Upper Ferntree Gully 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. Blue Commons — 204 Victoria Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $19-37 per person
Blue Commons is the benchmark for thai food in Upper Ferntree Gully. 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 ($19) as a main, plus massaman to share. Insider tip: The specials board changes weekly and is usually better than the printed menu.
2. The Red Commons — 354 Market Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $19-31 per person
This is the locals’ pick — less polished than Blue Commons 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 ($19). Simple, executed perfectly. Pro tip: BYO wine on Tuesdays ($5 corkage).
3. The Little Kitchen — 135 Market Road
Hours: Mon-Sat 5:30pm-11pm Price: $23-42 per person
The Little 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 ($21) is the dish that gets photographed most, but the massaman ($26) is the one regulars order.
When to go: Sunday lunch is the sweet spot. Same food, half the crowd.
4. The Good Bench — 184 Market Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $14-31 per person
The takeaway option on this list. The Good Bench 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 Upper Ferntree Gully. The green curry ($14) is the standout.
5. The Lucky Social — 290 Charles Road
Hours: Tue-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10pm Price: $23-36 per person
A solid all-rounder. Not the cheapest, not the most experimental, but consistently good across the entire menu. The pad thai ($24) and the wok-charred ($21) are both worth ordering. The wine list is surprisingly thoughtful for a thai food place.
Quick Comparison
| Restaurant | Best For | Price (pp) | Bookings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Commons | Overall best | $19-37 | Recommended Fri-Sat |
| The Red Commons | Locals’ favourite | $19-31 | Walk-in only (weeknights) |
| The Little Kitchen | New opening | $23-42 | Yes, via website |
| The Good Bench | Best takeaway | $14-31 | Counter service |
| The Lucky Social | All-rounder | $23-36 | Recommended weekends |
Thai Food Price Guide — Upper Ferntree Gully
| Category | Price Range | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $8-14 | Counter-service, takeaway, no frills |
| Mid-range | $18-32 | Sit-down, proper menu, decent wine list |
| Premium | $50+ | Tasting menus, premium ingredients |
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 Market Road is metered until 6:30pm. Side streets are usually 2-hour. After 6:30pm, most are free. Best option: Public transport options in Upper Ferntree Gully.
Dietary: Every restaurant listed handles vegetarian requests. Vegan and gluten-free: call ahead to confirm, but most are accommodating.
Delivery: The Good Bench and Blue Commons 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
- Lilydale Thai Food
- Mooroolbark Thai Food
- Upper Ferntree Gully Cheap Eats — when budget matters
- Upper Ferntree Gully Bars — post-dinner drinks
- All Upper Ferntree Gully Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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- Cheap Eats in Upper Ferntree Gully
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