Arriba Abajo Appoints Sergio Ledesma Executive Chef
The Austin restaurant is launching a new multi-course tasting experience at its mezcalería, También.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Mexican Food
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Arriba Abajo Rooftop Cantina at the Thompson Austin has named Sergio Ledesma as its new executive chef. Ledesma will debut a seven-course tasting experience at the venue's mezcalería, También, in November.
Why it matters
This leadership change marks a strategic pivot toward curated tasting menus and regional culinary rotations for the Austin-based restaurant. The appointment leverages Ledesma's international experience to refine the dining program at the Thompson Austin.
The new tasting experience features 7 courses. Monthly regional menu rotations are scheduled to begin in 2027.
The players
Sergio Ledesma
He is an experienced chef and graduate of The Culinary Institute of America who previously worked in San Pedro Garza García, Mexico.
Arriba Abajo Rooftop Cantina
It is a restaurant located at the Thompson Austin that specializes in mezcal and Mexican cuisine.
The details
Chef Sergio Ledesma, a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, joins the team after previously leading the culinary program at Hotel Van Zandt and serving as executive chef at La Central San Pedro in Mexico. The restaurant will also introduce a specialty holiday menu throughout December 2026.
Timeline
November 12, 2026: The seven-course tasting experience becomes available.
November 19, 2026: The seven-course tasting experience becomes available.
December 2026: Specialty holiday dining programming runs throughout the month.
2027: The restaurant transitions to monthly rotating regional menus.
Culture Shift
This move reflects a broader industry trend toward curated, multi-course dining experiences in luxury hotel spaces. By pivoting to regional rotations, the restaurant positions itself against standard dining concepts by emphasizing exclusive, limited-run menus.
Diners can begin booking the seven-course tasting experience starting in November. Guests should note that the restaurant plans to transition to a new regional menu each month beginning in 2027.
The takeaway
The appointment signals a more specialized approach to regional Mexican cuisine at the Thompson Austin. Patrons interested in exclusive seasonal dining should plan to visit early, as the restaurant prepares to shift its menu structure in the coming year.
Further reading
Learn more about the local dining scene in our guide to Mexican Food.
More information
To book a table or view the latest updates, visit the Arriba Abajo restaurant reservation site.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Food & Beverage Magazine.
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