Tatemó

4740 Dacoma St Ste F, Houston

Recent Reviews

Desh M.

We've been hearing all the wonderful things about Tatemo for awhile now, so we were excited to try it out! We made a reservation for 4 a few weeks prior for our Friday night meal. We saw it was BYOB, so we brought a bottle of wine with us. The first thing you notice - the restaurant is located in a non-descriptive strip mall - there's actually no sign on the door, so we drove back and forth to figure out which door it was - it's 4740F for those who are confused. Parking was easy as there's nothing else out there really. We were seated quickly - it's a tiny place with only 4 or 5 tables and a few bar seats, but we did notice that one of the tables wasn't filled. We had some dietary restrictions that we let them know about in advance and they were able to accommodate with no problem. The tasting menu when we visited was around $170/person for the 8 courses we had. The menu changes daily and you can tell that there's been a lot of thought and consideration that went into every course. With each course, they explained how the corn was sourced for the dish and how it was constructed. The food was tasty for the most part but there were a couple of courses that were a bit underseasoned for our tasting. Our favorites: Ceviche - wow, so good! We licked that bowl up! Enmolada - the mole was so tasty! Taco de Camote - the walnut salsa was something I had never tasted before - it was delicious! Postre de Temporada - so yummy and unique The Gordita was pretty dry and the tetela felt bland for our tasting. We were offered to add shaved truffles onto the quesadilla for an extra fee, which one of us tried - they gave a good amount but it didn't really impact the taste of the course that much. They brought out a small bowl of salsa for us to use during the meal - it was good and packed a punch! Given that we felt that a couple of the courses were a bit bland/dry - we felt like we could have used more, but they were very clear that that was all we could get. So we rationed that out for the rest of the meal. When you're paying this much for tasting menu - feels a bit ridiculous to be so restrictive. The main reason this isn't a 5-star review is it felt like it could have used a course or two more. We left slightly hungrier than expected. Ultimately, a place I'd visit once for the experience- but unlikely to return.

Brandon Simpson

Great experience and food. Highly

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Danni Paris

Amazing food experience! Amazing staff! Worth every penny!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chocolate Chicatanas, Gordita, Huitlacoche Taco, Flor De Tamal, Bunuelo, Tortillas and Salsa, Quesadilla, Wild Mushroom Taco Sudado

Kristi E.

Cozy atmosphere for an intimate date night. We got lucky at sat the bar so we could see the kitchen making every course. The food was exceptional and exceed expectations. Our favorite was the last savory course which was a smoked sweet potato taco. I really appreciated our server explaining how to eat every course. The salsa was the perfect topping to every dish. While I think it was worth the experience, it is very pricey. I'm not sure I would go back again but would recommend it going one time.

Arnold Castro

I read about this place in an article, and decided to give it a shot. It is super creative with the flavors, textures and the use of corn. I read in a different review that someone said that if Houston had Michelin star restaurants this would have at least one... I would second that motion!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Donovan Buck

A wonderful experience, all around.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

June R.

Service was excellent. We hadn't realized that the dishes would almost all be vegetarian, featuring different varieties of maize (corn) flour and paste. 4 of eight courses we really liked, 1 we didn't, and the rest were ok but not spectacular as so many reviews had said. It is a very small space yet with only about 20 diners the noise level was unbearable. This is not the place to go if you want to have a conversation.

Red Drummond

The food was incredible, the service was excellent. Would definitely go back!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Christopher C.

Tatemo Immaculate experience, Sexy setting for date night, Staff eloquently describing every dish, Each dish with a festival of flavors. Hospitality without compare. Tatemo gives you authentic Mexican dishes, leaving you desiring for more.

Tiffany J.

