Best Thai Food in Brunswick East Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best thai food option in Brunswick East to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Long Table is the one everyone knows. Lena’s is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.50-5.00, dinner at $22-38. Lygon Street extends into Brunswick East with cafes and Italian heritage. Brunswick East sits in the Inner West corridor, 5km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best thai food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Brunswick East since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Rosa’s — 28 Blake Drive, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $9-18 per person Best for: budget eaters

Rosa’s has been operating in Brunswick East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($10) 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 52 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Blake Drive is usually fine.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($14) — the best version in Brunswick East Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Brunswick East roaster — ask which one.

2. The Common Place — 271 Brunswick Lane, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (thai food) The one that surprised us Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Common Place has been operating in Brunswick East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. The Long Commons — 178 Elm Grove, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (thai food) No-frills excellence Cost: $10-18 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

The Long Commons has been operating in Brunswick East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

Capacity is around 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The house-made relish ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

4. High Yard — 38 Blake Drive, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-28 per person Best for: budget eaters

High Yard has been operating in Brunswick East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 38 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The seasonal special ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Brunswick East roaster — ask which one.

5. The Bright Union — 220 Elm Grove, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (thai food) The one that surprised us Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Bright Union has been operating in Brunswick East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 35 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

6. Rex Kitchen — 140 Blake Drive, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (thai food) No-frills excellence Cost: $8-21 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Rex Kitchen has been operating in Brunswick East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

Capacity is around 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Why Brunswick East Is Worth Knowing

Lygon Street extends into Brunswick East with cafes and Italian heritage. CERES environmental park. The best thai food options here reflect Brunswick East’s character. If you’re living in or near Brunswick East, 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. Pearl’s — 380 Creek Parade, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (thai food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-27 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Pearl’s has been operating in Brunswick East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($17) 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 61 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 seasonal special ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. Kai’s — 115 Elm Grove, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $18-25 per person Best for: families

Kai’s has been operating in Brunswick East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

The room holds 39 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

9. Golden Post — 91 Thomas Grove, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (thai food) Worth the detour Cost: $15-22 per person Best for: budget eaters

Golden Post has been operating in Brunswick East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($19) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The mushroom pasta ($19) — the best version in Brunswick East Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Brunswick East roaster — ask which one.

10. Lena Lane — 17 Creek Parade, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (thai food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Lena Lane has been operating in Brunswick East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

Capacity is around 30 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

11. Green Post — 304 Blake Drive, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (thai food) No-frills excellence Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: groups

Green Post has been operating in Brunswick East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

The room holds 51 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 seasonal special ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Brunswick East farmers market when it runs.

12. Luna’s — 369 Creek Parade, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $15-30 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Luna’s has been operating in Brunswick East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

The room holds 50 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Brunswick Lane is usually fine.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($20) — the best version in Brunswick East Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Brunswick East good for best thai food?

Yes. Brunswick East has 12+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Brunswick East known for?

Lygon Street extends into Brunswick East with cafes and Italian heritage.

How far is Brunswick East from Melbourne CBD?

Brunswick East is 5km, 15min tram, 12min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Brunswick 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