Overview
As fans of Melbourne's own La Tortilleria will be quick to tell you, not all tortillas are made equal. The brand has earned a cult following not just for its namesake corn-based creations, but also for its colourful Mexican eatery in Kensington. And now, it's brought its legendary wares Bayside, having opened the doors to its much-anticipated new Highett restaurant.
Chilpa has arrived in the former Hot Lips Hacienda site, decked out every bit as vibrantly as its inner-northwest sibling. And the team's legendary nixtamal (made using a special corn preparation method) tortillas and totopos (tortilla chips) are the stars of the show here on Railway Parade, too, showcased throughout a menu of punchy dishes.
The share-friendly lineup kicks off with classics like guacamole and salsa, refried beans, and chilaquiles — a dish that's kind of like the unbastardised version of nachos, featuring a saucy mix of totopos, salsa roja, crema and cheese.
You'll find ceviche for seafood lovers and vegans alike, a handful of snack-friendly topped tostadas and a range of cheesy quesadilla varieties, along with grilled meats like the al pastor pork with pineapple salsa.
If tacos are life, Chilpa has your back in a big way. The options are plentiful, ranging from a slow-cooked pulled lamb number with refried black beans and arbol salsa, to a corn battered fish taco with slaw and jalapeno mayo. There's a vegan-friendly barbacoa-style creation, a chicken option featuring chipotle tomato salsa and an ode to Jalisco's famed birria taco, paired with the traditional consomme for dipping.
You'll want to save stomach space for flan, too — this take on the classic is made from a family recipe passed down from co-owner Gerardo Lopez's own abuela.
The tortilla maestros also know what's what when it comes to taco-friendly libations and Chilpa's bar is stocked with an expert curation of agave-based sips from the homeland. There's also a tight crop of wines, easy-drinking brews aplenty and a lineup of festive cocktails — from the tequila-spiked horchata to a spicy margarita finished with habanero chilli.
Find Chilpa at 2 Railway Parade, Highett. It's open from 5–9pm Wednesday and Thursday, 12–10pm Friday and Saturday, and 12–9pm Sunday.
Images: Michael Pham