Zaranda brings the cultural food traditions of Las Californias – Alta y Baja, north and south — to Houston, offering guests an experience that balances earth, sea, and fire. Named for the signature wire basket used to cook over hot coals, a preparation known as zarandeado which originated in Nayarit more than 500 years ago, the restaurant channels the elemental character of Baja into an atmosphere of relaxed sophistication and convivial energy.As guests approach, glass curtain walls reveal glimpses of textured plaster surfaces within, offering a preview of the warmth and material richness inside. The patio enclosure extends this welcome outward, defined by custom planters with tactile finishes that frame the terrace in greenery and texture, softening the threshold between downtown park, urban sidewalk, and inviting restaurant.Inside, warm light wood becomes a unifying element, applied in varied expressions across wall cladding, moulding trim, vertical fin partitions, and slatted ceiling details. This repetition creates rhythm and cohesion while echoing the warmth of Baja’s sunbaked landscapes. At the bar, a subtle whale-tail motif is integrated into the ceiling—an homage to the gray whales that migrate along the peninsula’s coastlines. Rough-hewn white stone walls anchor the interiors with raw texture, while hand-applied sand and lime plaster bring a tactile softness to surrounding surfaces. Select walls feature a distinctive scraped finish, adding depth and imperfection that heighten the sense of craft.The floors mark moments of transition: at the entry and restrooms, white rock aggregate is floated in blue plaster, a nod to surf breaking against stone. Throughout, natural light animates the palette by day, while layered evening lighting shifts the mood toward warmth and intimacy, punctuated by custom overscale sconces that fill the volume with glow and presence.At Zaranda, each material and detail is chosen not only for its beauty, but for its ability to shape atmosphere, guiding guests through a journey that evokes the striking landscapes and cultural traditions of Baja.
