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Derby Thai St KildaB+Worth Trying
2/52 Fitzroy St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
· Thai restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (959 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Casual Thai spot with broad menu, generous portions on classics, some inconsistency and service hiccups; great for value seekers and vegans, less ideal for late-night lingerers.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Derby Thai delivers reliable casual Thai dining with solid food quality and appealing beachside location, but inconsistent execution across visits and variable service reliability prevent a higher grade. Generous portions and fair pricing on classics make it competitive with respected neighborhood Thai restaurants, though it lacks the consistency and distinction needed for grade A territory.
Restaurant Summary
On Fitzroy Street, Derby Thai feels warm and buzzing with indoor and sidewalk seats, low lights, and easygoing service. Diners describe hearty plates and unfussy hospitality, noting friendly staff on most visits, though peak times can feel rushed. One guest put it simply: "Portions were generous and satisfying." Cooking here leans classic Thai over theatrics: curries, stir-fries, fried rice, and noodles with faithful flavors. Highlights include comforting Khao Soi, fragrant Tom Yum, and crowd-pleasing Pad Thai. It suits casual dinners, groups, and anyone craving reliable spice and value rather than avant-garde fusion. Premium duck or prawn specials can feel pricier, so stick to the staples for best value. Families will find kid-friendly choices like mild Pad Thai, fried rice, roti, coconut rice, and satay. The menu lists many vegan and gluten-free options, and spice can be dialed down. No specific kids menu is noted, but familiar noodles and rice keep younger eaters happy.
At a Glance
- Generous portions and fair prices on classic Thai dishes
- Broad vegan and gluten-free options with tofu across categories
- Service and flavor consistency vary by day and time
- Premium duck/seafood dishes can feel overpriced for portion size
- Lively St Kilda location with indoor and outdoor seating
What Sets It Apart
- Broad vegan and gluten-free options
- Hard-to-find Khao Soi
- Generous portions on classics
What People Love
- Hearty, satisfying portions
- Staples like Pad Thai and Massaman
- Warm, helpful service on most visits
- Happy hour beer deals
Points of Concern
- Inconsistent flavors across visits; some dishes arrive bland or overly salty
- Late-night seating cutoffs feel abrupt; guests report being rushed near closing
- Occasional long waits and order mix-ups without apology
- Premium seafood and duck items may not match price-to-portion expectations
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average CostA$32-44 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Choose mains around A$17-20 for best value; add coconut rice (A$5) to curries
- Dessert fans: mango sticky rice at A$14 is tasty but priced as a treat
- Vegan diners: try Thai Style Eggplant Basil (A$22) or Drunken Noodles (A$18)
Perfect For
- Casual weeknight Thai cravings
- Budget-friendly group meals
- Pre- or post-beach bites
- Vegans and gluten-avoiders seeking choices
Location Insights
Area: Tree-lined Fitzroy Street in beachside St Kilda, lively mix of bars, cafes, hotels, and tourists plus locals.
Safety: Generally busy and well-trafficked; typical nightlife bustle, standard urban caution late night.
Nearby: Near hotels, Luna Park, St Kilda Beach, tram routes; footfall from visitors and residents.
St KildaSt Kilda offers a diverse dining scene ranging from casual eateries to trendy cafes and bars. The area is popular for its relaxed, bohemian atmosphere and attracts a mix of locals and visitors seeking beachfront dining and nightlife.
Fitzroy StreetFitzroy Street is the main strip in St Kilda, known for its concentration of restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. It is a bustling area popular for casual dining and takeaway options, with a lively street atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–22:00
Tuesday11:00–22:00
Wednesday11:00–22:00
Thursday11:00–22:00
Friday11:00–22:00
Saturday12:00–22:00
Sunday12:00–22:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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