yes, another steakhouse

Posh Mexican steakhouse arrives in Houston with wagyu beef and parkside views

The wait is nearly over for the opening of Houston’s newest luxury steakhouse. Toca Madera will open in early June, restaurant group Noble 33 announced.

First revealed last year, Toca Madera describes itself as a modern Mexican restaurant with a high-energy atmosphere that includes nightly live entertainment such as musicians, DJs, and fire performers. The massive, 14,000-square-foot restaurant will be located at The Pavilion at The Allen, which is part of the complex that’s anchored by The Thompson Hotel (1755 Allen Parkway). With almost 400 seats, the restaurant will offer a number of venues for eating and drinking, including an outdoor patio that looks onto Eleanor Tinsley Park, two bars, a lounge, and a member’s only club.

Design firm Monochrome created a space that features custom woodwork, velvet upholstery, and lots of plantlife. A nest-like sculpture called The Bird’s Nest separates the lounge area from other sections of the restaurant.

Toca Madera bird's nest rendering The Bird's Nest will be located in the lounge.Courtesy of Monochrome

Toca Madera notes that it uses sustainable, organic ingredients, but most diners will be looking to feast on prime and wagyu steaks from America, Australia, and Japan. Available in a range of sizes and cuts, the options include the usual filets and ribeyes as well as the signature Tomahawk + Bone Marrow that’s served flaming and sliced tableside. Other notable items on chef Christian Brennen’s menu include Sashimi Mexicano (ahi tuna, cucumber, avocado, pomegranate, chile de árbol, and leche de tigre) and A5 Wagyu Tacos dressed with jalapeño slaw, pickled horseradish, cilantro, and kizami wasabi.

Toca Madera wagyu tacos Toca Madera serves tacos made with A5 wagyu.Photo by Alonso Parra

Photo by TJ Perez

The Tomahawk + Bone Marrow is served flaming and carved tableside.

The beverage program features an extensive array of agave spirits along with a rotating wine list. Selena fans will likely want to order the Como la Flor, which is served with edible flowers and “rose air,” according to a release.

Houston will be Toca Madera’s fourth location, joining outposts in West Hollywood, Scottsdale, and Las Vegas. Noble 33 also has plans to bring Meduza Mediterrania, an Eastern Mediterranean concept, to Houston. It will be located above Toca Madera and include a rooftop patio.

“Bringing a Noble 33 concept to Texas has always been a goal of ours, so we are beyond excited and ready for the June opening of Toca Madera,” Noble 33 CEO Mikey Tanha said in a statement. “Houston marks Toca Madera’s fourth and largest location — a testament to the city’s international flare and palate and we can’t wait for all to enjoy the Toca Madera experience.”

The restaurant is opening near an area that has become dense with steakhouses over the past two years. Nearby options include live fire concept Andiron, Houston-inspired Georgia James, and Turner's Cut, the upcoming luxury concept from B&B Butchers owner Berg Hospitality. Steakhouses are popular downtown, too, where diners will find choices such as Guard & Grace, Vic & Anthony's, Pappas Bros., Toro Toro at the Four Seasons hotel, and more.

news-you-can-eat openings nightlife cocktails dinner

where there's smoke

Houston's only Michelin-recognized Tex-Mex restaurant now open in Bellaire

Photo by Duc Hoang

Don't miss the brisket nachos at Candente.

It didn’t take Sambrook Hospitality Group long to turn Mandito’s into Candente. First announced in September, the restaurant’s second location officially opens today, Monday, December 22, at 5101 Bellaire Blvd.

Speaking on a November episode of CultureMap’s “What’s Eric Eating” podcast, Sambrooks Hospitality founder Michael Sambrooks explained that, as a Bellaire resident, he saw an opportunity to open a restaurant close to home.

“It was a combination of, this location became available, and we liked the market. I think Bellaire is underserved. As far as Tex-Mex options, I think it’s limited,” he says. “We always struggle with where’s somewhere we can grab a bite that’s five minutes away as opposed to driving to another part of town. I think Candente is that solution. I think it’s going to be pretty well received.”

In terms of design, the restaurant replicates many of the same elements as the original Montrose location that opened in 2019, such as its copper-topped tables and yellow, orange, and maroon accents. Diners will note a mural by local artist Franky Cardona along one wall. Overall, the restaurant seats 125 in its dining room, 10 at its bar, and 24 on an outdoor patio.

While the location is new, the menu is the same. That means the same wood-fired fajitas, brisket enchiladas, nachos, birria tacos, and other fare that helped it achieve a “Recommended” designation in the Michelin Guide for Texas — the only Tex-Mex restaurant in Houston to make the prestigious guide. Pair them with margaritas (both shaken and frozen), as well as agave-based cocktails such as the paloma and ranch water, beers, and non-alcoholic options.

Sambrooks Hospitality also operates The Pit Room, the barbecue joint with locations in Montrose and Memorial City that earned a Bib Gourmand designation.

“It’s a privilege to open in Bellaire and get to know and serve a new clientele,” Sambrooks said in a statement. “We’re excited to introduce our style of authentic, handcrafted Tex-Mex that has made us a Houston dining staple.”

Candente will be open for lunch and dinner during the week beginning at 11 am. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday beginning at 10 am.

Don't miss the brisket nachos at Candente.

Photo by Duc Hoang

Don't miss the brisket nachos at Candente.

openings news-you-can-eat tex-mex