The vibrant Mexico City-born casual dining concept, Ojo de Agua, is making waves with its newest U.S. location, set to open in Helix Park at the Texas Medical Center (TMC), 7255 Helix Park Ave. The restaurant will occupy a 3,400-square-foot space in the TMC3 Collaborative Building, featuring an expansive patio amidst Helix Park’s award-winning interconnected gardens and public spaces. This marks the second Houston location and fourth U.S. outpost for the brand, spearheaded by Texas-based Gitano Capital.
Co-Founder Rafael Montero emphasized the strategic choice of the Texas Medical Center for the brand’s expansion. “We wanted to expand smartly and organically,” Montero told What Now Houston in an exclusive interview. “This brand is great for flow and high traffic, so the choice of the hospital was a perfect fit. We blend well with the area.” The menu will include signature Mexican and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, and grab-and-go options will cater to the fast-paced medical community.
The Helix Park location is part of Gitano Capital’s broader vision, which also includes the redevelopment of the former One Fifth at 1658 Westheimer Road into a Japanese-themed fine dining concept, expected to debut in 2025.
The new Ojo de Agua will offer a menu brimming with fresh, flavorful choices, from acai bowls and guava pancakes to ceviches, tacos, and hearty dinner entrees like Filet Medallions and Cauliflower Mole Octopus. The beverage program will range from made-to-order juices and smoothies to creative cocktails like the Tamarind Mango Margarita and Lavender Martini. Service will begin as fast-casual during the day and transition to full-service dining in the evening.
Complementing its dine-in offerings, Ojo de Agua will provide offsite catering services tailored to the medical center’s unique event needs. William McKeon, president and CEO of the Texas Medical Center, highlighted the significance of the addition: “Food has a way of bringing people together, and as our campus continues to welcome visitors from all over the world, Ojo de Agua will showcase high quality, fresh ingredients that reflect the vibrancy and diversity of our community.”
With its tropical aesthetic and commitment to fresh, innovative dining, Ojo de Agua is poised to become a central gathering spot for tenants, visitors, and patients at the Texas Medical Center.
The newest outpost of Ojo de Agua is expected sometime in 2025.
