I came here I believe when they first opened up in 2022 for their tasting menu. After seeing they were awarded with a Michelin of course I had to snag another reservation to try them out again. The price has significantly increased over the years from what I remember to be about $75 or 100 a person to now $155pp. Since then I've been two more times and the menu has always been very different each time minus 1 or 2 courses like the tuna tostada which I could eat a 100 more times and the cheese empanada. The menu focuses on maiz in all different forms. I do appreciate that while the menu was more vegetable forward initially it does now include more meat dishes but still shows creativity with different vegetables. They are also BYOB as well, not sure if there is a corking fee. Overall, service is always great here and I haven't been disappointed by the food. I would say it wouldn't hurt for them to upgrade to a nicer restaurant for the price point but they do provide a cozy, comfortable ambiance. I also wish that they would restart their weekend brunches again! I definitely think this is a restaurant in Houston worth trying at least once. read more

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Okay so it's sus when you drive up but I promise you're about to be transported to an unbelievable dining experience! I went for my husbands birthday and surprisingly it's not too difficult to get a reservation now days. And girl math you pay when you book so you're literally getting a free dinner when you're finally at the restaurant. When you get inside it's small but intimate. The lighting is soft and they've dimmed the kitchen lighting as well so you can see in through the doors but you're not interrupted by the hustle and bustle of the staff. I mean this with my whole chest. Everything we ate was so beautiful and tasteful. I loved their tuna tostada and imagine my glasses down to my nose and I'm staring you in the eyes.... THIS WAS SO YUMMY. If all the courses were just the tuna tostada I would've still left impressed. But nevertheless they had to continue to demonstrate their talent. Every course was... well to put it simply. PRETTY. They were full of complicated flavors but also simple staples of maiz. They don't offer any alcoholic beverages which worked out perfectly for dry January. However the drinks they do have are refreshing and I wouldn't pass it up. At the end of the meal they provide you with the full menu (you don't get this at the beginning of your meal) and a page of recommended places to visit from the staff. After becoming obsessed, I've watched https://youtu.be/it6jq6zzFvc?si=5HYuYoYf3x2p5Qxs about 5 times now and I recommend watching this too if you've visited. read more

Tatemó - Menu and dessert - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

A lovely Michelin star experience! The front is not labeled at all so it does take some searching to figure out the right door. The space inside is small and cozy. Make those reservations well in advance! Service is stellar. Each course was brought out by a combination of our main server and some of the chefs. The server explained each course in wonderful detail. What a beautiful celebration of corn! I really appreciate the artistry and creativity that went into making this menu. The chileatole and enmolada were standout dishes for me, as well as the desserts. Everything was done with great intention and care. You can taste all of the flavors that they mention beforehand and can feel the love for maize in every dish. It ended up being about $200 per person after tax and tip and you do pay in advance. The experience for my group of 4 lasted a little over two hours, which felt like a good pace considering how many courses there were. Would definitely recommend for a nice date spot or celebratory dinner! read more

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Tatemo is in a strip mall and I believe not marked. We had a lovely time sitting at the counter with sight right into the kitchen. The dishes were fun and creative. I wish they provided the menu upfront vs at the end. The waitress provided in depth descriptions of the food though. Worth a trip! read more

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Located in an unassuming small plaza across the street from Karbach Brewery, we hadn't noticed it before stopping by for dinner service on a weekday. Inside, the space is pretty cozy, around 12 tables, very minimal in style but of course all the awards and Michelin Man are on display. We sat at the bar and enjoyed watching the chef preparing each dish. Our server was very knowledgeable and explained each dish in great detail, at about double speed, so I admittedly tuned out halfway through at times. Thankfully they gave us a nice printed menu afterwards to revisit each course. While the menu changes periodically, here are the dishes we tried: Tostada de tuna (4/5), Gordita (4.5/5), Quesadillas (4.5/5), Chileatole (7/5, this was absolutely amazing), Enmolada (3/5, not a fan of the mole, too bitter), Encachetada (4/5) , Palate Cleanser (serrano-lime Sorbet) (4/5), Postre de temporada (5/5), and bunuelo/fruit de pate/concha (5/5). Reservations required full upfront payment. Our 8-course meal for 2 totaled $421 after a 22% service fee and tax (there's also no refund for cancellations). While we enjoyed our time here, aside from the Chileatole, none of the dishes truly stood out. It's a nice place to try at least once, but would we return? Probably not. read more

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The food was presented beautifully. The place is very small and charming and I think it only had like 6 tables. It does not have a label on the door so you have to look for the suite number. Service was great as they explained in great detail each dish. We got the truffles added to a dish and I would say I'm still undecided as to whether that was a necessary addition. Overall o lovely night. They brought extra dessert even after service was over. So sweet! read more

