Latin in All the Senses: AltaToro

The concept is designed to take you on a sensory journey through Latin America.

January 30, 2024

Sucheta Rawal,

Latin Flair: AltaToro’s dining room and colorful Tree of Life, which symbolizes peace, abundance and a connection to the land, photos by K5 HOSPTIALITY.

A steampunk-style twisted scrap-metal tree welcomes you to a colorful dining room. The almost 20-foot-tall Tree of Life sculpture is the work of local Nigerian artist Jonathan Imafidor and serves as an ambitious centerpiece in the restaurant. A long bar sits between the dining room and a sizable climate-controlled patio overlooking Midtown Atlanta’s bustling streets. At first glance, you may feel like you are in a museum featuring art of the Amazon rainforest but you have arrived at AltaToro.

Tour de Cuisine: AltaToro in Midtown Atlanta.

AltaToro is the latest offering from K5 Hospitality, which includes two locations of 5Church in Midtown and Buckhead. The concept is designed to take you on a sensory journey through Latin America. The striking dining room is adorned with art that owner Ayman Kamel purchased during his visits to South and Central America and an eye-catching piece made from chayote plants by a family in Mexico. Loud Spanish music and electrifying dancers performing flamenco, salsa and fire dances heighten the energy in the room that seats 140 guests.

Latin Flair: AltaToro’s empanadas with salsa.

The modern Latin menu will give you a taste of all of Latin America. You’ll find Peruvian-style ceviche, Mexican mole and prime Argentine steaks, as well as a long list of tapas. The dishes may sound traditional, but they often comprise elements of fusion cuisine.

Start with a few tapas to share. The flautas de tuna are a twist on ahi tuna tartare rolled inside two crispy wanton rolls instead of tortillas. Topped with crema fresca, avocado mousse and sesame seeds, it’s a light and refreshing plate. The empanadas stuffed with shredded chicken and Oaxaca cheese have a nice, flaky pastry. Order it with your choice of salsa – there are at least seven types to choose from. The spicy green salsa de aguacate is delicate while the salsa roja with habanero will bring more heat to your table. The gambas al ajillo are well cooked and garlicky, but the lobster stock sauce is too watery for dipping bread into. The croquetas de manchego is a winning dish. It has tender melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork mixed with maduros (sweet plantains) and manchego cheese, a deep-fried panko crust and spicy chipotle aioli to dip into.

Croquetas de manchego, featuring pulled pork, cilantro, ricotta and breadcrumbs.

For entrees, the halibut Veracruz is stunning visually. Two huge filets of perfectly marinated, baked fish sit on top of a medley of roasted baby potatoes, onions, jalapeno peppers, cherry tomatoes, capers, olives and raisins, creating a burst of textures and flavors with each bite. On the other hand, the mole negro served with the pollo al horno lacks depth, though the chicken itself is moist and tender. Accompanying black beans and cilantro rice could use more seasoning.

While there are not many options for vegetarians besides salad and guacamole, the Azteca taco with marinated grilled cactus, caramelized onions, tomatoes, corn and queso fresco crumbles inside a thin, fresh corn tortilla, is zesty, healthy and flavorful.

All desserts are made in house and are a decent size for sharing. The layered chocolate torte with sponge cake and dark chocolate mousse is not too sweet. You will want more of that delicate guava jam, though, or you’ll run out before you finish the mousse.

For drinks, AltaToro prides itself on its seasonal margaritas. The margaritas are made using locally sourced ingredients, as are the rest of the food and drinks on the menu. If you feel a bit more adventurous, try the citrus-forward avocado margarita served in a pretty, earthen glass. The extensive list of craft cocktails and Spanish, Portuguese, Mexican and South American wines gives you plenty of options.

AltaToro loosely translates to “energetic bull” in Spanish, which makes sense given the lively art, music, dance and food that create a vibrant atmosphere seven days a week. It is a great place to grab a drink and a bite with your friends, celebrate an occasion and have a theatrical dinner experience. My suggestion would be to arrive before dark to see the art and space in natural light as they offer dramatic photo backdrops.