The culinary landscape of downtown Tampa is set to undergo a significant evolution with the upcoming arrival of Matilde, a high-end coastal Mexican steakhouse spearheaded by local hospitality group Next Level Brands. The enterprise recently released its premier architectural renderings and design concepts, offering the public an exclusive glimpse into the ambitious project slated to open its doors in the spring of 2027. Occupying the ground floor of the prominent Arts & Entertainment Residences (AER) tower located at 300 W. Tyler St., the 7,600-square-foot dining destination aims to blend luxurious interior architecture with deep-rooted culinary traditions.

Matilde is built upon four foundational pillars: gracious hospitality, live-fire Mexican cuisine, an agave-focused beverage program, and an immersive approach to art and design. Designed to operate as an all-day dining and nightlife destination, the establishment plans to offer lunch, weekend brunch, dinner, and late-night service. By transitioning seamlessly from a vibrant daytime gathering space to a high-energy, sophisticated lounge atmosphere after dark, the restaurant seeks to capture the multifaceted dining culture found in modern metropolitan hubs.

Genesis of the Concept and International Inspiration

The conceptualization of Matilde is the result of extensive international research conducted by the leadership team of Next Level Brands. Co-founders Jeff Gigante and Joe Guggino, alongside Director of Operations Heather Rivas and Culinary Director Jacob Rios, undertook immersive research trips to Mexico City to study the region’s rich gastronomy and design vernacular.

Operating primarily out of the vibrant neighborhoods of Roma Norte, Condesa, and Polanco, the team immersed themselves in the local culture by visiting renowned establishments, neighborhood taquerias, bustling markets, and contemporary design spaces. This firsthand exploration allowed the leadership team to observe how traditional Mexican ingredients and regional cooking techniques are being reinterpreted through modern culinary lenses. Furthermore, the team analyzed how top-tier international establishments successfully integrate architecture, art, music, lighting, and service into a unified guest experience.

Beyond the culinary and architectural insights, the team drew inspiration from the profound warmth and generosity extended by local chefs, restaurateurs, artisans, and shopkeepers in Mexico City. This spirit of community and genuine hospitality closely aligned with Next Level Brands’ existing operational philosophy, ultimately shaping the core identity of the upcoming Tampa venue.

Jeff Gigante, founder of Next Level Brands, emphasized the meticulous care invested in the project. "Matilde is a concept we’ve put a lot of care into, and we want it to go beyond what guests might traditionally expect from a steakhouse," Gigante noted. "Our time in Mexico City helped us bring that vision into focus and inspired us to think more deeply about the connection between food, beverage, and culture. We’ve carried that influence throughout Matilde, creating a space that celebrates those elements in a way that feels thoughtful, immersive, and distinctly its own."

Culinary Program and Live-Fire Execution

At the heart of Matilde’s culinary program is Culinary Director Jacob Rios, who is spearheading menu development with a strong emphasis on live-fire cooking, traditional preparation methods, and communal dining. An open-flame hearth will serve as the physical and conceptual anchor of the kitchen, driving the execution of premium cuts of steak enhanced by house-made moles, salsas, and traditional accompaniments. This rigorous culinary intention will extend equally across the menu’s seafood, poultry, and seasonal vegetable offerings.

While the menu continues to evolve ahead of the 2027 opening, preliminary menu explorations highlight a diverse array of sophisticated dishes. Anticipated items include Shrimp Aguachile Negro, Rib Eye and Pork Al Pastor Tacos, Lamb Shank Barbacoa, Hearth-Roasted Chicken paired with mole negro, and a Heritage Pork Chop served with pipián verde. Authentic techniques and flavor profiles—such as aguachile, pipián, barbacoa, and salsa macha—will be woven seamlessly throughout the menu architecture.

In addition to primary entrees, the restaurant will feature an extensive raw bar and crudo selection, alongside a variety of shareable plates and premium tacos. Daytime menus for lunch and brunch will introduce more casual interpretations of Mexican cuisine, ranging from burrito bowls and chilaquiles to carne asada, tortas, fresh conchas, and churros.

Agave-Forward Beverage and Global Wine Programs

Complementing the robust food menu, Matilde’s beverage program places a primary focus on agave spirits, specifically curating an extensive collection of premium tequilas and mezcals. The cocktail menu will utilize fresh-squeezed juices, seasonal ingredients, and distinct Mexican flavor profiles to create balanced, complex potables designed to pair with live-fire cuisine.

To provide a comprehensive beverage experience, the establishment will also feature a globally curated wine list. Sourced from regions including Mexico, Spain, and the Southern Hemisphere, the wine selections have been chosen specifically to complement the complex spice, smoke, and rich textures inherent to the menu’s seafood and hearth-cooked proteins.

Architectural Design and Spatial Layout

The physical environment of Matilde is designed to be as compelling as its menu, executed in close collaboration with the renowned international design firm Atelier Zébulon Perron (AZP). Newly released architectural renderings depict a sweeping, multi-dimensional dining space characterized by soaring 25-foot ceilings, expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, and panoramic views of the adjacent Hillsborough River.

AZP’s design philosophy for the project draws heavily from contemporary Mexican design culture, juxtaposing raw, natural building materials with refined architectural detailing and meticulously planned lighting schemes. The interior layout harmoniously blends elements of earth, water, and fire, incorporating lush interior greenery to generate a warm, intimate, yet grandly transportive atmosphere.

Designed to cater to a diverse array of dining occasions—ranging from casual evening outings to intimate celebrations and corporate functions—the restaurant’s floor plan offers significant capacity. The layout accommodates 195 guests in the main indoor dining room, 92 guests in outdoor seating areas, a 40-person private dining room, and a centrally located 50-seat bar.

Tribute and Corporate Heritage

The restaurant derives its name from a deeply personal connection within the corporate leadership team, honoring Matilde, the Colombian grandmother of co-founder Andrew Wright. Recognized as an artist, designer, and storyteller, her profound warmth, creativity, and commitment to making guests feel welcomed served as a primary guiding influence for the restaurant’s cultural identity, bridging her personal legacy with the vibrant hospitality traditions of Mexico.

Matilde represents the latest addition to the rapidly expanding portfolio of Next Level Brands. The hospitality group is already well-established in the greater Tampa Bay market, with successful concepts that include Boulon Brasserie located on Water Street in downtown Tampa, Forbici in Hyde Park Village and St. Petersburg, and Union New American situated in the Westshore district.

Chronology and Operational Outlook

The public unveiling of the initial renderings marks a major milestone in a multi-year development timeline for the project.

• May 2024: Next Level Brands formally announces the initial acquisition and concept development for Matilde at the Arts & Entertainment Residences tower in downtown Tampa.
• Late 2024 to 2025: Leadership undertakes exhaustive research and development expeditions to Mexico City to formulate culinary and design strategies.
• Spring 2027: Anticipated official public opening of Matilde, offering weekday lunch and dinner, weekend brunch and dinner, and late-night bar service from Thursday through Saturday.

As downtown Tampa continues to experience rapid urban density growth and an influx of upscale dining concepts, the debut of Matilde is expected to further elevate the city’s profile as a premier culinary destination on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Additional announcements regarding operational milestones, executive personnel, and menu finalizations are anticipated from Next Level Brands in the coming months.