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We had a last minute opportunity to go dine in at Tatemo. We came by for dinner service on a weekday evening. Tatemo is located very under the radar and in an area of town not quite known for dining, but more for workshops and industrial spaces (north of Timbergrove but south of the GOOF. The interior is extremely dark, dark to the point where it is difficult to see your dish without placing it near the small light placed near your seating. They have quite a few awards and Michelin mentions placed around the restaurant. To add to a reservation, you are required to pay ahead of time and including a 22% service charge, a set course for two comes out to around $421 after tax. Service was very comprehensive with their set course menu; the staff working here have each dish memorized to the tee and while it was very "The Menu" like, it was a bit overwhelming especially when the descriptions include very specific ingredients that may or may not be commonly available. The chef/ owner himself was in the back directing the kitchen; it was interesting to sit at the bar and watch the staff prep the courses in the back kitchen. Summarizing the courses; Tostada de tuna - 4/5. Solid presentation, and flavor was good Gordita- 4/5, presentation was again very elegant and modern, taste was good Quesadilla- 4.5/5. First time trying huitlacoche Chileatole- 6/5. One of the best tasting dishes that I've had recently; presentation was very modern but the flavor profile was rich and layered Emmolada- 3/5, not the biggest fan of the mole and the sweetness here combined with the figs Encachetada- 3.5/5. It was a fine dish but nothing extraordinary. The nopales "salsa" was great though Palate cleanser- 4/5. Good lime sorbet Posture de temporada- 4.5/5. Very modern dessert with a mix of textures and flavors; sweet, spicy, bitter, salty, all in one. Love the avante garde look of the dish too. Bunuelo / fruit de pate / concha/ 5/5, solid dessert, not exactly sure what is in everything but the cookie is awesome. Overall, it is a cool experience for those not familiar with set menu type dinners. It feels like "The Menu"; it's sometimes a bit stuffy and maybe pretentious but we had some fantastic dishes. Bang for the buck? That's for you to judge. read more

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It's a pretty unassuming storefront, there's no signs or anything on the outside so we had to just pull on an unmarked door and hope for the best. the inside is really dark and they provide dim lighting at table side. the service was good - our main server was pretty knowledgeable and was super friendly/passionate. One problem i had was almost burning my fingers (twice) The first time was trying to pick up the hand towel on the table, and the second time was pulling apart the quesadilla. I thought everything was more or less good, no dishes particularly wow'd me. Favorite dishes: - Tostada - Duck Confit Taco - Wagyu Taco read more

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Okay... this might be an unpopular opinion, so I'm sorry in advance. I've been rooting for Tatemo for a long time. I used to visit them back in 2020/2021 when they were selling tortillas and quesadillas at the farmers market. Watching them grow and flourish has been genuinely exciting, so naturally, I was eager to try the full omakase experience. Getting a reservation, though, was no joke. I literally had to set an alarm for midnight on the first of the month--multiple times--before I finally succeeded. That kind of effort builds major anticipation, and honestly, I expected to be blown away. I had even DMed them a few times along the way and never got a response. It was a little disappointing, but I let it go--figured they were busy and in high demand. When we arrived, someone greeted us at the door right away, which was a nice touch. The space itself isn't branded from the outside, which added this cool, almost secretive vibe to the whole experience. Unlike other omakases I've tried, we were seated at our own private table rather than at a communal chef's counter. Not bad--just different. Our server was polite and walked us through each dish in great detail. At times, it felt a little excessive--I kind of just wanted to eat--but I appreciated the care. Now, here's where things took a dip for me. The chef never came out to greet or interact with guests, which I've come to expect (and really enjoy) at omakases. It adds a level of intimacy and connection to the food that was noticeably missing. And the food... was mid. Like, really mid. I wish I could go into detail about every course, but truthfully, none of them stood out enough. The presentation was beautiful, yes--but almost every dish relied heavily on the salsa they served at the beginning. Without it, most courses lacked flavor. That shouldn't be the case at this level. There were a couple of bright spots: the tostada de tuna was probably my favorite. The tuna was cut perfectly and sat on a tostada with a chipotle spread that actually brought some depth. And the enmolada was their most creative course--duck confit layered inside a plantain tortilla. It looked like a balled-up tortilla but had this unexpected crunch and layered texture underneath. Super unique and definitely showcased their artistic vision. Overall, I left hungry and underwhelmed. I really wanted to love it--especially after all the effort it took to get in--but for the price and the hype, it just didn't deliver for me. read more

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What a great anniversary dinner. Tatemo is just down the street from us and shame on us for only visiting for the first time in April 2025. Entering through a nondescript door in a strip center, you are welcomed into an intimate room. There are four seats at a bar type area (they don't serve alcohol) with a view to the kitchen and eight(?) tables. A fun, not too loud soundtrack is playing in the background without interfering with your table conversation. The menu is a journey through, and homage to, heirloom maize. I won't go through all eight courses but my favorites were the starter Big Eye Tuna Tostada, Quesadilla, Taco de Pescado (nigiri on a tortilla), Enmolada and Encachetada with A5 supplement. Service was excellent with a nice balance of conversation and professionalism. I feel the Michelin recognition is well-deserved. Give them a try. We'll be back. Corkage fee is $20 first bottle and $40 for the second. Total service clocks in around 1 hour 45 minutes. read more

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We're so glad Michelin came to Houston because Tatemo truly deserves it. We visited for my husband's birthday and had a great dinner. Chef Emmanuel and his team executed a delicious 8-course tasting menu which focused on different forms of maiz from the various regions of Mexico while also sprinkling in some subtle elements of Japanese cuisine. Out of all the courses, my top 3 were the Enmolada and its rich mole, the Encachetada featuring Japanese A5 wagyu, and the Quesadilla with the IG-worthy Oaxaca cheese pull. They are BYOB, and we opted for a classic Mexican coke. The service was excellent, and the decorations are very simple but it makes for a very intimate space perfect for date night. I'd definitely recommend Tatemo, and can't wait to see what future changes they'll make to their menu. read more

