A Tradition of Excellence
Welcome to Matt’s Rancho Martinez, where a legacy of culinary passion and family tradition spans over a century.
It all began in Austin, Texas, with Delfino Martinez, who started his journey by selling homemade tamales and pralines. Delfino’s children, full of entrepreneurial spirit, took to the streets with pushcarts, offering these delicious treats right outside the state capitol. In 1922, Delfino’s dream blossomed into “El Original Restaurant,” setting the stage for a rich family legacy.
Fast forward to 1952, when Delfino’s son, Matt Martinez Sr., along with his wife Janie, opened the beloved “Matt’s El Rancho Restaurant.” Their dedication to authentic flavors and warm hospitality quickly made it a cherished Austin institution.
The story continued in Dallas in 1985, when Matt Martinez Jr., his wife Estella, and their five children ventured to start their own Tex-Mex restaurant. This leap of faith brought us Matt’s Rancho Martinez, a place where our family traditions met Dallas’s vibrant dining scene.
In the early 2000’s, Matt Martinez III joined the family business, infusing it with new energy and ideas. Following Matt Jr.’s passing in 2009, Matt III and his mother Estella took the helm, ensuring the restaurant’s legacy of excellence continued. Today, Matt III and his wife Jenn are proud to have their sons, Nicholas and Thomas, carrying forward the family tradition, serving guests with the same passion that started it all.
At Matt’s Rancho Martinez, we are deeply grateful for your support. When you choose to dine with us, you become part of our extended family, continuing a tradition that has been built on love, dedication, and outstanding food. Thank you for being a part of our journey—here’s to many more years of shared meals and cherished memories!
We invite you to come and enjoy our famous Tex-Mex dishes.
Bring your family and friends and experience our “Tradition of Excellence.”
Matt Jr. (Chef Matt) was inducted into the Texas Restaurant Hall of Honor in 2000 alongside his father, Matt Sr., who was inducted in 1986. They were the first father and son to share this distinguished honor! In 2019, Estella was also inducted into the Texas Restaurant Hall of Fame alongside her late husband.
