Best Thai Food in Kew Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best thai food option in Kew to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Ruby’s is the one everyone knows. Southern Quarter is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Kew Junction and High Street shopping. Kew sits in the Middle East corridor, 6km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best thai food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Kew since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. The Bright Place — 37 Lake Drive, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (thai food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: remote workers

The Bright Place has been operating in Kew 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 51 — 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 pumpkin risotto ($24) — the best version in Kew Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

2. Iris’s — 287 King Terrace, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (thai food) A quiet achiever Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: remote workers

Iris’s has been operating in Kew for since 2019 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 64 — 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 ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. Southern Quarter — 144 Lake Drive, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Southern Quarter has been operating in Kew for several years 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 41 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bourke Avenue is usually fine.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Kew farmers market when it runs.

4. Bench — 181 Lake Drive, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $21-36 per person Best for: families

Bench has been operating in Kew for several years 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($25) — the best version in Kew Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Why Kew Is Worth Knowing

Kew Junction and High Street shopping. Studley Park and Yarra Bend Park provide extensive parkland along the Yarra River. The best thai food options here reflect Kew’s character. For Kew 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. Mabel — 200 Anderson Road, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (thai food) The one that surprised us Cost: $14-24 per person Best for: solo diners

Mabel has been operating in Kew for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 room holds 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Lake Street after 6pm.

6. The Humble Store — 3 Lake Drive, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (thai food) The one that surprised us Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Humble Store has been operating in Kew for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($22) — the best version in Kew Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

7. The Tall Corner — 158 Lake Drive, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $22-31 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Tall Corner has been operating in Kew for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($25) 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 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Bourke Street after 6pm.

8. Hazel — 10 Anderson Road, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (thai food) The one that surprised us Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Hazel has been operating in Kew for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($9) 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 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Anderson Road is usually fine.

Start with: The daily soup ($13) — the best version in Kew Insider tip: Parking is free on King Street after 6pm.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best thai food options in Kew?

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

Is Kew good for best thai food?

Yes. Kew has 8+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Kew known for?

Kew Junction and High Street shopping.

How far is Kew from Melbourne CBD?

Kew is 6km, 15min tram, 12min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Kew 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