Earlier this year, I wrote about Next Level Brand’s Mexican steakhouse Matilde coming to Downtown Tampa (currently slated for a spring 2027 opening). 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.

Matilde is being developed as a place where food, drinks, and the atmosphere come together in a welcoming and luxurious setting. The restaurant will offer lunch, brunch, dinner, and late-night. Menus are tailored for each part of the day.

“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.”

Gigante, along with Next Level Brands co-founder Joe Guggino, Director of Operations Heather Rivas, and Culinary Director Jacob Rios spent time in Mexico City to experience the culture via neighborhoods, cocktail bars, taquerias, and more.

Rios leads menu development. His approach centers on live-fire cooking, traditional prepping, and gathering around the table. Dishes being explored under his watch 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. Expect to see traditional flavors such as aguachile, mole, pipián, barbacoa, al pastor and salsa macha woven throughout the menu. Additional items will include raw bar and crudo, as well as tacos and shareable dishes, while lunch and brunch offers their own interpretations with dishes ranging from burrito bowls, chilaquiles, carne asada, conchas, churros to tortas and other casual daytime offerings.

Matilde’s beverage program places agave at the forefront, spotlighting tequila and mezcal complemented by cocktails featuring fresh-squeezed juices, seasonal ingredients and Mexican flavors. The globally-inspired wine list features wines from Mexico, Spain, the Southern Hemisphere and beyond, all thoughtfully selected to complement the menu.

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. For the latest updates and a closer look at what’s to come, follow Matilde on Instagram at @matildetampa.

Photo credit: Atelier Zébulon Perron