Houston South African Restaurant Takes Over Cantina Laredo’s Spot

Peli Peli, the South African restaurant from Houston, is taking over Cantina Laredo’s vacated spot in downtown Austin. The fare will feature dishes with French, Dutch, African, Malay, and Indian influences, like the garlicky beef espetada, bobotie (the South African take on shepherd's pie) using eel, steak, and other meats and seafood.

Peli is helmed by owners Michael Tran, Thomas Nguyen (both of whom graduated from UT Austin), and executive chef Paul Friedman. The restaurant was featured on CNBC's Restaurant Startup earlier this year, but did not win the investment.

13-year-old Cantina Laredo shuttered suddenly last week because of rising rents and a miscommunication with the Austin Health Department.

Peli will be found within the Second Street District serving brunch, lunch, and dinner when it opens next year. There are two locations in Houston already, with a third slated soon for Katy. Each restaurant incorporates a differently-designed interior, like LED ceilings or a giant indoor tree.

• Peli Peli [Official]
• Downtown Mexican Restaurant Cantina Laredo Is Now Closed [EATX]
• All Coverage of Peli Peli [EHOU]