Melbourne’s vibrant food scene has long been a melting pot of global flavors, and Thai cuisine holds a special place in the city’s culinary heart.

From the bustling laneways of the CBD to the trendy strips of Richmond and St Kilda, authentic Thai restaurants have become neighborhood landmarks, serving up aromatic curries and stir-fries that transport Thai food lovers straight to the streets of Bangkok.

Gone are the days when pad Thai was the only familiar dish on the menu. Today’s foodie Melburnians crave regional specialties and bold flavors, from fiery som tum to aromatic khao soi.

As more Thai chefs bring their family recipes and contemporary cooking techniques to Australian shores, the city’s Thai dining is evolving into something truly remarkable.

No matter if you’re craving a quick lunch, planning a special dinner, or late-night eats, here are the 7 best Thai restaurants in Melbourne that offer the best of Thai hospitality and cooking prowess.

Best Thai Restaurants in Melbourne

1- Kan Eang by Thai Culinary

Google Ratings: 4.8

Kan Eang by Thai Culinary stands as the best Thai restaurant in Melbourne CBD that offers truly authentic Thai cuisine in Melbourne’s vibrant food scene.

Situated on one of Melbourne’s premier dining streets, this restaurant has earned its reputation through exceptional service and consistently outstanding Thai dishes.

The staff embodies traditional Thai hospitality, greeting diners with warm smiles and attentive service that will make your overall dining experience great.

While their menu features excellent stir-fry dishes and noodle selections, it’s their signature OG Kan Eang fried chicken ribs that have become legendary among locals and visitors alike.

Thai food lovers also shouldn’t miss their amazing truffle fried rice paired with grilled bone marrow, and their spectacular Lord of the Prawns Pad Thai Noodle.

2- Vivid Cafe & Lounge

Google Ratings: 4.9

Moving to the eastern suburbs, Vivid Cafe & Lounge brightens Glenferrie Road in Hawthorn with its OUT OF THE WORLD Thai food.

This Thai food place distinguishes itself through an extensive menu that covers all the bases of Thai cuisine, from refreshing salads to aromatic curries.

Their pineapple fried rice with seafood deserves special mention, serving as both a visual and culinary masterpiece. Presented in a halved pineapple, this dish captures diners’ attention before the first bite and continues to impress with its perfectly balanced flavors.

Even their Penang lamb curry is something that you have to order, while their Pad Thai with grilled king prawns and Thai grilled chicken also maintain the high standards set by their signature dishes.

3- Soi 38

Google Ratings: 4.3

In the heart of Melbourne, Soi 38 on Royal Lane offers an authentic Thai street food experience in an intimate setting.

Despite its modest size, this Thai restaurant in Melbourne packs tremendous flavor into every dish while maintaining reasonable prices that make it accessible to all.

The restaurant’s charm lies in its simple decor, featuring a nostalgic tuk-tuk and decorated cart that transports diners straight to Bangkok’s bustling streets.

Their extensive menu starts at just $10 AUD, making it an excellent value proposition. The restaurant particularly excels in its papaya salad variations and aromatic soups, while the deep-fried pork belly has become a must-try item for regulars.

4- Thai Tide Restaurant

Google Ratings: 4.2

Thai Tide Restaurant, located on Bourke Street, is one of our picks for the best Thai restaurant in Melbourne for its sophisticated take on regional Thai cuisine.

This Thai food place takes pride in bringing Thailand’s diverse culinary traditions to Melbourne, using premium local ingredients to create authentic flavors.

Their menu reads like a culinary tour of Thailand, featuring standout dishes from various regions. The Patthalung Fried Chicken showcases Southern Thai cooking techniques, while the Braised Beef Shin Massamun Curry represents Central Thailand’s rich culinary heritage.

If you are a seafood lover, you will particularly enjoy their Ballina Pippies with Nam Prik Pao Chilli Jam, and the Charcoal Grilled Porterhouse with Thai Chilli Relish that demonstrates their expertise with grilled meats.

Also Read: Best Laksa in Melbourne

5- Bar Spontana

Google Ratings: 4.9

Located in Brunswick’s vibrant Saxon Street, Bar Spontana brings a fresh twist to Thai dining by combining a wine bar concept with contemporary Thai grilling.

The restaurant’s clean, modern interior features wooden tables and comfortable booths that create an inviting atmosphere.

What sets Bar Spontana apart is its bold approach to spicy Thai cuisine, with staff thoughtfully warning diners about extreme spice levels in certain dishes.

Their beef spicy sausage stands out as a must-try item, while the banana blossom salad offers a perfect balance of traditional Thai flavors.

Beyond the food, the restaurant offers an impressive variety of natural wines and expertly crafted cocktails, complemented by attentive service that enhances the dining experience.

The flexible seating arrangements, from intimate booth settings to casual bar seating, make it suitable for both small gatherings and larger groups.

6- Dodee Paidang

Google Ratings: 4.4

At the heart of Melbourne’s Thai food scene, Dodee Paidang has earned its reputation as the go-to destination for Tom Yum noodles.

Their signature Tom Yum noodle perfectly captures the essential Thai flavors – sour, spicy, and savory – in every steaming bowl.

The restaurant’s menu is a journey through Thailand’s diverse culinary landscape, featuring standout dishes like their crispy fried pork and the delicate soft shell crab salad.

Each dish showcases the kitchen’s commitment to authentic Thai flavors while maintaining accessibility for Melbourne diners.

The crab omelette deserves special mention, demonstrating the chef’s skill in balancing textures and tastes.

The restaurant maintains a welcoming atmosphere that makes every visit enjoyable, supported by efficient service and generous portions that ensure value for money.

7- Nana Thai

Google Ratings: 4.1

Located in the bustling Bourke Street, Nana Thai has carved out a unique niche in Melbourne’s Thai dining scene with its focus on hotpot and BBQ experiences.

The restaurant captures the energy of modern Bangkok, attracting a young, predominantly Asian crowd that reflects Melbourne’s diverse food culture.

Their Mookata set menu offers an impressive range of Thai food options, featuring high-quality meats like original pork neck and belly, complemented by fresh seafood and vegetables.

The restaurant’s dedication to authentic Thai flavors is evident in its spicy dishes, which don’t shy away from delivering genuine Thai heat levels.

Beyond the Thai BBQ dishes, their Mama Tom Yum soup and bamboo shoot spicy salad showcases the kitchen’s versatility in preparing traditional Thai dishes.

The vibrant atmosphere and unique menu items make Nana Thai a standout choice for those on the quest for authentic Thai dining experience in Melbourne.