MELBOURNE | A small shopfront on Lonsdale Street, and an unassuming side entrance off Healey’s Lane in Koreatown, give little away as to what’s happening at new all-day Latin diner, Encanto. Owner Alonso Ascanio opened the venue last month, and I popped in for What’s on Melbourne to meet him, and find out more.
Encanto is a showcase of the food of Alonso’s native Colombia, and the wider cuisine of South America and Spain. In the kitchen, you’ll find cooks from places like Spain, Mexico, Colombia, and Peru. They’ve come together to put together a menu that features their favourite dishes from home, and there’s a lot to like.
The front space operates as a cafe during the day and night, leading back to a few intimate spaces, before opening up into a covered courtyard that evokes the family-run restaurants of Colombia. The rear section, which leads to an outdoor space on off Healey’s Lane, will soon be converted into a bar and courtyard. Upstairs, there’s a small balcony section, and a barber shop, also owned by Alonso.
Dishes include things like Colombian-style empanadas with your choice of beef, chicken, or vegetarian; Colombian prawn ceviche with the requisite saltines; Spanish cold tomato and garlic based soup, salmorejo; and Mexican birria tacos. Encanto’s paella, made to order from scratch, the traditional way, is something that Alonso is particularly proud of. Choose from chicken and chorizo, seafood, vegetable, and mixed versions.
If you have a sweet tooth, there’s hot, crispy churros; and must try buñelos. The latter are mini cassava and cornflour doughnuts filled with cheese. Enjoy them the traditional way, with a cup of bitter dark Colombian hot chocolate.
Encanto’s liquor license is pending, but when it comes through (in a few weeks hopefully), you can expect a selection of South American beers and wine varietals; classic cocktails like margaritas, mojitos, and piña coladas, plus a few house creations. There’s still mocktails at the moment, plus the full range of coffee, tea, and more from the cafe menu.
Depending on the night, you might encounter live bands and singers, or perhaps a karaoke night. There’s also regular themed dinner nights, and masterclasses with cooks, singers, salsa dancers, and more. Encanto is a refreshing change from the many formulaic restaurants out there. It’s a welcoming, genuine venue, that comes from the heart, which is very apparent when you talk to Alonso.
Encanto
556-558 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia
Telephone: 0435 161 894
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Sun – Sat: 8:00am to 3:00pm, 5:30pm to 11:00pm