Best Thai Food in Mentone Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best thai food scene in Mentone is growing every year. Start at Kai Table, then check out The Common Cellar. Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity. Located 20km from the CBD, Mentone is part of Melbourne’s Bayside 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 Mentone locals actually recommend.

1. Ruby’s — 17 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: families

Ruby’s has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($8) 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 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($11) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

2. Nina’s — 57 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (thai food) No-frills excellence Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: dates

Nina’s has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($23) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. Nina’s — 63 Johnston Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (thai food) The one that surprised us Cost: $10-22 per person Best for: solo diners

Nina’s has been operating in Mentone for over a decade 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Market Parade is usually fine.

Go for: The crispy chicken ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. Vera — 241 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (thai food) Worth the detour Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Vera has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($16) 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 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The seasonal special ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

5. Pearl’s — 142 Johnston Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (thai food) The one that surprised us Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: the whole crew

Pearl’s has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($10) 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 59 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Young Lane is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mentone roaster — ask which one.

The Reality of Mentone

Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity. Good cafe strip on Como Parade. Direct beach access. The best thai food options here reflect Mentone’s character. Whether you’re based in Mentone 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. Cleo Social — 263 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: families

Cleo Social has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

7. Mia — 359 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: solo diners

Mia has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($17) 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 48 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

8. Ruby Room — 77 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (thai food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-26 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Ruby Room has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Market Parade is usually fine.

Start with: The mushroom pasta ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

9. Hugo’s — 215 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (thai food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-26 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Hugo’s has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

Capacity is around 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The sourdough bread ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

10. Southern Corner — 128 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (thai food) Worth the detour Cost: $17-28 per person Best for: groups

Southern Corner has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

The space seats about 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Young Lane is usually fine.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best thai food options in Mentone?

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

Is Mentone good for best thai food?

Yes. Mentone has 10+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Mentone known for?

Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity.

How far is Mentone from Melbourne CBD?

Mentone is 20km, 35min train, 28min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Mentone 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