Protip: Book before you come! True to their word, Cookie has chilli infused in pretty much every bit of their menu, so if you are not a fan of chilli I would highly suggest to turn elsewhere. Chilli is one of those places that you would never discover walking down the street, you have to know it to know it. Discreetly tucked away on the upper levels of Swanston St, you'd easily miss it if you didn't know where to look. Once inside you'll realise that it is actually absolutely pumping and has bookings through the roof (rooftop bar pun aha). Food is amazing here. There are so many things to choose from, small platters to large ones, most being Thai influenced flavours with sweet chilli sauces to pad thai to banana chillies to Thai sausages. Everything is just yum, so even if you close your eyes and picked a few you would still be blown away. Mmm mmm mmm. The cocktails are also lovely, there is an insane list to choose from and an extensive drinks and wine list that will rival the thickness of a dictionary. DOWNSIDE however. The bar is craptacular. There are not enough staff to cater for the insane number of people waiting. There is also no water service. You are serving chilli infused food, and there is no self serve water spots. To get water you'd need to go to the bar to get a refill from the barman. When asked to give a jug of water, they said that they don't do jugs. What the hell, that is food hospitality 101. Jar of water. Not very hard is it?? Service is also absolutely crap. Granted, it was very busy, but staff were generally quite dismissive and haughty. Not good. It's a pity, because the atmosphere and food are great but this place gets a few points taken off for poor hospitality and service. read more

Ok this is a nice bar, a lot of bottled beers from all over the world, and some vintage ones if you're willing to pay the price. Talking about price, 13$ for a Hoegaarden... I really wanted one so I did it, but coming from Europe I still have some troubles accepting the price for good beer in Melbourne. Came here on a monday night and it was already pretty noisy, can't imagine how it gets during the weekend. read more

Very high energy place with delicious Thai food. It's up a flight of narrow, dark stairs in a fun building that houses a bunch of other hip joints including movies on the roof! Cookie can get noisy but the food is worth the distraction. The "small plates" here are fairly large so an order of four or five small plates can easily feed three folks. The "larger" are generally larger in price, not size. read more

Cookie - Small plates - Thai Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Amazing food! We ordered 4 small plates which was heaps for two of us. Stuffed banana chilli; chicken fritters; smoked trout beetle leaf; snapper curry custard. Flavours were amazing with good spice. Think you know Thai, think again! Different to anything I've tasted. Better than the street food in Thailand. Drinks are pricey. Skip the drinks and go for the food if you're on a budget. read more

Vibrant atmosphere, great food, incredible selection of beer and wine. But service and support abysmal. Twice I tried to order a beer, and twice they brought a glass of wine; the first time, bartender returned with a different beer, second time, after pointing to it in the menu, waiter said they were out. Six of us at a table, waited 10 minutes and two requests for water before getting it ourselves. Food for four arrived, then 15 minutes later, food for the other two arrived. Menu is quite varied, but no indications anywhere of dishes that are, oh, say, spicy? Vegan or vegetarian? Gluten free? Contain nuts? Spicy? One ordered soup only to find that it was too spicy for her Good condiment tray with chilies three ways, but, while we were eating, a waiter asked if we were done with it! We said no; yet, 10 minutes later, it was gone even though we were still eating. STOP BEING IN SUCH A HURRY TO GET HOME!!! Didn't help that kitchen staff, with kitchen closing at 11:00, began to occupy the balcony tables, making it difficult to walk by; and that they were smoking. And that one of us wanted to get some fresh air but couldn't sit at what should have been an unoccupied balcony table. When I asked the manager to turn the music down slightly, the volume rose. Yes, a big ask but when I explained that one of us wanted to get some fresh air and escape a bit of the noise but all three balcony tables were occupied. By staff! The manager expressed a modicum of sympathy and asked if she's okay. But he didn't see fit to go and check. Or to apologize. Or to comp even one dish. All of this on a Friday night just after 11:00, when dining area is still 1/3 occupied. Sorry but, when you spend $50-70 per person, we should not feel rushed to finish the meal or that we have to compete for space or air with the staff! read more

