Best Thai Food in Elwood Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Elwood has genuine best thai food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. The Golden Table and The High Table lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 7km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Inner South region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Elwood Beach and canal are the main attractions. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Elwood resident or just passing through, these are the places worth your time and money in 2026. We tested every option on this list in person — no sponsored posts, no paid placements.

1. The Humble Commons — 367 Thomas Street, Elwood VIC 3034

What it is: (thai food) The one that surprised us Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Humble Commons has been operating in Elwood for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The fish special ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. Felix — 265 Pine Grove, Elwood VIC 3034

What it is: (thai food) A quiet achiever Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Felix has been operating in Elwood for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

Capacity is around 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. Rex’s — 150 Thomas Street, Elwood VIC 3034

What it is: (thai food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Rex’s has been operating in Elwood for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($15) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The seasonal special ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

4. Hugo’s — 237 Willow Lane, Elwood VIC 3034

What it is: (thai food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: remote workers

Hugo’s has been operating in Elwood for several years 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 room holds 53 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bourke Avenue is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($16) — the best version in Elwood Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Elwood roaster — ask which one.

What Makes Elwood Different

Elwood Beach and canal are the main attractions. Ormond Road and Glenhuntly Road have cafe strips. Acland Street nearby. The best thai food options here reflect Elwood’s character. For Elwood locals and anyone in the area, 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 Cellar — 94 Thomas Street, Elwood VIC 3034

What it is: (thai food) A quiet achiever Cost: $9-22 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

High Cellar has been operating in Elwood for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($12) 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 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Willow Lane is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

6. Ivy’s — 49 Pine Grove, Elwood VIC 3034

What it is: (thai food) Worth the detour Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: families

Ivy’s has been operating in Elwood for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

Capacity is around 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The daily soup ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Elwood farmers market when it runs.

7. River’s — 2 Willow Lane, Elwood VIC 3034

What it is: (thai food) No-frills excellence Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: solo diners

River’s has been operating in Elwood for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Willow Lane is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($16) — the best version in Elwood Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. Nina’s — 156 Pine Grove, Elwood VIC 3034

What it is: (thai food) Worth the detour Cost: $9-19 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Nina’s has been operating in Elwood for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($11) 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 44 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Pine Grove is usually fine.

Start with: The seasonal special ($15) — the best version in Elwood Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best thai food options in Elwood?

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

Is Elwood good for best thai food?

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

What is Elwood known for?

Elwood Beach and canal are the main attractions.

How far is Elwood from Melbourne CBD?

Elwood is 7km, 18min tram, 14min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Elwood 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