The 15 Best Thai Restaurants In Sydney

If you are seeking the finest Thai eateries that Sydney has on offer, then we think you’re in the right place. Thai food is one of our favourite cuisines, and we’ve tried many of the best Thai establishments in the city.

So, whether it is a deliciously flavoursome stir fry that you’re looking for, a delightfully light green curry, or hot and sour Tom Yum, then we’ve got you covered for quality Thai-hotspots in Sydney.

Sydney is renowned for its amalgamation of cultures, traditions and phenomenal food and it certainly delivers when it comes to the flavour sensation that is Thai cuisine.

Thai food is distinguished by its freshness, lavish spices and exotic fragrances. Your taste buds will get a workout and you may find you break out into a sweat when enjoying its sizzling hot pots, curries and spicy soups. It is a cuisine that delights the senses.

One of the under-appreciated secrets of Thai cuisine is the balance of salty, sweet, sour, bitter and hot. The best dishes are balanced, delicate and do not overpower.

Choose an authentic Thai eatery and you will experience the freshest local produce, seafood and meats, sourced from local markets daily. These quality ingredients will be combined with vibrant, zesty flavours and careful presentation.

The best Thai venues prepare authentic Thai food boldly and imaginatively, whilst carefully acknowledging beauty, flavour and texture. And for those with a taste for heat, fearsome chillies.

Whatever your reason is for seeking the delights of Thai food, you will not be disappointed by the wide range of excellence that Sydney boasts. Read on to discover the 15 best Thai restaurants in Sydney.

Chin CHin - Barra & Pad Seuw - Best Thai Restaurants in Sydney

Long Chim

Location: Corner of Pitt St & Angel Pl, Sydney NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9223 7999

According to TimeOut: “This is the best Thai food in Sydney right now, Hands down.”

Well, who are we to argue?

Serving what they describe as a taste of modern Bangkok, Long Chim is at the top of its game.

If you are seeking the highest standard of Thai cuisine then this restaurant is the spot for you. Each dish is crafted with the freshest and finest ingredients and the result is mouthwatering excellence.

Their Fish Cakes are a stand-out dish, alongside the complex Nong’s Eggplant. They boast both an A La Carte menu and a Set Menu, so there’s always something interesting to try, whatever the time of day.

Opening Hours: Mon — Fri: 12pm —3pm (Lunch), 5pm — 10pm (Dinner), Sat: 5pm — 10pm, Closed Sundays

Thai Foon

Location: Harbourside Shopping Centre, 2-10 Darling Dr, Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9281 2005

Thai Foon Restaurant in Darling Harbour Sydney offers vibrant Thai food with a stunning backdrop of Sydney’s skyline, Darling Harbour and Cockle Bay.

With authentic Thai food, attentive staff and breathtaking views, Thai Foon is one of Sydney’s finest Thai establishments.

The dishes are sourced from across Thailand, from the traditional Thai restaurants in Chiang Mai, the land of misty mountains in northern Thailand, to the sophisticated Royal Thai Restaurants in Bangkok. With local fresh ingredients Thai Foon delivers a memorable dining experience.

Our favourite dish is the Deep Fried Whole Fish with Sweet Chilli Sauce – very zesty, fiery and yet subtle too.

Thai Foon is set in the bustling Darling Harbour restaurant precinct, Thai Foon is close to the Sydney CBD, entertainment venues such as the IMax theatre, and great shopping locations such as Paddy’s Markets and the Harbourside Centre.

Going West? Perth has many excellent Thai restaurants. Read about them here.

Opening Hours: Open for Lunch and Dinner – seven days. 11am —11pm

Editor’s Note: We have heard that Thai Foon has closed. We will let you know when we know more. As this is the case, why not try this highly-rated dining spot instead…?

Holy Basil

Location: Meriton Suites Church Street, Shop 5/330 Church St, Parramatta, NSW 2150 Ph: (02) 9056 2789 & Shop SW.08 51 Tumbalong Blvd, Haymarket, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9145 8699 & 233A Canley Vale Rd, Canley Heights, NSW 2166 Ph: (02) 9727 7585

This dynamic Asian eatery features both Thai and Laos food on its menu. And Sydney-siders clearly like it as from one outlet in Parramatta, the restaurant now also has venues in Darling Square and Canley Heights.

With its opulent decor and prime position overlooking the Parramatta River, Holy Basil Parramatta makes quite a statement. Luckily, it’s serves food to match.

From the juicy Satay Chicken Skewers ($15.90) to the succulent Pork Belly in Chilli, Basil & Garlic Sauce ($29.90) everything is fresh and perfectly balanced. And if you like fish, you really should try the Holy Basil Signature Dish. This is a wonderful Fresh Crispy Snapper ($59.90), hidden under a crunchy thatch of Green Mango Salad and doused in Holy Basil Dressing. It’s really very good.