What a cool place, with a great vibe, smooth tunes and gorgeous decor. The food, Thai based, is light and flavoursome with tastes well balanced. On a low FODMAPS diet it was easy for me to identify things I could eat. The banana leaf chicken was my personal favourite. My mum said it was the best Thai she has ever had. The wine, cocktail and beer lists are long and expansive- however there's no sparkling red to be had. There didn't seem to be a rhythm to the order food was delivered- some quickly after ordering, and some much longer. It didn't make much sense, especially as the rice (which would have been good from the start), came out last. This place loses a star because not all of our order came, because it turned out it was never ordered. It's extremely frustrating when restaurants adopt a notepad free method of taking orders, for orders to end up incomplete. It was a non event for us really, who were quite full- but when you're looking forward to something, finding out at 10.40pm that it's not on its way is annoying. The waiter said it could be made, but after you've been waiting a while, it just sucks to find out. Anyway. I'll be back, for sure. Hopefully to try the meal I missed! read more

Good times had at cookie. Its always a destination that you bring someone that is new to Melbourne or hasn't been here before. Its a good meeting point for friends to come to and there is lots to do at the Curtain house building. I find that i don't always attend cookie level, its more like the toff or rooftop where you'll see me at. Worth a check out and a good destination to show people. Def is a good representation of what melbourne is all about read more

Amazing food - perfect service and great staff choosing a fabulous banquet catering for 12+guests including a vegetarian. Outstanding meal! Highly recommend!!!! read more

The place has loud music, bizarre wall art and red lighting. I might forgive this if the food was really good, but it was rather ordinary (pad thai and green chili chicken and dumplings, scallops and calamari) and expensive. Won't go back, too many other places to try. It was busy when we were there about 8pm. read more

Ok, I know everyone is raving about this place but I have to say, sure it's a good place to go for a drink, but when it comes to the food, yeah I'm not too sure. Let me explain. The service can be totally crap, not just bad but really bad. I've been here tonnes of times for farewell lunches and each time they've forgotten to bring us something. I never got my drink the first time around, even after I had asked then 3 times. Another time, my food never came. Everyone had almost finished their meal when I was finally told they ran out of the ox tongue. I think there are other places in the city that can compete with Cookies level of food and drinks, but also totally top them in the service department. I'm sorry guys, I know it might have just been my bad luck, but I may be one of those rare people in Melbourne that isn't a real fan. read more

Cookie - Thai Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Cookie is modern thai fusion and they do it super well. You can pick between or a combination of small, medium and large dishes that are best enjoyed in a happy haze of sharing and sampling. The cocktails here are amazing (try the long island iced tea). The guys behind the bar know their stuff and will happily mix you something off menu if you ask nicely. (One time, one of the cast members of Laguna Beach was working behind the bar and I was totally overwhelmed because he knows Lauren Conrad, and then he started dating my friend, but that's another story.) The place gets very busy though so you have to book. One of my favourite things about Cookie is the little balcony tables which have a great view of Swanston street. Everyone knows Swanston on ground level but it is a whole different experience seeing it from one storey up. The place is divided roughly in three with a super-dark little bar right at the back and around the corner. It's a really fun spot and a true Melbourne institution. And I don't think you will taste better coconut rice anywhere. The only downside is it is freakin loud. read more

I've been pondering for ages how I feel about this place. I first stumbled upon it after having a few drinks at the Rooftop bar. And getting hungry. There are some things that I think Cookie does very well. The food, is, for the most part, delicious. Traditional and fusion thai food, the flavours are amazing and the portions are pretty huge. I've had the red fish curry (flavours were seriously good but lacked a bit on the actual seafood), the green chicken curry, pad thai, a minced chicken and banana dish and a few other bits and pieces. I have always found the staff to be very friendly and helpful when choosing dishes, its definately personalised, relaxed service and not in the least bit formal. I guess my main gripe with Cookie is the way the seating works. All of the tables are really close together - which I always find frustrating when dining. Last time my friend and I sat wedged in between a table of office workers and an elderly couple - needless to say our conversation was limited and we almost felt as though we were having dinner with the tables next to us. I think that if they took out a few tables it would make the experience much better for everyone. I'd be very up for heading back to Cookie to try out the bar area but I wouldn't go back to eat in the evening, purely due to the seating issue. I'd recommend it though for a delicious meal if you can pop in during the day or don't mind feeling cosy with your fellow diners. read more

