draw on years of experience, a passion for Thai cuisine and a commitment to creating top-notch dining experiences.
