Ataula is a great option for a really enjoyable meal. There are so many new restaurants in Portland, that I don't often go to the same restaurant twice, in an effort try as many new ones as I can. When I eat at a restaurant, it usually fall into one of two categories, either fine and forgettable or worth another visit. Ataula definitely falls into the "worth another visit" category.
It's been nearly 3 years since my first visit, but I was going to be in the neighborhood around dinnertime and thought, it would be a great choice, since I had been wanting to go back. And on the cold rainy February evening, the bar was very inviting to sit at.
I was ready to eat when I walked in, so tapas worked really well, since they come out fast and you can order lots of them. I started with the nuestras bravas. They hit the spot and were probably the fanciest patatas bravas I've encountered.
Cauliflower, scallops, and porcini ravioli. Very pretty and tasty.
The steak tartare had a pretty stunning presentation. How can you resist raw steak studded with pink and purple potato chips? It was light and flavorful scooped up with the crispy chips.
Croquetas - salt cod fritters. Very crispy outside and soft and gooey in the center.
Toasted noodles with calamari and squid ink. This was pretty rich, maybe not the best choice for last, since I was pretty full by then.
And for dessert, how can you resist donuts on a fork? They were just as good as they look.
***Ataula closed in 2020***
