Rừng

Rừng is a funky multi-level Vietnamese restaurant housed in a gritty abandoned warehouse that has undergone a stunning transformation in a Fortitude Valley side street. 

The massive bustling venue, located just off Brunswick St, is by the savvy owners of popular longtime Paddington restaurant NGON and Quê Dining in Newport and takes Vietnamese dining to a new level.

The entrance to Rừng can be found to one side down Esther St (diagonally opposite Brewdog), leading into the massive high-ceilinged dining hall, with long tables down one side and a bar along the other, and at the rear, the open kitchen.

The bustling neon lit downstairs area pays homage to the building's industrial past with exposed brick walls, steel girders and corrugated iron roof, whilst on the mezzanine level is a more intimate dining space, with wicker chairs and light fittings and a cosy lounge and dining room to one side.

To the rear of this space a set of timber stairs leads up to what would originally have been the warehouse office, converted into a karoke room, private bar and poker room.

Dining at Rừng is like stumbling across an authentic and unique slice of Vietnam in an unexpected place,with furniture and tableware handcrafted in Vietnam and a menu that combines traditional flavours with modern techniques.

The food menu features elevated dishes you won't anywhere else in Brisbane, including small plates such as Bun rieu chawanmushi (pork spare ribs & crab cake - served in ceramic pot); Honey bugs (Viet chimichuri, fried shallots & chilli); Chargrilled sardine (prawn head chilli salt & Vietnamese pickle); and Beef skewers (green peppercorn, pickled onion, green herbs & watercress salad).

Large plates (perfect to share) include Bún chả Hà Nội (turmeric barramundi, vermicelli, Vietnamese herbs & lettuce); Rừng’s bun cha (pork 2 ways, lettuce, green herbs & vermicelli); Chargrilled king prawn (coconut broth, green chilli &herb oil); Beef cheeks (carrots & bo kho jus); and Grilled chicken (spiced salt, kaffir lime leaves & cabbage salad), with sides such as leafy green salad with citrus dressing, jasmine rice or Asian greens with oyster sauce.

For dessert there's a choice of fried coffee ice-cream with coffee caramel or caramelised banana with tapioca & coconut. There's also 2 great value banquets available: 'Feed Me' - 3 small plates, 2 large and 2 sides fro just $49pp or 'Feed Me Premium' - 5 small plates, 2 large & 2 sides for $69pp.

The bar menu features a selection of luscious Asian flavoured cocktails, including Rúng Dragon Herb (Nhâu vodka, red dragon fruit, elderflower, Thai basil & lim); Lá & Sá (white rum, ginger liqueur, lemon grass, ginger, makrut, mint & lim); Charred canopy (Smoky mezcal, cold brew tea, citrus, palm sugar & salt); and Midnight phin (vodka, coffee liqueur, Vietnamese coffee & condensed milk). There's also a handful of mocktails on offer.

The carefully curated wine list features a majority of Australian wines and a smattering of French, including French champagne. As for beers, there's Tiger beer on tap, and a small selection of full strength, light and non-alcoholic beers and cider. Spirits (served on the rocks, neat or with mixers) include Vietnamese vodka and gin along with a small choice of teqila blanco, white or spiced rum, as well as liqueurs: limoncello and Baileys Irish cream. As for non-alcholic drinks, there's Vietnamese iced coffee, jasmine or green tea, juice and soft drinks.

Good to know - The karaoke room and poker room are set to be fully functional in coming weeks. Rừng opens to the public on February 25.

Need to know - Rừng is tucked away in the section of Alfred St between Barry Parade and Brunswick Street. There is very limited on street parking available. Nearest car parking station is Mc Whirters Warner St (approx 5 minutes walk away). Brunswick St Station ia a 2 minute walk away. 

Discover the best Vietnamese restaurants in Brisbane

A guide to the best restaurants in Fortitude Valley

Still hungry for more suggestions on where to eat and drink in Brisbane, head to our comprehensive Eat & Drink section HERE! Happy grazing!