Doncaster's dining scene receives a Latin American injection as modern Mexican restaurant Chido Chido officially opens in the panoramic suburb. Located on level 3 of the new Mercure Melbourne Doncaster hotel, adjacent to the Westfield Shopping Complex on Tower Road, Chido Chido is a celebration of Latino energy and culture. 

Combining exceptional local produce with lively spices, flavours and textures, Executive Chef Trent Whelan (Mr Carpano, Tesoro Hobart) showcases a modern menu filled with fresh, punchy Mexican dishes.

Here, pan-fried prawns are spiked with red onion, jalapeno, lime and cucumber, and the burritos come brimming with steak, chicken, melted cheese, lime sour cream, smoky chipotle, pico de gallo and brown rice. Dishes of charred cauliflower with rainbow heirloom carrots, mint dressing and salsa verde appear alongside plates of 15hr Adobo marinated lamb shoulder, salmon and tequila ceviche and a 300g Ribeye served with corn puree, chimichurri, almond & chipotle salsa.

Meanwhile, taco's filled with the likes of chicken, blue corn chips and avocado salsa; prawn, asparagus and spice lime caviar; and slow-braised pork appear in groups of three, allowing guests to mix and match to their preference.

For Whelan, it's the zesty, vivacious flavours and emphasis on family and community that attracts him to Mexican cuisine. “We are so lucky to have access to incredible produce in Victoria - from the meat, fish and poultry to the vegetables, herbs and spices we source from local producers. At Chido Chido we draw on this exceptional produce to bring authentic Latin America dishes to life.”

“With its citrus tang, racy heat and cooling sauces and condiments, Mexican food has such a wide profile of flavour and texture, which makes for a fun, exciting dining experience – something that is really important to our team,'' says Whelan.

However for Whelan and his team, food and drink is only part of the dining experience. He comments; “Mexican culture is vibrant and colourful, but it's also very family and community-focused. In Latin America, food helps identify the importance of family and togetherness. This welcoming atmosphere and celebration of community is fundamental to the hospitality offering at Chido Chido,” says Whelan.

The restaurant design facilitates the community and togetherness of the dining experience. The bright, open space with its communal tables, tile details and mustard yellow banquets is a vibrant array of patterns, textures and materials that give life to the venue. A large, open kitchen sits at the heart of the restaurant, engaging guests with the theatre and drama of the hospitality experience. Opposite, at the entry to the space, a generous
bar chimes with the sounds of cocktail shakers preparing Charcoal Margaritas, Pisco Sours and other delights from the cocktail menu.

Floor to ceiling windows emphasise the sweeping panoramas to Melbourne's CBD and the Yarra Valley from Chido Chido's 3rd floor location, whilst the two spacious terraces offer a scenic spot to enjoy a pre-dinner drink.

Located adjacent to Westfield Doncaster, Chido Chido is welcoming guests for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week.

Bookings available via the website, https://chidochido.com.au

High-resolution images: Available here
Press kit with menus: Available here

Instagram: @ChidoChidoau
Facebook: Chido Chido Mexican