Best Thai Food in Templestowe Lower Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best thai food option in Templestowe Lower to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Otto Standard is the one everyone knows. Blue House is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip. Templestowe Lower sits in the Middle East corridor, 14-22km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best thai food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Templestowe Lower since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. The Good Cellar — 222 Smith Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (thai food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-32 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Good Cellar has been operating in Templestowe Lower for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 47 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. The New Mill — 307 High Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: budget eaters

The New Mill has been operating in Templestowe Lower 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 65 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

3. The Lucky Standard — 111 South Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (thai food) A solid local spot Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: families

The Lucky Standard has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since the early 2020s 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Smith Street is usually fine.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on James Street after 6pm.

4. Marco’s — 233 Smith Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (thai food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Marco’s has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 62 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

5. Nell’s — 114 Smith Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (thai food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: groups

Nell’s has been operating in Templestowe Lower for several years 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 53 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($23) — the best version in Templestowe Lower Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

What Nobody Tells You About Templestowe Lower

Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip. Close to Tikalara Park trails. The best thai food options here reflect Templestowe Lower’s character. If you’re living in or near Templestowe Lower, 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. Southern Union — 53 Park Avenue, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $16-28 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Southern Union has been operating in Templestowe Lower for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($18) 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 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on High Grove is usually fine.

Ask for: The seasonal special ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. Nina’s — 265 South Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $16-24 per person Best for: the whole crew

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

The space seats about 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($18) — the best version in Templestowe Lower Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. The White Commons — 364 James Parade, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (thai food) A solid local spot Cost: $17-24 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

The White Commons has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($18) 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 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The mushroom pasta ($22) — the best version in Templestowe Lower Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. Blue Store — 169 South Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $10-18 per person Best for: remote workers

Blue Store has been operating in Templestowe Lower for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($15) 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 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on High Grove is usually fine.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

10. Yard — 38 James Parade, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (thai food) A quiet achiever Cost: $20-29 per person Best for: budget eaters

Yard has been operating in Templestowe Lower for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($21) 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 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The daily soup ($23) — the best version in Templestowe Lower Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Templestowe Lower roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best thai food options in Templestowe Lower?

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

Is Templestowe Lower good for best thai food?

Yes. Templestowe Lower has 10+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Templestowe Lower known for?

Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip.

How far is Templestowe Lower from Melbourne CBD?

Templestowe Lower is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Templestowe Lower: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026