Best Thai Food in Hawthorn Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best thai food scene in Hawthorn is better than most people realise. Start at Vera, then check out Bright Bench. Glenferrie Road is a major shopping and dining strip, anchored by Swinburne University. Located 6km from the CBD, Hawthorn is part of Melbourne’s Middle East 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 Hawthorn locals actually recommend.

1. Archive — 110 Elm Street, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (thai food) A quiet achiever Cost: $8-19 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Archive has been operating in Hawthorn for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($12) 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.

Capacity is around 55 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 fish special ($11) — the best version in Hawthorn Insider tip: Parking is free on Bay Street after 6pm.

2. The Little Cellar — 347 William Avenue, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (thai food) A solid local spot Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

The Little Cellar has been operating in Hawthorn for since the early 2020s 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 37 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The fish special ($23) — the best version in Hawthorn Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Pearl Kitchen — 203 Young Street, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $8-14 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Pearl Kitchen has been operating in Hawthorn for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($9) 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 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Elm Street is usually fine.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($11) — the best version in Hawthorn Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. Finn Pantry — 352 William Avenue, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (thai food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Finn Pantry has been operating in Hawthorn for over a decade 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on William Avenue is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($23) — the best version in Hawthorn Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Hawthorn roaster — ask which one.

5. Theo’s — 74 Elm Street, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (thai food) No-frills excellence Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: solo diners

Theo’s has been operating in Hawthorn for since the early 2020s 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

The Hawthorn That Locals Know

Glenferrie Road is a major shopping and dining strip, anchored by Swinburne University. Hawthorn Arts Centre. The best thai food options here reflect Hawthorn’s character. Whether you’re based in Hawthorn 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. Leo’s — 200 Maple Street, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: groups

Leo’s has been operating in Hawthorn for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Elm Street is usually fine.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

7. Gus’s — 65 Young Street, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (thai food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: budget eaters

Gus’s has been operating in Hawthorn for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($22) 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 52 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($27) — the best version in Hawthorn Insider tip: They source produce from Hawthorn farmers market when it runs.

8. Finn Table — 214 Young Street, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (thai food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: remote workers

Finn Table has been operating in Hawthorn for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The house-made relish ($28) — the best version in Hawthorn Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

9. The Old Store — 69 Bay Terrace, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (thai food) A quiet achiever Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Old Store has been operating in Hawthorn for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($27) 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 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The mushroom pasta ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

10. Good Table — 27 Bay Terrace, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-26 per person Best for: the whole crew

Good Table has been operating in Hawthorn for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($19) 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 59 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The crispy chicken ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

11. The Lucky Pantry — 197 Bay Terrace, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (thai food) Worth the detour Cost: $16-26 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The Lucky Pantry has been operating in Hawthorn for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($16) 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 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Bay Street after 6pm.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best thai food options in Hawthorn?

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

Is Hawthorn good for best thai food?

Yes. Hawthorn has 11+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Hawthorn known for?

Glenferrie Road is a major shopping and dining strip, anchored by Swinburne University.

How far is Hawthorn from Melbourne CBD?

Hawthorn is 6km, 12min train, 12min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Hawthorn 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