The best Thai restaurants in Melbourne list is hard to narrow down; Melbourne’s Thai cuisine scene is as bustling as the streets of Bangkok. From the authentic street-style Thai experience at Soi 38 to the more up-market Longrain dining experience, to the tasty late night snacks at Colonel Tan’s, Melbourne’s got it all. Like days spent travelling across Thailand on the back of a scooter, dining at Melbourne’s Thai restaurants is a unique and exciting adventure. Let’s check out our list of the top 10 best Thai restaurants in Melbourne for a traditional and authentic Thai cuisine experience.
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
- When you want the most authentic experience: Soi 38
- If you’re looking for a late-night snack: Colonel Tan’s
- Best budget Thai: Dodee Paidang
Now we’ve had a look at our favourites, let’s check out the complete list.
Best Restaurants for Authentic Thai in Melbourne
1. Soi 38
- Price ($$): It’s pretty affordable as far as Thai food goes. Expect to spend $30-$50 per person (not inc drinks)
- Pros: We loved the authentic Thai street food experience, generous portions and bold flavours.
- Cons: You can’t book and this Thai restaurant gets packed. Expect to queue for at least 20 – 30 minutes if you don’t arrive right when doors open.
Menu Highlights
Soi 38’s menu focuses on capturing the essence of Thai street food. We absolutely loved the boat noodles, which are packed with rich, savoury broth and come with a choice of braised pork, beef, and crackling. The king fish ceviche was also a stand-out – super fresh and tangy, while the deep-fried pork belly is over-the-top greasy goodness. If you like a bit of spice, go for the larb salads or the moo ping (grilled pork skewers). If you’re sharing with a group, the hot pots and grilled meats are the way to go.
Setting and Ambience
Soi 38’s location is probably one of its most famous features. It’s tucked away in a multi-level car park on McIlwraith Place, giving it a unique and very Thai street-style feel. The decor is plain, with tables and stools that transport you straight to a bustling Bangkok market. But because it’s always packed, the vibe is buzzing and fun, and the aromas will have you salivating as soon as you sit down.
Drinks List
There are plenty of Thai beers on offer like Chang, Singha Leo. They also have this coconut water that’s to die for (super sweet) but really helps take the heat off the spicier dishes. It’s also BYO which is fun, and there’s a super small bottle shop about 10 steps away from Soi 38 where you can pick up a bottle of funky wine and not have to pay corkage.
- Address: 38 Mcilwraith Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000 (See on Google Maps)
- Hours: Mon-Sun 11am-3pm & 5-10pm
- Phone: (04) 03 547 144
2. Longrain
- Price ($$): Pricier than your normal Thai joint but still affordable. Expect to pay between $50-$70 per person (not inc drinks)
- Pros: Incredible flavours, and perfect portion sizes for sharing. Staff are also excellent.
- Cons: It can be noisy during peak dining hours, but it’s not unbearable.
Menu Highlights
Longrain’s menu is all about big flavours and sharing. We loved the caramelised pork belly—it’s sweet, sticky, fatty, crunchy, and tender all at once. The eggnet, wrapped around a mix of prawns, pomelo, and bean shoots, is another standout, offering a solid mix of textures and flavours. The yum kao tod is a must-try too, with crispy rice, pork mince, ginger, mint, and peanuts. It’s a flavour bomb you scoop up with salad leaves and lime. Their banquet option ($89 pp) is also great for groups, offering about nine dishes that change regularly, so there’s always something new to try.
Setting and Ambience
Housed in a converted horse stable from the 1900s, Longrain is a good mix between up-market and causal dining. It’s a great second or third date night spot! Communal tables make it great for groups, and the upstairs bar, Longsong, is perfect for pre-dinner drinks, or a casual hangout spot for after-work drinks.
Drinks List
Longrain has an impressive drink menu featuring some tasty Thai-inspired cocktails, local wines, and craft beers on tap. The cocktails, like their coconut- and chili-infused martini, are a must-try. If you’re unsure want you want to drink, the staff are great at recommending wines or other drinks that pair well with your chosen meals.
- Address: 44 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000 (See on Google Maps)
- Hours: Mon-Thurs 5:30-10pm, Fri 12-3pm & 5-11pm, Sat 5-11pm
- Phone: (03) 9653 1600
3. Magic Mountain Saloon
- Price ($): Pretty well priced – expect to spend around $25 – $40 per person (not inc drinks)
- Pros: A super fun and vibrant atmosphere – perfect dinner spot before a night on the town.
