Toca Madera opens this month in Houston

Toca Madera, a Mexican steakhouse with exotic charm and a knack for attracting celebrity customers, is making its Houston debut alongside other glitzy restaurants along Allen Parkway.

The restaurant opens June 18 on the ground floor of The Pavilion at The Allen, 1755 Allen Parkway Suite 101. This is the fourth Toca Madera from the Noble 33 hotel group; other locations are in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Scottsdale. Taylor Swift and her boyfriend Travis Kelce dined at the Vegas outpost last month.

“We wanted to do something that highlighted different facets of Mexican cuisine,” Berman said. “When we started looking at opportunities, Houston rose to the top. This is where we wanted to plant our flag.

The Houston location is the largest Toca Madera at 14,000 square feet (393 seats), equipped with two full-service bars, a lounge, a private members’ club and a dining room. private dining.

The restaurant’s design elements are the work of the Monochrome firm, including custom woodwork and two faux ficus trees in the dining room. Bold architectural choices, including an artwork meant to mimic a bird’s nest, provide a true setting for upscale Mexican cuisine. The patio overlooks Eleanor Tinsley Park.

Waiters presenting flambéed drinks; dancers throw flames; and a DJ holds court from a quartzite booth.

While the setting is more focused on “experiential dining,” co-founders Mikey Tanha and Tosh Berman tell the Houston Chronicle that food and drink are a priority, while space and other elements are additives to enhance the experience. overall dining experience.

“Toca Madera Houston offers a unique, tactile dining experience that appeals to all the senses,” Berman said in a statement. “A lot of detail and attention is paid to the architecture, design and soundscape, all combined with an incredible menu for a tailor-made culinary journey. »

Executive chef Christian Brennen is at the helm of Houston’s kitchen. The focus is on premium Australian and Japanese beef, such as the Toca Steak which can be ordered Wagyu, Kobe or Prime, and the ‘Tomahawk and Bone Marrow’, served tableside with flames and floating on salsa green.

Other highlights include the Sashimi Mexicano (ahi tuna, cucumber, avocado, pomegranate, chili de árbol, leche de tigre) and A5 Wagyu Tacos served on crispy wontons with jalapeño slaw, pickled horseradish, cilantro and wasabi kizami .

Beverage director Carla Lorenzo offers a wide selection of tequila and mezcal. The signature cocktail is the Como la Flor, a tropical tequila drink with edible flowers and a rose “air”.

Toca Madera is Noble 33’s first Texas restaurant, and he’s already planning to open a second in Houston with his Mediterranean-influenced restaurant Meduza Mediterrania.

Toca Madera will be open from 4:00 p.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday to start.