Cocinero Mexican Cuisine is set to open soon in The Realm at Castle Hills.

Erick Barrera is the restaurant's founder and executive chef. He said in an email he has 15 years of industry experience, including working at Mi Cocina and Mesero.

Barrera said when choosing the restaurant name he reflected on a childhood memory.

“Cocinero means cook [in Spanish], that is what my mom called me when I was a child,” he said.

This location was formerly El Patio, which closed in December.


“We chose this location because we want to bring our fresh flavors made from scratch to this beautiful community,” Barrera said. “This is a modern setting with a breezy outdoor patio and a rooftop lounge.”Editor's note: This story has been updated with the correct address.