- Cons: Service can be a little slow at peak dining hours.
Menu Highlights
Magic Mountain Saloon has a fantastic menu that blends traditional Thai flavours with modern twists. We absolutely loved the curried lamb cigars – they are an absolute must-try. The pulled stick beef bao buns are also epic —super delicious and filling. We’d also recommend the garlic chive dumplings and the mozzarella curried rice balls with avocado sauce. For the larger menu items, definitely grab the Peking duck noodles or pad Thai with chicken. For dessert, order the Thai tea profiteroles with lemongrass caramel and coconut ice cream. In fact, order two serves, it’s that good.
Setting and Ambience
Magic Mountain Saloon has a cool, multi-level setup. The decor is as vibrant as it can get – think lots of neon lights. During the day it’s a pretty relaxed spot for lunch or dinner, but at night it transforms into a pumping bar and restaurant with DJs spinning tunes.
Drinks List
The bar at Magic Mountain Saloon is well-stocked with a solid selection of beers on tap, a well-paired wine list, and plenty of of spritz, cocktails, and mocktails.
- Address: 62 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000 (See on Google Maps)
- Hours: Mon-Weds 12-10.30pm, Thurs 12-11pm, Fri 12pm-1am, Sat 11am-1am, Sun 11am-1am
- Phone: (03) 9078 0078
4. BangPop
- Price ($$): Expect to spend anywhere between $30-$50 per person.
- Pros: It has a super lively and vibrant atmosphere, lots of vegan and vegetarian options and a beautiful riverside location.
- Cons: Some dishes can be a bit oily and it can get crowded, so it’s good to book ahead.
Menu Highlights
BangPop’s menu is a flavour explosion and is great for the vegan and vego diners among us (plus they’re gluten-free friendly). BangPop is known for serving up unconventional hawker-influenced dishes, made with exceptional Australian produce and fresh Thai ingredients. The menu also isn’t too huge, so you don’t get overwhelmed by too many options! We loved the vegan red curry, packed with plant-based chicken, lychee, pineapple, and Thai basil—it both rich and aromatic. The pork belly bao buns were also delicious, and the pad Thai hit all the right notes. The papaya salad was fresh, but a bit on the sour side. Pro tip: if you’re there on a weekend, the bottomless brunch is super fun and pretty reasonably priced at $89 per person with 90 minutes of bottomless drinks and 5 tasty dishes.
Setting and Ambience
Located in South Wharf, BangPop has a distinctly funky vibe that’s very warm and inviting. Whether you sit by the riverside, at communal tables, or the bar, the atmosphere is simply fun. But honestly, the riverside location plus food and drink offering makes it a standout Thai restaurant in Melbourne (especially on a sunny day!)
Drinks List
BangPop has a good selection of drinks including beer, wine, cocktails and mocktails. We recommend the Khao Lak Coconut Beach with 1800 Tequila Coconut, coconut milk and lime juice. It’ll transport you right to the beaches of Khao Lak! Again, the overall list isn’t huge, so you won’t suffer from choice overwhelm!
- Address: 35 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf VIC 3006 (See on Google Maps)
- Hours: Sun-Weds 12-9pm, Thurs 12-10pm, Fri-Sat 12-10.30pm
- Phone: (03) 9245 9800
5. Dodee Paidang
- Price ($): So well priced – expect about $20-$40 per person.
- Pros: The overall vibe is very relaxed and stripped back, giving it an authentic Thai feel. The menu is huge, so there’s something for everyone.
- Cons: It’s a popular spot, so expect to queue if you get there at peak dinner or lunch hours. Also, be mindful of the spice factor – some dishes are unexpectedly spicy!
Menu Highlights
As far as menus at Thai restaurants in Melbourne CBD go, this is one of our favourites. Dodee Paidang is seriously brings on the spicy and bold flavours. We loved the tom yum noodles, especially with the combination meat option. If you’re up for a challenge, try the DoDee Super Nova soup—it’s fiery as heck! The grilled salmon with noodles and the seafood bonanza are perfect for a big and filling meal. The soft boiled rice with options like fish balls, tender pork, and mixed seafood is also a great pick. They have plenty of gluten free options, and a small vegan menu too.
