Leche de Tigre Co-Founder Axel Oliva Dies at 31

The Southtown restaurant will close temporarily as the family and staff grieve the loss.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:04pm

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A dreamy, out-of-focus photograph in warm, hazy tones capturing the intimate, welcoming atmosphere of a family-run restaurant, with only the faintest outlines of tables, chairs, and people visible, conveying a sense of loss and community.The sudden loss of Leche de Tigre co-founder Axel Oliva has left a void in San Antonio's vibrant restaurant community.San Antonio Today

Axel Oliva, the 31-year-old co-founder and front-of-house presence at the acclaimed Peruvian restaurant Leche de Tigre in San Antonio, has passed away. The restaurant announced it will close from March 31 through April 2 to allow the Oliva family and staff time to mourn.

Why it matters

Leche de Tigre was one of San Antonio's buzziest new dining destinations, earning praise from Texas Monthly and the Michelin Guide. Axel Oliva's warm hospitality and welcoming presence were central to the restaurant's identity and success, making his sudden passing a significant loss for the local culinary community.

The details

Axel, along with his brothers Emil and Alec, opened Leche de Tigre in a Southtown bungalow in February 2023. The small cebichería quickly became a local favorite and earned recognition from prestigious publications like Texas Monthly and the Michelin Guide. In 2025, chef Emil Oliva was named a James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef: Texas, further elevating the restaurant's profile.

  • Leche de Tigre opened in February 2023.
  • In 2024, Texas Monthly named it one of the state's best new restaurants.
  • In 2025, the restaurant was included in the Michelin Guide's inaugural Texas selection.
  • Also in 2025, chef Emil Oliva was named a James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef: Texas.
  • Axel Oliva passed away on March 31, 2026.

The players

Axel Oliva

The 31-year-old co-founder and front-of-house presence at Leche de Tigre, a Peruvian restaurant in San Antonio.

Emil Oliva

Axel's brother and the chef at Leche de Tigre, who was named a James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef: Texas in 2025.

Alec Oliva

Axel's brother and the third co-founder of Leche de Tigre.

Leche de Tigre

A family-run Peruvian cebichería in San Antonio's Southtown neighborhood that quickly became a local favorite and earned praise from publications like Texas Monthly and the Michelin Guide.

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What they’re saying

“We are sharing this loss with heavy hearts.”

— Leche de Tigre, Restaurant

What’s next

A public memorial service for Axel Oliva is scheduled for Thursday at 5 p.m. at Porter Loring Mortuary in San Antonio.

The takeaway

Axel Oliva's sudden passing has left a significant void in San Antonio's tight-knit restaurant community, as his warm hospitality and welcoming presence were central to the success of the acclaimed Leche de Tigre. The outpouring of support from colleagues and regulars underscores the impact he had on the local dining scene.