The Franklin Street office strip just levelled up on the flavour and spice last week with the opening of ‘Chilo,’ a Latin-inspired breakfast and lunch bar.
“It’s only the second week, but it’s going well so far – people are really like that we offer something different,” says owner Morris, one of four partners behind the new venue.
Chilo delivers a simple but delicious take on choose-your-own-protein Mexican food, with everything made from scratch, every day.
The breakfast menu serves tacos with bacon and chorizo, soft scrambled eggs, and hash browns, as well as chorizo omelettes and mex baked eggs. Everything is served with Chilo’s “secret recipe” salsas and guacamole.
At lunch, the crowd favourite is the customisable burrito bowls, loaded with lettuce and your choice of protein – beef, pork, grilled or crispy chicken, jackfruit, or a vegetarian double bean with guac.
“We have plenty of choices, and four chefs in the kitchen. Everything is prepared on site – proteins, guacamole, salsa,” says Morris.
The flavours offer a refined and balanced Mexican style, allowing the tender proteins and fresh ingredients to take centre stage – and the tacos are a personal standout.
“Mexican food has a lot of flavours – onion, coriander, and spice. We try to reduce some of that and make it milder, so it’s easier for office workers. But if people want it spicy, for sure, we can do it,” he explains.
There’s also coffee and burrito breakfast combos to kickstart your mornings, plus a selection of wines and beers for those longer lunch breaks.
Design-wise, Chilo doesn’t hold back on colour. Reds, blues, greens and oranges spill across the space following a loud, Mexican-themed palette that contrasts with the pared-back concrete walls and floor. All is tied together by a striking mural designed by local artist Haki Murals, responsible for a number of art installations across the CBD.
Comfortable cushioned seats line the venue, as well as stools, and outdoor seating that lends perfectly to sunny weather and lingering lunches.
Whether you’re after a breakfast burrito to shift your work mornings into gear or a generous serving of tender tacos as a lunchtime treat, Chilo is dishing it up authentically and from the heart.
“We are the only ones offering real Mexican in this area. It’s made homemade and with love,” adds Morris.
Open Monday to Friday for breakfast and lunch. Dine in or takeaway available.
WHAT: Chilo Mexican
WHERE: 70 Franklin Street, Adelaide
WHEN: Monday to Friday, 7am -3pm
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