Best Thai Food in Kew East Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best thai food option in Kew East to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Theo Pantry is the one everyone knows. The Red Place is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Quiet residential pocket near Hays Paddock and Burke Road shops. Kew East sits in the Middle East corridor, 14-22km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best thai food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Kew East since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Finn Pantry — 56 Murray Grove, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $19-33 per person Best for: groups

Finn Pantry has been operating in Kew East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

Capacity is around 60 — 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 daily soup ($21) — the best version in Kew East Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. Rosa’s — 149 Murray Grove, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (thai food) A quiet achiever Cost: $14-24 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Rosa’s has been operating in Kew East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($18) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Kew East roaster — ask which one.

3. The Old Lane — 29 Bay Parade, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (thai food) No-frills excellence Cost: $16-30 per person Best for: families

The Old Lane has been operating in Kew East 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. The Good Yard — 65 William Street, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (thai food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Good Yard has been operating in Kew East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($14) 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 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Blake Drive is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

The Reality of Kew East

Quiet residential pocket near Hays Paddock and Burke Road shops. The best thai food options here reflect Kew East’s character. If you’re living in or near Kew East, 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. The Old Corner — 322 William Street, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (thai food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Old Corner has been operating in Kew East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 53 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($26) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

6. Lena Commons — 26 William Street, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (thai food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-25 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Lena Commons has been operating in Kew East for over a decade 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bay Parade is usually fine.

Ask for: The fish special ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. Old Press — 34 Smith Parade, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $18-23 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Old Press has been operating in Kew East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 64 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 charcuterie board ($21) — the best version in Kew East Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. Quarter — 195 Smith Parade, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (thai food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: budget eaters

Quarter has been operating in Kew East for since the early 2020s 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 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Smith Parade is usually fine.

Start with: The daily soup ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Kew East roaster — ask which one.

9. Blue Room — 84 Bay Parade, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (thai food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $13-22 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Blue Room has been operating in Kew East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($17) 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 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The pumpkin risotto ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Murray Street after 6pm.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best thai food options in Kew East?

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

Is Kew East good for best thai food?

Yes. Kew East has 9+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Kew East known for?

Quiet residential pocket near Hays Paddock and Burke Road shops.

How far is Kew East from Melbourne CBD?

Kew East is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Kew East 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