Adrian Lagrama
This review is overdue. I've dined at Atera since 2017 every time I visit NYC, at least once a year (minus the pandemic). It is one of my favorite restaurants in the world. The Tasting Menu is always simple, beautifully plated, and memorable. I still remember first tasting their signature osetra caviar with pistachio. When I last dined in December 2024, my favorite dishes were the truffle comte, and the lobster caviar taco. There is always an ingredient that makes it unique. The dessert dishes are equally delicious. My favorite dessert dishes from the last time I dined were blueberry, lemon, lemongrass, and blood orange with cream and vanilla. I appreciate the use of fruits in dessert before transitioning to chocolate.
The wine selection is perfect, and the sommelier is helpful. We usually start with a glass of champagne, opt for a German/Austrian Riesling or White Burgundy, followed by a bottle of Red Burgundy, and perhaps dessert wine.
The service is excellent when you arrive, dine, and depart. The staff are attentive and knowledgeable. I appreciate the table counter set-up and observing how the team prepares, communicates, and provides service. It is elegant but does feel intimidating.
I've been fortunate to dine in Michelin restaurants in 8 countries, including Elven Madison Park, Per Se, and Le Bernardin in New York. I've consistently enjoyed and preferred my dining experience at Atera over other restaurants. I am not an 'expert'; I simply appreciate unique flavors and admire the talent and hard work it takes to create and tell a story with dishes and provide the highest level of service. Atera has achieved this every time I have dined. My criterion is simple: do I remember the dish (and the experience) the next day, and after several years? And the answer is 'yes' when I dine at Atera.
5 Reviews