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Atasca Reviews List
Atasca
A Portuguese word for tavern; Atasca is a visit into beautiful Portugal. This popular Kendall Square location serves simple, yet traditional lunches and authentic yet, modern dinners. The inclusive Portuguese dinner and wine menus allow for customers to experience a complete Portuguese meal. Portuguese Pottery, fresh flowers, and rustic walls filled with Portuguese plates are all part of the romantic atmosphere at Atasca. You can enjoy intimate meals with a group of friends or family and even with that special person. There is something for everyone at Atasca from cozy dinners in a warm corner to a light lunch in our summer esplanade. Atasca is the perfect place to indulge in tasty food, spectacular wines and pleasant service.
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66 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 66 reviews
5 stars
(20)
4 stars
(31)
3 stars
(9)
2 stars
(6)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(30)
- good for groups(24)
- fit for foodies(22)
- romantic(17)
- special occasion(16)
- great for outdoor dining(9)
Atasca Reviews List
Review 1 for Atasca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Friendly Portuguese restaurant
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Atasca is a cute, friendly Portuguese spot decorated with lovely pottery and tiles, which I love. The food is not fancy, but pretty good for a reasonable price. We often see family groups in here, and always go here after a concert at the Dante Center across the street (I sing in a chorus there). The staff at Atasca is always welcoming and ready to explain about any Portuguese dishes or wine you may have a question about."
Dined on 5/19/2013
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Review 2 for Atasca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We shared a wonderful evening
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We shared a wonderful evening with friends at Atasca. The food was tasty, many dishes featured seafood and there were lots of interesting seafood and meat combinations that were new to some of us and fun to try. We had excellent service from a knowledgeable, professional, and personable server. Would absolutely return next time I visit the area."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Atasca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food served by friendly
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food served by friendly and knowledgeable staff. Our waitress made good food recommendations and when we had a question about the wine that she couldn't answer she sent the owner over who was very friendly and answered all of our questions and more. Will absolutely be back again."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 4 for Atasca
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Bland, greasy food
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was really subpar. My fish was greasy and tasteless, not to mention, filled with bones. I found it quite disappointing given its decent rating. The service was good though."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2011
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Review 5 for Atasca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I don't know why this place
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I don't know why this place remains undiscovered. It's right across the street from the noisy and crowded 1 Kendall Square, yet it's always relaxed and quiet, and it's easy to get a reservation. I have traveled to Portugal and I find Atasca very authentic. Amazingly attentive service, really excellent food, nice wine list. I often end up ordering a bunch of appetizers and sharing them - sort of a DIY tapas approach. I love Atasca and urge you to try it if you're in the mood for a quiet, relaxed lunch or dinner."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 6 for Atasca
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I have been to the Atasca
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I have been to the Atasca many times and this time I was very dissapointed."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2013
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Review 7 for Atasca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A great evening
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"We chose this restaurant purely from the Open Table list of restaurants that had an opening for four the same day at a good time. Turned out really well. There was a large menu which could satisfy a picky eater in our foursome. The food was really excellent. Familiar ingredients with a different flavor. . The atmosphere was charming and felt very European. The waiter was very attentive. They were accommodating when we arrived late for our reservation due to a late arriving babysitter.
We had empanadas, chicken skewers, a vegetable plate and a sardine plate for appetizers, all we're good. our friendsloved the seafood paella for two. MI loved my shrimp with broccoli Rabelais and Portuguese fried potatoes. Higly recommend"
We had empanadas, chicken skewers, a vegetable plate and a sardine plate for appetizers, all we're good. our friendsloved the seafood paella for two. MI loved my shrimp with broccoli Rabelais and Portuguese fried potatoes. Higly recommend"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic
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Review 8 for Atasca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A little bit out of the way
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"A little bit out of the way when you are going via public transit, but well worth the trip. Great, great food and even better atmosphere. Highly recommended."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 9 for Atasca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This restaurant is a gem!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This restaurant is a gem! We made a wonderful dinner out of several appetizers and a bottle of vinho verde.
We would definitely go back."
We would definitely go back."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for Atasca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The setting was very authentic;
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The setting was very authentic; the service impeccable. There were many menu choices and what we chose was delicious. We enjoyed a nice bottle of red wine that was very reasonable. The whole experience was like sitting in a restaurant in Lisbon."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 11 for Atasca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Everything we ate was delicious
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Everything we ate was delicious (octopus salad, fish stew, and passion fruit mousse). The bread was somewhat mundane (could use a healthier type). Sangria hit the spot as well as the cappuccino. Will definitely be back again."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for Atasca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Atasca: go!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent food, attentive and friendly service. Everything was delicious. This was our first visit to a Portuguese restaurant and we will definitely be back."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 13 for Atasca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Just like home....