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Don't get me wrong, the food here was excellent. And in the end I'm super glad we tried it. But do I think it's the best Michelin restaurant I've experienced, definitely not. To start, we were given warm towels to wipe our hands and were told to do so quickly, as the first course would be coming out quickly. This was not true and we ended up waiting a strangely long time for the first course. Unclear why. The food itself was good. 8 courses (#8 was dessert). Most of them were 1-2 bites at most. Mostly handheld. The wagyu taco towards the end was my favorite. What bothers me about the meal, overall, though, was the presentation. Each course came with a multi-minute explanation behind the inspiration, ingredients, etc. And it all felt a bit (sorry) pretentious. I'm not so familiar with this cuisine and I felt like they used a lot of Spanish phrasing without explaining it for the sake of sounding elevated, making the meal a bit inaccessible. While I enjoyed what I was eating, for the most part I didn't totally understand what I was eating. And this felt a bit intentional. Also, each dish had a LOT going on. Many layers upon layers, which I don't know was super necessary. If I knew nothing about this place, I would say it was a lovely meal. But knowing the standards it's held upon, I probably wouldn't recommend it, especially for the price-tag of $125 pp. read more

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overall: 3/5 came on a thursday night and had do to a bit of searching for the place since there was no store front sign. parking was okay but since there was a church next door i could see it being packed. our servers and were very knowledgeable about everything that was served. imo maybe i am spoiled from bay area Michelin restaurants but i felt like this place was just okay, everything tasted fine but there isn't anything particularly worth or stand out to come back for. especially for $400 for 2 i would wish it had a stand out dish read more

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This will be my second time at a Michelin star restaurant. With some interesting reviews I am happy to say we had an absolute blast at Tatemó. From the discrete entrance to the cuisine it delivered. Dark, speakeasy vibes is what you'll get when you walk in. Minimalist vibes, candle light, and interesting decor (see the Michelin man action figure) You'll be guided through an experience of authentic Mexican corn throughout the country, the staff does a great job explaining the ingredients and how to consume them. 7 of the 8 courses were beyond outstanding, with the Gordita being the standout winner for us. The soundtrack was fun and different. Overall a super cool place to eat. read more

Tatemó - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Inspiration for each tapa item on the tasting menu is explained. The Veracruz inspired crispy skinned seabass was my personal favorite. The layers of flavor in the tuna with chipotle spread and caviar and Wagyu short ribs were also amazing. I left feeling full. I wasn't disappointed in the least that it was BYOB as we were able to bring our own wine of choice. There is a $20 corking fee. read more

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Outstanding meal. Truly unique food with excellent service. The chef and team should be very proud of what they have achieved. It was one of the best meals we have had in a long time. read more

I had been eyeing Tatemó for a while since it got James Beard nominations. And now it got awarded with a Michelin star! Tatemó is reservations only and it fills up fast, so make sure to plan in advance. It's a small restaurant with only 20 seats. Service was amazing! Staff was friendly and knowledgeable about all the dishes. Chef Emmanuel Chavez came out to ask how everything was too. The pacing of everything was also perfect. Our dinner lasted a little under two hours. The entire experience felt elevated, but never pretentious. Our tasting menu consisted of: - Tostada de tuna | Bluefin tuna, chipotle spread, pico mix, caviar - Tlacoyo | Pork belly chicharron, pulpo, avocado, queso fresco, crema - Quesdailla | Queso Oaxaca, huitlacoche, epazote, chicatanas - Taco de pescado | Black bass, shiso leaf, black bean, pickled Chinese chives - Enmolada | Plantain tortilla, mole negro, masa tempura sweet potato - Encachetada | Wagyu short rib, yuzu kosho, chives, encacahuatado - Postre de temporada | Citrus, chocolate ganache, rice ice cream, mascarpone sabayon - Buñuelo & fruit de pate | Chocolate, macadamia, persimmon, sugar Not gonna lie I was a little nervous because I've been to a couple tasting menus where the first course is good, and then it just goes downhill after that. But I am happy to say that was definitely not the case here! I thoroughly enjoyed every course. My favorites would have to be the tostada de tuna and the taco de pescado. I loved the bluefin tuna and the slight kick from the chipotle spread. For the taco, we were told the black bass was cooked sashimi style. I loved the resulting texture. It was crispy on the outside, and soft with some chew to it in the inside. read more

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Tatemó has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants. I came a little after they received a Michelin star the first time and was blown away. Service is always great. Every ingredient chosen actually shines and each dish is executed very well. The food is well seasoned throughout the menu. What impresses me the most is how consistent the team is executing their menu. I cannot say enough good things. The only thing is it's a little over $200 dollars per person after tip and tax and you might leave hungry. That's to be expected for a tasting menu I guess. read more

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Came here for a random brunch they were doing to support an organization who does great things called PX Project Houston. I hadn't been able to make it to a dinner yet but I was excited there was a brunch available. They said to get there early so I got there at 920. I didn't get in the door to order until 1130. And then they forgot about my order so people who came after me got food before I got my take out. They figured it out though and got it ready and I was out of there at 1210. All of the food was delicious and well packaged. They all came with separate sauces to use. The quesadilla was probably my favorite because you could really taste the quality and authenticity of the blue corn in the tortilla. By the time I got to the front (and I was only 20 people back) they had run out of eggs for the chilaquiles and the 12 packs of tortillas. By the time my friend got to the front (about 30 people back) they had sold out of chilaquiles and conches. They did forget one of my items but I made a note on my receipt comments and they refunded me. I honestly would have rather had the item considering the wait but I appreciated them taking notice of my comment and refunding me. Overall I'm glad I was able to try their food but I don't know if I can spend close to three hours waiting to eat next time. Parking situation: Plenty of parking in a strip mall location and whatever church it is next door was having a really good time read more

