Best Thai Food in Cheltenham Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best thai food scene in Cheltenham is better than most people realise. Start at Felix Union, then check out Long Commons. IKEA anchors it as a retail destination. Located 18km from the CBD, Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham locals actually recommend.

1. Nell’s — 168 Park Street, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $19-34 per person Best for: groups

Nell’s has been operating in Cheltenham for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 space seats about 42 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. Ruby’s — 11 Victoria Crescent, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (thai food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Ruby’s has been operating in Cheltenham for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($13) 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 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Victoria Crescent is usually fine.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($16) — the best version in Cheltenham Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. Society — 378 Bourke Terrace, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: groups

Society has been operating in Cheltenham for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($27) 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.

Capacity is around 64 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Park Street is usually fine.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($28) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Cheltenham roaster — ask which one.

4. Tall Social — 208 Park Street, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (thai food) A solid local spot Cost: $12-27 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Tall Social has been operating in Cheltenham for since 2019 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 seasonally 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. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($18) — the best version in Cheltenham Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

What Nobody Tells You About Cheltenham

IKEA anchors it as a retail destination. Southland shopping centre nearby. Bayside beach access close. The best thai food options here reflect Cheltenham’s character. Whether you’re based in Cheltenham 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. The Lucky Commons — 186 Collins Lane, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (thai food) No-frills excellence Cost: $15-26 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The Lucky Commons has been operating in Cheltenham for several years 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

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

Worth knowing: The fish special ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

6. Nell’s — 30 Church Street, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (thai food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-30 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Nell’s has been operating in Cheltenham for over a decade 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 32 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The fish special ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. Kai’s — 112 Victoria Crescent, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-23 per person Best for: remote workers

Kai’s has been operating in Cheltenham 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($14) — the best version in Cheltenham Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. Theo’s — 325 Church Street, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (thai food) A solid local spot Cost: $16-25 per person Best for: remote workers

Theo’s has been operating in Cheltenham for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

The room holds 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The crispy chicken ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

9. Zara Yard — 107 Victoria Crescent, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (thai food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-15 per person Best for: remote workers

Zara Yard has been operating in Cheltenham for since the early 2020s 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 38 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The seasonal special ($12) — the best version in Cheltenham Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best thai food options in Cheltenham?

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

Is Cheltenham good for best thai food?

Yes. Cheltenham has 9+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Cheltenham known for?

IKEA anchors it as a retail destination.

How far is Cheltenham from Melbourne CBD?

Cheltenham is 18km, 32min train, 25min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Cheltenham: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026