Atta
159-161 Victoria Avenue, Albert Park, Melbourne
03 9696 3388
Indian
$$$$$
Food
- Achari Machli
- Butter Chicken
- Lamb Chennai
- Naan
The Good
It was a perfect start to our meal with the Achari Machli. The twice cooked salmon was beautifully presented, wrapped in a banana leaf parcel and paired with a sweet and delightful mustard tempered coconut chutney. Unwrapping the cute parcel reveals a perfect cooked fillet of salmon, coated in a lightly pickled spice marinade that offered up a slight tang. The salmon itself was flawless, juicy and succulent with a still-pink inner. When accompanied by the sweet freshness of the chutney, the flavours worked remarkably well.
Of course, no Indian meal can be complete without Butter Chicken. Atta’s rendition of this timeless classic was absolutely sensational. The rich and creamy base offered up a lovely richness and a slight sweetness thanks to the tomatoes. Delivering plenty of flavour that was bold without being overwhelming, we found the spices forward yet well behaved, working with the creamy sauce instead of being masked by it like so many other butter chickens we have sampled. The generously sized chunks of tandoori chicken within were tender and succulent, offering a hearty and meaty feed that’s beautifully mopped up by the freshly baked naan.
We also enjoyed the Lamb Chennai. Originating from southern India, this lamb dish exhibited more spice and a bolder, fuller experience. The mustard and curry leaves within were plentiful and wholesome, making for a full-flavoured and spicy experience. The thick curry sauce coated chunks of slow braised lamb, with a beautifully soft texture and a delightful lamb sensation that permeated throughout the dish.
Perfectly accompanying our curries were no doubt their freshly baked Naan. Fresh out of the oven, the light, fluffy breads were aromatic. With heat spots dotted throughout, the occasional charred edge offered a slight crispness to contrast the softer elements. We thoroughly enjoyed the Garlic Naan, which was exceptionally fragrant and created a buttery garlic flavour that enhanced the flavour of the curries.
The Mediocre
Nothing.
The Bad
Nothing.
The Verdict
It’s not hard to understand why Atta was voted the best Indian restaurant in Melbourne. Offering a refined dining experience that’s true to its Indian heritage, we found their dishes exceptionally tasty and most definitely authentic.
Cooking up one of the best Butter Chicken is no easy feat, but Atta Restaurant has done just that, which we think, perfectly justifies their finer-dining price point.
Would Penguin Eat Again?
We can’t wait!
Penguineats would like to thank Atta for inviting us.