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Tatemó! What a great tasting menu. I came here recently for my birthday with my wife and some friends from out of town. Love the byob aspect. We brought a bottle of premixed margaritas and an amazing bottle of Malbec from the Rogue Valley in southern Oregon. Both paired well with the menu. They start you with a homemade salsa verde that is delicious and pairs well with everything you will eat. (Aside from dessert lol) First course: Ceviche- ficama. Yuzu Aioli. Pico Mix. Corn Milk. This was a flavor explosion! Loved it. Literally layers of flavors that were perfectly balanced. An incredible way to start the journey. Second course: Gordita Hibiscus Machaca. Charred Avocado Crema.- Again very good. Paired perfect with the salsa verde 3rd course: Quesadilla Queso Oaxaca. Huitlacoche, Crema. Caviar. This chef is not playing around. He's really starting to show off at this point lol 4th course: Enmolada Plantain Tortilla. Mole Negro. Black Bean Puree. Potato. Different, unexpected and delicious. Again perfect with the salsa verde 5th course: Tamal de Calabaza Delicata Squash, Chile Poblano, Butternut Squash Cream. Epazote Salsa. Cacahuazinile Blanco - Estado de Mexico At this point I noticed there are hardly any proteins on this menu. Hmmm starting to wonder how he's cooked so well I barely even noticed there's little to no meat at all on this menu 6th course: Taco Masa Tempura Eggplant. Encacahuatado. Walnut Salsa Negra. Again, no meat yet still very enjoyable. Great salsa Negra. This chef knows flavors! After that there were two desserts: Postre de Temporada Nixtamalized Persimmons. Mole Cookie. Pine Nut Cream. Tangerines. And Bunuelo Chocolate. Chicatanas. I enjoyed both. The first one had a sour/sweet/citrus combination I really liked. Now this was the hard part-Was the menu worth the price? It's a small restaurant with a great vibe and good music playing. The smaller intimate setting is really nice. We had great service all night. However, most the ingredients are simple, humble and typically inexpensive. So did the lack of proteins merit docking one star? I decided no. The food was really incredible all night and though the portions were smaller, I left completely full and satisfied. read more

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Tatemó is a wonderfully intimate spot for a one-on-one or double date night with some close friends. You can absolutely taste the effort that is put into each plate as the chefs allow you to taste flavors that your palate has never experienced before. The restaurant is small, located in a mini shopping strip that is easy to look overlook. Our server explained the story and variety of ingredients behind each plate. The drinks that are served are all non-alcoholic, but it's a Bring Your Own Alcohol establishment with corking fees for each bottle. If you're looking for a unique new spot to try, this is definitely it! read more

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Decided we needed to come here before it gets a bunch of (deserved) hype with Michelin stars moving into Texas. They certainly know how to nail a plating here, and their servers are so well-versed in the history and story behind the dishes, so it feels like a journey as you eat. Some of the courses were real standouts for me, but none were unenjoyable. Ex: I dream to this day about their cheese bomb taco thing (sorry, I am sure it had a better name than that in-restaurant but you get the idea). All in, just under a 2-hour affair. Pacing was perfect in my eyes; I never felt rushed. BYO wine with corking fee as they do not have a liquor license to sell any alcoholic beverages. They do offer several bubbly non-alcoholic drinks. Parking: private lot read more

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Excellent service. In a small strip mall with no sign across from karbach brewery. Extremely small venue. It's extra small tapas style food. They explain every detail of each plate. Pretty delicious but definitely had to go find food after... read more

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Rooting for Tatemo for a Michelin star this year. I've been to a few dozen Michelin-starred restaurants around the US and Tatemo is definitely a peer. I gave them a 5 despite my few issues. + Strong story, the menu is crafted from the chef's experience with Mexican cuisine, regional history and culture. + Service is good, friendly staff. + Each course was very enjoyable: complex flavors, but not overwhelming. - Nice dark date-night vibes, but the setting is a little bare and kind of feels like they took over a closed ice cream shop. - Since you can only reserve on Tock, you're forced to get nickel and dimed on the 2% processing fee, 22% service charge (maybe bring that down to 20%), and $5 order fee (WTF?). So what was a $250 for two came down to $340.58, kind of a sticker shock, which the 'expected' price should be ~$320. Looking forward to how the restaurant, chef, and menu will evolve over time! read more

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Overall experience probably closer to a 4-4.5, but decided to be nice and give it a 5 - because based solely on food, it truly deserves that. I don't really see Houston as a fine-dining type of town, but if that is what you are looking for, then Tatemó in respect to the food will not let you down. There is a reason that chef Emmanuel Chavez has received so many accolades, with multiple James Beard nominations. He is a corn nerd, and the way he showcases maize throughout his cooking and his tortillas in all its forms and expressions is masterful. I have dined in Michelin starred Mexican restaurants in NYC (Oxomoco and Claro) and CDMX (Quintonil and Pujol), and I can say this place can hang with the best of them. Booking is done through Tock, and is prepaid at time of booking. BYOB is available for a nominal fee, which definitely makes the price point more palatable. Our waiter was a bit of a greenhorn, but he more than made up for it with his kindness, attentiveness, and earnestness. We had seats at the bar, which I really enjoyed, because I felt like we got instant service and our wine glasses were never empty. With all that said, where I think Tatemó could improve is the vibe and decor. For this level of food and price point, I do think they could spend a bit more investment in hiring a designer or consultant. If the food is 5 star, the vibes and ambiance are probably 2 to 3 stars out of 5 for me. It doesn't really bother me that it is in a strip mall, but the space feels like an old dentist office or medical office building (pretty sure it must have been one). The walls and furniture and the floors could just use some real work and more thought in my opinion - I recognized many of the Ikea pieces (nothing against Ikea who I love). It's just a bit sterile and bare feeling, and just could not get over how the decor did not match the food. In the end, I would still highly recommend Tatemó if you want to splurge on elevated cuisine - the food will not disappoint. But it is not a place you would really go for the vibes, or if you want a super romantic date ambiance. read more