TL;DR: There's a reason that Tatemó is ranked #2 on the Houston Chronicle's Top 100 Restaurants of 2023, so treat yourself! My Yelp gal pals have introduced me to some excellent fine dining establishments in Houston and I'm happy to say that Tatemó has been added to that list. I was not familiar with this establishment until a few weeks before our visit. Browsing reviews, I was a little weary as I noticed there were a few negative reviews (including a review from one of my Yelp friends). Despite the poor reviews, there seemed to be a good amount of positive reviews and honestly, my gal pals haven't steered me wrong. Reservations: Required. You can make them online and they have to be in increments of 2 or 4. Payment is required at the time of the reservation. The restaurant is extremely small. I think I counted about 20 seats total.Prior to our visit, they sent an email asking if anyone had any food allergies or dietary restrictions. I liked that they will make accommodations for their patrons. For as expensive as this restaurant is, I wouldn't expect anything less. Location: Tatemó is located in a nondescript shopping strip in what feels like the middle of nowhere. I wasn't even sure if I was at the right place when I arrived. It almost has a speakeasy feel as I didn't see any prominent signage out front. I was running late, but the rest of the party was able to be seated which was a relief as I was under the impression that the entire party had to be present before being seated. I did make it in time to still get the first course and I'm happy because it turned out to be one of my favorites of the night. Dining Experience: The meal consisted of eight courses. The cuisine is inspired by Mexico City and their mission is to showcase maíz (corn) in a variety of ways that also promotes the Mexican culture. The tasting menu changes seasonally. They are BYOB. The first bottle does not have a corking fee; however any subsequent bottles have a corking fee of $20 each. For a list of the courses, see the photo of the menu. There were some foods that I didn't think I would like, but I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the ceviche! I've tried ceviche a few times, but I've never had it prepared like this. The flavors were salty, tangy, and savory. It was sliced thin which helped and it came with a large tortilla chip which gave it a nice texture contrast.I also loved the quesadilla with the caviar. The cheese melted the moment I pushed my fork into it and I just absolutely loved the caviar. The salty profile from the caviar and cheese worked and I loved the crema that accompanied the caviar. So delicious!I didn't care for the plantain tortilla that topped the eggplant dish (Enmolada). I'm just not a fan of plantains. I actually don't love eggplant either, but the way it was prepared wasn't bad! There was so much going on with flavors and textures which actually made it easier for me to just dive in and try everything. Even though there were foods on the menu that I don't typically eat, I'm happy that I tried each course.Service was exceptional! The staff was very nice and professional and did a great job of explaining each dish as it was presented to the table. What a phenomenal dining experience (and worth every penny)!

Scott McCord

Great restaurant... amazing service. This restaurant highlights corn and it amazing varieties. It does so in an expert and precise manner that elevates a very humble ingredient to a five star level.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Keandra P.

High pricepoint, but a matching customer experience!My Yelp gals and I made a resy for Tatemo for their tasting menu. It's been on my list. The reviews are so mixed, some yelpers really enjoyed, some had a ton of complaints, but ain't that life? All I can speak to is my own experience, am I right?! Lol. Yes, it's located in a strip mall. Yes, the place is small. Yes, the staging is minimal. But what it lacks in maybe fancy architecture or design, the focus is on the most important thing: flavor exploration. The thing I love most about food experiences is the ability to change your mind on anything you have had before. Example. You don't like beans? But maybe you just tried a delicious plate of gently cooked beans made from love. And you realize.. it's not that you hate beans, only that you have not had beans prepared with such thought & taste, that are fantastic. Drinks - the place has a teeny drink menu, so they allow BYOB. The first bottle is free, and every bottle after has $20 cork fee. My friend brought bubbles & and a bottle of red. It actually all went well with the meal.Food - the food is thoughtful and interesting. Small plates that pack some major flavor from places like Oaxaca & Mexico City. The chef indeed has a point of view. I appreciate the journey of the 8 courses, including: 1. Ceviche with jicama, yuca & aioli.2. Gordita with hibiscus machaca & charred avocado crema.3. Quesadilla with queso Oaxaca & caviar (so yum).4. Emmolada with mole negro, encacahuatado, eggplant, black bean puree.5. Tamale Calabaza with acorn squash, chili poblano, chanterelle mushrooms, epazote salsa.6. Taco de Camote with sweet potatoe, encachuatado, and walnut salsa negra. * I added black truffle as a $20 upcharge, to be fancy! 7. Postre de Tenporada with nixtamalized persimmons, mole crisp, pine nut cream, tangerine, and piloncillo ice cream.8. Bunuelo- chocolate chicatanas.Service - our hostess & server Maria kept us on track, coursing wise & time wise. I really her detailed explanation of each dish. Along with insight on how best to enjoy each dish, lovely service.

Olivia K.

