Best Thai Food in Highett Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Hugo Press |
| Best free option | Hugo |
| Best for families | Remy’s |
| Best local secret | Post |
| Best for rainy days | Red Lane |
We’ve tested every best thai food option in Highett to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Atlas’s is the one everyone knows. Ash’s is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve. Highett sits in the Bayside corridor, 15km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best thai food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Highett since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.
1. The Sunny Bench — 17 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: (thai food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-31 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
The Sunny Bench has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 53 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The seasonal special ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
2. Little Post — 122 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: solo diners
Little Post has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.
Capacity is around 55 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Try this: The charcuterie board ($20) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
3. Ivy Mill — 100 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $12-23 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
Ivy Mill has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($15) 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 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Smith Grove is usually fine.
Go for: The charcuterie board ($17) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
4. House — 247 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: (thai food) No-frills excellence Cost: $10-25 per person Best for: the whole crew
House has been operating in Highett 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The space seats about 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Don’t miss: The fish special ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
What Makes Highett Different
Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve. Highett Road strip has cafes and shops. Close to Southland. The best thai food options here reflect Highett’s character. If you’re living in or near Highett, 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. Tall Corner — 265 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: (thai food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-26 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
Tall Corner has been operating in Highett for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.
6. Nell’s — 332 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: (thai food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: budget eaters
Nell’s has been operating in Highett for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
7. The Long House — 47 Young Street, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-22 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The Long House has been operating in Highett 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The space seats about 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Book ahead for: The crispy chicken ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.
8. Bright Press — 187 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: (thai food) Worth the detour Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
Bright Press has been operating in Highett for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($15) 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 55 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Queen Grove is usually fine.
Start with: The house-made relish ($14) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
Explore More
- Hampton Best Thai Food — same vibe, different suburb
- Highett Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Highett Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Highett Complete Guide — everything about Highett
- Compare Suburbs — see how Highett stacks up
- All Highett Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best thai food options in Highett?
Hugo Press is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Highett good for best thai food?
Yes. Highett has 8+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.
What is Highett known for?
Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve.
How far is Highett from Melbourne CBD?
Highett is 15km, 27min train, 20min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Highett 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

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