The best Thai restaurants on the North Shore (according to locals)
Don't Thai yourself into a knot over where to go for dinner - we've got you.
Melissa Mantle
February 19, 2025
You can almost taste the lemongrass, peanut sauce, pad Thai - is it our national dish yet? - and crunchy moneybags. Oh yes, it must be Thai night. But where to start in a city overwhelmed by choice? The North Shore Lorikeet put out the word, seeking your views on the best venues and dishes on the North Shore. Here are some of the best tips.
Open all week for dine-in or takeaway, the buzzy Papaya Thai has been in Cammeray for around 15 years. The restaurant was refurbished in 2020. A more innovative menu was introduced, while retaining a focus on local produce and classic Thai recipes.
Each month brings new specials - at the moment they are chicken larb, Thai lemon tea and mango sticky rice. Online orders through the restaurant website get you 10 percent off. It’s fully licensed and you can BYO wine.
Open 11am - 3:30pm, 4:30pm - 11pm every day.
Shop 3/506 Miller Street, Cammeray.
Open seven days, offering a mix of classic and modern (and spicy!) cuisine. The restaurant has been listed in The Sydney Morning Herald’s Good Food Guide. The pork ribs are a highlight.
Open 11am - 10pm every day.
Shop 7/370-374 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood.
Serving up organic vegetables from Boon Luck Farm in Byron Bay, Chat Thai captures those hard-to-find flavours craved by the Thai diaspora. It opened in 1989 and has been a staple ever since. Try the Gaeng Daeng Bped, a luscious red curry with five spice roast duck, pineapple, lychee, makrut lime leaves and Thai basil, for the ultimate summer-savoury dish.
Open 11am - 3:30pm then 4:30 - 9pm Sunday to Wednesday, then until 10pm Thursday to Saturday.
Shop 12/260 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood (in Chatswood Place).
Recently renovated Ivory Thai is a reasonably-priced Thai-Malaysian fusion joint with great value for money – especially if you order on the website, where you’ll get 15 percent off and free delivery. Lunch specials are around $13.
The house-made traditional toasted rice (khao kua) is fragrant and nutty, and pairs well with … everything, but especially Northeastern Thai dishes like larb and nam tok (beef salad).
Open 11am - 3pm then 5pm - 9pm Monday and Tuesday, and until 11pm Wednesday to Sunday.
123 Falcon Street, Crows Nest.
Founded by chef and restaurateur Srivilai Buddacharoen and her son Neil Krisralam, Thai Fusion’s recipes have been handed down through generations. The location - so close to the waterfront - is unbeatable.
We recommend the yellow curry with pork belly. Try it with coconut juice fresh from the coconut.
Open from midday until 9:30pm Tuesdays to Sundays. Closed Mondays.
11 Broughton Street, Kirribilli.
This smart cafe-by-day and Thai-restaurant-by-night is modelled after the quality-but-casual dining of Asia’s top hotels.
Owned by Thai restaurateurs Greg and Shanya Richardson, whose chefs use fresh, locally sourced produce to create feats - and feasts - of taste and texture. And vegans - the staff have got your back: the menu is unmarked, but they’re always more than happy to point out the delicious options.
Non-vegans, try the duck pancakes!
Open 5pm - 10pm Tuesday to Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday.
g3/182 -186 Blues Point Road, McMahons Point.
In the heart of Waverton village sits Tamarind Thai, a relaxed eatery that’s open every day and consistently serves quality Asian dishes. With soft banquette seating, meditative music, chandeliers and wooden panelling, it’s quite a serene space to catch up and eat well.
The pad see ew is done particularly well here.
And take note - get 10 percent off if you spend at least $60 on takeaway via the website. Deliveries (from Lave Cove to Milsons Point) cost from $3 to $6 depending on location.
Open Friday and Saturday 5pm - 10pm, and until 9:30pm Sunday to Thursday.
2/94a Bay Rd, Waverton.
Founded in 2001, Bai Yok is locally cherished for its consistent quality. Dine in to enjoy its comfortable yet luxurious decor, or order takeaway.
Its house favourites are the hoy jor – crab, prawn, pork and water chestnut wrapped in soya paper and served with plum sauce – and yum ped tod, duck with Lebanese cucumber, betel leaf and chilli lime dressing.
Bai Yok offers a 10 percent discount with cash payments and daily specials are available.
Open 5:30pm - 9:30pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Monday.
2a/122 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag.
Thumbnail image credit: Ruth Georgiev (left), Clem Onojeghuo (right)