Better known as Ventorrillo El Chato, located on the CA33 towards San Fernando from Cadiz, right in the centre of Cortadura beach and before reaching Torregorda beach.
Without a doubt one of our favourite restaurants in the province of Cadiz. Run by José Manuel Córdoba, son of the well-known Gonzalo Córdoba, owner of the most genuine and historic restaurant in the city of Cadiz, El Faro de Cádiz, the hallmark of Cadiz gastronomy and catering. The restaurant is located in the heart of Cadiz in the Viña neighbourhood. And Gonzalo is the father of a family saga of more than 55 years of gastronomic tradition, his children run restaurants such as El Faro de El Puerto and Catering El Faro.
But let’s go back to El Chato, the key to its success is the perfect fusion between the quality of its products, the talent and the humanity of the human team that serves its customers, many of them friends. All of them without forgetting the creativity, the tradition of Cadiz cuisine and the passion they put into their dishes.
Now you will be thinking about which dishes are the most recommended to enjoy the meal at El Chato. And who better than José Manuel himself to recommend a brief selection of what you cannot miss.
For starters: the shrimp omelette from Las Salinas, nothing like what you have tried before. The Foie Toast with roasted apple and Jabugo ham, you will want to repeat but don’t do it, leave it for your next visit. The red tuna tartar with pickles and olive oil, a real pleasure from the Barbate almadraba. Stew of judiones and rock octopus, a real innovation from the area.
For main dishes: the first time it is obligatory to try the arroz del señorito (with red shrimp, prawns and shrimp, all peeled), or the black rice with cuttlefish and tender garlic. As for fish, it is advisable to ask for the fish of the day, but you have to try the Andalusian-style stuffed squid with sautéed rice, very typical in the Bay of Cadiz. Of the meat dishes, I would highlight the oxtail (boneless) in Rioja red wine, with freshly fried potatoes.
And to finish, you cannot leave without trying one of their two most special desserts, the warm sponge cake with vanilla ice cream and toffee, or the canutillos filled with white and dark chocolate with a chocolate toffee sauce. Irresistible, like the rest of the desserts on the menu.
We are convinced that you will need several visits to get to know El Chato’s menu and make your own selection of dishes, but you can also take advantage of the half-rations of some of them.
Lastly, we would like to highlight their extensive and carefully maintained wine cellar. Of course, we have to recommend the wines from the region of Cadiz, including Garum and Barbazul, two of the most successful, and which will accompany any of the dishes you have chosen.
All of Manuela’s clients will receive a welcome gift thanks to its owner and main supporter, Jose Manuel Córdoba.
As we said, El Chato, a restaurant to enjoy the cuisine and its sensations. You will want to return.