The espetada dish at Peli Peli is a filet mignon drizzled with garlic butter. Co-owner Thomas Nguyen said it is one of the more popular menu items at the South African restaurant.[/caption]

When South African cuisine restaurant Peli Peli opens in December at LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, it will be a dream realized, said co-owner Thomas Nguyen.

“My family has lived in Katy since 1979,” he said. “It’s always been a dream of mine to open in Katy.”

Peli Peli has two locations—the Galleria in Houston and Vintage Park in Tomball. The eatery serves South African cuisine as well as menu items, mixing American and South African dishes, Nguyen said.

“The beauty of our food is the diversity of flavors,” he said. “Eighty percent of our menu is considered fusion [of ] American tastes with a South African twist. Twenty percent of the menu is pure South African cuisine.”

The restaurant is co-owned by Nguyen, Michael Tran and executive chef Paul Friedman. The trio will be opening the 4,000-square-foot restaurant in the former space occupied by Kenzo. Nguyen said the restaurant will hold an estimated 180 diners and will feature a redesigned interior with a new bar.

“Experience and ambience is important to us,” he said. [totalpoll id="165216"]

The restaurant in Katy will be a lure for residents who, Nguyen said, often seek that type of dining in downtown Houston.

“It isn’t always necessary to drive into the city for chef-driven concepts,
Nguyen said. “I hope that we give other independent concepts [the proof] that Katy is a great market.”

Peli Peli

LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch
25301 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Ste. R-140, Katy
281-257-9500
www.pelipeli.com