Mexican Steakhouse Planned For Tampa's River Arts District Residential Tower

TAMPA, FL — An elevated coastal Mexican steakhouse is coming to Tampa’s River Arts District.

AER Tampa, a 334-unit rental community at 300 W. Tyler Street, has signed a lease with Next Level Brands for Matilde, planned to open in spring 2027, a news release from AER developer, Miami-based Gazit Horizons, said in a news release.

The 7,600-square-foot ground-floor restaurant will face the Riverwalk and the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts.

Gazit Horizons president and CEO Zvi Gordon said that the project is tied to the company's plans for the neighborhood.

“Our vision for AER (Arts and Entertainment Residences) Tampa has always centered on activating the River Arts District with best-in-class experiences,” he said. “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.”

Next Level Brands said that Matilde builds on a portfolio that includes Boulon on Water Street, Forbici in Hyde Park and St. Pete, and Union New American in Westshore.

The new restaurant is named in honor of co-founder Andrew Wright's grandmother and is intended to reflect heritage, culture, and gathering around the table while serving residents, neighbors, and arts patrons visiting nearby cultural destinations, Next Level said.

“We’re excited to begin introducing Matilde as it takes shape, gradually sharing more of the vision as it continues to unfold,” Jeff Gigante, co-founder of Next Level, said. “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.”
The deal completes retail leasing for AER Tampa as the River Arts District continues to add new commercial tenants, the news release said.

The property’s retail lineup also includes JetSet Pilates, Yoga Six, Bagel Nook, and Engel & Völkers.

The rental community was developed in partnership between American Land Ventures and Gazit Horizons Inc., and sits next to the Tampa Museum of Art and the Straz Center.

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