Best Thai Food in Bentleigh East Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best thai food scene in Bentleigh East is better than most people realise. Start at Northern Kitchen, then check out Little Union. Residential suburb with East Boundary Road retail. Located 12-18km from the CBD, Bentleigh East is part of Melbourne’s Middle South 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 Bentleigh East locals actually recommend.

1. Luna — 38 Henry Terrace, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: budget eaters

Luna has been operating in Bentleigh East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

The room holds 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. Pearl’s — 62 Station Crescent, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: (thai food) A quiet achiever Cost: $12-27 per person Best for: budget eaters

Pearl’s has been operating in Bentleigh East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($14) 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 55 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Lygon Grove is usually fine.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($18) — the best version in Bentleigh East Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Nina Depot — 266 Margaret Crescent, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: (thai food) Worth the detour Cost: $17-26 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Nina Depot has been operating in Bentleigh East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($22) 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 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The seasonal special ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Margaret Street after 6pm.

4. The Northern Quarter — 59 Lygon Grove, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: (thai food) A quiet achiever Cost: $8-21 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Northern Quarter has been operating in Bentleigh East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($12) 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 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

5. Red Pantry — 155 South Drive, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: (thai food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $13-18 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Red Pantry has been operating in Bentleigh East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

Capacity is around 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($16) — the best version in Bentleigh East Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

6. Tall Bench — 38 Station Crescent, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: (thai food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $8-13 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Tall Bench has been operating in Bentleigh East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 space seats about 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($10) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Bentleigh East roaster — ask which one.

What Bentleigh East Actually Is

Residential suburb with East Boundary Road retail. Close to GESAC aquatic centre. The best thai food options here reflect Bentleigh East’s character. For Bentleigh East 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. Hazel — 80 Margaret Crescent, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: remote workers

Hazel has been operating in Bentleigh East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($19) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. Mabel’s — 348 Lygon Grove, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: (thai food) Worth the detour Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Mabel’s has been operating in Bentleigh East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 space seats about 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The fish special ($27) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

9. The Old Depot — 138 Lygon Grove, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: (thai food) A quiet achiever Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: remote workers

The Old Depot has been operating in Bentleigh East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($25) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Bentleigh East roaster — ask which one.

10. Cellar — 104 South Drive, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $12-26 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Cellar has been operating in Bentleigh East for several years 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 space seats about 41 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on South Drive is usually fine.

Get the: The charcuterie board ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Bentleigh East roaster — ask which one.

11. Hazel’s — 30 Henry Terrace, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $17-23 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Hazel’s has been operating in Bentleigh East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

Capacity is around 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Station Crescent is usually fine.

Order this: The daily soup ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

12. The Good Union — 172 Henry Terrace, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: (thai food) The one that surprised us Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: dates

The Good Union has been operating in Bentleigh East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

The space seats about 32 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The house-made relish ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best thai food options in Bentleigh East?

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

Is Bentleigh East good for best thai food?

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

What is Bentleigh East known for?

Residential suburb with East Boundary Road retail.

How far is Bentleigh East from Melbourne CBD?

Bentleigh East is 12-18km, 20-30min train, 18-25min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Bentleigh East won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026