Best Thai Food in Brighton East Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Brighton East has genuine best thai food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. The Good Social and Nico lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 18-41km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Bayside region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Leafy bayside suburb with wide tree-lined streets. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Brighton East 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. Nina — 358 West Parade, Brighton East VIC 3194

What it is: (thai food) A quiet achiever Cost: $14-24 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Nina has been operating in Brighton East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The daily soup ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Brighton East farmers market when it runs.

2. Red Works — 43 Smith Parade, Brighton East VIC 3194

What it is: (thai food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Red Works has been operating in Brighton East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($25) 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 45 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Old Pantry — 237 Collins Parade, Brighton East VIC 3194

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $14-19 per person Best for: budget eaters

Old Pantry has been operating in Brighton East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 room holds 60 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The fish special ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Golden Works — 348 Creek Grove, Brighton East VIC 3194

What it is: (thai food) The one that surprised us Cost: $18-23 per person Best for: dates

Golden Works has been operating in Brighton East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($19) 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 36 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Brighton East farmers market when it runs.

Why Locals Stay in Brighton East

Leafy bayside suburb with wide tree-lined streets. Close to Brighton Beach and bathing boxes. The best thai food options here reflect Brighton East’s character. For Brighton 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.

5. Lucky Mill — 214 West Parade, Brighton East VIC 3194

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $14-19 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Lucky Mill has been operating in Brighton East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($16) 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 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Smith Parade is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The seasonal special ($20) — the best version in Brighton East Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

6. Old Cellar — 325 Creek Grove, Brighton East VIC 3194

What it is: (thai food) Worth the detour Cost: $14-29 per person Best for: budget eaters

Old Cellar has been operating in Brighton East for since the early 2020s 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 31 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Collins Parade is usually fine.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

7. Nina Local — 132 West Parade, Brighton East VIC 3194

What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $9-15 per person Best for: groups

Nina Local has been operating in Brighton East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($12) 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 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bridge Terrace is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. Nina Cellar — 89 Smith Parade, Brighton East VIC 3194

What it is: (thai food) The one that surprised us Cost: $10-23 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Nina Cellar has been operating in Brighton East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 49 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The crispy chicken ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Brighton East good for best thai food?

Yes. Brighton East has 8+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Brighton East known for?

Leafy bayside suburb with wide tree-lined streets.

How far is Brighton East from Melbourne CBD?

Brighton East is 18-41km, 32-55min train, 25-47min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Brighton East 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