19 Drake Street,
Victoria Park Market,
Freemans Bay
Auckland,
1010
(09) 354 4030
The ViewAuckland Review
Vibe
Spacious but cosy, with high ceilings and exposed brick walls, all punctuated with bright colours reflecting the Atico Cocina’s Caribbean and South American influences. On an early summer evening, the sunny deck is the place to be for shared platters, tapas and beers.
Service
Enthusiastic and friendly from the real-deal waiter from Guadalajara in Mexico, with all food delivered smoothly from the kitchen.
Drinks List
A concise winelist, lots of sunshine-friendly cocktails, three different beers from Stoke on tap, and even Quilmes beer from Argentina.
Highlights
Juicy Clevedon oysters topped with a corn and jalapeno salsa ($3 each), a tropical tuna and mango ceviche ($16), and the jumbo prawns prepared Cuban-style with a coconut batter and chipotle aioli ($18). Dessert presented more coconut flavours with a creamy flan (similar to crème caramel) served with a fruity guava sauce ($14).
Most Surprising Dish
The disappointment of the Jamaican jerk chicken brochettes ($12), with little presence of the fiery chilli heat this iconic dish is renowned for.
The Bottom Line
Atico Cocina successfully blends the overlapping cuisines of South America and the Caribbean to showcase tasty tapas just made for summer sharing.
A Reason To Return
To move past the tasty array of entrees and small plates, and dive into more robust meals like the Lomo Apando, chargrilled Angus Beef marinated with fresh ground coffee and pepper, and served with Spanish onions, spinach, and potato gratin with blue cheese ($35).
Atico Cocina has been reviewed by 4 users