We were looking for a Mexican restaurant in the City for brunch when I stumbled upon an article from The Infatuation recommending Atla, a place located in Noho. As we arrived, we realized that we passed many times in front of this bright restaurant from the same team behind Cosme.

We started off with some juices. I appreciate when a restaurant proposes exciting juices next to cocktails (if I drink a cocktail for lunch, I need a nap) and other than the classic orange or grapefruit juices. Jodi got the coconut and pineapple one, while I had a mix of Asian pear, lime and Jasmine. My juice was ok, preferring what Jodi ordered.

We then shared a guacamole that came with large homemade tortilla. We always order guacamole when eating in a Mexican restaurant and were really looking forward to it. Unfortunately, it was not good: soupy and too salty.

For her main, Jodi got the cheese quesadilla with mushrooms. Bland is how I would describe this dish. It is as if they assembled everything right before serving, the tortilla missing that slight greasiness and char that you would expect, and the mushrooms had not taste.

On my side, I got the lobster burrito. I thought that it was a great idea to replace the rice with cabbage, making a lighter version of this dish and elevating it with lobster. Problem was that there was too much cabbage, not enough lobster (well cooked though) and the corn tempura, that added a nice crunch, was too salty.

Last was dessert. We could not not try their churros. They were not great, missing that crunchiness and slightly doughy texture we love so much in this classic treat. It was accompanied with a spiced chocolate that I did not like either.

So, overall, this was a disappointing meal. We had high expectations considering the team who owns it and the article I read. I’ll pass.

Enjoy (…)!

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Atla -372 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012

Brunch at Atla in NYC, NY

I Just Want To Eat!