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Arriba Abajo Rooftop Cantina Appoints New Executive Chef

The Thompson Austin venue launches a new seven-course tasting experience this November.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Mexican Food

Gouache-painted illustration of an artistic food plate on a rooftop table, evoking the refined culinary atmosphere of a new tasting menu.
Chef Sergio Ledesma has been named executive chef at Arriba Abajo Rooftop Cantina, where he will debut a new seven-course tasting experience. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Downtown diners can look forward to a new culinary vision as Arriba Abajo Rooftop Cantina at the Thompson Austin announces the appointment of Sergio Ledesma as executive chef. Ledesma, a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, joins the team to launch a seven-course tasting experience at the venue's mezcalería, También.

Why it matters

The change marks a shift in the dining program at the Thompson Austin as the restaurant looks to deepen its regional focus. This move introduces a structured, multi-course format to the downtown mezcalería scene, catering to patrons looking for curated, chef-led dining options.

The new tasting experience features 7 courses, marking a transition toward more structured regional dining. While the initial dates are set for November, the restaurant's long-term regional menu rotation schedule remains under development for 2027.

The players

Sergio Ledesma

A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America who previously led culinary programs at the Hotel Van Zandt and La Central San Pedro.

Arriba Abajo Rooftop Cantina

A restaurant located at the Thompson Austin that is home to the mezcalería También.

The details

Chef Sergio Ledesma arrives at Arriba Abajo following his tenure as the culinary lead at Hotel Van Zandt and executive chef at La Central San Pedro in Mexico. He will oversee the debut of a seven-course tasting experience at También, with sessions scheduled for mid-November. Looking further ahead, the restaurant plans to shift its culinary approach in 2027 by implementing monthly menu rotations based on specific regions.

Timeline

  1. November 12, 2026: Seven-course tasting experience debuts.

  2. November 19, 2026: Second availability for the tasting experience.

  3. December 2026: Specialty holiday menu programming begins.

  4. 2027: Transition to monthly regional menu rotations begins.

The Texas Context

The arrival of this seven-course experience follows the trend of high-end hotel restaurants in Austin seeking to differentiate their programs through curated, chef-led tasting menus. This move echoes similar culinary shifts seen across the city's luxury hotel market to attract local gourmands.

Diners interested in the new tasting experience should plan for mid-November reservations to experience the debut of the seven-course menu. You can book your spot online to secure seating for the special November dates or the upcoming December holiday programming.

The takeaway

Interested guests can book the seven-course tasting experience for November 12 or 19. Watch for menu announcements in December as the restaurant prepares for its specialty holiday dining season.

Further reading

Find more updates on the city's culinary scene in our Mexican Food section.

More information

To book a table or view the full menu, visit the Arriba Abajo restaurant reservation site.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Food & Beverage Magazine.

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Do you prefer restaurants to offer highly specific regional cuisine rather than generalized menus?