Setting and Ambience
Hidden in a basement off Little Collins Street, Dodee Paidang certainly has a bustling ambience that captures the energy of a Bangkok diner (also read as: it’s busy!) The decor is simple but inviting, and the atmosphere is always lively. Pro tip: if you don’t want to queue, there’s a sister venue down the road on Swanston Street you could try your luck at!
Drinks List
Dodee Paidang offers a good selection of local and imported beers, including Furphy, Sapporo, and of course, Singha. They also have plenty of non-alcoholic drinks like coconut water and soft drinks, as well as some tasty Thai milk tea options.
- Address: Basement/353 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000 (See on Google Maps)
- Hours: Mon-Fri 12-3pm & 5-10pm, Sat 12-11pm, Sun 12-10pm
6. Colonel Tan’s
- Price ($): Expect between $15-$30 per person.
- Pros: Super cheap and affordable, quirky & fun atmosphere … plus being able to eat dinner and end the night with a boogie all in the same location is such a bonus.
- Cons: The menu is on the smaller side, and expect a bit of noise!
Menu Highlights
We loved the Colonel’s Five Spice Chicken (gluten free!), which was so crispy and full of flavour. It’s definitely a signature dish. The betel leaf salad with snapper, ginger, chilli, and lime was fresh and zesty, made for a great starter. For mains, the Bangkok bolognese with pork, green beans, chilli, and tomato on rice noodles was unique and tasty. The pad Thai is always a solid choice, and the green chicken curry with green beans, bamboo, and red pepper is rich and comforting. We also died over the crispy pork belly with red curry, beans, green peppercorn, and kaffir lime — crispy, spicy, and absolutely delicious
Setting and Ambience
If you’ve ever been to Thailand, you’ll know street food and epic nightlife is a huge part of the experience. That’s why we couldn’t not include this Prahran institution on the list of best Thai in Melbourne. Head upstairs to Melbourne’s well-known nightclub spot, Revolver and there you’ll find street food kitchen Colonel Tan’s. It’s like 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?
Drinks List
Colonel Tan’s got everything you need – from beers and wines to creative cocktails or non-alcoholic Thai iced tea.
- Address: 229 Chapel St, Prahran VIC 3181 (See on Google Maps)
- Hours: Tues-Sat 5-10 pm
- Phone: (03) 9521 5985
7. Jinda Thai
- Price ($$): Moderately priced – around $30-$50 per person.
- Pros: Large, open space and great for big groups. Huge menu! Plus, it’s BYO.
- Cons: It’s very noisy, and can be hard to hear other people talking!
Menu Highlights
Jinda Thai’s menu is HUGE and packed with bold, authentic Thai flavours. We loved the deep-fried barramundi with tamarind sauce—absolutely delicious. The yellow curry with grilled chicken is rich and comforting, and their pad Thai and pad see ew are always on point. 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. Oh, and don’t miss the coconut layer cake for dessert.
Setting and Ambience
Located on Ferguson Street in Abbotsford, Jinda Thai has an industrial chic vibe with exposed brick walls and large windows. The place is always buzzing, making it a fun spot for dinner.
Drinks List
Beers, wines, cocktails and Thai tea are all on the menu at Jinda Thai. It’s also BYO wine if you fancy bringing your own bottle along.
- Address: 1/7 Ferguson St, Abbotsford VIC 3067 (See on Google Maps)
- Hours: Tues-Thurs 12-10pm
- Phone: (03) 9419 5899
8. Cookie
- Price ($$): Cookie is mid-range, and you’ll spend about $30-$60 per person.
- Pros: Quirky vibe, attentive staff and huge meals!
- Cons: Noisy and a bit cramped, and if you’re opting for the Feed Me menu, the serving sizes don’t offer as much bang for buck.
Menu Highlights
For a great CBD Thai restaurant, Cookie’s is an institution. The menu features traditional Thai flavours and dishes with a bit of an Aussie twist. We absolutely loved the crispy pork belly red curry with green beans and green peppercorns—so tasty and comforting. The prawn and glass noodle firecrackers are a perfect starter, and the fried snapper with bok choy, tamarind, and crispy shallots is amazing. If you’re really hungry, go for the five-spice chicken with sweet chili sauce.
Setting and Ambience
Located on the first floor of Curtin House on Swanston Street, Cookie has a quirky vibe. It’s a mix of beer hall, eating house, and disco, with high ceilings, cool murals, and a busy bar area.
