A new restaurant from a pair of familiar faces is taking shape in Medford.
Brothers Alvaro and Andrés Sandoval, the restaurateurs behind Tenoch Mexican, El Tacuba Cocina & Tequila Bar, and Localito Café, are preparing to open a new concept called Ultramarinos Tardeo in the former Zam Zam Restaurant space at 42 Riverside Avenue in Medford Square. The project was first reported in a post shared to the Friends of Boston’s Hidden Restaurants Facebook group.
According to the restaurant’s website, Ultramarinos Tardeo will specialize in Spanish-Mediterranean shared plates with global influences. And while few details about the concept have been released, tardeo itself refers to a Spanish social tradition of gathering with friends for food and drinks in the late afternoon and early evening.
Although the Sandoval brothers could not be reached for comment, a Facebook commenter who said they recently dined at El Tacuba mentioned that the restaurant is targeting an early spring 2027 opening. Further details, including a menu and operating hours, have yet to be announced.
Originally from Veracruz, Mexico, the brothers have built a growing hospitality group in Greater Boston, bringing regional Mexican flavors and family-inspired recipes to the local dining scene. Their first venture, Tenoch Mexican, launched in 2012 and has since grown into a popular fast-casual operation with eight locations throughout Greater Boston. The restaurant is especially known for its generously filled, press-grilled tortas, or traditional Mexican sandwiches.
In 2023, the brothers expanded their portfolio with El Tacuba Cocina & Tequila Bar, a traditional restaurant serving Mexican small plates inspired by family recipes alongside a full bar featuring an assortment of creative cocktails. Most recently, they introduced Localito Café in November 2025. The Latin-inspired coffee shop serves specialty coffee drinks, flaky empanadas, fresh pastries, and breakfast sandwiches.
What Now Boston will continue to follow the project and will update this page as more details emerge. In the meantime, readers can follow @UltramarinosTardeo on Instagram for updates ahead of its anticipated opening.