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Sell the news, sell the hype Went here before Michelin came and was pretty underwhelmed. Was hungry after the service was meh. They had one dish with cheese in it... reminded me of the Bosco sticks we used to get at the school cafeteria. Ambiance was also meh.. trying to be a speak easy style, but could tell it was an old office building with still stains on top.. I don't get the hype really read more

Tatemó was on my radar because a few friends have gone, but my cousin from San Diego and I traveled to Germany recently, and we tried a 3-star Michelin restaurant. Texas doesn't participate in Michelin, but there are some great restaurants that are James Beard-recognized, and Tatemò is one of them. Chef Emmanuel Chavez was a James Beard Best Chef nominee for this year. It was so timing that my cousin texted me about it because I was taken here on a surprise second date. The waitress said some even come here on their first date. That's a bit much. Like other reviews, the restaurant is discrete like a speakeasy. It's in the same complex with a church and donut shop. Other than a simple sign on the marquee, there's no sign at the door. I was shocked when someone just knew to open the door and greet us as we approached. We were seated at a table for 4 near the entrance. It was dark and intimate, but the music was a little loud and didn't match the ambiance very much. It was also annoying everytime the door opened because it took away from the vibe of being a cozy, dim environment. There's bar seating near where you can watch them cook and a few tables. I read somewhere they seat about 13 people at a time. Albeit clean, there is one restroom for the whole place. Just like a Michelin star restaurant, it was a tasting menu, vegetarian-based when we went. There are 8 items on the tasting menu. love how everything is made of corn or has corn incorporated somehow and based on Mexican roots. My date brought wine since you can BYOB. They uncorked it and provided wine glasses. I don't eat much seafood but have been dabbling in it more recently. I enjoyed the ceviche. The hibiscus gordita was also good. I knew jackfruit can look like meat, but I didn't know about hibiscus. The tamal de calabaza with acorn squash and mole was my favorite along with the rice ice cream dessert and bunuelo (chocolate/hazelnut crisp). I'm curious about what they have for brunch, but I love brunch food so much that I'm not sure I can justify paying that much for small portions. read more

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To start, the restaurant does NOT have a phone number to call and ask any questions! I emailed them to ask if I could get the menu so that we'd know what kind of wine to take that would pair with the food. They did not share the menu and basically said to take a sparkling wine and a light red. They also recommended to go to Houston Wine Merchant because they were familiar with the menu and could provide recommendations. We went there and the manager was not familiar with the menu! So we took a Cava and an Italian light red. The Cava did not pair with the food! This is not necessarily their fault but if they had shared the menu with me, I could have asked my son, who's a sommelier, to recommend wines for us. The restaurant is very small and there is one speaker mounted to the wall that was blaring an odd mixture of music- anything from rap to Mexican to hip hop. The noise was so loud that it was hard to carry on a conversation! We had 6 small dishes and one dessert. The first 3 dishes were very bland! I asked if I could have salt and pepper and they brought me some kosher salt in a bowl but basically told me that I could not have pepper because it was pepper corns! I guess they didn't want me to have a pepper grinder! The only thing that added flavor to the food was a green salsa, that was very good and had lots of flavor. I doused my food in this to get some flavor. The one dish that stood out was the Enmlada. It was very good and very flavorful. The plantain tortilla added a nice sweetness to the mole. The final dish was a wagyu taco that was extremely smoky, to the point that I took one bite and could not eat it! This is such a taste specific dish that I'm shocked that it was included. My husband likes smoky meat and liked the flavor, however he said that the meat was tough! One thing that I really liked was the green salsa that was provided with the tacos. There was plenty left, so I asked if I could take the rest home. They told me that I couldn't because they don't have any to go containers! Really? We've been to a 3 star Michelin restaurant in Spain that was happy to box up any leftovers we wanted! At the very end- they gave us the menu! Why the secrecy? Why couldn't they provide the menu beforehand so that we'd have a perfect wine to pair? Lastly, the dessert was underwhelming. It was a tiny scoop of ice cream with a touch of added flavors- not anything special. The parting sweet that was provided was much better than the dessert. However, it was placed on top of wadded up paper! I felt that the presentation could have been better. We would NOT recommend this restaurant! I am shocked that they got a Michelin star! There are so many excellent restaurants in Houston that do not have a star that are so much better than Tatemo! Don't waste your money going here, it is not worth it! For the bass taco, I now had some salt to season it. I took one bite and the flavor was good but then came this slimy texture! It wasn't until I got home and looked at all the photos that I realized that the skin was left on the bass. Normally, if skin is left on fish, with the intention of eating it, the fish is pan seared, skin side down so that the skin is crispy. That was not done here and the slimy texture was awful! read more

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Congrats on your well-deserved Michelin star! Dinner with my foodie friend was delightful. My favorite dishes? It's a tie between the crisp and savory Pork Belly Chicharron and the A5 Wagyu, which was rich and velvety. A close second was the Black Bass. While our server was personable, knowledgeable, and polished in presentation, there was a long (very long) gap between the 4th and 5th courses, which was surprising and, to be honest annoying. We actually almost wanted to leave after sitting there for so long. When service resumed, all was well again. I highly recommend this experience for a special evening. Note: this restaurant is BYOB. read more

