Esta Costilla - Torquay

We came across this place purely by accident. We were walking past and noticed some activity behind a small wooden divider fence near to the shops. We poked our heads in and to our surprise found that it was an outdoor cafe serving food and coffee.So, first up, it is not easy to spot and does not have big signage. (We are told that it is about to move to a more visible location in mid-2017.) The decor is "Palm Beach"(?) - wooden decking on the ground, outdoor seating and tables, beach umbrellas, a couple of palm trees, bright colours on the structures.Owner and staff are friendly and up for a chat about their food which is Cuban/Carribean influenced "sandwiches"/"subs". (We would call it panini or turkish bread.) The bread is split and toasted and filled with a variety of beef or pork, dressed with "slaw" or salad, fresh herbs and as much chilli as you ask for. The pulled pork is slow cooked and tasty.You can order sides such as their cha-cha chips which are crunchy deep-friend cross-cut thin slices of potato and come with a chilli-mayo type dipping sauce. Nice. Other options are corn and black eyed beans.

Interesting outside style. The food was different but we were not impressed. The home made potato chips were over cooked and mostly dark brown as well as cold when we picked them up (they are left out on the counter until the whole order is fulfilled). The meat in the roll was dry and I would say over cooked (perhaps this is the style?). The prices are similar to other places but there is no table service and the place is not licensed. The kitchen staff are bolshy. We overheard the kitchen staff saying to each other "can't they read" (the signs) after a customer walked up to the kitchen to order (orders are taken at a separate location).

We arrived just before the restaurant closed, so it was quiet. The food was exceptional and definitely worth trying. I enjoyed a refreshing minty iced tea with my meal.

It is refreshing to visit a restaurant that offers a unique dining experience. We were impressed by the flavor, portion size, and affordability of the food at Esta Costilla. While there are many restaurants and cafes in Torquay serving similar dishes, Esta Costilla stands out with its fresh and delicious offerings. This is an outdoor dining establishment with tables covered by large market umbrellas. There is also a separate coffee shed that serves high-quality coffee and fruit-infused teas. Give it a try for a delightful change of pace.

I have visited this restaurant for the second time and I must say the food is fantastic, fresh, and served in a truly relaxing atmosphere. It doesn't feel like you're in Australia, it feels like you're overseas! Overall, it's a great place to dine.