Longrain

I can now concur with every review of Longrain - the food is
exceptional! The Melbourne version of this Thai restaurant is perhaps
not as good as the Sydney original, but many high standards have been
successfully transported.


The decor is sleek and modern with subtle Asian influences. There are
two long communal tables, as well as a few round tables for parties of
eight. It's unfortunate the bar is not divided from the dining area to
create a casual drinking space, though this is not reflected in the
'strictly separate' menus. We were slightly disappointed to find out
that the pad thai noodles were only available at the bar.


Nevertheless, almost everything on the dinner menu is delicious. The
entree betel leaves are colourful, bite-sized taste sensations - the
smoked trout with roe and galangal is the best. We were particularly
fans of the whole crispy-skin chicken in plum sauce, the Massaman beef
curry and the wagyu beef. For dessert, the sample platter is the best
option to allow everyone to try the whole range of sweets, including a
fantastic custard pot and banana fritters with ice cream (stay away
from the durian pancakes if you're not familiar with the taste).


The lighting is low and intimate, but the acoustics and the width of
the communal tables do not really allow for quiet conversations. Yet I
would still recommend the walk up Little Bourke Street for a meal that
is worth every cent.