Mastrantos — Restaurant in Houston

We live about one mile away, so we were hoping this would be an awesome place to enjoy a nice dinner going forward. I think there is potential, but it needs work. I will go through our experience then give some improvement suggestions for management.

Online reservation went well and we were at quickly, slightly odd was that their online menu is not up to date (despite QR code menus in use). We ordered drinks, no beer available at all which is strange, so I had an old fashioned - my go to cocktail - and the wife had sangria. Sangria was good but Old Fashioned was probably about the worst I have ever had, just kinda tasted like watered down bourbon on the rocks with an orange peel. No luxardo cherry to boot... Ended up getting charged for two of them but caught it on the ticket.

We ordered the curried cauliflower appetizer and it was good. This was probably the high point of the meal.

For entrees my wife had the pesto gnocchi which was OK but not great. I had the secreto pork and it would have been a good dish except the pork was insanely oversalted - like enough for a 1.5" thick steak on a half-inch thick pork cutlet. The root vegetables were just potatoes it seemed (was kinda expecting carrots, nips, etc.). It was difficult to finish the pork due to the level of salt.

Ambience - pretty cool layout. Tables too close together for covid (we had about enough room to walk between the tables and that's it). Music was clubby. Not my vibe.

Suggestions: Keep updated menu online Remove a table to give some space. Waiters ought to wear a mask still. Simple syrup and luxardo cherry in old fashioned Blue light in kitchen is annoying and don't know how the chef works in it Sell beer, not having it doesn't make you fancy Offer chicken? No chicken on the menu strangely. Add a mirror to the women's bathroom Steak sides are boring, basmati rice really? More reasonable salting on the pork

We really want y'all to be awesome so please take something from this so we can come back and have a 5-star experience...

I do not leave reviews the day I go to a place, but I had to get this one out while it's still fresh. The wife and I went to the blind dinner service through Fever. We were just trying something new on a regular thursday. This wasn't a regular thursday as we planned. Made sure to order the red menu (meat) since I am a growing boy and blue (seafood) for the wife. Welcomed by the front staff and seated promply and drink orders were taken. Then, the request from the very talented Chef (sorry forgot name but young brother)to put on our blind folds to truly enjoy the experience. " FYI, I will not say what the meals were, but the experience yall need to go while they use this menu." You get three courses, being a cook and able to figure a dish by taste and look the blind fold had me fooled and impressed to the 10th degree. Red appetizer what chef did with something as simple as beans that could be put on a Michelin star restaurant menu is crazy! Will have to try again during a regular day to see plating. I know it was a masterpiece. Blue had my wife wanting to buy a ticket for a second blue appetizer just great. Entrees we both figured out the blue protein, but the red best "steak" we ever had. Steak is in quotations since it wasn't. We would have bet our lives it was... glad we didn't. The dessert was another play Chef put on your plate that will challenge and impress your taste buds. Wish could put a 10 star, had great food here in Houston, and plenty of 5's on my reviews. Mastrantos blind dinner takes the cake. We will definitely be back to taste their homemade pasta with lamb that Chef recommended.

"This is not a paid review and can show charges for non-believers. This meal surprised me, and we got to keep the blind folds, and they...

Absolutely AMAZING!!!!! Xavier made our entire weekend.

Mastrantos is a culinary gem tucked away in the Heights, blending the best of European, Asian, and South American cuisines into an unforgettable dining experience. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by a warm, vibrant atmosphere and an attentive staff that makes you feel right at home.

The magic of Mastrantos lies in its incredible flavor combinations. Every dish is a creative masterpiece, seamlessly marrying bold spices and fresh ingredients from across the globe. Whether it’s their handmade pastas with a South American twist or an Asian-inspired sauces and combos, the menu offers a journey through unexpected and delightful flavors.

Their desserts are equally exceptional—both inventive and indulgent. We had the fried Nutella pasta and incredible carrot cake.

But what truly sets Mastrantos apart is the service. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about the food they serve, always ready to guide you through the menu or suggest the perfect wine pairing. It’s a rare blend of fine-dining professionalism and neighborhood charm that makes every visit special.

If you’re in the Heights and craving something extraordinary, Mastrantos is a must-visit. With its incredible fusion of flavors, unique desserts, and unbeatable service, it’s a restaurant you’ll want to return to...