Rice, Spice & Everything Nice: the Best Thai Restaurants in Brisbane

Is it just me, or does everyone love Thai food? It’s fresh, flavourful, affordable, and the restaurants are often BYO. I know I’ve never second-guessed a pad see ew in my life, and I doubt I ever will.

If you’re similarly minded, or new to the flavourful world of Thai food, this article is going to tickle your fancy. Ready to explore our river city’s culinary offerings? Read on for the best Thai restaurants in Brisbane right now.

sAme sAme

Pared back, modern interiors and a textured aesthetic set the scene for a Thai meal to remember at sAme sAme. Here, Chef Arté Assavakavinong and his team embrace the diversity and breadth of Thai cuisine, and honour the traditional style of cooking fresh, premium produce over hot coals, or in a searing hot wok.

On the menu you’ll find seasonal specials along with tried and true diner favourites, which can be enjoyed banquet-style along the communal table, at a table facing the open kitchen, or on the bench by the window.

 Ada Lane, 46 James Street, Fortitude Valley

Short Grain

Short Grain, brought to you by co-owner and Executive Chef behind award-winning and twice-hatted Sydney counterparts Longrain Sydney (now closed) and Longrain Melbourne, Martin Boetz.

Now, Boetz has returned to his hometown to open a warm and inviting space in a heritage-listed building that once housed an Asian food store in the nineties. Take a seat at the wooden tables or along the banquette as you order places from the fragrant and exotic Thai menu to devour with your dear friends.

15 Marshall Street, Fortitude Valley

Vela

The first thing you’ll notice about Vela is the incredible interiors — we’re particularly obsessed with the moon suspended behind the bar and the fun LED wall art.

Once you get past the beautiful fit-out, it’s time to gape at the incredible cocktails and perfectly plated dishes spanning skewers, noodles, curries, salads and fried rice. Round out your meal with a caramel espresso martini —it’s only right.

West Village Factory 2, 97 Boundary Street, West End

Loving This Edit of the Best Thai Restaurants in Brisbane? You Might Also Like…

What’s On

Brisbane Food Markets for a Tasty Night Out

Hungry for something but you’re not quite sure what? These Brisbane food markets are the best place to start!

Read More

Restaurants

Brisbane’s Most Mouth-Watering Yum Cha

A delicious way to spend the day.

Read More

Lek’s Thai

Paddington Social by day, Lek’s Thai pop-up kitchen by night! Housed in a lovely old Queenslander, Lek’s Thai is the brainchild of Alex, one of the three chefs behind Paddington Social.

From massaman pulled pork curry puffs to crab meat fried rice, the dishes here will reinvent your idea of what your local Thai dinner should taste like.

167 Given Terrace, Paddington

Big Boy Bangkok

The vibe at Big Boy Bangkok is playful and the flavours are bold, with inspiration drawn from Bangkok’s iconic and dynamic street food scene. It’s all about sharing here so gather a group and dive head-first into the abundance of fresh flavours on offer. Kick off your meal with starters like scallop betel leaf and roti canai, then dive into larger mains covering off your wok-cooked favourites, curries and larger protein-packed plates like Thai-spiced Black Angus tomahawk and Bangkok-style brown clams.

2 Masters Street, Brisbane

Naga Thai

Naga Thai serves bold Thai flavours, high-energy hospitality, and a drinks list that should be framed. The menu heroes local ingredients, served with the signature Thai flavour combination of sweet, salty, sour and spicy. Looking for recommendations? Try Moreton Bay Bug pad Thai, royal flower dim sims, 180-day Jack’s Creek Black Angus pad see ew and a DIY papaya salad.

R2 Sidon Street, River Quay, South Bank

Ping Pong

Step straight into an Instagrammable wonderland tucked away in the Newstead Gasworks precinct at Ping Pong. With a strong pink aesthetic on their main dining floor, the floating bubble lights also change colour to add to the experience.

Once you’ve finished taking in the visual feast of this restaurant’s decor, explore their vibrant menu, packed full of plates that will tantalise your taste buds. The drinks list here is just as incredible — we’re partial to the cocktail slushies.

Gasworks, 76 Skyring Terrace, Newstead

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Doodee Boran Brisbane (@doodee_boran)

Doodee Boran

Doodee Boran is named for their specialty spicy doodee tom yum noodles, which are a must-try for any new visitors. You’ll find a mix of your favourites on the menu, like pad Thai, green curry and pineapple fried rice, as well as a diverse mix of soups, noodle dishes and small plates to conquer any appetite.

46A Charlotte Street, Brisbane City

Jumbo Thai

Jumbo Thai is a spacious Thai restaurant in the Brisbane CBD, ideal for a work lunch to escape the office, or Friday evening dinner to unwind and forget the week’s woes. The service here is quick and friendly, and the food is fresh and flavoursome — everything you want from your new favourite Thai spot.

Embassy Chambers, 214 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane City

Now that you’ve discovered the best Thai restaurants in Brisbane, enjoy more of what the city has to offer with our guide to Brisbane CBD cafes. Ready for an after-work drink? Check out the best happy hours across the city.

Writer

Lexie Mamo

19 December 2025

Lexie is the Brisbane Editor at Sitchu and has been part of the team since October 2020. Her background lies in fashion eCommerce and content marketing, having worked in digital roles across brands like Lorna Jane, Black Milk Clothing and dk active. A Brisbane native, Lexie covers food, lifestyle, events, and travel guides for the Sunshine State. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her reading, visiting coffee spots or snapping shots of her rescue cat for his Instagram account.