Best Thai Food in Vermont South Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best thai food option in Vermont South to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Good Pantry is the one everyone knows. Marco Local is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. The Glen shopping centre nearby. Vermont South sits in the Outer East corridor, 24-35km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best thai food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Vermont South since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. The Lucky Press — 303 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The Lucky Press has been operating in Vermont South for since the early 2020s 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Anderson Drive is usually fine.

Order this: The fish special ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

2. Otto’s — 362 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (thai food) A quiet achiever Cost: $10-15 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Otto’s has been operating in Vermont South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The fish special ($15) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

3. Leo’s — 55 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (thai food) A solid local spot Cost: $9-22 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Leo’s has been operating in Vermont South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($11) 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 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Anderson Drive is usually fine.

Go for: The daily soup ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Lake Street after 6pm.

4. Nico — 11 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (thai food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-26 per person Best for: families

Nico has been operating in Vermont South 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 47 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

What Nobody Tells You About Vermont South

The Glen shopping centre nearby. Vermont South is well-served by bus connections. The best thai food options here reflect Vermont South’s character. Whether you’re based in Vermont South 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.

5. Mia — 208 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (thai food) Worth the detour Cost: $16-24 per person Best for: remote workers

Mia has been operating in Vermont South for since 2019 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 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The seasonal special ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Vermont South roaster — ask which one.

6. Iris — 186 Thomas Avenue, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (thai food) Worth the detour Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: remote workers

Iris has been operating in Vermont South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

Capacity is around 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Thomas Avenue is usually fine.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Vermont South farmers market when it runs.

7. New Press — 81 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

New Press has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. Lena’s — 185 Thomas Avenue, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Lena’s has been operating in Vermont South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($12) 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 36 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The crispy chicken ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

9. Ava’s — 203 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (thai food) A solid local spot Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Ava’s has been operating in Vermont South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($17) 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 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Thomas Avenue is usually fine.

Come back for: The sourdough bread ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best thai food options in Vermont South?

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

Is Vermont South good for best thai food?

Yes. Vermont South has 9+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Vermont South known for?

The Glen shopping centre nearby.

How far is Vermont South from Melbourne CBD?

Vermont South is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Vermont South: 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