Finding a proper plate of Thai noodles when a craving hits shouldn’t feel like a gamble, whether you’re on a short lunch break or out for the evening.

That’s why I compared local menus, prices and service terms across Brisbane, from quick CBD lunches and live-music suppers to polished celebration dinners.

Here are the best Thai restaurants in Brisbane for noodles, curries and late-night eats.

1. Pochana Brisbane

Website: pochanabrisbane.com.au

Address: 163 Elizabeth Street

Contact: 07 3012 8751 (online reservations)

Hours: Lunch daily, 11:30 AM to 2:45 PM | Dinner Monday to Thursday, 5:00 PM to 9:45 PM | Dinner Friday to Saturday, 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM | Dinner Sunday, 5:00 PM to 8:45 PM

A late-night craving during an inner-city shift needs a table that’s still serving proper street food. 

Pochana Brisbane on Elizabeth Street answers that, with extended Friday and Saturday hours that keep Thai milk tea and spicy salads on offer long after other kitchens close.

I checked this myself. I called to ask about weekend dinner bookings, and staff walked me through their online reservation system and confirmed those extended hours.

The menu focuses on authentic Thai street food, with signature dishes like Pad Cha Seafood and Crispy Whole Barramundi. 

They serve lunch daily too, so professionals can grab a quick midday meal and groups can share plates.

The central Elizabeth Street location makes it a natural gathering spot for workers and groups.

However, they charge a 15% surcharge on public holidays and a $4 per person fee to bring your own drinks (BYOD).

Customer Reviews

Excellent Thai food! Solo dined during lunch rush and they were quick

Excellent Thai food! Solo dined during lunch rush and they were quick with service. I got the crispy pork and Chinese broccoli lunch special, and a side of corn fritters. Super flavorful with the right amount of spice! Ambience was nice with many group diners and it was packed. Ordered by QR code and food came within 10 minutes. Total came out to about $20.

Clam Chowder | Google Review

Genuinely the best Thai food I’ve ever had

It was super busy but service was still quick. The food was genuinely the best Thai food I’ve ever had- pork was the best pork I’ve ever eaten. The drinks were also delicious, we got the wheel of shots which was so fun. I definitely recommend and can see why it’s always so busy

Aurelia Albertini | Google Review

2. Doodee Boran

Website: doodeeboran.com

Address: Shop A, 46 Charlotte Street, QLD 4000

Contact: 0431 619 804 | [email protected]

Hours: Monday to Thursday, lunch 11:30 AM to 2:15 PM, dinner 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM | Friday to Sunday, lunch 11:30 AM to 2:15 PM, dinner 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM, supper 9:30 PM to 11:45 PM

Dinner options near Charlotte Street often turn out to be standard curry houses. Doodee Boran offers a focused noodle experience instead, specialising in local Thai favourites like beef noodle soup, chicken Pad Thai and green curry.

They cater well to groups with mixed diets, too. Separate menus cover dine-in meals, lunch specials, vegan options and drinks, so everyone can find something.

Their weekend schedule stands out as well, with late-night supper until 11:45 PM from Friday to Sunday. Live music starts at 10:30 PM during these sessions, which turns a standard meal into a lively night out.

However, the kitchen closes between lunch and dinner, from 2:15 PM to 5:30 PM, so an afternoon meal isn’t an option. 

Booking flexibility is also limited, which may make it harder for diners to secure their preferred reservation time. 

Customer Reviews

Had dinner at Doodee Boran Thai and really enjoyed it!

Had dinner at Doodee Boran Thai and really enjoyed it! The flavours were super authentic and full of spice 🌶️ The soups and noodles were definitely the highlights for us. Portions were generous and prices were reasonable too. The place can get quite busy, but the food came out pretty quick. If you’re craving proper Thai street food vibes, this place is worth trying!

Hannah O | Google Review

Every dish is full of flavours and food came out fast after ordering.

It’s a bit of a hidden gem and the entrance can be easily missed. We ordered the Namtok Beef Salad, Pad Thai Chicken, Pad See Ew Stewed Beef, Massamum Curry Beef, Green Curry Chicken and Tiger Prawn Chilli & Garlic. Every dish is full of flavours and food came out fast after ordering. The chilli has a bit of kick, but is bearable

William Lin | Google Review

3. Vela Restaurant

Website: velabrisbane.com

Address: Factory 2, 97 Boundary Street, West Village, West End QLD 4101

Contact: 07 3071 9380 | [email protected]

Hours: Lunch daily, 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM | Dinner Sunday to Thursday, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM | Dinner Friday to Saturday, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Celebrations often call for a polished venue rather than a standard casual eatery. Vela Restaurant sits inside the West Village precinct in West End and blends classic Thai traditions with a modern bistro look. 

