The AER (Arts and Entertainment Residences) building in downtown Tampa Credit: Gazit Horizons, Inc.

Next Level Brands, the team behind popular local spots like Boulon Brasserie, Forbici Modern Italian, and Union New American, is bringing a new Mexican concept to downtown Tampa’s River Arts District early next year.

Described as “an elevated coastal Mexican steakhouse,” Matilde will be the company’s fifth concept, and will be led by Next Level Brands’ Culinary Director, Jacob Rios, says a press release.

Named after Next Level co-founder Andrew Wright’s matriarchal grandmother, the new spot will open in a 7,600 square-foot space on the ground floor of the AER luxury condo building at W Tyler Street, which is adjacent to the Tampa Museum of Art and the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts.

No menu or beverage programming details were released, but Next Level says Matilde promises “a restaurant that feels shaped by its atmosphere, built around scale and energy, and designed to shift from day to night.”

“We’re excited to begin introducing Matilde as it takes shape, gradually sharing more of the vision as it continues to unfold,” said Jeff Gigante, Founder of Next Level Brands. “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.”

No exact opening was announced, but Next Level says the concept is aiming for a spring 2027 debut.

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