Catal Restaurant

Location

Downtown Disney District

Selections

Burgers, fish, prime rib, salads, paella, rack of lamb, roasted chicken, cocktails, wine, beer.

Summary

Catal (and the adjacent Uva Bar) are a Patina group pairing, one in a chain of eateries operated by celebrity chef Joachim Splichal. Despite overblown descriptions, the menu is pretty straightforward. the small plates, mainly appetizers, salads, and a few pasta dishes are better than the rest of the menu and a real value for the money. When the weather cooperates, Uva is the better of the two venues. Be cautious when ordering some of the more complex or unusual offerings, including the duck and rabbit: they can be very inconsistent and terribly fatty. Side dishes shine though. Price notwithstanding, this is a very adult experience.

Setting and Atmosphere

Uva Bar, a circular open-air lounge, sits immediately outside the restaurant and is a good place for a quick bite (sans line) or a leisurely cocktail while you watch the crowds go by. The outside bistro has undergone both a face-lift and a menu revamp, adding more tables and focusing the menu on Cal-Mediterranean gastropub cuisine. Inside is an elegant art Deco-inspired restaurant with hardwood floors, spacious dining areas, and fine accoutrements. There are two fireplaces and a large central bar; a narrow balcony with tables wraps around the entire top floor.

House Specialties

Chilaquiles or the Breakfast Burrito for breakfast, suckiling pig, oxtail ragu, and grilled rack of lamb for lunch or dinner.

Other Recommendations

A huge and very tasty plate of paella with chicken, chorizo Bilbao, saffron rice, and lemon-garlic aioli.

Menus

• Brunch
• Dinner

Details

Requires Credit Card to Reserve: Yes
Requires Pre-payment in Full: No