Best Thai Food in Burwood East Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best thai food scene in Burwood East is better than most people realise. Start at The New Mill, then check out High Room. Burwood East Village and Blackburn Road strip. Located 24-35km from the CBD, Burwood East is part of Melbourne’s Outer East 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 Burwood East locals actually recommend.

1. Rex — 68 Chapel Crescent, Burwood East VIC 3155

What it is: (thai food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $13-22 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

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

The room holds 33 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on High Terrace is usually fine.

Order this: The fish special ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. Rex’s — 221 Maple Lane, Burwood East VIC 3155

What it is: (thai food) A solid local spot Cost: $14-25 per person Best for: the whole crew

Rex’s has been operating in Burwood East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The fish special ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Cleo’s — 304 High Terrace, Burwood East VIC 3155

What it is: (thai food) Worth the detour Cost: $13-18 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Cleo’s has been operating in Burwood East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 room holds 53 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 sourdough bread ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

4. Common Social — 72 Victoria Drive, Burwood East VIC 3155

What it is: (thai food) Worth the detour Cost: $18-27 per person Best for: the whole crew

Common Social has been operating in Burwood East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($21) 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 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Burwood East — The Honest Version

Burwood East Village and Blackburn Road strip. Close to Deakin University Burwood campus. The best thai food options here reflect Burwood East’s character. Whether you’re based in Burwood East 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.

5. Vera’s — 347 Maple Lane, Burwood East VIC 3155

What it is: (thai food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-21 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Vera’s has been operating in Burwood East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 43 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Victoria Street after 6pm.

6. Pearl’s — 24 Church Street, Burwood East VIC 3155

What it is: (thai food) Worth the detour Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Pearl’s has been operating in Burwood East for since the early 2020s 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on High Terrace is usually fine.

Ask for: The daily soup ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. Nico’s — 18 Church Street, Burwood East VIC 3155

What it is: (thai food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $10-21 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Nico’s has been operating in Burwood East for several years 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. Mabel’s — 362 Victoria Drive, Burwood East VIC 3155

What it is: (thai food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: families

Mabel’s has been operating in Burwood East for since 2019 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 space seats about 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The mushroom pasta ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

9. Zara Yard — 83 Maple Lane, Burwood East VIC 3155

What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: the whole crew

Zara Yard has been operating in Burwood East for since 2019 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($22) — the best version in Burwood East Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Burwood East good for best thai food?

Yes. Burwood East has 9+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Burwood East known for?

Burwood East Village and Blackburn Road strip.

How far is Burwood East from Melbourne CBD?

Burwood East is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Burwood 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