They serve lunch and dinner daily, so corporate crowds and weekend diners both get a refined setting.

That feel carries into the visit itself. I visited their Boundary Street space to check the layout, and I noticed that access to West Village precinct parking takes the hassle out of arrival.

The menu matches the occasion, with signature cocktails, sharing banquets and popular weekend bottomless brunches that suit celebratory groups.

For bigger events, they offer tailored packages for private functions, and plenty of vegetarian and vegan options keep mixed groups happy.

However, dinner finishes earlier at 9:00 PM from Sunday to Thursday, compared with 10:00 PM on Friday to Saturday.

Customer Reviews

The mains were also of high quality

The ambiance of the place was so lively on a Friday night, and the decor is really top notch. Cocktail menu was super innovative, diverse and fun. The presentation was top notch with flavours to match. The lobster betel leaf was fresh, papaya salad crunchy and citrusy. The mains were also of high quality – the steamed fish was beautifully cooked and flavourful, the waygu beef was super tender. Menu was varied as well and had something for everyone.

Diane Nguyen | Google Review

He said every single penny was well spent.

The food is absolutely amazing! My husband isn’t usually into Thai food, but after trying the dishes here. He said every single penny was well spent. The duck curry is an absolute must-try—it’s so good we practically licked our plates clean! 😋

Yushi Lei | Google Review

4. not just Thai

Website: notjustthai.com.au

Address: 1/60 Vulture Street, West End QLD 4101

Contact: 07 3846 4830 | [email protected]

Hours: Lunch Thursday to Saturday, 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM | Dinner Sunday, Monday and Wednesday, 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Diners chasing deeper regional flavour often tire of standard suburban menus. On Vulture Street, not just Thai focuses on authentic regional Isaan cuisine alongside classic street food.

That depth comes from executive chef and owner Sasivimol Wongsri, who brings formal Bangkok culinary institute training and local Brisbane kitchen experience to every dish.

The kitchen pairs traditional Thai techniques with local Australian seafood, quality meats and seasonal produce. Signature dishes include aromatic Larb Gai, stir-fried cashew dishes and traditional Pad Thai.

And, aside from dining in, you can pick up takeaway or get delivery around West End, so you can enjoy those regional flavours at home.

However, they’re closed completely on Tuesdays, and lunch is only served from Thursday to Saturday. That leaves early-week lunch seekers out of luck.

Customer Reviews

The meals were delicious and had authentic Thai flavours

Such an awesome time and experience!!! The staff are super friendly and welcoming… The meals were delicious and had authentic Thai flavours and ingredients. The freshly shucked coffin bay oysters were my favourite part of the meal .

Paul Roue | Google Review

Everything is fresh and high quality,

One of the best Thai restaurants I’ve tried in Brisbane! Everything is fresh and high quality, and all the dishes are made to order. The crispy pork belly in Panang sauce was absolutely delicious. Their curry, Pad Thai, and stir-fried dishes were all amazing as well. I wish I had more time to explore their menu. The owners are so kind and welcoming—they felt like my own aunt and uncle. I would definitely come back if I ever visit Brisbane again.

Yaqing He | Google Review

5. Ari – Thai Street Food

Website: ari-thaistreetfood.com
Address: 6/158 Adelaide Street
Contact: (07) 3905 7358 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday–Friday: 9 AM–8 PM; Saturday–Sunday: 10 AM–6 PM

Ari – Thai Street Food serves authentic Bangkok recipes on Adelaide Street, with spice levels you can customise to your taste. Owner Yada draws on childhood memories and traditional family cooking for the menu.

That family cooking shows in the food. When I stopped by for a quick lunch last week, the rich, aromatic broth in their signature boat noodle soup took me back to the night markets in Thailand.

You can dine in, grab takeaway or get your order delivered, so a quick lunch like mine is easy to fit in.

However, they don’t accept split bills for group table payments, so one person has to pay for the whole table.

Customer Reviews

Seriously authentic Thai food. By far the best I have had in Brisbane.

Seriously authentic Thai food. By far the best I have had in Brisbane. Not pretentious just purely well made food. Venue is like a takeaway hole-in-a-wall so it’s not a restaurant in the traditional sense, so seating may be difficult with long wait times. Well worth the wait. 

• James H | Google Review

Ari Thai is as authentic to real Thai food as it gets.

I’ve never been to Thailand but I would imagine the food at Ari Thai is as authentic to real Thai food as it gets. The staff are friendly and when you walk inside, you feel you are transported to Thailand. My go to order is the tom yum fried rice which they make fresh and they cater to all spice levels which is great. Do yourself a favour and come here! You won’t be disappointed. 

• R D | Google Review