Son in Law

How disappointing! This used to be our favourite restaurant when it was Ayatana Thai but no more! Service was pathetic! Take aways getting preference over diners! Food tasteless and poorly presented! Am so sad!

Son in law owned by Tony and Oh Rungpradit, a husband and wife team (ex Ayatana). Son in Law served traditional Thai dishes with a twist. The name is drawn from a famous Thai street food with a unique funny back story. A mother in law will cook and serve these deep fried eggs as a clear message to be nice to her daughter because his son in law jewels are on the line.
I visit Son in Law on a weeknight for an early dinner with girleatsmelbourne. The space previously occupied by Middle Eastern restaurant, Bayte. The restaurant now decorated with wooden furnitures, naked lightbulbs, lanterns, bright splashes of vibrant colours and 3 split dining space. It has a light, airy, modern and trendy vibe.
We were too full to order any dessert but next time I would love to try their steamed coconut pandan pudding. Their service was friendly and attentive through out the dinner. Overall taste was a little bit more subtle than the authentic Thai cuisines but Son in Law indeed highlights the quieter part of Johnston St with a modern but casual Thai cuisine.

«Oh man this is so good» — me, last night, after every dish I ate at Son in Law.
True story.
It was around 7:30pm on a Thursday and we were easily able to grab a seat inside, though the colourful courtyard out the back was full. The wait staff were incredibly friendly throughout our meal, very attentive without being annoying and clearly cared about what they were serving, which is always so nice to see.
We started with Betel Leaf with prawn, Roast Duck Bao and, of course, Son in Law eggs. All three were incredible dishes and the perfect two-​bite size for an appetizer (though we did feel the Betel Leaf was just a squidge too small.) You absolutely MUST have the Son in Law eggs — they are a truly delectable mash of flavours that you will talk about for weeks after. Wow.
For mains we had Chicken with Cashew and Twice Cooked Crispy Pork Belly with a serve of rice to share. While we both looked at the dishes and thought «Hmm, quite small» we were VERY full by the end. I think cheaper Thai restaurants have ruined me with their oversized portions, so when I get a good size it seems tiny.
Moral of the story: You will be full, you will be satisfied, you will be telling everyone you know about this place because the food is INCREDIBLE. So. Much. Flavour.

Son in lawwwww you are a new favourite of mine!
I’m visited during good food month and was very pleased by the value on offer.
$ 20 scored you an entrée, a main and rice. $ 7extra gave you their special cocktail. It was completely satisfying.
Normal prices are still very reasonable, most main hovering on the $ 17 and entrée around $ 13 – 19.
Rice comes per serve– not per person, and waitress would happily advise you of serving sizes. My family of 4 happily consumed 3entrees and 3 mains and were very satisfied, but next time we will stay for dessert.
Venue is casual and simple, and there is a backyard style seating on site as well. Perfect for the coming warm weather
Fave drinks were the fresh coconut and Thai milk tea, but don’t forget the cocktails which all looked super tasty!
We missed out on the betel leaf but tried the crispy barramundi main (delicious!!!), fish party sliders (fish cakes in soft buns– authentic Thai dish made creative, I like). Crab curry (good curry but I thought my crabs were too oily), fried chicken (thumbs up from the fam) and pork belly.
If you like tasty Asian food, you need to try Son in Law before they fill out!

I follow these guys on Instagram and the pics that pop up are completely drool worthy — and 100% accurate! The food not only looks picture perfect, it taste sensational too!
We had the Son In Law Eggs which were just define. Perfectly cooked and the sauce was tasty and spicy. The Thai Fish Pattie sliders are perfectly sized morsels of tasty goodness. The patties were perfectly cooked and the little brioche buns were light. The crispy fried chicken wings were crispy and juicy and the dipping sauce added the right amount of flavor. The green chicken curry had a great mix of veg (all green) and the sauce had the right amount of spice. The sauce was a little runnier that I am used to however the side of rice mopped it up perfectly.
I will continue to follow their Instagram account and drool over the pics and also stop by to try more of the menu!

Opening launch of Son In Law lead to a great sample taste of what’s to come for this new restaurant in Collingwood.
In an area of Johnston St (diagonal to The Tote) not full of ‘wall to wall’ restaurants (like Brunswick St), this will make for a fresh change to food in this part of town.
Items tasted: Son In Law egg, Thai Fish Pattie Sliders, Vegetarian Spring Rolls, Chicken and Tofu Pad Thai, Steamed Coconut Pandan Puddings.
All dishes were scrumptious and looking at menu prices, very reasonable for what the dishes are.
Highlight dish: Thai Fish Pattie Sliders.
The brioche bun complimented the oily texture of the Fish Pattie. The surprise hit was the crushed peanuts in the middle, that you didn’t taste until the last bite; unexpected, chunky and crunchy.
As it was the launch, tables weren’t setup in the typical fashion, so would have to go back when it’s in full flight to experience the vibe/​feel.
Décor is simplistic with wood, bricks and pastel colours.
Outside area would seat around 20 – 30 comfortably and had a clear roof. Airflow would be great in summer.
Great home made dishes and spin on classics, hope Collingwood enjoys!