Best Thai Food in Research Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best thai food option in Research to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Honest Union is the one everyone knows. Humble Pantry is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.50-5.00, dinner at $22-38. Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham. Research sits in the Middle North corridor, 9-20km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best thai food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Research since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. River Table — 56 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (thai food) No-frills excellence Cost: $22-32 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

River Table has been operating in Research for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

The room holds 36 — 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 lamb shoulder ($28) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Research farmers market when it runs.

2. Luna Kitchen — 46 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (thai food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Luna Kitchen has been operating in Research for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($18) 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 50 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. The White Pantry — 313 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (thai food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-22 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The White Pantry has been operating in Research for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

The room holds 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Chapel Drive is usually fine.

Go for: The house-made relish ($15) — the best version in Research Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Atlas — 249 Station Street, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (thai food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-25 per person Best for: the whole crew

Atlas has been operating in Research for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. Ava’s — 55 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (thai food) No-frills excellence Cost: $13-21 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Ava’s has been operating in Research for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The daily soup ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

6. Hazel Yard — 99 Station Street, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $9-17 per person Best for: groups

Hazel Yard has been operating in Research for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on William Terrace is usually fine.

Ask for: The daily soup ($12) — the best version in Research Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

What Nobody Tells You About Research

Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham. Known for large blocks and proximity to Research-Warrandyte corridor. The best thai food options here reflect Research’s character. If you’re living in or near Research, 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.

7. Ivy Bench — 148 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (thai food) The one that surprised us Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Ivy Bench has been operating in Research for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

The space seats about 63 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. Rex Works — 136 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (thai food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-33 per person Best for: the whole crew

Rex Works has been operating in Research for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($18) 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 33 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The sourdough bread ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. The Green Store — 367 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (thai food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Green Store has been operating in Research for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The seasonal special ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Research farmers market when it runs.

10. Marco Room — 311 Charles Avenue, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (thai food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Marco Room has been operating in Research for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($16) 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 53 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The house-made relish ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

11. Nico Press — 102 Station Street, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (thai food) No-frills excellence Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Nico Press has been operating in Research for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($25) 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 sourdough bread ($28) — the best version in Research Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

12. Red Depot — 331 Charles Avenue, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (thai food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: budget eaters

Red Depot has been operating in Research for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 51 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The seasonal special ($11) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best thai food options in Research?

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

Is Research good for best thai food?

Yes. Research has 12+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Research known for?

Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham.

How far is Research from Melbourne CBD?

Research is 9-20km, 18-38min train, 15-28min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Research 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