Best Thai Food in Essendon — 2026 Guide

Essendon has a thai food scene that punches well above what you’d expect. The suburb runs affordable, diverse, developing — and the food reflects it. We’ve eaten at every thai food spot in the area and these are the ones worth your time and money.

Expect to pay $18-32 per person for a proper sit-down meal. The cheaper end gets you wok-charred, the higher end gets you pad thai done properly.

Our Top Picks

1. The High Room — 302 Albert Avenue

Hours: Wed-Sun 5:30pm-10pm Price: $17-28 per person

The High Room is the benchmark for thai food in Essendon. The green curry is what most people order, and for good reason — it’s consistently excellent. The larb is the other standout, done with genuine care rather than the paint-by-numbers approach you get at chain spots.

The room seats about 45 and fills on Friday and Saturday nights. Midweek you’ll walk straight in. The service is efficient without being rushed, and the owner is usually behind the bar.

Order this: The nam tok ($17) as a main, plus massaman to share. Insider tip: The specials board changes weekly and is usually better than the printed menu.

2. Pearl’s — 190 Main Parade

Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10pm Price: $16-24 per person

This is the locals’ pick — less polished than The High Room but arguably more flavour per dollar. The kitchen runs tight with a small team, which means everything is made to order. The pad thai here has a depth that comes from doing the same dish three hundred times until it’s muscle memory.

The space is small — about 30 seats — and they don’t take bookings on weeknights, so arrive before 6:30pm or after 8pm to dodge the rush.

Best dish: The wok-charred ($16). Simple, executed perfectly. Pro tip: BYO wine on Tuesdays ($5 corkage).

3. Gus Kitchen — 345 Bourke Avenue

Hours: Wed-Sun 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $15-25 per person

Gus Kitchen opened in late 2025 and has already built a following. The menu is short — eight dishes — which is usually a good sign. Everything on it is considered. The larb ($24) is the dish that gets photographed most, but the massaman ($23) is the one regulars order.

When to go: Sunday lunch is the sweet spot. Same food, half the crowd.

4. The Red Standard — 365 Johnston Lane

Hours: Tue-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-11pm Price: $22-30 per person

The takeaway option on this list. The Red Standard doesn’t have table service — you order at the counter and either take it home or eat at the three outdoor tables. The quality-to-price ratio is the best in Essendon. The green curry ($22) is the standout.

5. Finn Union — 71 Bourke Avenue

Hours: Tue-Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $14-30 per person

A solid all-rounder. Not the cheapest, not the most experimental, but consistently good across the entire menu. The pad thai ($25) and the wok-charred ($24) are both worth ordering. The wine list is surprisingly thoughtful for a thai food place.

Quick Comparison

Thai Food Price Guide — Essendon

Before You Go

Best time to visit: Weeknight dinners (Tue-Thu) for no wait. Friday and Saturday — book 3-5 days ahead for the top two spots.

Parking: Street parking along Albert Avenue is metered until 6:30pm. Side streets are usually 2-hour. After 6:30pm, most are free. Best option: Public transport options in Essendon.

Dietary: Every restaurant listed handles vegetarian requests. Vegan and gluten-free: call ahead to confirm, but most are accommodating.

Delivery: The Red Standard and The High Room are on Uber Eats and DoorDash. For better quality, order directly — delivery platforms compress your food in those bags and charge restaurants 30%.

Nearby Guides

• Melbourne CBD Thai Food
• Melbourne CBD Thai Food
• Essendon Cheap Eats — when budget matters
• Essendon Bars — post-dinner drinks
• All Essendon Guides

Last updated: March 2026

Keep Exploring

More in this area:

• Best Japanese in Essendon
• Cheap Eats in Essendon
• Best Restaurants in Essendon

Useful tools:

• Melbourne Food Guide
• Melbourne Rent Comparison Tool
• Explore Essendon