Restaurant Review 07 | Tres Gatos
“Boston’s First Full-Service Restaurant, Book, and Music Store”
by Traci Crugnale on March 29th, 2025
Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Jamaica Plain, Tres Gatos is a hidden gem that's truly one-of-a-kind. Tres Gatos stands out with its creative menu of delicious food and drinks, top-notch service, and a warm, welcoming vibe that captures the essence of the neighborhood. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this place is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in an unforgettable dining experience.
Ambiance
Walking through the front door of Tres Gatos, you're immediately greeted by its cozy charm—it’s small but packs a big punch. This isn't your average restaurant; it's one of those spots where every inch of space has been thoughtfully used. There’s bar seating, intimate bistro tables, and even built-in seats by the windows. In a small separate corner near the open kitchen and away from the main dining space, you'll find even more seating options. The atmosphere feels like a community gathering spot, where every guest seems like a regular, and the vibe is undeniably homey.
As you wander further back, you’re met with shelves full of records and books—because, yes, Tres Gatos is also a record and bookstore. The walls are lined with an impressive collection of vinyl, covering everything from classics to mainstream. The record store manager is a walking encyclopedia of music. He’ll help you find that perfect album, and he’s as friendly as they come. I overheard him chatting with a customer about curating the restaurant's playlist for the night. How cool is it that the music here isn’t some premade Spotify playlist? It's handpicked, a genuine reflection of the space and its vibe. It’s clear there’s something special about this place beyond just the food.
My boyfriend and I killed some time in the store while we waited for the kitchen to open. Once the kitchen opens, we made our way to the bar seats. We prefer to sit at the bar because my boyfriend’s older brother, Owen, is the bartender. It’s always a blast hanging out with him while he works and watching him craft cool drinks. Owen’s not just any bartender—he’s a true mixologist, helping to curate the cocktail list and testing out new drinks he thinks will wow the customers.
The whole experience at Tres Gatos is authentic. From the lively conversations and the incredible smells of food drifting from the kitchen, to the smooth tunes playing in the background, every detail feels personal and thoughtfully crafted. There’s nothing quite like it—Tres Gatos isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a place where food, music, and community come together in the most innovative and welcoming way.
Apps
Tres Gatos is a tapas-style spot, so we kicked things off with a few small plates before diving into something bigger for our main course. We went with Patatas Bravas—one of my all-time favorite tapas—and Serrano Ham. The ham came with warm slices of bread and a few peppers, and it tasted so fresh, like it had just been sliced straight from a deli counter. My boyfriend couldn’t help but reminisce about a time when he loved this ham so much that he practically ordered ten dishes of it at a dinner with friends. His table was in disbelief, but of course, he didn’t go that overboard this time around. The portion we got was just right—enough for him to enjoy and for me to sneak a few slices.
It was pretty clear that I was all in on the Patatas Bravas while he was in the mood for something a little lighter. We tasted each other's dishes, but for the most part, we stuck to our own. And let me tell you, those Patatas Bravas were amazing. I’m a sucker for a good potato, and these were warm, crispy, and came with the classic bravas sauce and garlic aioli. I always mix the two sauces together when I make them—it's the perfect combination, and I swear I could eat ten plates of it without blinking. I totally get how my boyfriend could devour so much ham, because this dish is one I could keep going back for more and more.
Entrees
For our main dish, we decided to split the Piri Piri Chicken. We had arrived a bit early—around 5 p.m.—so we weren’t starving, but we definitely wanted to leave satisfied, without overdoing it. This dish was the perfect balance. It was just the right size for two to share, and after the first bite, I honestly thought I couldn’t even find the words to describe how good it was!
The chicken was perfectly seasoned and cooked—honestly, it tasted like I was at a summer barbeque and it had just come off the grill. You could tell the person who cooked it really knew their stuff. The chicken crispy and juicy and paired with a side of Portuguese Fritas and Garlic Aioli. The fritas were essentially homemade chips, but not like any chips I’ve ever had. They were crispy yet soft at the same time—kind of like a cross between a potato chip and a French fry. They had the look of a chip but the texture and flavor of a fry, and when dipped in the garlic aioli, they were unreal. I had to keep reminding myself not to eat them all so my boyfriend could get his fair share!
By the end of the meal, we were both in awe. We couldn’t stop talking about how we’ve never had a dish at Tres Gatos that we didn’t absolutely love. Every single thing we’ve tried here has been so authentic, so well made—it’s clear that the team really puts their heart into every dish.
Desserts
By the time we wrapped up our main course, I honestly didn’t expect to see my boyfriend order dessert—especially since we had both agreed that we were probably too full to even think about it. He had said he was stuffed and didn’t think he could fit another bite. So, imagine my surprise when, out of nowhere, the Chocolate Mousse was placed in front of us! It was definitely a sweet surprise.
The mousse was absolutely delectable—rich, creamy, and just the right amount of sweetness. What really took it to the next level, though, was the pairing of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and sea salt. I’d never had chocolate mousse like that before, but wow, it was an unexpected combination that totally blew me away. The sea salt balanced out the sweetness of the chocolate, and the olive oil added this smooth richness that really complemented the lightness of the mousse. It was a surprising mix of flavors and textures, but it came together in such a satisfying way that I couldn’t help but be impressed. It was the perfect way to end the meal.
Drinks
As we dug into our appetizers, my boyfriend ordered one of the draft beers, and I went for a glass of Pinot Noir. He’s one of those people who always kicks off a meal with a crisp beer—he always says, “There’s nothing like starting the weekend off with the taste of a cold and crisp glass of beer.” And honestly, I get it. There’s something about it that just feels perfect. I almost wished I had gone with a beer too, but I stuck with my glass of red, which was bold, fruity, and just as enjoyable.
As we chatted, we couldn’t help but notice Owen whipping up a few cocktails, and of course, we had to ask about them. To our surprise, he told us they were sangrias! Now, I’m a sucker for a good sangria. We both opted for the red, and let me tell you, it was so good. So fruity, refreshing, and just perfect. Owen mentioned they go through these sangrias like crazy—by the time he was making ours, he was already finishing one bottle and moving on to the next. Clearly, this drink is a crowd favorite!
When dessert came, we thought about having another drink, but honestly, we were both so full we knew we couldn't fit much more in. But Owen, being the thoughtful guy he is, surprised us with a shot of their famous espresso martini. It was the perfect size—just a small, satisfying sip—and it was spot on. Smooth, crisp, and with that perfect espresso martini balance—neither too creamy nor too strong. It was a delightful little touch to end the night.
Overall Experience
5/5
I had the best time at Tres Gatos! From the moment we walked in, it just felt right – the vibe, the welcoming staff, and the genuine atmosphere really set the tone for a great night. It’s one of those places where everything feels thoughtfully put together, from the food to the people. You can tell they really care about the experience they offer. The menu is a masterpiece, with dishes that are both creative and comforting. If you're in the area or just looking for a spot to have a memorable night out, definitely make your way to Tres Gatos. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed by the experience they have waiting for you.
Be sure to check out our Instagram page for more foodie ventures!