Best Thai Food in Brighton Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best thai food scene in Brighton is genuinely worth exploring. Start at Finn’s, then check out Old Depot. Brighton Beach bathing boxes are a Melbourne icon. Located 11km from the CBD, Brighton is part of Melbourne’s Bayside 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 Brighton locals actually recommend.

1. Good Depot — 252 Johnston Terrace, Brighton VIC 3196

What it is: (thai food) The one that surprised us Cost: $22-35 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Good Depot has been operating in Brighton for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($26) 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 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The house-made relish ($27) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

2. The Southern Social — 6 Collins Drive, Brighton VIC 3196

What it is: (thai food) No-frills excellence Cost: $12-17 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

The Southern Social has been operating in Brighton for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

Capacity is around 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. The Northern Store — 35 Elizabeth Place, Brighton VIC 3196

What it is: (thai food) A quiet achiever Cost: $12-24 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Northern Store has been operating in Brighton for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

Capacity is around 63 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. The Humble Pantry — 112 King Avenue, Brighton VIC 3196

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: families

The Humble Pantry has been operating in Brighton for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

Capacity is around 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Johnston Terrace is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Collins Street after 6pm.

5. Bright Works — 357 Elizabeth Place, Brighton VIC 3196

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $10-22 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Bright Works has been operating in Brighton for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 room holds 32 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Brighton roaster — ask which one.

6. Table — 360 Collins Drive, Brighton VIC 3196

What it is: (thai food) A quiet achiever Cost: $16-27 per person Best for: the whole crew

Table has been operating in Brighton for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($16) 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 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Elizabeth Street after 6pm.

What Nobody Tells You About Brighton

Brighton Beach bathing boxes are a Melbourne icon. Church Street shopping. One of Melbourne’s most prestigious bayside suburbs. The best thai food options here reflect Brighton’s character. Whether you’re based in Brighton or visiting from nearby, 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. Stella Corner — 19 King Avenue, Brighton VIC 3196

What it is: (thai food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Stella Corner has been operating in Brighton for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

Capacity is around 63 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. Ava’s — 379 King Avenue, Brighton VIC 3196

What it is: (thai food) A solid local spot Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Ava’s has been operating in Brighton for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($10) 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 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Johnston Terrace is usually fine.

Start with: The daily soup ($15) — the best version in Brighton Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

9. The Long Place — 232 Elizabeth Place, Brighton VIC 3196

What it is: (thai food) Worth the detour Cost: $9-22 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Long Place has been operating in Brighton for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 43 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The charcuterie board ($12) — the best version in Brighton Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

10. Zara’s — 69 Elizabeth Place, Brighton VIC 3196

What it is: (thai food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Zara’s has been operating in Brighton for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($23) 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 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The daily soup ($26) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

11. Remy — 135 King Avenue, Brighton VIC 3196

What it is: (thai food) Worth the detour Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Remy has been operating in Brighton for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

Capacity is around 50 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

12. Good Social — 181 Johnston Terrace, Brighton VIC 3196

What it is: (thai food) A solid local spot Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: families

Good Social has been operating in Brighton for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

Capacity is around 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Collins Drive is usually fine.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Brighton roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best thai food options in Brighton?

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

Is Brighton good for best thai food?

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

What is Brighton known for?

Brighton Beach bathing boxes are a Melbourne icon.

How far is Brighton from Melbourne CBD?

Brighton is 11km, 22min train, 18min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Brighton: 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