Best Thai Food in Bundoora Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Must-visit | Finn’s |
| No-cost pick | The High Social |
| Best with kids | Kai Place |
| Hidden spot | Cellar |
| Bad weather pick | The Northern Works |
The best thai food scene in Bundoora is growing every year. Start at Leo’s, then check out Ruby’s. Home to RMIT Bundoora and La Trobe University campuses. Located 16km from the CBD, Bundoora is part of Melbourne’s Outer North 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 Bundoora locals actually recommend.
1. The New Bench — 288 High Parade, Bundoora VIC 3082
What it is: (thai food) Worth the detour Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The New Bench has been operating in Bundoora for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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.
Capacity is around 35 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Swan Road is usually fine.
Order this: The fish special ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
2. Felix Table — 119 Young Parade, Bundoora VIC 3082
What it is: (thai food) No-frills excellence Cost: $19-30 per person Best for: solo diners
Felix Table has been operating in Bundoora for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($22) 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 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Try this: The house-made relish ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.
3. New Mill — 377 Cecil Crescent, Bundoora VIC 3082
What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $10-22 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
New Mill has been operating in Bundoora for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 room holds 42 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Go for: The daily soup ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
4. Theo’s — 372 Cecil Crescent, Bundoora VIC 3082
What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $22-32 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Theo’s has been operating in Bundoora for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($22) 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 54 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($27) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.
5. Iris Corner — 200 King Road, Bundoora VIC 3082
What it is: (thai food) A solid local spot Cost: $9-17 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
Iris Corner has been operating in Bundoora for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 room holds 30 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Worth knowing: The seasonal special ($12) — the best version in Bundoora Insider tip: They source produce from Bundoora farmers market when it runs.
What Nobody Tells You About Bundoora
Home to RMIT Bundoora and La Trobe University campuses. Major education precinct. The best thai food options here reflect Bundoora’s character. Whether you’re based in Bundoora 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.
6. River’s — 272 Young Parade, Bundoora VIC 3082
What it is: (thai food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-26 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
River’s has been operating in Bundoora for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 31 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Ask for: The seasonal special ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Bundoora farmers market when it runs.
7. Old Lane — 214 High Parade, Bundoora VIC 3082
What it is: (thai food) The one that surprised us Cost: $13-24 per person Best for: solo diners
Old Lane has been operating in Bundoora 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.
Capacity is around 31 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
8. Cleo’s — 251 High Parade, Bundoora VIC 3082
What it is: (thai food) Worth the detour Cost: $18-23 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
Cleo’s has been operating in Bundoora for several years 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The room holds 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Start with: The mushroom pasta ($20) — the best version in Bundoora Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
9. Mia Pantry — 65 King Road, Bundoora VIC 3082
What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $12-20 per person Best for: families
Mia Pantry has been operating in Bundoora for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.
The space seats about 43 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Come back for: The daily soup ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Bundoora farmers market when it runs.
10. Ada House — 33 Swan Road, Bundoora VIC 3082
What it is: (thai food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $18-33 per person Best for: families
Ada House has been operating in Bundoora for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Get the: The crispy chicken ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
11. The High Cellar — 347 Young Parade, Bundoora VIC 3082
What it is: (thai food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-28 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
The High Cellar has been operating in Bundoora 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The room holds 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Swan Road is usually fine.
Order this: The sourdough bread ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
Explore More
- Doreen Best Thai Food — same vibe, different suburb
- Bundoora Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Bundoora Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Bundoora Complete Guide — everything about Bundoora
- Compare Suburbs — see how Bundoora stacks up
- All Bundoora Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best thai food options in Bundoora?
Finn’s is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Bundoora good for best thai food?
Yes. Bundoora has 11+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.
What is Bundoora known for?
Home to RMIT Bundoora and La Trobe University campuses.
How far is Bundoora from Melbourne CBD?
Bundoora is 16km, no direct train, 25min drive from Melbourne CBD.
If you’re comparing Bundoora to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.
Last updated: March 2026

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