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After having tried all of the Houston metro Michelin star restaurants, I would say Tatemó is the best if you want a true foodie experience. First, their restaurant is located in a pretty barren strip mall with only a generic sign for display. Their interior has dim mood lighting while being quite sparse on decorations, so if you're looking for some extravagant dining room, this place isn't it. However, what they might lack in their decor, they absolutely made up with their food. This was an 8 course tasting menu that featured all sorts of different regions of Mexico while being a Maize driven restaurant. Almost every dish really wowed me, and the servers did a great job explaining everything. I especially loved their sea bass taco, amazing crust from the grill and tender in the middle. It might be one of my favorite pieces of fish I've eaten. The only downside is if you're looking for wine pairings and the sort, they don't offer that as they are BYOB, the downsides of leasing their space from a church. For an 8 course tasting, I think Tatemo knocked it out of the park and was fairly priced as well. A well deserved Michelin star and my compliments to the chef and their team. read more

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Tatemó offers a beautifully curated tasting menu that celebrates heirloom Mexican corn with creativity and finesse. While you might not leave stuffed--this isn't a volume-driven restaurant--the intentional portioning highlights exquisite flavors and craftsmanship, so you leave satisfied in every sense. Yes, the upfront price feels steep and BYOB means you bring wine (with corkage fees), but once you understand the sourcing, artistry, and overall experience, it makes total sense. Cozy, intimate space with terrific pacing, warm lighting, and outstanding service. Highly recommend for a truly special meal. read more

Tatemó - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

TL;DR: There's a reason that Tatemó is ranked #2 on the Houston Chronicle's Top 100 Restaurants of 2023, so treat yourself! My Yelp gal pals have introduced me to some excellent fine dining establishments in Houston and I'm happy to say that Tatemó has been added to that list. I was not familiar with this establishment until a few weeks before our visit. Browsing reviews, I was a little weary as I noticed there were a few negative reviews (including a review from one of my Yelp friends). Despite the poor reviews, there seemed to be a good amount of positive reviews and honestly, my gal pals haven't steered me wrong. Reservations: Required. You can make them online and they have to be in increments of 2 or 4. Payment is required at the time of the reservation. The restaurant is extremely small. I think I counted about 20 seats total. Prior to our visit, they sent an email asking if anyone had any food allergies or dietary restrictions. I liked that they will make accommodations for their patrons. For as expensive as this restaurant is, I wouldn't expect anything less. Location: Tatemó is located in a nondescript shopping strip in what feels like the middle of nowhere. I wasn't even sure if I was at the right place when I arrived. It almost has a speakeasy feel as I didn't see any prominent signage out front. I was running late, but the rest of the party was able to be seated which was a relief as I was under the impression that the entire party had to be present before being seated. I did make it in time to still get the first course and I'm happy because it turned out to be one of my favorites of the night. Dining Experience: The meal consisted of eight courses. The cuisine is inspired by Mexico City and their mission is to showcase maíz (corn) in a variety of ways that also promotes the Mexican culture. The tasting menu changes seasonally. They are BYOB. The first bottle does not have a corking fee; however any subsequent bottles have a corking fee of $20 each. For a list of the courses, see the photo of the menu. There were some foods that I didn't think I would like, but I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the ceviche! I've tried ceviche a few times, but I've never had it prepared like this. The flavors were salty, tangy, and savory. It was sliced thin which helped and it came with a large tortilla chip which gave it a nice texture contrast. I also loved the quesadilla with the caviar. The cheese melted the moment I pushed my fork into it and I just absolutely loved the caviar. The salty profile from the caviar and cheese worked and I loved the crema that accompanied the caviar. So delicious! I didn't care for the plantain tortilla that topped the eggplant dish (Enmolada). I'm just not a fan of plantains. I actually don't love eggplant either, but the way it was prepared wasn't bad! There was so much going on with flavors and textures which actually made it easier for me to just dive in and try everything. Even though there were foods on the menu that I don't typically eat, I'm happy that I tried each course. Service was exceptional! The staff was very nice and professional and did a great job of explaining each dish as it was presented to the table. What a phenomenal dining experience (and worth every penny)! read more

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We've been hearing all the wonderful things about Tatemo for awhile now, so we were excited to try it out! We made a reservation for 4 a few weeks prior for our Friday night meal. We saw it was BYOB, so we brought a bottle of wine with us. The first thing you notice - the restaurant is located in a non-descriptive strip mall - there's actually no sign on the door, so we drove back and forth to figure out which door it was - it's 4740F for those who are confused. Parking was easy as there's nothing else out there really. We were seated quickly - it's a tiny place with only 4 or 5 tables and a few bar seats, but we did notice that one of the tables wasn't filled. We had some dietary restrictions that we let them know about in advance and they were able to accommodate with no problem. The tasting menu when we visited was around $170/person for the 8 courses we had. The menu changes daily and you can tell that there's been a lot of thought and consideration that went into every course. With each course, they explained how the corn was sourced for the dish and how it was constructed. The food was tasty for the most part but there were a couple of courses that were a bit underseasoned for our tasting. Our favorites: Ceviche - wow, so good! We licked that bowl up! Enmolada - the mole was so tasty! Taco de Camote - the walnut salsa was something I had never tasted before - it was delicious! Postre de Temporada - so yummy and unique The Gordita was pretty dry and the tetela felt bland for our tasting. We were offered to add shaved truffles onto the quesadilla for an extra fee, which one of us tried - they gave a good amount but it didn't really impact the taste of the course that much. They brought out a small bowl of salsa for us to use during the meal - it was good and packed a punch! Given that we felt that a couple of the courses were a bit bland/dry - we felt like we could have used more, but they were very clear that that was all we could get. So we rationed that out for the rest of the meal. When you're paying this much for tasting menu - feels a bit ridiculous to be so restrictive. The main reason this isn't a 5-star review is it felt like it could have used a course or two more. We left slightly hungrier than expected. Ultimately, a place I'd visit once for the experience- but unlikely to return. read more

