Feast on Flavour with the Best Thai Restaurants in Adelaide

If you’re lucky enough to have ever travelled to Thailand, we're sure you'll have lasting memories of the people, the scenery, the culture, the colours and sounds and most importantly, the food. Unfortunately, some things you just can’t bring home with you, resulting in living vicariously through your old Instagram photos in a tropical fever dream. The one thing you can do to relive the magic is indulge in the food and drink at the Thai restaurants Adelaide has to offer.

With spices, seasonings and smells that pack a punch, here's our pick of the best Thai restaurants in Adelaide that will momentarily transport you back to that carefree paradise you’re yearning for.

Golden Boy

Head to the corner of Adelaide’s beautiful North Terrace on the border of the CBD for the vibrant flavours of Golden Boy. Contemporary Thai dining at its finest, with food as attractive as the tropical décor that surrounds you, we recommend starting your meal with their standout dish of Kingfish sashimi with nam jim, coconut cream, kaffir and zesty finger lime. With flavours and textures like these, plus the moody and vibrant venue, there’s a reason for their multiple award wins, including five time ‘Best Thai Restaurant’ accolade.

309 North Terrace, Adelaide

Soi 38

Soi 38's sleek and stylish digs set the scene for some seriously good Thai feasting. The menu takes you on a Thai journey, showcasing the origin of each dish you order, and there are some very delicious cocktails to start the night off right. We highly recommend one of their curries or the grilled beef skewers. Hate decisions? Strap in for a shared three-course ‘Tour of Thailand’ or go a little less bold with ‘A Day in Bangkok’ and enjoy snacks and salads, curries and stir-fries.

74 Pirie Street, Adelaide

Kiin

Vibrant Thai-inspired eats get the modern-day treatment at pretty as a picture Kiin (meaning 'eat' in Thai). Brought to you by the former chef and partner at Brisbane’s stellar Same Same, his acclaimed Thai-inspired food - with a few Western influences - is sure to stun. Enjoy the likes of creamy burrata served with green nam jim and roti, a sashimi grade tuna crudo, mushroom ‘laab’ with lime leaf, mint, chilli and roasted rice and charred chicken green curry. This truly is one of the best Thai restaurants in Adelaide.

73 Angas Street, Adelaide

Mrs Q

If you’re after some of the best looking modern Thai food available, get yourself to Mrs Q and take in the art deco surroundings of the historic Loft Wine Bar in Gouger Street. Offering a seasonal menu with strong Thai influence, Mrs Q fuses modern and classic Chinese, Vietnamese and Indonesian flavours in a spectacular style, accompanied by inspired cocktails. This is a unique experience of a taste of Asia in a building rich with history and stories.

1/128 Gouger Street, Adelaide

Star of Siam

Grab a table inside or go alfresco for a flavour-packed experience at Star of Siam restaurant. Take your time browsing the menu before choosing from a variety of dishes that cover a little bit of everything across Thai classics and Star of Siam signature dishes. Be sure to try the simply exquisite ‘sea star’ dumplings and pandan chicken with sweet chilli dipping sauce. If you don’t feel like eating in, you could always grab a lunch special or takeaway to enjoy at home.

67 Gouger Street, Adelaide

Nu Thai

Dishing up Bangkok cuisine, Thai street food & Asian-fusion menu, using local ingredients for clean, robust flavours, Nu Thai is considered one of the best Thai restaurants in Adelaide for a reason. This is a smooth operator, with sleek interiors and dishes often delivered with a creative twist. We love the chive dumplings, Thai fried rice, crispy chicken and chilli barramundi – best for those who can handle their spice.

228 Morphett Street, Adelaide

VON Thai

Very Own Neighbourhood VON Thai is bursting with colour, fragrance and style. Their menu of modern Thai delights offers up everything from tom yum soup, chilli jam fried chicken, roasted sous vide duck curry and rich desserts including a dreamy and creamy panna cotta with Vietnamese coffee that’s bound to seal the deal on this great meal. Browse their drinks menu for glasses of sheer decadence to compliment your meal with aperitifs, cocktails, wines and everything in-between.