Whichever Holy Basil Thai you visit, we reckon you’ll agree its one of the finest Thai restaurants in Sydney.

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Thainamic

Location: 139 Norton Street, Leichhardt , NSW, 2040 Ph: (02) 9569 1600

Located in the famous Norton Street in Leichhardt, Thainamic’s relaxed and casual vibe has made it a local inner-west favourite for over a decade.

Thainamic promotes the freshness of its ingredients, the use of local produce and the authenticity of its traditional Thai recipes. This is unpretentious and honest Thai food at inexpensive prices.

Try the Massaman Beef Curry and the Larb Salmon, as both are delightful. The Duck Red Curry is very flavoursome and the Thainamic Pad Thai gives you that sweet-savoury-sour combo that makes the dish such a classic noodle stir fry.

Thainamic has also branched out into catering, with party trays available for corporate events, parties and large gatherings.

Opening Hours: Mon — Fri: 11.30am — 11:30pm, Dinner: Mon-Thu 5pm-9pm | Fri-Sat 5pm-10pm

Chin Chin

Location: 69 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010 Ph: (02) 9281 3322

Whilst there is certainly an Asian fusion spin on some of the dishes here, Chin Chin has enough Thai food to merit it’s inclusion in our look at the top Thai restaurants in Sydney.

This restaurant is a modern and trendy venue that boasts a dark side. In Thai culture, Chin Chin’s mistress is known as the nighttime and the lighting inside reflects this cultural twist.

Chin Chin - DIY Spring Rolls and Fritters - best Thai restaurants in Sydney

Their Fried Rice is utterly gorgeous and their White Fish Green Curry with Apple Eggplant is a blend of flavours that can only be attributed to the genius of Thai cuisine. Meanwhile, their DIY Spring Rolls are fun and interactive.

It’s also inexpensive and therefore makes for the perfect location for a date night (if you’re paying!)

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Chin Chin also has a sister restaurant in Melbourne. You can read our review of this famous venue here.

And if you’re looking for a great Thai in Brisbane, here are our recommendations

Opening Hours: Mon — Fri: 12pm — 11:30pm, Sat & Sun: 11am — 11:30pm

Boon Cafe 

Location: 1/425 Pitt St, Haymarket, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9138 8898

This fusion restaurant boasts both brunch and dinner style dishes with food influenced by traditional Northern Thai cuisine. And this means copious amounts of flavour and vegetables.

Their main focus is on authenticity and this is undoubtedly reflected in the high standard of food that is served here. They also boast a vast array of gorgeous cocktails to go alongside every single dish.

We predict that if you dine here, you will not be disappointed. Boon Cafe deserves it’s reputation as one of the best Thai restaurants in Sydney

Opening Hours: Mon — Sun: 8am — 8pm

Spice I Am

Location: 90 Wentworth Avenue, Surry Hills, NSW2010 Ph: (02) 9280 0928

This is one of the best places for Thai food in the entire country, never mind Sydney. Many of the dishes are award-winning, and for good reason. These flavoursome creations deliver a substantial punch.

Their head chef, Sujet Saenkham lives to present the most intricate, authentic Thai food. If suggest trying their Eggplant Stir Fry to see exactly why this place is so renowned.

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Opening Hours: Tues — Sun: 11:30am — 3:30 (Lunch), 5pm — 10pm (Dinner), Closed Monday

Restaurant Moon

Location: 346 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Ph: 0455 731 3436

This restaurant specialises in both traditional and modern dishes, ensuring that you receive a taste sensation like no other. Their degustation menu is $95 but it is definitely worth the price.

At Moon you can expect a Thai-European blend of seasoned meats and seafood.

It’s a heady mix and we reckon you’ll return time and time again.

Give it a go. We think it’s one of the best Thai restaurants in Sydney.

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Opening Hours: Tues — Sun: 5pm — 9:30pm, Closed Mondays

Joe’s Table

Location: 1/28 Kings Ln, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Ph: (02) 8385 7110

This restaurant is frequented for its Stir-Fried Pork Hock and Prawns. It’s a dish that is seasoned to perfection and showcases the finest ingredients in the whole city.

Whatever you order, at Joe’s Table you’ll have an amazing meal as Joe Kistana runs an eatery that is unbeatable. Sit back, relax and enjoy heartwarming service alongside some of the tastiest food that Sydney has to offer.

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Opening Hours: Mon: 11am — 3pm, Tues — Sat: 11am — 3pm (Lunch), 6pm — 10pm (Dinner), Closed Sunday

Cheng Kitchen

Location: 54 Campbell Street Haymarket, NSW 2000

If you are eager to try Thai cuisine that implements experimental tastes then Cheng Kitchen is definitely the right place for you.

