The story
Alta Calidad—the name means "high quality" in Spanish—is a Prospect Heights, Brooklyn restaurant where Chef Akhtar Nawab brings his distinctive perspective to Mexican cuisine. Since opening, the restaurant has earned a loyal following and a Michelin Bib Gourmand award, a recognition it has held since 2018 for its good quality, good value cooking.
Chef Nawab graduated from the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco and has been cooking for over 25 years. His path to Mexican food is an unexpected one: an Indian American chef who grew up watching his mother cook Indian meals, Nawab has channeled that same instinct for bold, layered flavors into his Mexican cooking. The restaurant's goal, as the team puts it, is "to cook with pride and integrity and have a lot of fun doing it."
The menu features a selection of tacos, pintxos, and margaritas, all available for dine-in, delivery, or takeout. The cooking is described as innovative, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. Guests can choose to sit indoors, on the outdoor patio, or on Vanderbilt Avenue during the OpenStreets summer weekends.
Located just ten minutes from Barclays Center, Alta Calidad has become a neighborhood favorite for pre-event dining and cocktails. The restaurant also offers catering and private party options, bringing its unique culinary experience to events across New York. Whether you're a local or just passing through Brooklyn, Alta Calidad delivers on its promise of high-quality, inventive Mexican food.
Recognition
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