Best Thai Food in Elsternwick Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best thai food option in Elsternwick to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Place is the one everyone knows. High Local is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Glen Huntly Road has a vibrant cafe and restaurant strip. Elsternwick sits in the Inner South corridor, 8km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best thai food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Elsternwick since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. White Pantry — 112 Collins Lane, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (thai food) The one that surprised us Cost: $10-18 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

White Pantry has been operating in Elsternwick 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Collins Lane is usually fine.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. The Good Cellar — 198 Collins Lane, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Good Cellar has been operating in Elsternwick for since 2019 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 37 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Oliver Standard — 85 Collins Lane, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $18-25 per person Best for: families

Oliver Standard has been operating in Elsternwick for since 2019 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Elsternwick farmers market when it runs.

4. Rex Quarter — 239 West Street, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: families

Rex Quarter has been operating in Elsternwick for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($20) — the best version in Elsternwick Insider tip: Parking is free on Swan Street after 6pm.

5. Oliver Mill — 169 West Street, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (thai food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: budget eaters

Oliver Mill has been operating in Elsternwick for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Lygon Street after 6pm.

The Reality of Elsternwick

Glen Huntly Road has a vibrant cafe and restaurant strip. Elsternwick Village has strong Jewish community heritage. The best thai food options here reflect Elsternwick’s character. Whether you’re based in Elsternwick 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. Corner — 126 Collins Lane, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (thai food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-19 per person Best for: families

Corner has been operating in Elsternwick for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($13) 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 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Lygon Drive is usually fine.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

7. The Golden Pantry — 251 Swan Place, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (thai food) A solid local spot Cost: $20-29 per person Best for: families

The Golden Pantry has been operating in Elsternwick for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($24) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($23) — the best version in Elsternwick Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. Little Room — 92 West Street, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (thai food) A quiet achiever Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: families

Little Room has been operating in Elsternwick for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 61 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($21) — the best version in Elsternwick Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. The Blue House — 67 Swan Place, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $22-30 per person Best for: solo diners

The Blue House has been operating in Elsternwick for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($23) 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 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on West Street is usually fine.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

10. Collective — 375 William Place, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-17 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Collective has been operating in Elsternwick for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($10) 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 51 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The fish special ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best thai food options in Elsternwick?

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

Is Elsternwick good for best thai food?

Yes. Elsternwick has 10+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Elsternwick known for?

Glen Huntly Road has a vibrant cafe and restaurant strip.

How far is Elsternwick from Melbourne CBD?

Elsternwick is 8km, 16min train, 14min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Elsternwick 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