Boteco

Boteco, pronounced ‘Bo-​tech-​ko’, is a South American restaurant/​cocktail bar, modelled on those popular small bars you’re likely to find in Brazil.
The cute and cosy restaurant is situated in the quiet part of Cleveland Street. The first things I notice when I enter are the black and white tiled cocktail bar, and the ornate wallpaper adorning one wall. There’s something authentic and warm about the décor, it’s somewhat refreshingly simple and rustic, and I do feel as though I could indeed be in Brazil. I start to wish that I were, and at least for tonight, I imagine I am.
Fabricio Campos is both the owner, and the chef, on the night Mr T and I visit. Fabricio describes his food ‘as the types of dishes we would eat at home in Brazil’. We will later learn his passion is clearly shown in the food he creates. Produce is sourced straight from Brazil and other South American countries, providing the traditional flavours and aromas of South America.
The wine list and beer selections are entirely from the regions of Brazil, Chili and Argentina. The all South American bar offers traditional cocktails such as Caipirinhas, Caipifrutas, Peruvian Piscos and Mexican Mescals, as well as Tequila and Rums from South American countries only. Are you starting to get the idea this place is authentic?
Leaving our fate in his capable hands, Mr T and I allow Fabricio to design our menu and send his chosen dishes out to our table.
We start with a recommended bottle of red — Rio Mendoza Malbec, from the Mendoza region in Argentina. We like it.
Our menu then followed:
* Croquetas de bacalau — cassava and salt cod croquettes on butternut pumpkin
* Ceviche of fresh Snapper, lemon juice, coriander and tapioca caviar
* Quinoa — organic Bolivian Quinoa, lentils, peas, broad beans, rocket
* Wood fire grilled 90 days grain fed rump cap (picanha) with chimichurri
* Cerdo — wood fire grilled free-​range pork belly on braised kale and black-​eye beans salsa
The food is delicious, bursting with flavour and freshness, and completely different to most Brazilian food I’ve ever tried. Granted, my previous Brazilian food experiences have mostly been the typical (Western) Brazilian BBQ, which I sometimes find a little bland. We enjoy sharing the tapas plates, with each dish very different to the last.
When it comes time for dessert, we are served three different deliciously creamy homemade ice-​creams. We then proceed to debate our favourites. My favourite is the Dulce de Leche, Mr T likes the Tapioca & Coconut, and our waiters choice is the Spiced Rum & Sultanas, so there is a flavour to suit everyone!
I loved my experience at Boteco. This little gem is the perfect neighbourhood local for a casual and relaxed mid-​week or weekend meal. Also good to know, they do specials, all for under $ 20, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights, and all you can eat nights for $ 35pp on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I will certainly be returning, in fact, I look forward to it. I hear those South American cocktails calling my name.

Boteco is a sweet little Brazilian tapas restaurant and cocktail bar. It’s all tapas/​sharing plates, so go with a small group so you can order lots and try it all. Think chicken croquetes on a bed of capsicum sauce, snapper ceviche, grain fed piranha beef with salsa. Drool. My favourite thing on the menu is Bolinho de Arroz (parmesan rice balls) on a bed of spinach and chick peas.
Actually, the balls are top 3 in terms of favourite. My other two favourites are the blueberry and mint caipifruta cocktail, which isn’t on the menu anymore so you have to ask the waiter nicely and give him a big smile and a knowing wink. The other favourite, and the main reason I keep going back, is the 70% cocoa cake served with homemade coconut ice cream. This thing is like heaven on a plate. It’s so simple and yet so unbelievably tasty.
Make sure you book on weekends because it gets busy — they recently did one of those groupon deals and it hasn’t been the same since.