Best Thai Food in Chelsea Heights Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best thai food scene in Chelsea Heights is better than most people realise. Start at Southern Works, then check out Finn. Residential suburb between Chelsea and Edithvale. Located 18-41km from the CBD, Chelsea Heights 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 Chelsea Heights locals actually recommend.

1. Leo Yard — 54 Lygon Terrace, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $16-22 per person Best for: dates

Leo Yard has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 room holds 50 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The house-made relish ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Chelsea Heights roaster — ask which one.

2. Hugo Corner — 165 Johnston Grove, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-26 per person Best for: solo diners

Hugo Corner has been operating in Chelsea Heights 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 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Plenty Place is usually fine.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. Ava — 117 Johnston Grove, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: budget eaters

Ava has been operating in Chelsea Heights for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($25) 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 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The seasonal special ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

4. New Union — 327 Plenty Place, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (thai food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-30 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

New Union has been operating in Chelsea Heights for over a decade 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Cecil Avenue is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

5. The New Social — 16 Plenty Place, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (thai food) Worth the detour Cost: $18-33 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The New Social has been operating in Chelsea Heights for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 room holds 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

6. New Lane — 160 Lygon Terrace, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (thai food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

New Lane has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The seasonal special ($24) — the best version in Chelsea Heights Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

What Chelsea Heights Actually Is

Residential suburb between Chelsea and Edithvale. Chelsea Heights Hotel is a local landmark. The best thai food options here reflect Chelsea Heights’s character. Whether you’re based in Chelsea Heights 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. Zara — 353 Main Grove, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (thai food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-23 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Zara has been operating in Chelsea Heights for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 room holds 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. Pantry — 85 Lygon Terrace, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (thai food) Worth the detour Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Pantry has been operating in Chelsea Heights for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($18) 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 37 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Johnston Grove is usually fine.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($23) — the best version in Chelsea Heights Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

9. Atlas Depot — 118 Johnston Grove, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (thai food) A solid local spot Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Atlas Depot has been operating in Chelsea Heights for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The pumpkin risotto ($20) — the best version in Chelsea Heights Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

10. Ruby’s — 309 Lygon Terrace, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (thai food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Ruby’s has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

The space seats about 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The charcuterie board ($21) — the best version in Chelsea Heights Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

11. Pilgrim — 161 Johnston Grove, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Pilgrim has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($24) 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 53 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 crispy chicken ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

12. Honest Pantry — 83 Lygon Terrace, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (thai food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-24 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Honest Pantry has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since 2019 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($15) — the best version in Chelsea Heights Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best thai food options in Chelsea Heights?

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

Is Chelsea Heights good for best thai food?

Yes. Chelsea Heights has 12+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Chelsea Heights known for?

Residential suburb between Chelsea and Edithvale.

How far is Chelsea Heights from Melbourne CBD?

Chelsea Heights is 18-41km, 32-55min train, 25-47min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Chelsea Heights is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026