Best Thai Food in Balwyn North Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best thai food option in Balwyn North to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Humble Cellar is the one everyone knows. Ivy Works is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Highly sought-after school zone including Balwyn High School. Balwyn North sits in the Middle East corridor, 14-22km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best thai food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Balwyn North since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Remy — 192 James Avenue, Balwyn North VIC 3131

What it is: (thai food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Remy has been operating in Balwyn North for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

Capacity is around 51 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. The Northern Kitchen — 99 Lake Place, Balwyn North VIC 3131

What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The Northern Kitchen has been operating in Balwyn North for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($12) 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 31 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The seasonal special ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Social — 274 James Avenue, Balwyn North VIC 3131

What it is: (thai food) Worth the detour Cost: $14-24 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Social has been operating in Balwyn North for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($14) 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 30 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The crispy chicken ($16) — the best version in Balwyn North Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. The Old Yard — 70 Lake Place, Balwyn North VIC 3131

What it is: (thai food) A quiet achiever Cost: $20-25 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Old Yard has been operating in Balwyn North for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 room holds 44 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($25) — the best version in Balwyn North Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Balwyn North roaster — ask which one.

5. Archive — 367 James Avenue, Balwyn North VIC 3131

What it is: (thai food) A solid local spot Cost: $13-18 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Archive has been operating in Balwyn North for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($18) 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 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Balwyn North roaster — ask which one.

Why Balwyn North Is Worth Knowing

Highly sought-after school zone including Balwyn High School. Large family homes. The best thai food options here reflect Balwyn North’s character. If you’re living in or near Balwyn North, 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. Operator — 84 Thomas Crescent, Balwyn North VIC 3131

What it is: (thai food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $19-30 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Operator has been operating in Balwyn North for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($23) 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 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The mushroom pasta ($24) — the best version in Balwyn North Insider tip: They source produce from Balwyn North farmers market when it runs.

7. Golden Table — 136 James Avenue, Balwyn North VIC 3131

What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-23 per person Best for: the whole crew

Golden Table has been operating in Balwyn North for over a decade 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.

Capacity is around 35 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Balwyn North roaster — ask which one.

8. Max Union — 371 James Avenue, Balwyn North VIC 3131

What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-19 per person Best for: families

Max Union has been operating in Balwyn North for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($14) 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 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The sourdough bread ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

9. The Red Table — 278 Thomas Crescent, Balwyn North VIC 3131

What it is: (thai food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The Red Table has been operating in Balwyn North for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($26) 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 37 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on River Lane is usually fine.

Come back for: The pumpkin risotto ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Thomas Street after 6pm.

10. Felix Quarter — 313 River Lane, Balwyn North VIC 3131

What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-24 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Felix Quarter has been operating in Balwyn North for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($18) 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 38 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The mushroom pasta ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best thai food options in Balwyn North?

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

Is Balwyn North good for best thai food?

Yes. Balwyn North has 10+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Balwyn North known for?

Highly sought-after school zone including Balwyn High School.

How far is Balwyn North from Melbourne CBD?

Balwyn North is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Balwyn North is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026