A Spanish tapas restaurant will be revived this fall at the Montrose Collective shopping center.

The background

Mi Luna Tapas Restaurant & Bar formerly resided in Rice Village at 2441 University Blvd., Houston, from 1998 to 2004, according to an Aug. 7 news release.

Founder Youssef Nafaa—who is also CEO of Bella Restaurants Group, a Morocco native and graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Chicago—said he decided to reintroduce an elevated, more polished version of the concept to have Spanish cuisine better represented in Houston, per the release.

“I missed Mi Luna and the environment it presented," Nafaa said. "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.”
The new Mi Luna is located at the Montrose Collective retail center. (Courtesy Dylan McEwan)
The new Mi Luna is located at the Montrose Collective retail center. (Courtesy Dylan McEwan)
What to expect


The new Mi Luna promises an immersive Spanish dining experience, with live entertainment and an expansive, chef-curated menu featuring signature items from the original restaurant, according to an updated release on the opening.

The Montrose space is 3,805 square feet with seating for 110 guests inside and an additional 75 to 80 guests in the 1,216-square-foot patio, per the release. The family-owned restaurant's design will blend Spanish decor with modern touches, including a raised platform stage.
The new restaurant blends Spanish decor with modern touches and cultural elements. (Courtesy Dylan McEwan)
The new restaurant blends Spanish decor with modern touches and cultural elements. (Courtesy Dylan McEwan)
Weekend entertainment will begin on Oct. 11 with a performance from Houston-based national touring company Solero Flamenco from 10 p.m. to midnight. During brunch on Saturday and Sunday, musicians will play acoustic guitar.

On the menu

The menu at Mi Luna will have a strong seafood influence while also focusing on roasted and braised meats, vegetarian items and a robust variety of tapas dishes, per the release. Tapas are small portions of food typically served as appetizers or snacks in Spanish cuisine, and can be served hot or cold.
Signature items from Mi Luna's original menu, such as Paella Valenciana, will be available at the new iteration of the restaurant. (Courtesy Dylan McEwan)
Signature items from Mi Luna's original menu, such as paella valenciana, will be available at the new iteration of the restaurant. (Courtesy Dylan McEwan)
Highlights include signature items from the original location, such as paella valenciana, a mix of fresh seafood, rabbit and chicken baked in saffron rice; and gambas al ajillo, made with shrimp sauteed in lemon garlic olive oil with red chili peppers.


According to the release, Nafaa and his kitchen team have also infused new items, including a whole roasted branzino with cherry tomato and olive tapenade; and a braised pork shank dish served with white bean and chorizo ragu.
Branzino Asado is a whole roasted fish with cherry tomato and olive tapenade. (Courtesy Dylan McEwan)
Branzino asado is a whole roasted fish with cherry tomato and olive tapenade. (Courtesy Dylan McEwan)
Mi Luna's beverage menu will include more than 100 Spanish wines, sangria by the glass or pitcher, and an array of specialty cocktails and mocktails, such as the Mango Ahumado, crafted with mezcal mango, lime juice and agave.

Quote of note

Nafaa—whose restaurant group also launched Mia Bella Trattoria, Coco Crepes & Coffee, and ZOA Moroccan Kitchen—said in a statement he wants the new Mi Luna to be as close to the old Mi Luna as possible.

“The idea is to be able to experience different dishes that create great conversations, that create a social atmosphere that people are losing these days," Nafaa said. "Everybody is stuck on their phones. Eating is a lot more than just eating. Eating out needs to be an experience—meeting people and trying things that you cannot make at home.”