Longrain

Longrain has two features heartily disliked by some Sydney diners - communal dining and no bookings for tables of fewer than six. But smart management turns a potential negative into a great dining experience with attentive service, a splendid bar with DJ and a bright, bubbly scene that's as lively and interesting as the menu. It's worth taking the waiter's advice and sampling a mix of shared dishes to explore the full gamut of textures, aromas and flavours. Start gently with a hint of coconut milk in crisp pork and prawn served with rice cakes and cucumber sticks, before tackling a dazzlingly spicy green papaya salad, rich in dried shrimp and chopped peanuts. A jumble of salty, crisp egg noodles accompanies a punchy yellow curry of Barossa chicken, while a deep-fried baby snapper is presented whole with nam pla prik (chilli and fish sauce). Finally, cool things down a bit with a dessert special of vanilla tapioca, young coconut, mango, watermelon and pineapple sorbet.