It showcases Northern Thai food and the go-to order is one of its Khantoks. These raised trays include a gorgeous array of Thai curries, jams and relishes, rather like an Indian Thali.

All of their food is both delicious and affordable, so you are guaranteed to have a great evening without breaking the bank.

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Editor’s Note: Sadly, we’ve heard that Cheng Kitchen has closed.

Opening Hours: Mon — Sun: 10am — 11:30

Yok Yor

Location: Shop G06, 323 Castlereagh Street, Haymarket, NSW 2000 Ph: 0415 817 099

15 Best Thai Restaurants In Sydney

This restaurant was founded in 1982 and has ingrained itself into the very fabric of the city’s Thai-food scene. They use traditional methods of preparation and this becomes evident as soon as you take your first mouthful.

Their Som Tum Pu Pla Ra is incredible and their Pad Thai is also guaranteed to transport the weary-eyed traveler straight back to the streets of Thailand. As one of the top Thai restaurants in Sydney, this is not the spot to miss out on.

Why not try out our Must Make Chicken Satay Recipe?

Opening Hours: Sun — Tues: 11:30am — 10pm, Fri & Sat: 11:30am — 11pm

DoDee Paidang Also known as Doodee King

Location: Westfield Chatswood, Shop 330-331, 1 Anderson Street, Chatswood, NSW 2067

Wrap your jaws around the mouth watering Special Noodles at DoDee Paidang to see exactly why this is such a popular hotspot for all things Thai. After all, when a Tom Yum Soup is crafted from a traditional 30-year-old recipe, you can expect the flavours to be utterly sensational. No wonder this spot is amongst the finest Thai restaurants in Sydney.

Family tradition drives this business and it boasts a warm and inclusive ambience. You should also try their phenomenal Asian beers to wash down your food.

Opening Hours: Mon — Sun: 11:30am — Late

Papaya Thai

Location: 6/87 Spofforth Street, Cremorne, NSW 2090 Ph: (02) 9953 8989

When on the north side of the harbour, we’ve always found Papaya Thai to have a vibrant atmosphere, with impressive food, service and interiors.

The Kaeng Phed Ped Yang is a well-kept secret; a highly spiced red curry with boneless roast duck in chilli red curry combined with lychee, pineapple and cherry tomatoes to temper the heat. It’s a classic dish, but not for the faint-hearted.

If you like your seafood, try the Yum Talay, a fabulous dish from the east of Thailand – grilled fresh water scampi, blanched calamari rings, fish fillets, prawns, mussels and scallops topped with a traditional Thai salad.

Also consider the Pla Sam Ros, a whole barramundi, deep fried and dressed with sweet chilli sauce, tamarind sauce, kaffir lime leaves, chopped long chilli and basil topped with fried enoki mushrooms served on a bed of lightly stir-fried bok choy. It’s quite a dish.

Fancy dining at home? Take advantage of Papaya Thai Express, the restaurant’s new (2022) venture.

Opening Hours: Mon — Sun: 4pm — 10pm

Caysorn Thai 

Location: 106/8 Quay Street, Prince Centre Building Level 1, Haymarket, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9211 5749

The meals at Caysorn are prepared and cooked with love. This restaurant’s ethos centres around creating the best family-style Thai food whilst utilising only the finest authentic ingredients.

The food here packs a flavoursome punch and you could become another loyal Caysorn diner overnight. The service is as friendly as the food is exquisite. We’re quite smitten and have returned a few times to satisfy our Thai-cravings.

Do you love Asian-style cakes and desserts? Check out our review of Black Star Pastry – home of the famous Strawberry Watermelon Cake.

Opening Hours: Mon — Sun: 11am — 9:30pm

Ta Ta Thai

Location: 15 Hayes St, Neutral Bay, NSW 2089 Ph: (02) 9908 3159

Ta Ta Thai is more of a cafe than a fine restaurant.

However, though the food is simple, wholesome fare, it is inexpensive and served with a smile. Expect Khao Pad (Thai fried rice) in big portions and authentic Tom Yum Goong.

Stir fry like a pro with one of these durable, attractive Woks. After all, you can cook so many dishes with a wok – from stir fries to curries to baked beans!

You’ll find a mixture of western dishes too (particularly with the breakfast menu) but our advice is to stick with the Thai dishes.

We recommend trying the restaurant’s signature dish, Crying Tiger, and the Seared Scallops with deep fried spinach and home-made sauce.

