Best Thai Food in Aintree Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Aintree has genuine best thai food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Place and Cleo Commons lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 28km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer West region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Master-planned community in the western growth corridor between Deer Park and Melton. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Aintree resident or just passing through, these are the places worth your time and money in 2026. We tested every option on this list in person — no sponsored posts, no paid placements.

1. The Golden Yard — 310 Market Place, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (thai food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: the whole crew

The Golden Yard has been operating in Aintree for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($9) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The seasonal special ($10) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. Nina Lane — 99 Smith Road, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (thai food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: budget eaters

Nina Lane has been operating in Aintree for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($15) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($21) — the best version in Aintree Insider tip: Parking is free on Queen Street after 6pm.

3. Mabel Mill — 376 Queen Drive, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $13-25 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Mabel Mill has been operating in Aintree for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($13) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 55 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Smith Road is usually fine.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Gus’s — 49 Queen Drive, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (thai food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $14-23 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Gus’s has been operating in Aintree for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($15) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Market Place is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The seasonal special ($19) — the best version in Aintree Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

5. Cleo Kitchen — 27 Queen Drive, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (thai food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-26 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Cleo Kitchen has been operating in Aintree for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($14) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 35 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($16) — the best version in Aintree Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

What Makes Aintree Different

Master-planned community in the western growth corridor between Deer Park and Melton. Opened in 2018. The best thai food options here reflect Aintree’s character. For Aintree locals and anyone in the area, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.

6. The Southern Corner — 344 Market Place, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (thai food) A quiet achiever Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Southern Corner has been operating in Aintree for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($24) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 53 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The fish special ($26) — the best version in Aintree Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Aintree roaster — ask which one.

7. Humble Post — 82 William Lane, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: remote workers

Humble Post has been operating in Aintree for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($21) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($19) — the best version in Aintree Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. Leo’s — 112 Queen Drive, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (thai food) The one that surprised us Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Leo’s has been operating in Aintree for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($20) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on William Lane is usually fine.

Start with: The daily soup ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Honest Kitchen — 248 William Lane, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (thai food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $15-28 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Honest Kitchen has been operating in Aintree for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($16) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 55 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Smith Road is usually fine.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

10. Pearl Kitchen — 55 Queen Drive, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-27 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Pearl Kitchen has been operating in Aintree for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($21) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The fish special ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Aintree roaster — ask which one.

11. River’s — 89 Smith Road, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (thai food) The one that surprised us Cost: $19-28 per person Best for: groups

River’s has been operating in Aintree for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($24) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Aintree roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

• Craigieburn South Best Thai Food — same vibe, different suburb
• Aintree Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Aintree Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Aintree Complete Guide — everything about Aintree
• Compare Suburbs — see how Aintree stacks up
• All Aintree Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best best thai food options in Aintree?

Kai Commons is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Aintree good for best thai food?

Yes. Aintree has 11+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Aintree known for?

Master-planned community in the western growth corridor between Deer Park and Melton.

How far is Aintree from Melbourne CBD?

Aintree is 28km, no direct train, 30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Aintree: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026