264 Flinders Street, Adelaide

Kin Kin Thai Eatery

Designed for sharing with friends and loved ones, the Kin Kin Thai Eatery menu takes you from ‘first bite’ through to ‘a bit more’ with curries, rice and noodle, grilled and wok dishes. If you can’t decide, simply say ‘Pin-To’ (meaning a food carrier of a complete meal) and put your trust in their team of experts who will take care of everything for you, we are sure they will not disappoint. This is a brilliant spot to catch up with friends, with all dietaries catered for and a dish for even the pickiest eaters.

4/242 Hutt Street, Adelaide

Thai Orchid

Situated on the popular Esplanade of Henley Beach, Thai Orchid serves spectacular food from their restaurant, or at the slightly less formal High Tide Bar with tables overlooking the beach. Particularly enjoyable in summer with that ocean view and breeze, choose from sumptuous seafood dishes, classic favourites and starters to nibble on as you sip your way through an extensive list of cocktails, beers and cider, wines and soft drinks. Our pick? The coconut cream pork and crispy prawns are delightful.

255 Esplanade, Henley Beach

Lantern by Nu

Step into a culinary journey and immerse yourself and your dinner guests in the authentic aromas and environment of one of Adelaide’s best Thai restaurants, Lantern by Nu. Cooking up a storm using innovative yet humble methods that have been passed down generations, their fresh and playful flavours are an expert combination of Thai street food and classic recipes that encapsulate the culture of Thailand. From pad kaprow moo (stir-fried pork belly), gluten free crispy chicken wings, Thai fried rice and beef curry, there is a dish to delight everyone. If you simply can’t decide, you can opt to leave it up to Chef Nu.

10 Selby Street, Adelaide

Social Street S2

Colourful, tasty and most importantly, authentic Thai food is the order of the day at Social Street S2, alongside generous and genuine service and a relaxed atmosphere across two locations. This is great for a laidback catchup or a quick in and out meal on the go. Hot tip: Try the chicken pad thai and dumplings in red curry sauce – both are packed with flavour.

174A Hutt Street, Adelaide

Shop 1/299 Montacute Road, Newton

Lemongrass

There is a lot to love about this simple but lively eatery with ample space indoors and alfresco on Rundle Street. Surrounded by some of the best food in the city in the East End, Lemongrass certainly holds its own and is well worth a visit when the cravings for Thai cuisine hit. Dietary requirements? No worries. The team at Lemongrass know their way around the menu and can make substitutions like gluten free noodles and vegetarian spring rolls to ensure no one misses out on the great food and good times. The green curry is a crowd favourite, but know the spice levels are not to be underestimated.

298 Rundle Street, Adelaide

Krung Thep Thai

A North Adelaide institution for those in the know, Krung Thep Thai serves up some seriously tasty stuff in an unassuming and welcoming restaurant. For an authentic feed be sure to try the flavourful Crying Tiger dish (otherwise known as Thai beef steak) or the duck curry. The staff are proud to be serving up delicious food that will take you to the streets of Thailand, and once you visit this one, you’ll understand why it’s a little hidden gem.

147 O’Connell Street, North Adelaide

8020bk

This one is a goodie. 8020bk is a contemporary crockpot of Thai fusion brilliance created by passionate chefs in a modern and welcoming space. The food is made to be enjoyed easily and casually with friends, with share dishes and plates packed with flavours and textures representing and paying homage to the bustling streets of Bangkok. With key elements featuring throughout the menu of sweet, sour, hot and salty, treat your tastebuds to the crab and mango salad, the Massaman lamb shank with mashed potatoes and roti, or the fried papaya salad. Finish it off with something sweet – the fried strawberry ice cream with berry sauce and pistachio definitely caught our eye.

36 Blyth Street, Adelaide

Rue de Siam

What do you get when you combine classic Thai flavours with French delicacies and finesse? Rue de Siam, of course. This brand-new Thai French fusion bar and restaurant has been gaining a bit of attention, and for good reason! Step back into the 1950’s when you walk through the door and settle in for a meal that will tantalise the taste buds. The seasonal menu showcases the best produce available, with the signature Siam kangaroo tartare, ratatouille and Five Money Bags – prawns wrapped in pastry with plum and mint jelly – being the standout dishes.

29 Bank Street, Adelaide

If you loved our picks of the best Thai restaurants in Adelaide and want more world flavours, get your next sitting booked in at one of Adelaide’s best Vietnamese Restaurants or a sizzling Korean BBQ Restaurant.