Best Thai Food in Glen Waverley Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Glen Waverley has genuine best thai food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Kai’s and Social lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 22km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Middle East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. One of Melbourne’s most sought-after school zones. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Glen Waverley 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. Zara’s — 311 Pine Road, Glen Waverley VIC 3149

What it is: (thai food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-21 per person Best for: budget eaters

Zara’s has been operating in Glen Waverley for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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.

Capacity is around 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The fish special ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Murray Street after 6pm.

2. Lena Post — 16 Elm Place, Glen Waverley VIC 3149

What it is: (thai food) No-frills excellence Cost: $21-36 per person Best for: families

Lena Post has been operating in Glen Waverley for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The fish special ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

3. Otto’s — 340 Elm Place, Glen Waverley VIC 3149

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $17-24 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Otto’s has been operating in Glen Waverley for several years 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.

The room holds 45 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

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

4. Merchant — 182 Park Parade, Glen Waverley VIC 3149

What it is: (thai food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: the whole crew

Merchant has been operating in Glen Waverley for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 space seats about 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($28) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

5. Yard — 166 Albert Road, Glen Waverley VIC 3149

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Yard has been operating in Glen Waverley for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Glen Waverley farmers market when it runs.

6. The Good Kitchen — 323 Elm Place, Glen Waverley VIC 3149

What it is: (thai food) Worth the detour Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Good Kitchen has been operating in Glen Waverley for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($20) — the best version in Glen Waverley Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Glen Waverley — The Honest Version

One of Melbourne’s most sought-after school zones. Kingsway restaurant strip for Asian cuisine. The best thai food options here reflect Glen Waverley’s character. If you’re living in or near Glen Waverley, 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. Cleo’s — 333 Albert Road, Glen Waverley VIC 3149

What it is: (thai food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-30 per person Best for: solo diners

Cleo’s has been operating in Glen Waverley for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($26) 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 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Murray Street is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($24) — the best version in Glen Waverley Insider tip: Parking is free on Elm Street after 6pm.

8. Sol House — 72 Albert Road, Glen Waverley VIC 3149

What it is: (thai food) A quiet achiever Cost: $19-28 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Sol House has been operating in Glen Waverley for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($23) 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 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The sourdough bread ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. Lucky Quarter — 193 Murray Street, Glen Waverley VIC 3149

What it is: (thai food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: dates

Lucky Quarter has been operating in Glen Waverley for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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.

The space seats about 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The fish special ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

10. Southern Bench — 189 Park Parade, Glen Waverley VIC 3149

What it is: (thai food) No-frills excellence Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Southern Bench has been operating in Glen Waverley for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($21) 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 45 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Park Parade is usually fine.

Get the: The daily soup ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

11. Ava Table — 152 Murray Street, Glen Waverley VIC 3149

What it is: (thai food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-35 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Ava Table has been operating in Glen Waverley 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Elm Place is usually fine.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($25) — the best version in Glen Waverley Insider tip: Parking is free on Albert Street after 6pm.

12. Place — 29 Park Parade, Glen Waverley VIC 3149

What it is: (thai food) Worth the detour Cost: $15-27 per person Best for: families

Place has been operating in Glen Waverley for since the early 2020s 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Glen Waverley farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best thai food options in Glen Waverley?

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

Is Glen Waverley good for best thai food?

Yes. Glen Waverley has 12+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Glen Waverley known for?

One of Melbourne’s most sought-after school zones.

How far is Glen Waverley from Melbourne CBD?

Glen Waverley is 22km, 38min train, 30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Glen Waverley to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.

Last updated: March 2026