Here is a tip, for the busy nights, try to go right around the back of the bar and there is a small cocktail bar there. Much quieter and you can get served quicker. Overall, I like this place, but I have only been for drinks so far. read more

This place is tucked away in the first floor of Curtin House on Swanston St. Busy, noisy, open and spacious don't plan on a quiet intimate get together at this place but it's great for friends to catch up and enjoy good food, and spend a good deal of time looking over the insanely long wine and beer lists available. Service was a little slow at times but we weren't in a rush so we didn't mind as long as the wine still flowed. We selected a variety of 'small' dishes to share as entrees. I selected the pumpkin & coconut curry which was delicious with a real kick to it. The others chose fish dumplings and some kind of prawn number which they all assured me was really good. For main I had green chicken curry with steamed rice & roti. Bloody lovely. Someone had mussels, someone had pork belly, others had more fish dishes. Everyone was very satisfied. Sadly no room for dessert, besides, we needed to get to the rooftop bar before the storm hit. read more

See all

Came for late night drinks mid week. Great atmosphere. Drinks were yummy and creative. Would love to come back to try their menu.

It's a pretty okay place. It's where we usually go in the beginning of the night to decide where we are going later.. read more

Cookie - Thai Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Cookie is a nicely fitted out bar and restuarant great for a lunch or dinner visit. the food is a little expensive, but a great range of quality meals and huge range of wine, beer and cocktails. The staff are helpful with the menu and the food is tasty and filling. It does get quite noisy at night. read more

I come here for the beer. Not living in Melbourne I don't get to the suburban bars so it is nice to find a place that have a good vibe and knowledgeable bar staff. Go range of beer on tap and more by the bottle. read more

Cookie - Thai Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Cookie is another one of those Melbourne institutions that only those who live here seem to know about. From the non-descript entry on Swanston Street which almost defies you to find the place, you go up some equally anonymous stairs and through a small doorway before emerging into the unique interior of Cookie. Once inside, you'll be greeted by a well stocked bar with a dark wooden façade that looks like it was stolen from some Swiss chalet and airlifted directly here in one peice, while in the dining area kitschy table cloths, surreal wall murals and other eye candy await to surprise the first time visitor. The food is billed as Asian homestyle cooking, and the menu is peppered with exotic dishes you won't find on any other Asian menu in town. Of course, the food is absolutely fantastic, and eating here is an absolutely adventure as well as a gastronomic delight. Somehow the incongruous mix of decor and Asian food blend well, and combined with the great selection of imported beers, friendly wait staff and bustling city crowd, a visit to Cookie is an experience, not just a meal. Booking recommended, especially Friday and Saturday, and be warned, Cookie gets quite noisy. read more

If you after beer thats one of those places to go in melbourne! a huge offer on beers whether on tap or bottled but also a nice selection of wine. Food is nice, huge serves! In summer its nice to sit on one of those table outside! Booking recommended especially friday saturday! read more

Love this place, great food and atmosphere always great and awesome beer, spirits and wine list. read more

Cookie - Cured kingfish , pineapple, orange, mint and chilli salad. Oh yeah. - Thai Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

See all

This place was amazing, I can't believe that it was nearly empty in the evening. How come people don't know about it? Oh well more for me then. The food was amazing. I had a salmon and pomelo salad an it was a really good combination. Additionally the staff were all really friendly and very polite. They served us right on time and gave us a bit of information about our dishes too. Totally recommend eating here. read more

Once you've been to Cookie you won't be able to steer away from it. The place is pretty hard to find but totally worth the search. The interior is very homey and yet strange, with it's typically over the top table cloths and wall pieces and yet it blends really well with the cuisine. It's classified as asian and that's what they serve mainly but they also offer some local dishes and drinks. Recently I've noticed that even more people have been visiting and it get really crowded so you should definitely keep that in mind. read more

