Ataula

1818 NW 23rd Pl
Portland, OR
(503) 894-8904
Ataula

This hidden gem will not stay hidden for long. Things are going to start getting crazy, so do yourself a favor and get on over there while there are still seats available.  I will say this so you can skip the whole review and just take in the pics.  It was off the charts fabulous, one of the bests breakfasts we have had in a long time. It’s not typical, but it’s extraordinary. Definitely glad I had this on my 9 Breakfast places I’m Excited About list. It was just as awesome as I was hoping it would be.

I should thank Paul Gerald from Breakfast in Bridgetown. This place came highly suggested from him and this guy knows breakfast.

We started with the Xuxos de Crema. We had heard about these and knew they were not to be missed. Saying it’s like a croissant with a cream sauce is inside is the best description, but not even close. I have not had anything quite like these. We even took 2 home.

They told us to pick it up and eat with our fingers. I tried. In the end it doesn’t matter how you eat, as long you make sure you order one and try it.

From there we just started ordering dishes. Since the menu is so different we asked lots of questions. They are prepared and ready for every question, which I love. She explained everything too us. It didn’t stop there. The chef, Jose, came out and introduced himself to us and even talked about a few of the dishes that we had ordered. It wasn’t just us, he went to all the tables.

The first dish to come out was the Huevos al Plato. I couldn’t get over how pretty this dish was. the colors were beautiful, the presentation was exquisite. The flavor was just as impressive. With chorizo, beans, eggs and everything else, it was incredible.

The Tortilla de Chorizo was also presented very well.  This is something I have never seen before. It was potato based with chorizo, onions and eggs. It was served with tomato bread, which she described as simply as taking the crusty bread and rubbing it with garlic and ripe tomato. Even though a simple idea, it was a great accompaniment.

By now we were wishing we had only ordered the 3 things, but our eyes were bigger than our stomachs. You know me, I’m not a quitter, so bring on the final dish, the La Torrada. This farm fresh egg is cooked in oils and served with serrano ham on top of their very own coca bread. Because of this unique cooking method, it had a much different taste than you would expect. Great dish!

• Atmosphere was awesome. It was very open, with great bar seating, a few small tables and a few larger communal tables or tables for larger groups.  The exposed beams gave this place a great feel.
• Prices range from $8-$13 for breakfast entrees. $5 for the sweet treat.
• Services was incredible. I love when the chefs come out and talk to you.
• Drinks were Steven Smith tea and coffee was Local Roasting company.
• Ataula is located on NW 23rd Place