Fancy Mexican Steakhouse Coming Downtown Tampa Next Year

Next Level Brands will open Matilde this spring. A coastal Mexican steakhouse. The 7,600-square-foot restaurant will take up ground space at AER Tampa, a 334-unit building at 300 W Tyler Street. It sits near the Riverwalk, right next to Straz Center.

Gazit Horizons announced the lease today. The property owner has already brought in JetSet Pilates. Also Yoga Six, Bagel Nook, and Engel & Völkers for ground spaces at the Arts and Entertainment Residences building.

The hospitality group runs Boulon, Forbici, and Union New American. They named the restaurant after Co-Founder Andrew Wright's grandmother. Officials called this choice "a fitting tribute that reflects the concept's foundation in heritage, culture, and gathering around the table."

"We're excited to begin introducing Matilde as it takes shape, gradually sharing more of the vision as it continues to unfold," said Jeff Gigante, founder of Next Level Brands, to That's So Tampa. "Matilde will build on our commitment to shaping Tampa Bay's evolving culinary landscape, introducing original concepts that push creative boundaries while remaining rooted in hospitality."

Culinary Director Jacob Rios runs the kitchen program. Rios has won national competitions. He's appeared on Food Network for Latin-inspired dishes built around steaks and seafood.

Director of Operations Heather Rivas is handling development. She's putting together a leadership team. It includes a General Manager, Beverage Manager, and key front and back positions.

Zvi Gordon is President and CEO of Gazit Horizons Inc. He thinks the restaurant will serve building residents, neighbors, and arts patrons visiting the area's cultural destinations. "Matilde introduces a distinctive dining and entertainment concept that will bring new life to the waterfront and further define the neighborhood as a premier destination," Gordon said. "Partnering with Next Level Brands, one of Tampa's most accomplished hospitality groups, makes this addition especially compelling."

The company runs three other concepts in Tampa Bay. Boulon opened in 2022 on Water Street. It's a French-inspired brasserie serving seafood towers and steak frites. Forbici sits in South Tampa. It features Italian cuisine with handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas. Union New American operates in St. Pete, serving modern American fare with local ingredients.

The River Arts District location puts the restaurant near pre-theater crowds visiting Straz Center. The area has grown as part of Downtown Tampa's waterfront revitalization.

More details will come out over the next year before the spring 2027 opening.