New Mexican Steakhouse Coming to Tampa Riverwalk
TAMPA, FL — A new restaurant is taking shape along the Tampa Riverwalk, bringing a Mexican steakhouse concept to the growing River Arts District. Matilde is expected to open in spring 2027 at the base of the AER Tampa apartment tower, with views overlooking the Riverwalk and Hillsborough River.
A New Restaurant for the Riverwalk
Matilde will occupy approximately 7,600 square feet at 300 W. Tyler St., next to the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.
The restaurant is being developed by Next Level Brands, the Tampa hospitality group behind Boulon Brasserie and Forbici. The company recently released new renderings and additional details about the restaurant's design and menu.
The space is expected to seat nearly 300 guests, including 195 indoor seats and 92 outdoor seats. There will also be a private dining room that can accommodate about 40 people.
A Live-Fire Kitchen
One of the main features planned for Matilde will be its live-fire kitchen.
Culinary Director Jacob Rios is developing a menu that will use an open-flame hearth to prepare steaks, seafood, poultry and seasonal vegetables.
Some of the dishes currently being considered include shrimp aguachile negro, rib eye and pork al pastor tacos, lamb shank barbacoa, hearth-roasted chicken with mole negro and heritage pork chop with pipián verde.
The menu is also expected to include raw-bar selections, crudo, tacos and dishes designed for sharing.
More Than a Dinner Spot
Matilde is being designed to operate throughout the day, with lunch and dinner during the week and brunch and dinner on weekends.
The restaurant's bar will focus heavily on tequila and mezcal, along with cocktails using fresh juices, seasonal ingredients and Mexican flavors.
The design will also play a major role in the experience. Montreal-based Atelier Zébulon Perron is designing the space, which will feature 25-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and a combination of natural materials, greenery and architectural elements inspired by fire, water and earth.
The Team Behind the Concept
Before developing the restaurant's menu and overall concept, members of the Matilde team spent time in Mexico City exploring restaurants, markets, cocktail bars and other food and design spaces.
The restaurant's name comes from Matilde, the Colombian grandmother of co-founder Andrew Wright, whose artistic and creative work helped inspire the identity of the concept.
Why It Matters for Tampa
Matilde will add another full-service restaurant to the northern end of Tampa's urban core as the Riverwalk and surrounding River Arts District continue to attract new residents, businesses and visitors.
With its waterfront location, large dining space and planned lunch, brunch, dinner and late-night offerings, the restaurant is being positioned to serve both nearby residents and people visiting the surrounding arts and entertainment destinations.
Matilde is currently expected to open in spring 2027.
📍 300 W. Tyler St., Tampa, FL
🍽️ 7,600-square-foot Mexican steakhouse
🔥 Live-fire kitchen and open-flame cooking
🌊 Riverwalk and Hillsborough River views
📅 Expected opening: Spring 2027