5 Stars and this is still a hard review to write. It can get pricey, loud, and hard to get into but it fights back with excellent dishes, well crafted cocktails, beer on tap in abundance, and an extensive wine list. Cookie is one of my favorite restaurants in the world and I refuse to come to AUS and miss it. With that being said, its not perfect, but that's part of its appeal. Let's begin, the food is outstanding. Always expect a super fresh meal, prepared excellently, garnished, and served with care. The menu allows you to order by the size of the dish - small, medium, and large, but don't lock yourself into that and just order what excites your palette. Its the better way to approach Cookie. I'm particularly partial to their fish dishes, the barramuni in banana leaf with red curry, coconut, and basil is outrageous!!! Fried Snapper, King prawns, mussels, etc are also extremely well done. I typically order some of the deep fried five spice chicken for the table. Its served chopped up into medium sized pieces, accompanied with sweet chili sauce. Its a great dish for everyone to share, but not a main in the sense that it should be one's primary course. I'm also fond of their crab fried rice, nice and light, never oily, with tiny slivers of hot thai chilies every now and then to wake your palette up. A friend recently ordered the penang lamb & eggplant curry and kept raving about it. So how do you have a great experience there, well I'll give you a few tips. First, keep your party size down, four is ideal although I have had a nice time with a larger group but like in many restaurants firing alll those dishes to make everything come out at the same time can lead to delays. Keep your party smaller, order all at once - don't try to have starters, order lots of food and share it all. Reservations are recommended if you care about waiting. I personally think that at Cookie the wait for seating is part of the charm. The bar is extensive. as they have over 60 beers on tap, just about any spirit you can imagine, wines galore and a fantastic cocktail list. So that leads me to another tip, try to be seated the left hand side of the room or the back speakeasy type bar. Chat up the very cool servers and bartenders, as well as the usually very attractive eclectic crowd and enjoy the ride. Order a few cocktails for sure, they really make some great ones and enjoy the night. Things to note - They don't let you take away leftovers, and cocktails are expensive at $19, beers can run $13 - $17. I'm sure wine is expensive too. This is a chink in their armor but if its what it takes to keep this place serving for years to come, with their excellent staff, chefs, and managers, great cuisine, and extensive beer, spirit and wine list, i'll pay the tax. Order two or three cocktails each, too much food, just go for it and you'll be happier in the end. It's going to be an expensive semi-casual night out and you know what, its exactly the type of place that deserves to be raved about and revisited regularly - Cookie delivers. Its a foodies paradise and I'll be back again and again. read more

I wish I had been more hungry when I came here but it was my last night in town and didn't have a lot of time to waste waiting to get hungry. I snagged a seat at the bar during prime time which is good because it's hard to get a table without booking in advance. I had an awesome fish custard that was as good as the original version i have had many times in Cambodia. I also had the taro dumplings which were light and soft but slightly crispy and caramelized on the bottoms from cooking. The prices were a bit high but I didn't see that it hurt their business at all! It was worth flying halfway around the world to eat here! read more

Cookie, ok food, ok service, waiter talked us into a budget house wine $70 when the bill came. Had to be a $ 65 mark up. Sneaky bastard.

Mel is right, the service is not great. I don't know about the food (I only had drinks) but the bar service is not great. Is it worse than average for Melbourne? Probably not. Bar service here tends to be indifferent to bad (except at Catfish, Local taphouse, and a couple of other notable standouts). Plus the place is typically super crowded with less access to the bar than you might think. The drinks are well made and good (though a martini is like $25 dollars, a three martini lunch will set you back almost $100) but you have to wait a while for them. More annoyingly, many of the beers are served in hilariously small glasses. Look, I get it, there is an insanely regressive, pointless, and paternalistic excise on booze making a decent beer the price of a cheap bottle of whisky, but charging me $25 bucks for a beer (one of the strong, read "american" IPAs) in what amounts to a champagne glass is both ludicrous and insulting. We live in Melbourne and we go to crazy bars and, to be honest, we are all (if you are planning on going out at all in this town) extremely wealthy by world standards, but we are not crazy. This craziness coupled with the schnoorization of beer service in Melbourne makes me barely want to go to a bar at all. People are willing to pay for quality, but if the business model requires the customer to be a mark, it can't last for long. That said, the place is always busy and people seem to be comfortable paying $12 for a schooner of beer, so maybe I am the crazy one. read more

