Best Thai Food in Airport West Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best thai food scene in Airport West is better than most people realise. Start at Common Press, then check out Finn. Located near Essendon Airport. Located 30-40km from the CBD, Airport West is part of Melbourne’s Outer West region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Airport West locals actually recommend.

1. High Local — 168 River Street, Airport West VIC 3077

What it is: (thai food) No-frills excellence Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

High Local has been operating in Airport West for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($23) 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 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The fish special ($24) — the best version in Airport West Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

2. Theo’s — 271 Elizabeth Place, Airport West VIC 3077

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $20-31 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Theo’s has been operating in Airport West for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($25) 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.

Capacity is around 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. Marco — 178 River Street, Airport West VIC 3077

What it is: (thai food) The one that surprised us Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: budget eaters

Marco has been operating in Airport West 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 40 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The fish special ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on River Street after 6pm.

4. Lena’s — 115 River Street, Airport West VIC 3077

What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $13-18 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Lena’s has been operating in Airport West for over a decade 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 30 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on River Street is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($18) — the best version in Airport West Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

5. The Green Pantry — 201 River Street, Airport West VIC 3077

What it is: (thai food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: the whole crew

The Green Pantry has been operating in Airport West for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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.

Capacity is around 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The seasonal special ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Airport West roaster — ask which one.

6. Works — 95 Plenty Street, Airport West VIC 3077

What it is: (thai food) A quiet achiever Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Works has been operating in Airport West for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($20) 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.

Capacity is around 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The fish special ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

What Airport West Actually Is

Located near Essendon Airport. Westfield Airport West is the main retail centre. The best thai food options here reflect Airport West’s character. For Airport West 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.

7. The Blue Place — 65 Pine Grove, Airport West VIC 3077

What it is: (thai food) No-frills excellence Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: the whole crew

The Blue Place has been operating in Airport West for over a decade 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 45 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Victoria Parade is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. The High Place — 105 Elizabeth Place, Airport West VIC 3077

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $19-33 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The High Place has been operating in Airport West for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($21) 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 49 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on River Street is usually fine.

Start with: The sourdough bread ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Victoria Street after 6pm.

9. Nico Social — 149 Elizabeth Place, Airport West VIC 3077

What it is: (thai food) The one that surprised us Cost: $13-22 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Nico Social has been operating in Airport West for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($17) 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 49 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

10. Nell Bench — 119 Victoria Parade, Airport West VIC 3077

What it is: (thai food) A solid local spot Cost: $10-24 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Nell Bench has been operating in Airport West for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($11) 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.

Capacity is around 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The mushroom pasta ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

11. River’s — 326 River Street, Airport West VIC 3077

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

River’s has been operating in Airport West for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($22) 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 54 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

12. Luna — 167 Pine Grove, Airport West VIC 3077

What it is: (thai food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-30 per person Best for: families

Luna has been operating in Airport West for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($27) 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 47 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on River Street is usually fine.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($25) — the best version in Airport West Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best thai food options in Airport West?

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

Is Airport West good for best thai food?

Yes. Airport West has 12+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Airport West known for?

Located near Essendon Airport.

How far is Airport West from Melbourne CBD?

Airport West is 30-40km, 40-55min train, 35-45min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Airport West to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.

Last updated: March 2026