Altiro Latin Fusion — Restaurant in Aurora Township

Altiro Restaurant in Aurora, IL, is a gem that consistently delivers a dining experience worth savoring. Located in the heart of the city, on an island actually, this spot exudes charm with its vibrant, yet cozy atmosphere, setting the stage for an unforgettable culinary journey that blends traditional Latin flavors with a contemporary twist.

The Star of the Show today: Ala Barbacoa The Ala Barbacoa dish is, without a doubt, one of the highlights of Altiro’s menu. From the first bite, you can tell the barbacoa is crafted with care and precision. The tender, slow-cooked lamb practically melts in your mouth, offering a rich, smoky flavor that’s balanced perfectly with subtle spices. Each element on the plate complements the barbacoa beautifully — whether it’s the soft, house-made tortillas, or the sauce they offer. This dish manages to be both comforting and sophisticated, a testament to the skill and creativity of the kitchen.

A Perfect Pairing with churros: Café de Olla To accompany dessert and finish such a fantastic dish, the Café de Olla is a must-try. This traditional Mexican coffee is elevated at Altiro with just the right amount of sweetness, cinnamon, and spices. Served hot and aromatic along side Maria’s cookies, it’s a cozy, flavorful drink that feels like a warm hug. The café is an ideal end to the meal or a companion to the savory barbacoa, as its slightly sweet notes balance the richness of the dish.

Ambiance and Service The ambiance at Altiro perfectly complements its culinary offerings. The rustic, yet modern decor with warm lighting and vibrant music creates an inviting space for couples, families, or groups of friends. Whether you’re seated indoors or enjoying the patio during warmer months, the vibe is equally welcoming and lively.

The staff at Altiro deserves special mention as well. Attentive and knowledgeable, they are always ready to offer recommendations, ensuring that your experience is tailored to your preferences. They bring a level of professionalism that elevates the overall dining experience while maintaining a friendly, approachable demeanor.

Beyond Barbacoa While the Ala Barbacoa and Café de Olla are the stars of my meal, it’s worth noting that the rest of the menu is just as impressive. From their inventive tapas-style dishes to their handcrafted cocktails, Altiro is a haven for food enthusiasts. The Alambre Al Pastor and the Shrimp Al Tequila are other standout dishes, showcasing their ability to innovate while respecting traditional flavors.

Final Thoughts Altiro Restaurant in Aurora is a treasure that brings people together over incredible food and drinks. The Ala Barbacoa alone is worth the visit,...

Post-theater dinner was at Altiro Latin Fusion. We made reservations and It’s was a good thing because the place was crowded after the show. We were seated at a table near a drafty window so we asked to be moved. The other table wasn’t that much better. We saw a number of patrons eating with their coats on because it was so cold in the restaurant. Service was lacking today from the last time we went. Maybe because they were busy or understaffed. We ordered tapas style shareables…trio of guacamole, Basque seasoned roasted potato wedges, skirt steak and pork belly street tacos, shredded lamb tapas and ended with key lime tarts. The guacamole was a very small amount 3 mounds about a 1/4 cup each. The Basque potatoes was the outstanding thing we ate today with a sunny side up egg on the top. It was so flavorful, and the potatoes were tender. The tacos we chose today were just okay, not as tasty as the ones we chose last visit. The shredded lamb tapas were good, but they came out, not as described on the menu - “shredded Slagel farm lamb, caramelized chipotle sauce, queso fresco, and sour cream, served on 4 crispy mini tortillas.” They were served with steamed tortillas on the side, not crispy tortillas. I was very disappointed with the dessert. That was described as creamy - “perfectly tart and creamy filling made with organic lime juice, nestled inside a golden-brown, made-from-scratch crust.” The tarts came out rock hard from the freezer. I was looking forward to a creamy Keylime filling. So disappointing. Another misleading menu item. I brought my rating down this visit because of the uncomfortable temperature in the restaurant, the inattentive service and the dessert not being creamy as described. We had to wait at the end of the meal for our server Grisel to bring the check and yet another long wait for her to pick up payment. I had to eventually flag her down. I noticed she was busy setting up tables and drying glassware at the time. There were only us and another table left in the restaurant at this time. I was pretty disappointed with our dining experience this time around. The positives were the cute atmosphere of the restaurant, the delicious cocktails, and those Basque potatoes. I would recommend giving Altiro a try, though, as you may have a better experience. I know the other times we’ve been here we were satisfied completely. It just could’ve been an...

I was there with a friend last Friday before a show at the Paramount. There was also a Frida Fest going on outside. The restaurant was very busy. We had a reservation and were seated by the bar at a counter by the window. Once we sat down we realized the seats were uncomfortable and too low. It was also very hot in there, and it didn't help that we were near the front door which they kept open.

We asked the hostess if we could move to a table. She was very nice and said no tables for 2 were currently open, but she would keep an eye out. A table opened near us, so we asked a different hostess if we could move. She said no, because people were waiting for tables. We explained that we had a reservation, but we were uncomfortable, so she agreed to move us.

We had already ordered drinks, which we didn't get yet, so we ordered food and another round of drinks. We were told the kitchen was very backed up, and they only had one bartender. It took at least 30 minutes to get one round of drinks, and we never got the second round. The food took at least 45 minutes to get 2 of the 3 items we ordered.

Also, the water glasses were very small, and the water didn't have ice. I was so warm and thirsty, so I was drinking a lot of water. I did get a 2nd water glass, but only one time the water was actually cold.

We were talking to the tables next to us, since they were also going to the show and were waiting for food/drinks. Then everyone asked for their checks and to cancel anything they did not receive yet. The 2nd hostess stopped by and tried to tell people their food would be right out. But it was really too late at this point. I felt bad for the wait staff, since the backup in the kitchen and bar wasn't their fault.

The tacos and drinks we had were very good. I don't know if the long wait was because of the Frida Fest. But the restaurant needs to be more aware of the fact that if there is a show at the Paramount, that many of their patrons would be going. We were there almost 2 hours before the show and thought that would be plenty of time. Also, if you are expecting a busy night, you need more than one bartender since the fancy cocktails take a...