The interior of Mi Luna. Photo rendering by Agustin Fata.
Chef-owner Youssef Nafaa is reviving his Spanish tapas-focused restaurant and bar, Mi Luna, to 888 Westheimer, this time bringing it to the former Picnik space at the Montrose Collective. Nafaa opened the original restaurant in Rice Village in 1998 and it was a steadfast favorite before suddenly closing its doors in 2018. The new location is slated to open this fall.
Regarding the revival, Nafaa — who is also CEO of Bella Restaurant Group, which owns ZOA Moroccan Kitchen, Coco Crêpes & Coffee and Mia Bella Trattoria, said via a press release “I decided to resurrect Mi Luna after realizing that the Spanish tapas concept is not authentically represented in Houston. I missed Mi Luna and the environment it presented.”
Nafaa left Morocco in 1988 at age 21 to attend university and began working in restaurants. He caught the hospitality bug there and would later attend the Le Cordon Bleu program at the prestigious Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago before embarking on a lifelong culinary career that would eventually bring him to Houston to work as a restaurant consultant before opening Mi Luna in 1998. Now, 26 years later, his story has finally come full circle. “My feelings for Mi Luna never died, and I had dreamed of bringing it back to life,” he said. “An opportunity presented itself in the perfect location to bring it to the Houston restaurant scene again.”
The menu will feature a vibrant tapestry of flavors, including nods to Nafaa’s Moroccan heritage, with head-turning entrées such as roasted whole branzino, pescaditos fritos (fried little fish) and slow-cooked meats, including Braised Oxtail with Garbanzo and Roasted Moorish Lamb Shoulder. Signature favorites from the original location are also making a comeback. This includes the iconic Paella Valenciana, tender Pulpo con Patatas, Bastilla, a savory North African meat pie, and Gambas al Ajillo, or Spanish garlic shrimp.
Of course, tapas enthusiasts can nosh on a robust variety of hot and cold small plates which are perfect for enjoying with friends over cocktails from the fully-stocked bar, such as refreshing sangria available by the pitcher and selections from an extensive wine list. The restaurant will also be set up to easily cater to large groups.
The new iteration will capture the high energy of its predecessor with late-night specials, live music and weekend flamenco performances from Houston-based dance troupe Solero Flamenco as well as acoustic guitar sets during weekend brunch service. The artists will perform upon a sleek, raised-platform stage, and Mi Luna will be open later than most restaurants in the area should guests seek to keep the party going as they do abroad.
While still under construction for now, once open the space will be able to accommodate 140 guests across a 3,805-square-foot interior and a sprawling 1,216-square-foot patio which — perfectly positioned to soak up the lively atmosphere of the breezeway and Crocker Street. The architecture and design will feature chic, modern, Spanish décor and globally-inspired elements.
Mi Luna will be open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to midnight, Friday from 11 a.m. until 2 a.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 a.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Mario-Sebastian Berry is a wine and spirits vendor who has been in the hospitality industry since 2002. Currently, he represents Blanco, Texas-based Andalusia Whiskey Co. and multiple wine labels. Somehow, he also finds time to be Houston Food Finder’s associate editor and social media manager.
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