Evans
A new dining spot is coming to downtown Carmel as local restaurateur Chris Evans prepares to open Matador, a Spanish tapas restaurant set to debut later this month.
Located at 10 E. Main St., Matador will bring a playful, approachable atmosphere and a menu designed for sharing, according to Evans.
Evans, known for Sangiovese and several other ventures, is partnering with Ambrosia Hospitality Group’s Dan Cage on the new project. The space previously housed Evans’ Italian restaurant, Tre, which closed at the end of July to make way for the new concept.
“Tre was bittersweet — it didn’t work,” Evans said. “Dan came to me with the idea for Spanish tapas, and I said almost immediately, ‘Yes, absolutely.’ It’s fun, it’s playful, and I think it will really fit Carmel.”
Evans said the menu will feature more than 20 tapas items, along with other larger plates and entrees including paellas and meats. The idea is for diners to share small plates in a casual, family-style format.
“It’s supposed to be two to three tapas per person to share, so a table of four might have 10 to 12 items come through,” he said.
Among the dishes Evans is most excited about are croquettes — small, breaded and fried bites with a creamy interior, typically made with béchamel and filled with ingredients like mushrooms or meat.
“They’re like the original popper,” he said. “They just melt in your mouth.”
He also highlighted empanadas and house-made desserts. The atmosphere will reflect the restaurant’s playful tone.
“It’s going to be upbeat, fun and approachable,” Evans said. “You’ll hear everything from Madonna and Taylor Swift to Journey and Vanilla Ice.”
The space will feature warm décor, greenery suspended from the ceilings, and a custom-painted, eight-foot-tall mural of a matador in the dining room, created by a local artist.
Evans said the goal is to make Matador accessible to everyone.
“You’ll feel comfortable coming in here in a suit or a hoodie and tennis shoes,” Evans said. “We’ll have $50 tequilas and $12 cocktails. It’s a price point where you can stop in for a drink and a tuna crudo and get out for $20 or stay longer and try more.”
Matador will have a daily happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. and “Flights and Bites” which feature low-alcohol, high-flavor cocktails Evans said are unlike anything currently offered in Indiana.
“They’re fun, new-age sangrias I’ve only seen out of state,” he said.
Matador is expected to open with soft launch events, including a private influencer night, to allow the team to work out any early challenges before welcoming the broader public.
“We’re going to control our opening so we can control our missteps,” Evans said. “Every restaurant has them — you think everything’s ready, and then you find out the oven doesn’t work, or the tables aren’t spaced right.”
Although an official date has not been announced, Evans said the team is targeting the last week of August.
“This is a place where you can come once a month or twice a week — whatever works for you,” he said. “It’s meant to be fun and easy — just good food, no matter what you’re wearing.”
Dining and Cooking