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Atasca never disappoints. The service is remarkably attentive and friendly, always! We tend to order an array of their delicioius appetizers as they are too good to pass up. The wine list has great choices, even for bottles in the lower price range. We assume the management must be excellent as each time we have gone to Atasca we are struck by the warm, non pressuring, upbeat atmosphere of the staff. A definite find!"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 14 for Atasca
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
needs updating, our meal should
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"needs updating, our meal should not have to wait to be placed until larger party comes"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2007
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Review 15 for Atasca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Swordfish and more
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Atasca is a very good restaurant that has ample space and in which one does not feel over crowded. The food preparation is excellent and one is rewarded with a great tasting meal. Their potatoes are well-known to be wonderful: ask that they be cooked to a color where they are dark tan.
We were offered a swordfish with the bone remaining attached: this we had never seen before and wondered whether it would be good. In fact, the swordfish that came was one of the thickest pieces we had ever seen and was the most mist swordfish we have had in over 20 years. Further, there was no bloodline, which is rather unusual, but much appreciated.
The other dishes were fantastic as well but we will always remember the swordfish as the best eve"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2011
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Review 16 for Atasca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I have been here a few times.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I have been here a few times. The food is always good with a nice variety on the menu. I like it because you can get a very good meal at reasonable prices. We went on Saturday night at 7 and there were some large groups which impacted the noise and service a bit, but well within reason. I had the cataplana which was excellent. My didnig mate had the Pork chop which she raved about. Had a couple of apps also. Very good meal."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 17 for Atasca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
portuguese with spanish influence
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Appetizer are great, very similar to a spanish tapas bar.They also have a good cocktail list than includes sangria. Bacalhao is also excellent, so it's beef. Not impressed with fishes entrees."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, great for lunch
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Review 18 for Atasca
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
I took my girlfriend to Atasca
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I took my girlfriend to Atasca for Valentine's Day, and ended up being underwhelmed by the food. The service was very good, and the host even made a point to come around to the table to check in after she had seated us. The couple sitting next to us had a problem with one of their dishes, and the chef came out to hear what they had to say, and apologized to them for the inconvenience. These are the small things that matter, and they do them well.
However, the food ended up being quite uninteresting, and the main prevailing flavor of the dishes turned was that of salt. I wasn't crazy about the food presentation or the spicing, and though the service was good, I was not into Atasca, because I felt as if the food was quite lacking."
However, the food ended up being quite uninteresting, and the main prevailing flavor of the dishes turned was that of salt. I wasn't crazy about the food presentation or the spicing, and though the service was good, I was not into Atasca, because I felt as if the food was quite lacking."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
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Review 19 for Atasca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We especially enjoyed the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We especially enjoyed the seafood stew and the cataplana -- both with a delicious melange of shellfish and garlicky concentrated broth full of intense flavors (be sure to save the bread for dipping). The service was exceptional, with our waiter carefully pacing our appetizers and main courses for full enjoyment. The T-bone steak was enormous, for the carnivores.
Wasn't so overcrowded as some for a Saturday night, for which we are grateful. A good option when going to the nearby Kendall Landmark Cinema for dinner and a show."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 20 for Atasca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great for lunch
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Tried Atasca for lunch. Excellent Calamari salad. They called it Octopus salad. Yummm by any name!"
Dined on 01/30/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 21 for Atasca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Atasca is a small, intimate
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Atasca is a small, intimate dining experience with authentic Portuguese cuisine. The staff is friendly and attentive and the food is delicious. You must try the Sangria, aka "happy juice!" You will not be disappointed. I highly suggest a reservaton as this place gets packed by 8pm on a weekend night."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 22 for Atasca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Saturday night meal. Busy,
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Saturday night meal. Busy, energetic. Very helpful and friendly waiter. Starters excellent, main courses mixed. Wine good. Presentation and portions good. Food tasty and interesting but not great.
Good value. Overall, if you want a nice meal that is interesting good place to go with friends or as couple."
Good value. Overall, if you want a nice meal that is interesting good place to go with friends or as couple."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Atasca
Based on the average of (44) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
8 out of 9 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic