Best Thai Food in Wantirna South Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best thai food option in Wantirna South to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Northern Store is the one everyone knows. Sunny Lane is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Knox City Shopping Centre — one of Melbourne’s largest suburban malls. Wantirna 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 Wantirna South since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Nell’s — 141 Church Crescent, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (thai food) A local institution Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Nell’s has been operating in Wantirna South 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 48 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on River Drive is usually fine.

Order this: The fish special ($24) — the best version in Wantirna South Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Wantirna South roaster — ask which one.

2. Social — 131 Church Crescent, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (thai food) The one that surprised us Cost: $21-30 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Social has been operating in Wantirna South 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 37 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The fish special ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Remy Bench — 28 Creek Road, Wantirna South VIC 3152

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

Remy Bench has been operating in Wantirna South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 space seats about 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The pumpkin risotto ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Gus’s — 175 Church Crescent, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (thai food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: remote workers

Gus’s has been operating in Wantirna South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

The space seats about 62 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Victoria Lane is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

5. The High Bench — 201 Victoria Lane, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (thai food) The one that surprised us Cost: $15-30 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The High Bench has been operating in Wantirna South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 space seats about 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on River Drive is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Why Locals Stay in Wantirna South

Knox City Shopping Centre — one of Melbourne’s largest suburban malls. Westfield Knox. The best thai food options here reflect Wantirna South’s character. Whether you’re based in Wantirna 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.

6. House — 339 Creek Road, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (thai food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $14-23 per person Best for: dates

House has been operating in Wantirna South for over a decade 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.

Capacity is around 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Wantirna South farmers market when it runs.

7. Rex Yard — 82 Bell Grove, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (thai food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Rex Yard has been operating in Wantirna South for since the early 2020s 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 33 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

8. The Tall Pantry — 68 Bell Grove, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (thai food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Tall Pantry has been operating in Wantirna South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

The room holds 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bell Grove is usually fine.

Start with: The sourdough bread ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

9. Felix Kitchen — 138 Victoria Lane, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (thai food) A quiet achiever Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: remote workers

Felix Kitchen has been operating in Wantirna South for since 2019 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 37 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bell Grove is usually fine.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

10. The Half Social — 354 Victoria Lane, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (thai food) Worth the detour Cost: $14-29 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Half Social has been operating in Wantirna South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

11. Atlas — 361 Bell Grove, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (thai food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: solo diners

Atlas has been operating in Wantirna South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 space seats about 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Creek Road is usually fine.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($21) — the best version in Wantirna South Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Wantirna South good for best thai food?

Yes. Wantirna South has 11+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Wantirna South known for?

Knox City Shopping Centre — one of Melbourne’s largest suburban malls.

How far is Wantirna South from Melbourne CBD?

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

Wantirna South isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.

Last updated: March 2026