Best Thai Food in Carnegie Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best thai food option in Carnegie to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Cellar is the one everyone knows. Zara’s is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.50-5.00, dinner at $22-38. Koornang Road is one of Melbourne’s best suburban food strips. Carnegie sits in the Middle South corridor, 12km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best thai food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Carnegie since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. The White House — 31 Bourke Terrace, Carnegie VIC 3166

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $13-21 per person Best for: remote workers

The White House has been operating in Carnegie for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($15) 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 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The daily soup ($17) — the best version in Carnegie Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Carnegie roaster — ask which one.

2. Common Room — 348 Collins Grove, Carnegie VIC 3166

What it is: (thai food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: remote workers

Common Room has been operating in Carnegie for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on George Road is usually fine.

Try this: The fish special ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Cleo’s — 269 Bourke Terrace, Carnegie VIC 3166

What it is: (thai food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-33 per person Best for: dates

Cleo’s has been operating in Carnegie for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The daily soup ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. Mabel Cellar — 138 Railway Terrace, Carnegie VIC 3166

What it is: (thai food) No-frills excellence Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Mabel Cellar has been operating in Carnegie for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 50 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 daily soup ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Carnegie — The Honest Version

Koornang Road is one of Melbourne’s best suburban food strips. Carnegie station provides rail access. The best thai food options here reflect Carnegie’s character. Whether you’re based in Carnegie 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. High Mill — 89 George Road, Carnegie VIC 3166

What it is: (thai food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-29 per person Best for: dates

High Mill has been operating in Carnegie for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Collins Grove is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The daily soup ($20) — the best version in Carnegie Insider tip: Parking is free on Collins Street after 6pm.

6. Nico Table — 194 George Road, Carnegie VIC 3166

What it is: (thai food) A solid local spot Cost: $16-23 per person Best for: families

Nico Table has been operating in Carnegie for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 55 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

7. Rex — 68 Railway Terrace, Carnegie VIC 3166

What it is: (thai food) A quiet achiever Cost: $17-28 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Rex has been operating in Carnegie for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($23) — the best version in Carnegie Insider tip: Parking is free on Collins Street after 6pm.

8. Otto Depot — 244 Collins Grove, Carnegie VIC 3166

What it is: (thai food) No-frills excellence Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Otto Depot has been operating in Carnegie for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($8) 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 36 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The mushroom pasta ($10) — the best version in Carnegie Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best thai food options in Carnegie?

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

Is Carnegie good for best thai food?

Yes. Carnegie has 8+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Carnegie known for?

Koornang Road is one of Melbourne’s best suburban food strips.

How far is Carnegie from Melbourne CBD?

Carnegie is 12km, 22min train, 18min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Carnegie isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.

Last updated: March 2026