For Chef Otto Pinto, cooking has always been a way to create connections around the table. It is a philosophy that has been at the heart of Mae Dunne since its beginnings and that, after three years of establishing its identity in Leon Springs, is now entering a new chapter.
With a culinary concept that has become a cherished part of the community through its brunch experience, Mae Dunne will take the next step in its evolution on October 9, opening its doors to a sophisticated, intimate, and thoughtfully curated dinner experience. Leading this new chapter is Pinto, who carries with him a lesson he learned from his father: behind every dish lies an opportunity to bring people together and create moments that linger long after the meal is complete.
When Mae Dunne opened in Leon Springs in April 2023, it focused on offering modern Mexican-American cuisine for brunch. Around the same time, Pinto met the owner of Mae Dunne. The two connected over their vision for the restaurant, and Pinto eventually joined the team. “Mae Dunne is a vibe,” Pinto says. “You hear laughter; it’s fun. There is live music on Sundays, and that helps with the vibe too.”
As the restaurant began exploring the idea for a dinner menu, leaders first turned to customers. Mae Dunne held four tastings to see what would stand out for the menu. They also sent Pinto to a culinary school in Guadalajara, Mexico, to better develop his craft and earn international skills certification for the first time. “It’s just amazing how fresh the food is in Guadalajara,” Pinto recalls. With that inspiration combined with the team’s research and creativity, they carefully crafted the menu with the community in mind. “We all labor over our food,” Pinto says, “but it’s a labor of love. It was a lot of steps, but in the end, we’re family.”
Some of the dishes on the new menu will include steak tartare, chicharrones, and even Pinto’s favorite dish: a pork ribeye with sweet potato mash and glazed carrots. Mae Dunne is also reimagining the space to elevate the customer experience by repurposing a brunch eatery into an upscale dinner restaurant. “We’ve been listening to the people, and they have wanted a dinner menu here,” Pinto says. “This area needs something like this with nice, cozy hospitality. We want this place to feel like two different versions of the same space.” To do so, they’ll swap the morning stoneware for evening place settings, add more greenery, and make further upgrades in the future.
Named after the founder’s great-great-grandmother, the restaurant draws inspiration from her legacy to bridge Mexican and American cultures through memorable dining experiences. Built on the values of gathering, storytelling, and sharing great food, Mae Dunne honors the simple moments that bring people together. Today, the restaurant’s mission is to create a timeless space where exceptional cuisine, genuine care, anticipatory service, and meaningful human connections define every visit. Under Pinto’s culinary leadership, Mae Dunne continues to establish itself as one of the region’s hidden gems, delivering an experience that goes far beyond the table.
Pinto learned from his father the value of bringing people together through food for unique experiences. Nearly two decades after graduating from culinary school, he hopes Mae Dunne can do the same, this time around a dinner table in Leon Springs. He and his culinary team are dedicated to delivering powerful, elegant flavors to every customer who walks through their doors—and, hopefully, making his father proud. “Food is the only thing I feel brings people together, no matter what,” Pinto reminds us. “We want to bring the community together and have closeness without talking over the phone. Hopefully this place can give that to people, because that’s what we strive to do.”
maedunne.com | 210-905-0797 | 23702 IH-10 W, Ste. 108, San Antonio