I think it's a shame that Michelin has not yet come to Houston, because Tatemó would win a star for their innovative take on Mexico City Mexican food with their interesting food pairings, the homage given to the use of native Mexican foods, and the avant-garde presentations. The kitchen knows they are doing something groundbreaking. It is seen and felt throughout the food, the minimalism of the dining space, and even the lack of signage on the building makes this a restaurant for those seeking elevated food experiences. Typically, food served in this style is only found in Mexico City, so Houston is fortunate to have a chef that has around Mexico City to us without paying for a trip to Mexico.If you're not sure that you are in the correct parking lot, just look across the street; if you see Karbach Brewery, then you've arrived a the restaurant. If you booked a dining experience for 6pm, they do not open their doors early, so unless the weather is comfortable to stand outside, you may want to wait in your car. The restaurant is conscious about space and utilizing every seat, so only parties of 2 or 4 are able to book online. I found out the hard way with my girlfriends when we tried to book for a party of 3. The restaurant is also very serious about patrons being late, so do plan for enough time so that you are not late.I have had the pleasure of dining here twice. The first time I took my cousin for a dinner out. Unfortunately, I did forget that they are BYOB, but because the food was so outstanding, we didn't need any alcohol. My second venture here was for a gal pal date night with three of my favorite Yelp ladies. The only regret I had on the second meal is that I brought two bottles of wine, and I felt like the alcohol was muddling my experience with the food. My advice, either go with a top shelf sipping tequila, or skip the alcohol altogether, as the food is really the star.Like most seasonally revolving menu's, Tatemó rotates their offerings every season. I could describe the two amazing meals of all the dishes I've enjoyed, but it won't help anyone if you happen to dine here a season after I've posted this review. The one common theme that you will see on the menu is corn. Lots of it. Presented in several different forms, styles, and flavor profiles. Because corn is an indigenous crop, the kitchen has chosen to help it shine to show that it is far more delicious and versatile than the usual chips and salsa left on every TexMex restaurant table. Also, if you love TexMex and have never experienced Mexican food, just go in with an open mind that this will be different than what you are accustomed to. While I am not a fan of urinals in bathrooms, I did take into account that this felt a little more like the restaurant was saving women from having to sit on a toilet seat that I man may have so disrespectfully sprayed allover, or worse, left it all over the floor where our feet have to touch when we sit. I grew up with brother's, so I no longer have tolerance for men's bad bathroom etiquette. The urinal in the shared bathroom certainly makes a statement that men are not to be using the toilet to urinate. Thank you Tatemó for making it feel cleaner that the "toilets" are separated.To those people who have complained about the restaurant being in a strip mall, or the lack of signage on the building, or even the portion sizes, you just do not get restaurants like Tatemó and you never will. If you want a belly busting meal with a Las Vegas style blinking sign outside, then move along, this is not the place for you. For those truly looking for the best of culinary adventures in our own backyard, then mark Tatemó as one of your next ventures.

Mike R.

I was excited to snag our Saturday night reservation at Tatemo a few weeks back. As the visit came closer I started looking at Yelp reviews and started to get a little worried. Was the dinner basically going to be a vegetarian meal with no animal protein? Was I going to be hungry when I left the meal? Was the space going to be uncomfortable and loud. Well, we had our meal last night, and can tell you that we experienced what the 5-star reviews did and none of the issues with that the less favorable reviews raised. Even though we didn't ask for them we were given two up front seats at the bar that overlooks the kitchen. Very comfortable seating and the action was right in front of us. The playlist was interesting, but not loud. With the small space, perhaps some tables closer to the speakers might have a "louder" experience. The worries about going home hungry did not come to pass either. The 7 courses, while small on their own, were plenty to satiate the appetite. Granted, I got to finish off a couple of the dishes that my wife couldn't finish because she was getting full. In any event, there was plenty of food. There was a minimal amount of animal proteins on the dishes with the tuna ceviche and the halibut pastor taco being the only dishes that were non vegetarian. With the flavors and textures of the dishes, we did not miss a more substantial meat course.Of the 7 courses, my favorite three were the Ceviche - One of the best I can remember, the Tamal - you could really get the taste of the masa and the vegetable filling had the perfect mix of taste and texture, and the Halibut Pastor Taco. I had seen the chefs in the kitchen that were preparing a fish dish that looked like salmon - turned out it was halibut that had the salmon color due to the el Pastor seasoning. Very tasty taco where the taste and texture of the halibut stood out even with flavor accompaniments.Service provided by Shelby and the entire staff was top notch. If I had one complaint is that I don't prefer BYOB places. Perhaps with the small space it will be too difficult to stock enough bottles for a fulsome wine program. We enjoyed Tatemo, hope they continue their success as we would like to return as the menu changes with the season.

Paulo Calderon

Very intimate. Tasting menu was fantastic. BYOB makes it a great value. Staff was friendly and dishes were explained well. Course pacing was good.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

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