The bastard child of Khao San Road and your favourite warehouse conversion, it’s a broad-scale takeover of historic Curtin House’s first floor: part sophisticated beer barn, part Thai cafeteria where the food matches the noise levels blow for blow and hardworking staff focus the runaway circus atmosphere. Chef Karen Batson has been flying the flag for authentic Thai food since long before the Longrain and Long Chim interlopers hit town, and her encyclopedic menu continues to hit the high notes across the standard playbook and beyond, from steamed mussels lavished with ginger, lemongrass, chilli, kaffir lime and coriander to braised calamari stuffed with chicken and glazed with a sticky chilli-garlic sauce. Heat levels are not for the meek, but with an equally lengthy wine list backed by an able support cast of craft beers and creative cocktails, quenching thirst shouldn’t be a problem.
This review was made independently for the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide. The guide’s reviewers visit unannounced and pay their way.
Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide
Food: ★
Wine: ★ ★ ★
Gourmet Traveller’s star-ratings, which range from zero to three stars, reflect reviewers’ first-hand experiences. The best-rated restaurants form our national Top 100. Our wine ratings, from zero to three stars, are made by wine editor Max Allen on the strength of the quality of the restaurant’s wine list. View our rating key here.