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High pricepoint, but a matching customer experience! My Yelp gals and I made a resy for Tatemo for their tasting menu. It's been on my list. The reviews are so mixed, some yelpers really enjoyed, some had a ton of complaints, but ain't that life? All I can speak to is my own experience, am I right?! Lol. Yes, it's located in a strip mall. Yes, the place is small. Yes, the staging is minimal. But what it lacks in maybe fancy architecture or design, the focus is on the most important thing: flavor exploration. The thing I love most about food experiences is the ability to change your mind on anything you have had before. Example. You don't like beans? But maybe you just tried a delicious plate of gently cooked beans made from love. And you realize.. it's not that you hate beans, only that you have not had beans prepared with such thought & taste, that are fantastic. Drinks - the place has a teeny drink menu, so they allow BYOB. The first bottle is free, and every bottle after has $20 cork fee. My friend brought bubbles & and a bottle of red. It actually all went well with the meal. Food - the food is thoughtful and interesting. Small plates that pack some major flavor from places like Oaxaca & Mexico City. The chef indeed has a point of view. I appreciate the journey of the 8 courses, including: 1. Ceviche with jicama, yuca & aioli. 2. Gordita with hibiscus machaca & charred avocado crema. 3. Quesadilla with queso Oaxaca & caviar (so yum). 4. Emmolada with mole negro, encacahuatado, eggplant, black bean puree. 5. Tamale Calabaza with acorn squash, chili poblano, chanterelle mushrooms, epazote salsa. 6. Taco de Camote with sweet potatoe, encachuatado, and walnut salsa negra. * I added black truffle as a $20 upcharge, to be fancy! 7. Postre de Tenporada with nixtamalized persimmons, mole crisp, pine nut cream, tangerine, and piloncillo ice cream. 8. Bunuelo- chocolate chicatanas. Service - our hostess & server Maria kept us on track, coursing wise & time wise. I really her detailed explanation of each dish. Along with insight on how best to enjoy each dish, lovely service. read more

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WOW!!! Every course was amazing- elevated, yet familiar and cozy, and overall just so delicious. A must try if you are a foodie in houston.

ARE YOU CRAZY ABOUT CORN? If so, read this. This place is phenomenal, the love and care that Chef Emmanuel Chavez and his team executes into every dish means everything. My husband Chris and I have been long term fans of Tatemo. Every dish is centered around the cultural value of maiz. From the ambience and interior, the candle lit tables, to the slight open view of the kitchen. It all comes together to deliver a memorable experience of a delicious tasting. Featured on Texas Monthly, Houstonia Magazine, Houston Chronicle, and Esquire, the recognition is well deserved and more to come. James Beard where you at? It's only a matter of time until this team wins an award and reservations will be difficult to get! Reservations are available on Tock, follow their Instagram for more info. read more

Tatemó in a few short years has climbed the ranks from a catering / food truck outfit to an award winning brick and mortar location in northwest Houston in the Spring Branch area. Chef / Owner Emmanuel Chavez & Owner Megan Maul have created a cultural culinary destination with its inventive yet grounded tasting experience revolving around different types of maíz. I've eaten at some wonderful places but the union of gastronomy and culture here at Tatemó is one of the best encounters I've had. The maíz comes from different, intentionally picked sources in Mexico which provides a foundation for the cuisine. Let's be honest, many of us, myself included, wouldn't be able to tell whether we just had maíz that was from Oaxaca or from Coahuila but Chef Emmanuel and his team have combed through variations and picked the right combinations for each plate. The fact there are so many varieties challenged diners like myself who only grew up with maybe one type. As a Chicano, there is a sense of communal accomplishment here. For so long, we've been eating our corn tortillas with menudo but told that fancy places are French based. We would be line cooks eating tacos de bistec, then put on our aprons and get to work, knowing our lunch from home would never be served as dinner at the restaurant. Tatemó successfully bridges that mindset where the food we grew up, namely the maíz, is not only our cultural connection and our legacy, but also our future. Dr. Roberto Cintli Rodríguez (QEPD) wrote in chapter 2 of his book "Our Sacred Maíz Is Our Mother" notes that the European centricity of world history along with the erasure of our people started with the absence of the narrative of maíz. It is though this whitewashing that maíz was relegated from its crown; this legacy can be seen in the lack of support for maíz through the following centuries. I would say that Tatemó is actively and successfully reclaiming our history, repositioning the narrative, and triumphantly placing maíz in its rightful place, as the food of la gente, equally comfortable placed alongside truffles and caviar as served at Tatemó or along the streets of the United States in taco trucks everywhere as construction workers take a break to eat tacos al pastor. I could tell you about the pairings and the ingredients and how I laughed at how absurdly good the food was (phenomenal), the price point is high (as it should be and totally worth it), and the experience is memorable (one dish took me back to my childhood in such a way I teared up), but I'll end with one last note. I enjoyed the conico azul (Jocotitlqn) maíz based gordita filled with machaca de jamaica w/ charred avocado crema as I listened to Wu Tang's "C.R.E.A.M." tip toe in the background and was tickled by this. The playlist would bounce from Natalia Lafourcade, Enanitos Verdes, 90s R&B, etc., an eclectic mix that I later found out was Chef Emmanuel's playlist. It reflected my taste in music, what I grew up with, what I still listen to when I'm working, chilling, etc. I recalled Chef's post about a "professional musician" who dined at Tatemó and enjoyed the food but who's only gripe was the type of music being played, that it didn't match the environment/ ambiance; Chef elaborated on that interaction with the professional musician, the diner's suggestion dripping with privilege. We, nuestra gente, are starting to find our places, creating our spaces, seeing our faces not just in the back kitchen but in the front and in the executive positions. We are no longer shoehorning our dreams into things we don't fit in, especially when those sites were never really welcoming us, let alone accepting of who we are to begin with. So, don't come into our house telling us how how our home should be. Enjoy our food, the history, the care, the joy we have, but don't aggrandize your opinion because you've had your turn for centuries and think we should conform to your pendejadas. Tatemó es de nosotros and is a part of reclaiming our greatness, one maíz y recuerdo at a time. Pro tip: It's BYOB but here's the major key- bring something good. Gift the remaining portion to the restaurant and pay it forward. When you come back, don't worry about bringing a bottle. read more

