Mi Luna is making its second debut in Houston this fall. The Spanish restaurant and tapas bar closed in 2018 after more than 20 years in Rice Village. The restaurant shuttered suddenly and with little to no response as to the cause.

A long time coming

Now, the beloved tapas hotspot is making a comeback in Montrose under the restaurant's original ownership.

Youssef Nafaa, CEO of Bella Restaurants Group, founded and operated the original Mi Luna Tapas Restaurant & Bar in Rice Village from 1998 to 2004. Twenty years later, Nafaa will reintroduce a new and improved version of the restaurant.

“I decided to resurrect Mi Luna after realizing that the Spanish tapas concept is not authentically represented in Houston,” Nafaa said. “I missed Mi Luna and the environment it presented. My feelings for Mi Luna never died, and I had dreamed of bringing it back to life. An opportunity presented itself in the perfect location to bring it to the Houston restaurant scene again.”


What's changing?

Nafaa said although he plans to incorporate elements that made it a Houston must-visit in the late '90s and early 2000s, guests can anticipate an elevated and updated experience.

The new location inside Montrose Collective will be able to host 140 guests with a 3,805-square-foot dining space and 1,216-square-foot patio. The space will feature authentic Spanish decor and a stage for live entertainment.

On the menu


The menu will have a strong seafood influence along with a variety of roasted and braised meats, vegetarian items, and the signature tapas dishes such as roasted whole branzino, braised oxtail and lamb.

A few signature items that will return to the new location include the Paella Valenciana, Pulpo con Patatas and Gambas al Ajillo. Signature cocktails and sangria pitchers will also be available.