Opening Hours: Tues — Sun: 9:00am — 9:30pm

Home Thai

Location: Shop 1-2, 299 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9261 5058

This wholesome restaurant serves delicious dishes that will undoubtedly leave you satisfied. They are also inexpensive and no dish on the menu is priced over $35.

The food, however, is definitely elite. A favoured choice is the mixed papaya salad or the delightfully crispy pork served with broccoli. Give it a try and you’ll see why this humble eatery makes our list of the top Thai restaurants in Sydney.

Opening Hours: Mon — Sun: 11am — 11pm

Chat Thai

Location: 20 Campbell Street Haymarket, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9211 1808

This restaurant boasts mouth-watering yet inexpensive food. The dishes here are prepared with care, making us of only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients.

Their crispy Spring Rolls are delightful and don’t get us started on their Yellow Crab Curry.

Oh. And you should definitely try their coconut ice cream to refresh your palate after enjoying all their incredible spicy dishes.

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Opening Hours: Mon — Sun: 11am — 10pm

Alphabet Street

Location: 5/8 Kingsway, Cronulla, NSW 2230 Ph: (02) 9544 0756

If you like to combine yummy Thai food with a great view then this is the right spot for you. Situated a stones throw from Cronulla Beach it seamlessly blends traditional and modern Asian cuisine.

You can find a wide range of Thai dishes on offer here and they also offer a takeaway option. You’ll be in awe of this place!

Opening Hours: Tues — Thurs: 5pm — 10pm, Fri & Sat: 12pm — 3pm (Lunch), 5pm — 10pm (Dinner), Sun: 12pm — 3pm (Lunch), 5pm — 9pm (Dinner), Closed Mondays

Chum Tang

Location: Shop 4, The District Podium Level, Chatswood Interchange 436, Victoria Ave, Chatswood, NSW 2067 Ph: (02) 9419 2872

This restaurant boasts flavours that are undoubtedly more punchy than your local Thai joint. It’s just one reason why we’ve included it amongst our best Thai restaurants in Sydney

With such distinctive Thai flavours in every dish, dinner at Chum Tang transport you to the streets of Thailand. So not surprisingly, this is the go-to-place for those who have traveled the country and tasted the authentic flavours for themselves.

Book a table here in relive those weeks backpacking in South East Asia.

Opening Hours: Mon — Sun: 11pm — 10pm

Off to the City of Churches? You should check out our guide to eating Thai food in Adelaide.

Khao Pla

Location: Shop 7/370-374, Victoria Avenue, Chatswood, NSW 2067 Ph: (02) 9412 4978

This restaurant has won a multitude of awards over recent years. It delivers some of the finest Thai food in the city, but is located away from the CBD and trendy inner-east and inner-west suburbs.

Instead, you’ll find Khao Pla, in the unassuming suburb of Chatswood, on the north side of the harbour. Whilst not blessed with Harbour views, Chatswood has a burgeoning reputation for authentic and spicy Thai food.

The dishes that tantalise the tastebuds come from head chef, Pla. It’s no surprise to learn that Pla has worked in some of the top Asian restaurants around Australia.

This is a restaurant where only fresh ingredients make it into their curries. What’s more, all of their pastes are made in-house. The pork ribs are fabulous (and have won awards) and indeed the restaurant won Best Thai in 2016’s Gourmet Traveller Guide.

The food is a mix of traditional Thai favourites, created using innovative, modern techniques (and plenty of spices) to create a unique collection of plates. The dishes are beautifully balanced, the portions are generous and the prices are very reasonable.

All in all, Khao Pla is a worthy inclusion in our top Thai restaurants in Sydney.

Opening Hours: Mon — Sun: 11pm — 10pm

Muum Maam Barangaroo

Location: International Towers, SHOP 6/23 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 8252 0121

Surry Hills’ loss is Barangaroo’s gain with the change of premises for chic, but relaxed Thai eatery, Muum Maam.

Here, seasonal produce is elevated using traditional Thai flavours and a few new tricks.

Open with the Moreton Bay Bug Betel Leaf, doused in lip-puckeringly good Lime, Chilli & Toasted Coconut. For Main, the Whole Fried Snapper is an impressive dish. Accompanied by Sweet & Sour Tamarind Sauce, Chilli & Cashew Nuts, it packs both flavour and texture. If you prefer plant-based dining, there are vegan and vegetarian options, but not a huge selection. That said, the Green Curry of Pumpkin Tofu, Green Bean & Sweet Basil is lush.

Of course, as this is situated in Barangaroo, the setting is almost worth the price of the food alone. Grab a table on the edge of the promenade and people watch whilst you tuck into a bowl of Salt & Pepper Calamari and sip on a Ginger Mojito.

If you find yourself over in Barangaroo, why not check out these dining and drinking spots?

Dylan Cole