Best Thai Food in Newport Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best thai food option in Newport to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The New Bench is the one everyone knows. River Bench is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.50-5.00, dinner at $22-38. Mason Street strip has cafes and shops. Newport sits in the Inner West corridor, 9km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best thai food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Newport since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Nico’s — 238 Smith Lane, Newport VIC 3013

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: dates

Nico’s has been operating in Newport for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($11) 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 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The fish special ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Newport farmers market when it runs.

2. The Long Commons — 180 Edward Drive, Newport VIC 3013

What it is: (thai food) Worth the detour Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Long Commons has been operating in Newport for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 30 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Edward Drive is usually fine.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Ada’s — 302 Edward Drive, Newport VIC 3013

What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-25 per person Best for: budget eaters

Ada’s has been operating in Newport for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($18) — the best version in Newport Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Oliver’s — 349 Bay Grove, Newport VIC 3013

What it is: (thai food) A quiet achiever Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Oliver’s has been operating in Newport for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($23) 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 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Smith Lane is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($21) — the best version in Newport Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Newport roaster — ask which one.

5. Theo’s — 101 Barkly Parade, Newport VIC 3013

What it is: (thai food) The one that surprised us Cost: $15-26 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Theo’s has been operating in Newport for several years 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

What Nobody Tells You About Newport

Mason Street strip has cafes and shops. Newport Lakes — a former quarry now home to wildlife. Close to Williamstown. The best thai food options here reflect Newport’s character. For Newport 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.

6. Merchant — 87 Smith Lane, Newport VIC 3013

What it is: (thai food) A quiet achiever Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: remote workers

Merchant has been operating in Newport for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 room holds 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($26) — the best version in Newport Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. Old Kitchen — 265 Smith Lane, Newport VIC 3013

What it is: (thai food) No-frills excellence Cost: $16-31 per person Best for: budget eaters

Old Kitchen has been operating in Newport for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

The space seats about 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Barkly Parade is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($20) — the best version in Newport Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. Nell’s — 170 Station Parade, Newport VIC 3013

What it is: (thai food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-27 per person Best for: groups

Nell’s has been operating in Newport for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($13) 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 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Edward Street after 6pm.

9. Nina’s — 325 Smith Lane, Newport VIC 3013

What it is: (thai food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: remote workers

Nina’s has been operating in Newport for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($26) 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 33 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 lamb shoulder ($28) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

10. The Southern Kitchen — 57 Station Parade, Newport VIC 3013

What it is: (thai food) A solid local spot Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Southern Kitchen has been operating in Newport for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 56 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

11. The Red Depot — 377 Barkly Parade, Newport VIC 3013

What it is: (thai food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-37 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Red Depot has been operating in Newport for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($25) 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 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The house-made relish ($28) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Newport farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best thai food options in Newport?

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

Is Newport good for best thai food?

Yes. Newport has 11+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Newport known for?

Mason Street strip has cafes and shops.

How far is Newport from Melbourne CBD?

Newport is 9km, 15min train, 14min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Newport 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