Spanish chef Willy Trullas Moreno (otherwise known as ‘El Willy’) is famous for creating restaurants that are more fun than a barrel-load of Mexican jumping beans, and Tomatito is no exception.
This little tapas bar – hidden away in the former colonial lane house complex at Zhong Plaza – feels like a cross between someone’s front room and Barcelonan charcuterie. In a good way.
And while Moreno may scatter his menus with words like ‘sexy’ and be overly fond of zany polka dot socks, don’t be fooled: El Willy has built an award-winning, Michelin-recognized enterprise. Frivolous and affordable, dishes here are nevertheless seriously executed and moreishly tasty almost without exception.
Take the Potito – low temperature egg with truffle eggplant and foie gras – served in a tall jar with a spoon to simply scoop out and devour. It’s as cheeky and delicious as it sounds. The Calamares, classic fried squid with a citrus aioli, come served in a little wire-frying basket, while the Bollycao – Nutella filled brioche buns – arrive inside little branded ‘Tomatito’ paper bags.
The real beauty of a meal at Tomatito is the choice. With 61 dishes to choose from, there’s something for everyone. And it won’t break the bank either. In fact for a laidback meal with friends in a vibrant setting, it’s hard to beat this little tomato.
Tomatito: 3/F, W08-10, 168 Hubin Lu, near Jinan Lu (6259 8671)
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