Atla Awards

Atla Restaurant Review:

Mexican chef Enrique Olvera has introduced a new dining concept to New York: all-day tapas with a vegetarian slant. Atla is the sibling of Olvera’s groundbreaking Cosme, the restaurant that offers upscale modern Mexican cuisine. In a setting that’s more casual, with a menu that’s more accessible (no reservations needed), Olvera creates food that spans the day from breakfast to post-dinner. You could enjoy poached ranchero eggs with hoja santa in the morning, grab an early-afternoon mushroom quesadilla with a side of guacamole or chicken caldo (a rich Mexican chicken soup), and plan an evening partaking of silky Mexican steak tartare in a chile relleno, chicken enchiladas and vegetarian-friendly quinoa with pico de gallo and mint. Too late for dinner? There are bar snacks like almonds and white ayocote-bean hummus (served with a single enormous blue-corn tostada) and, of course, cocktails such as the E.S.L. (espadin, spice and lime) to wash them down. No matter what you choose, you’ll benefit from Olvera’s years at the helm of Mexico City’s acclaimed Pujol in addition to his time in NYC. To get the most of this experience, sit at the long terrazzo counter and ask to have your meal paired with any of the 30 or so mezcals on hand.