Drinks List
Cookie’s drink menu is impressive, with a huge variety of beers, wines, and creative cocktails (with both a seasonal menu and a classic menu). Whether you’re into beer, wine, or cocktails, you’ll find something you love here.
- Address: 252 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000 (See on Google Maps)
- Hours: Sun-Weds 12pm-1am, Thurs-Sat 12pm-1am
- Phone: (03) 9663 7660
9. Number 12 Thai Restaurant
- Price ($): Expect to spend about $20-$30 per person
- Pros: Super casual, budget friendly Thai cuisine in Melbourne CBD. Big portion sizes!
- Cons: Can feel a bit cramped, especially at the bar top. Plus, the queue can get pretty long during peak dining hours (but you can book!)
Menu Highlights
Number 12 Thai on Little Bourke in Melbourne CBD is about as traditional and authentic as it gets (outside of Thailand, of course). There’s nothing pretentious or particularly innovative on the menu, but that’s why we rate it. It’s the perfect no-frills Thai joint. We loved the chicken pad Thai—it’s always a solid choice and done just right every time The stir fry with oyster sauce and chicken is another favourite, with super tender meat and a light, tasty sauce. And you cannot skip the mango sticky rice for dessert – an absolute classic that’s made so well here!
Setting and Ambience
The setting and ambience is as simple as it gets. Basic, plain decor but very friendly staff. It’s very much a “get in, eat, and get out” sort of spot. Good for a mid-week lunch spot or casual weekend dinner.
Drinks List
A small selection of beers, soft drinks and Thai milk tea. Again – super no fuss but that’s what we love about this authentic Thai restaurant.
- Address: 530 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000 (See on Google Maps)
- Hours: Mon-Fri 11am – 10pm, Sat-Sun 12pm-10pm
- Phone: (03) 9939 6919
10. Tom Toon Thai Noodle Cafe
- Price ($$): Expect to spend around $25-$40 per person.
- Pros: Authentic Thai dishes that remind you of street food in Thailand, friendly and attentive service, great for quick meals and casual dining.
- Cons: It can get busy, especially during peak times. Plus, limited seating, so it can feel cramped when it’s full.
Menu Highlights
Tom Toon Thai’s menu is loaded with tasty, authentic Thai options. We loved the BBQ Pork Skewers—juicy and full of flavour. The Grilled Pork Neck with tamarind sauce is also a standout. For something crispy, the Spring Rolls and Gai Ping (chicken ribs skewers) are perfect. If you’re into salads, the Larb Salad and Som Tum Thai (papaya salad) are fresh and spicy. Don’t miss the Tom Yum soup if you like it hot and sour. To finish off, the Mango Sticky Rice is sweet and delicious.
Setting and Ambience
Located on Victoria Street in Abbotsford, Tom Toon Thai has a cosy, no-frills vibe. The decor is simple but warm. It’s a great spot for a laid-back meal with friends or a quick bite on the go.
Drinks List
A small selection of beers, soft drinks and Thai milk tea.
- Address: 241 Victoria St, Abbotsford VIC 3067 (See on Google Maps)
- Hours: Wed-Mon 12–4 pm, 4:30–10:30 pm
- Phone: (03) 9939 6919
How Man of Many Chose the Best Thai in Melbourne
With an editorial team full of foodies, Man of Many has had the unique opportunity to directly experience Thai food from the best spots in Melbourne.
It is also based on our experience, in-depth research and customer reviews of Thai restaurants in Melbourne. As expert journalists who guide people between competing products and services, we have provided our independent opinion in formulating our selections.
Our editors have taken into account food, service and atmosphere while also making a concerted effort to highlight a few spots outside of the CBD.
You can review our editorial policy here surrounding how we maintain our independence in our editorial reviews.
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Thai Restaurants in Melbourne FAQs
Pad Thai, Green Curry, Massaman Curry, Tom Yum Soup, and Som Tum (papaya salad) are all classic Thai dishes you’ll find in most Melbourne Thai restaurants. Don’t miss out on appetisers like spring rolls and satay skewers, and finish with desserts like mango sticky rice.
To avoid long waits, it’s best to visit during weekdays or early dinner hours before the peak rush. We recommend seeing what time the restaurant opens and rocking up about 10 minutes before to nab a spot. Of course, if they take reservations, we’d recommend making a booking to avoid long wait times.
Absolutely! For awesome street food vibes and menu offerings, we’d suggest Soi 38 or Colonel Tan’s.
