Chinese restaurants are not normally known for their desserts. But at Fortitude Valley’s contemporary Chinese eatery Little Valley, a toffee-topped fresh fig accompanied by a sesame madeleine and shiso-infused frozen yoghurt is a standout. It’s a simple, light and herbaceous way to end a meal at this bustling eatery where hard surfaces in the modern, warehouse-inspired space make for a loud and lively vibe.

Grab a terrific, Asian-inspired cocktail or perhaps one of the minimal intervention wines from the ever-developing drinks list and settle in for a fun feast of modern fare.

Heat seekers will adore the likes of a nostril-flaring twist on mapo tofu using sweet spanner crab instead of pork mince, or the Chinese bolognese with a nduja XO sauce; while the chilli averse will find comfort in sweet lobster and chive har gow or pork cheek starring uber fatty, butter-soft meat crowned with some of the finest crackling around.

But Little Valley’s greatest strength remains its service thanks to warm and charming waitstaff who deliver knowledge and personality in perfect balance to ensure diners walk out with full bellies and happy hearts.

Exceptional dish (or dishes): Toffee fig with yoghurt, mapo tofu