Axel Oliva, who co-founded the Michelin-recognized San Antonio restaurant Leche de Tigre Cebicheria Peruana, has died, according to posts on the restaurant’s social media pages. He was 31.
Oliva started the Southtown-area restaurant in 2023, along with his brothers Emil Oliva and Alec Oliva.
“It’s with heavy hearts we share that our brother Axel Oliva tragically passed away yesterday,” the restaurant posted to its social media accounts late Monday. “We are taking time as a family and team to grieve. Leche de Tigre will be closed Tuesday through Thursday. We kindly ask for privacy as we process this loss.”
The social media posts didn’t offer details on Axel Oliva’s death, except to announce that a public memorial service would be held at 5 p.m. Thursday at Porter Loring Mortuary, 1101 McCullough Ave.
Born in Laredo, the Oliva brothers spent their childhood years in Peru, where they came to appreciate that country’s blend of South American, Japanese and Chinese cuisines. At just 31 years old, Axel Oliva helped lift Leche de Tigre to accolades rarely manifested by restaurateurs even twice his age.
Working mostly front-of-house during service and behind the scenes managing the restaurant’s daily operations, he helped the restaurant earn “recommended” status when the Michelin Guide debuted in Texas in 2024, a designation it kept again in 2025.
Axel Oliva’s brother and Leche de Tigre chef Emil Oliva was a James Beard Awards finalist for Best Chef Texas in 2025, and he’s been nominated in the same category again this year. Leche de Tigre also was one of San Antonio magazine’s Best New Restaurant honorees, and it ranked No. 7 in the Express-News’ recognition of San Antonio’s Top 50 restaurants.
Axel Oliva was well-regarded by his colleagues in the San Antonio restaurant world, sentiments reflected by a flood of social media messages.
“My heartfelt condolences,” wrote Max’s Sister chef and owner Andrew Weissman. “I enjoyed working with Axel and always felt that he was such an amazing and talented person.”
“This will take such a long time to comprehend,” wrote Jorge Hernandez, corporate chef at Pullman Market. “What a great heart we have all lost in Axel. Our deepest condolences to the family. It was a true honor to know him.”
Writing in Spanish, Mixtli chef de Cuisine Alexana Cabrera Davis said, “Lamento profundamente su pérdida. Sepan que están en mis pensamientos y oraciones durante este momento difícil.” (“I am deeply sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”)
Axel Oliva had his own sentiments about Leche de Tigre’s mission, telling the Express-News in 2025: “We do this for the love of our craft, but mostly to connect with people. Pure, genuine human connection.”
This is a developing story and will be updated as more details become available.