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Tatemo is an inconspicuous, yet wonderful 5 star dining experience. The location is across from Karbach Brewery, in a shipping center that you would never guess. There is no name above the door, only two plants on either side of the entryway. Once you walk in you are greeted by the most intimate restaurant, with around 8 tables and 4 seats at the 'bar' area. The restaurant is reservations only, we had to book ours about 3 weeks in advance to get a Saturday night. The ambiance is moody and dimly lit, with an eclectic 70s yet modern vibe. Attire is formal / stylish, though a wide variety would be accepted as normal. Service was amazing, with the waiters working together to explain each of the 7 courses as they are being given. The monetary portion is completely handled upon booking to reserve your table. Though any additions or upcharges are taken care of during your visit with the credit card on file. Food, amazing. A tasting menu that changes periodically and offers the best of Hispanic cuisine. I gotta say, there were a few things that I wouldn't normally eat - a little outside of a typical Texan's comfort zone, but highly recommend eating each dish as is. The restaurant is Bring Your Own Bottle. With a $20 corking fee after the first bottle. Such a hidden gem in Houston! Highly recommend read more

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I was excited to snag our Saturday night reservation at Tatemo a few weeks back. As the visit came closer I started looking at Yelp reviews and started to get a little worried. Was the dinner basically going to be a vegetarian meal with no animal protein? Was I going to be hungry when I left the meal? Was the space going to be uncomfortable and loud. Well, we had our meal last night, and can tell you that we experienced what the 5-star reviews did and none of the issues with that the less favorable reviews raised. Even though we didn't ask for them we were given two up front seats at the bar that overlooks the kitchen. Very comfortable seating and the action was right in front of us. The playlist was interesting, but not loud. With the small space, perhaps some tables closer to the speakers might have a "louder" experience. The worries about going home hungry did not come to pass either. The 7 courses, while small on their own, were plenty to satiate the appetite. Granted, I got to finish off a couple of the dishes that my wife couldn't finish because she was getting full. In any event, there was plenty of food. There was a minimal amount of animal proteins on the dishes with the tuna ceviche and the halibut pastor taco being the only dishes that were non vegetarian. With the flavors and textures of the dishes, we did not miss a more substantial meat course. Of the 7 courses, my favorite three were the Ceviche - One of the best I can remember, the Tamal - you could really get the taste of the masa and the vegetable filling had the perfect mix of taste and texture, and the Halibut Pastor Taco. I had seen the chefs in the kitchen that were preparing a fish dish that looked like salmon - turned out it was halibut that had the salmon color due to the el Pastor seasoning. Very tasty taco where the taste and texture of the halibut stood out even with flavor accompaniments. Service provided by Shelby and the entire staff was top notch. If I had one complaint is that I don't prefer BYOB places. Perhaps with the small space it will be too difficult to stock enough bottles for a fulsome wine program. We enjoyed Tatemo, hope they continue their success as we would like to return as the menu changes with the season. read more

If you love high quality ingredients and corn--try Tatemó! We visited for our anniversary and had the best dining experience. I appreciate that you pay ahead of time, so when you're finished eating, you can leave without the buyer's remorse of spending $300 on dinner. I also appreciate that it's a BYOB, so my husband and I splurged in a $20 bottle of Malbec that paired perfectly with everything. We also brought a bottle of tequila to enjoy as our first drink. Service: 5/5 Alex (and the others) did an excellent job taking care of us. They even chopped up the lime we brought to go with our tequila. Food: 5/5 ceviche with dairy free corn milk served with a tostado shell for dipping. This was my favorite dish of the night. 3/5 Gordita w hibiscus and charred tomato. The dish ate too tortilla heavy for me, but all of the ingredients were delish. 5/5 quesadilla w huitlachoce (a corn fungus considered to be a delicacy) and caviar. Man, this was sooo yummy. The cheese was gooey and the cream and caviar were a perfect compliment. I would've like more crema for dipping. 4/5 negro mole. This is the first dish that utensils were given but they're not needed if you know how to use a tortilla. I wiped that plate clean! The mole ate a little sweet but it was full of depth and flavor. 5/5 consommé veggie soup with chochoyotes and turkey neck broth. Perfectly balanced with great textures. 5/5 carne asada. My husbands favorite. Ribeye and sweet potatoes with salsa negra. I made it into tacos as recommended, but a fork and knife works too. This was a perfect plate. 5/5 bunelo nicuatole not too sweet and the pepitas added a little crunch that made for a perfect balance. I'm not a dessert girl, but I tore this one up! Overall, this was a beautiful dinner. I've been to small tastings before and most of them require you sit with everyone. What I liked about Tatemo is each guest had their own intimate table. We also did not all have to eat at the same pace. If I could offer any criticism it's that the space is too dark to see the food and it was a little too quickly paced, but it's definitely a restaurant worth experiencing. Thank you for such a wonderful evening. read more

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