The dishes are authentic Asian in the sense that if you expect the bland imitation typical of Aussie pubs, you will be very pleasantly surprised. The menu is great and you can choose dishes based on their size, which is handy when you don't feel like emulating any Monty Python restaurant skits. read more

Great selection of beers on tap and off, Thai food is fresh and full of flavour though not always spot on some come with too much salt. Cocktails are made quite well. Very noisy but full of energy in the evenings, standing room only during weekend peak. read more

I've always been a fan of Cookie, spent many Friday's here with the team drinking their excellent beers and eating some of the best Thai food in Melbourne. The roast duck salad, pork belly in red curry and stuffed peppers are some of my favorites. read more

Anyone who has ever lived in Melbourne knows Cookie. It is among the most popular bars/restaurants in the city. Their food is delicious and service impeccable. They have a limited veggie menu. But their extensive wine & beer list totally makes up for it. read more

I love this place. A 5 star hotel once recommended it to us as "the best Thai in Melbourne" While I haven't scoped out the Thai scene in Melbourne, I now really don't feel a need to. The ambience and standard of cooking and service of this you'd-walk-past-it-if-you-weren't-looking-for-it place will have me coming back every time I'm in town. read more

Cookie is popular and busy and usually crowded. Sometimes this is a good thing. The food is good fun food and the drink list suitably large. I enjoy the balcony seating when we can get one, just make sure you book well in advance if you want to eat in the more formal areas. read more

Cookie is great. Its right in the centre of Melbourne and has delicious meals. The menu is quite large, too large in fact! My companion & I let the waiter choose our meals and we wee not disappointed and sizes were quite adequate. The venue is also great to meet friends for a drink after work. The beer menu is one a the best and cocktails are yummy too :) I often choose Cookie as a spot to meet friends either to start our night off, enjoy a beautiful meal or stay all night long! read more

Hands down the best Thai place in Melbourne. The bar and atmosphere are also spectacular during the week however it gets busy very quickly on non-school nights. read more

Cookie is in such a cool location and the vibe is fun, perfect for after work dinner or drinks with friends. If only the food could match its surroundings and/or accompanying price tag. read more

Cookie is all class. I took a girl on a date their last week and had the best time, and it was partly because I was at Cookie. Bought a couple of fine beers. There goes my pay for the week. Food is apparently incredible. Unfortunately I'm not huge on spicy food. Smoking area sucks. But you cannot beat Cookie for a date. Win. Always. read more

Amazing high energy atmosphere, really kitsch location with great wall artwork! Noisy and bustling without being too loud, and still feels intimate despite being quite large. Make sure to leave time to peruse the HUGE drinks menu. read more

Been to Cookie before for cocktails. Gave the food a go. Had salt and pepper squid to start. Was under seasoned and chewy. Had fat rice noodles with duck. Duck was over cooked, yet had a nice flavour. Lamb curry was lacking salt but had a nice, mild spicy flavour. Cocktails are what makes this place and the atmosphere of old school/childhood books is a nice touch. Staff are a little under attentive, although did have a full restaurant. Would go back to try again and hopefully can have a slightly better food experience. read more

When we got there we were told there was a 3 hour wait - but if we wanted to sit in the bar area and order from the bar then we could sit immediately. This seemed a no brainer. We ordered way too much food (3 small dishes and 1 medium dish for 2 of us) and every dish was amazing. We won dinner. The only reason this lost a star is the acoustics were terrible - the place was incredibly loud. I would go here way to often if I lived in Melbourne. read more