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Next Level Brands unveiled the first renderings of Matilde, its coastal Mexican steakhouse coming to downtown Tampa, offering a closer look at the culinary vision, beverage program and design ahead of its anticipated spring 2027 opening. Rooted in four defining pillars of gracious hospitality, live-fire Mexican cuisine, agave-focused cocktails, and art and design, Matilde will bring a sophisticated, soulful and energetic dining experience to the ground floor of the Arts & Entertainment Residences (AER) at 300 W. Tyler St.
First announced in May, the 7,600-square-foot restaurant is being developed as a destination where food, beverage and atmosphere come together in a setting that is both welcoming and luxurious. Offering lunch, brunch, dinner and late-night service, Matilde will feature menus tailored to each part of the day, transitioning seamlessly from vibrant daytime dining to a more refined, high energy scene after dark.
To bring the concept to life, Next Level Brands founders Jeff Gigante and Joe Guggino, along with Heather Rivas, director of operations, and Jacob Rios, culinary director, spent significant time in Mexico City, experiencing the culture firsthand. Based in Roma Norte, the team explored neighborhoods including Condesa and Polanco, visiting celebrated restaurants, cocktail bars, taquerias, markets and design spaces. Along the way, they experienced how Mexico’s distinct regional cuisines and traditions are reimagined through modern interpretations, and how restaurants bring together food, beverage, architecture, art, music and service to create a layered and cohesive dining experience. Equally memorable was the warmth they encountered as chefs, bartenders, restaurateurs and shopkeepers welcomed them into their spaces and generously shared their knowledge and craft. That spirit of gracious hospitality resonated with Next Level Brands’ own approach to hospitality, providing further inspiration for Matilde.
“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,” said Jeff Gigante, founder of Next Level Brands. “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.”
Rios is leading menu development, with an approach centered on live-fire cooking, traditional preparation and a spirit of sharing and gathering around the table. The hearth will anchor the kitchen, with premium cuts of steak prepared over open flame and complemented by mole, , salsas and accompaniments. The same approach and level of intention will extend across the menu to seafood, poultry and seasonal vegetables.
While the menu continues to evolve ahead of opening, dishes being explored 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. Traditional techniques and flavors such as aguachile, mole, pipián, barbacoa, al pastor and salsa macha will be woven throughout the menu. Additional items will include raw bar and crudo selections, as well as tacos and shareable dishes, while lunch and brunch will offer their own interpretations with dishes ranging from burrito bowls, chilaquiles, carne asada, conchas, churros to tortas and other more casual daytime offerings.
Beyond food, Matilde’s beverage program will place agave at the forefront, spotlighting tequila and mezcal complemented by cocktails incorporating fresh-squeezed juices, seasonal ingredients and Mexican flavors. Equally important will be the globally inspired wine list featuring wines from Mexico, Spain, the Southern Hemisphere and beyond, all thoughtfully selected to complement the depth, spice, smoke, seafood and live-fire elements of the menu.
The design and atmosphere will play as central a role in the Matilde experience as the culinary and beverage offerings. The renderings reveal an expansive dining environment built in collaboration with Atelier Zébulon Perron (AZP). With soaring 25-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and river views, AZP is creating a space inspired by Mexico’s contemporary design culture that contrasts raw materials with refined detailing under thoughtfully curated lighting. It will blend elements of fire, water and Earth using lush greenery and thoughtful architectural details to create a warm setting that is elevated, intimate and deeply transportive. Built to accommodate everything from a spontaneous night out to intimate gatherings and larger celebrations, Matilde will feature seating for 195 guests indoors and 92 outdoors, along with a 40-person private dining room and a 50-seat bar.
Named in honor of co-founder Andrew Wright’s Colombian grandmother, Matilde draws inspiration from the artist, designer and storyteller whose warmth and generosity made everyone feel welcome. While the restaurant’s cuisine is Mexican, her creative spirit and approach to hospitality helped shape Matilde’s identity.
Director of Operations Heather Rivas is overseeing the operational development as it prepares to join Next Level Brands’ portfolio, which includes Boulon Brasserie on Water Street, Forbici in Hyde Park and St. Petersburg, and Union New American in Westshore.
Matilde is anticipated to open in spring 2027, with lunch and dinner service Monday through Friday, weekend brunch and dinner, and late-night bar service Thursday through Saturday. Additional details will be announced in the coming months.
The post Next Level Brands Bringing Coastal Mexican Steakhouse to Tampa appeared first on FSR magazine.