Short Grain

Short Grain is an exquisite Thai-flavoured diner by esteemed chef Martin Boetz (of Longrain fame), located in a heritage-listed former clothing factory and one-time Asian food store in Fortitude Valley.

In addition to the diner, Short Grain has its own in-house Asian Food store, located to the left of the entrance, where customers can pick up Boetz's own curry pastes, sauces and condiments as well as ready-made-meals to take and enjoy at home.

The stunning high-ceilinged dining room runs along one side, with a line-up of banquette seating under the historic brick window arches and featuring pale timber tables, an open kitchen and contemporary artworks by Vicki Lee. 

The delectable Thai-inspired menu is a foodie's dream, starting with appetisers like turmeric wafer, caramelised coconut, prawns, peanuts and bean sprouts, salt & pepper cuttlefish, sweet soy & lemon, crab, sweet pork, green papaya and betel leaves: or spiced cauliflower & coriander fritters, sweet chilli and ginger sauce.

Mains include the likes of caramelised pork hock, chilli vinegar and coriander, soy braised quail, crisp garlic & peppercorns and black vinegar, or fried whole market fish, caramelised turmeric, pineapple and fried basil.

There's also a small selection of curries, including yellow curry Five Founders beef brisket, kipflers and cucumber relish, and green curry, mackerel, apple eggplant, snake beans and Thai Basil, while sides include green mango, tom sum, Thai fried rice & mushroom, warm roti or salt & pepper tofu. 

It's worth saving room for dessert, with choices such as coconut tapioca, caramelised pineapple, orange & passionfruit sorbet; duck egg caramel custard tart and black sticky rice, mango & coconut cream.

Short Grain's wine list is a carefully curated offering of boutique wines from Australia, France and Germany, chosen to complement the seasonal food. 

Need to know - There is a limited amount of metered on street parking in Marshall St, otherwise park in one of the Valley's secure car parks (the nearest is Warner St).

The menu may have changed since our visit.

Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Fortitude Valley

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