Ataula Gastrobar

Ataula, Northwest Portland’s Essential Spanish Restaurant, Has Permanently Closed | Eater Portland

"I was heartbroken to learn that Ataula, the cozy, buzzy Spanish restaurant José Chesa and Cristina Baez opened in 2013, will not be reopening; the team cited the pandemic and some health issues in a social media post. It had quickly gained a steadfast following for its take on Spanish dining—sizzling platters of paella, playful tapas, brandy cocktails, and European wines—and earned a longstanding spot on Eater Portland’s Essential 38 map. Its patatas bravas became an Instagram icon: presented as dice-like cubes of crispy, delicate potato layers, each paper-thin, sous-vide cooked and fried to a golden hue. Every night felt decadent, with friends, family, and strangers sharing long communal tables covered in plates, platters, and wine glasses. Their post reads, “We will forever remember the magic and buzz of our small but mighty dining room... and we will carry it closely with us along with the community that lifted us up and showed so much love to an island girl, a Spaniard and the whole Ataula crew over the years.”" - Alex Frane