Best Thai Food in Research Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | Nico | | Best with kids | Ivy’s | | Hidden spot | Stella | | Bad weather pick | The Good Depot |
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
The room holds 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The space seats about 50 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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 room holds 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Chapel Drive is usually fine.
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
The room holds 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
Capacity is around 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The space seats about 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on William Terrace is usually fine.
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
The space seats about 63 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The room holds 33 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Start with: The sourdough bread ($20) — solid 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 space seats about 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The space seats about 53 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Get the: The house-made relish ($14) — solid
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
The room holds 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
Capacity is around 51 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
