Chato Review

Written by Indah Da Silva

Chato is a family run restaurant that has just opens its doors to bring a bit of Spain into Thornbury.

The humble café/tapas bar has made its home among a few neighbouring hot spots on the up-and-coming High Street. It’s open every day of the week from 8am–3pm Monday to Wednesday, and until late on Thursday–Sunday. Chato offers a standard breakfast selection ranged from toasted muesli to eggs – but if you feel like a bit of Latin flare they offer some enticing Spanish dishes such as ‘The Flamenca’ – Eggs cooked in a chorizo and tomato ragout, finished with shavings of Serrano ham.

The menu is reasonably priced and what you pay is what you get, the portions are decent sized and well worth the money. Dinner has a large variety of foods, but this is a tapas bar, so there is a great choice of Tapas to share with friends (or indulge for yourself, we don’t judge), ranging from $3 upwards. There’s a mixture of hearty meats and fresh seafood both with authentic Spanish flavours. However, there is a wide selection of vegetarian and gluten free options too, so there’s something for everyone.

Chato translates as ‘small glass of wine’, which is fitting, as there is an extensive selection of Australian and Spanish import wine on the menu. The little shot glasses of wine gives you the excuse to try each one of them.

The decor is a mixture of modern and rustic, with bricked walls and Spanish tiles breaking through the wooden panels around the bar. This whole place is very warm and inviting. There are tables seated along the windows, which are great to sit and watch the world go by. The whole atmosphere makes you feel like you’re sitting in a little café in Spain.

However, the kitchen likes to keep it local, and cooks only with produce found in the surrounding areas, so everything is free range and fresh, and you can definitely taste it in the meals which are full of texture and flavour.

The general vibe is very friendly with a laid back atmosphere, and makes Chato the perfect place for a quick coffee by yourself, sharing tapas with a date, or a place to gather with some family and friends. The menu is alluring and I found myself saying, on more than one occasion, ‘Ooh! I’ll have to come back here and try that.’

Chato opened just in time for those lazy Spring afternoons meant for good food and good company. Buen Provencho!

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