Picante has its origins in Bodrum where it was first established as a bar and grill restaurant in 1993. The word means hot and spicy in Spanish. Picante is a registered brand name specially created as an adaptation of Mexican, Tex-Mex, Colombian, Cajun, and Southwestern culinary styles catering to the Turkish palate.

The menu has been developed both with traditional and locally available ingredients and reflects a contemporary outlook on dining. While Latin and Tex-Mex styles have a predominance, the style of Picante also reveals influences from other regions, and as such its founder, Hakan Arat, calls it "Latin / Boderline cuisine". Since its first opening, Picante has been noticed and honored by both the ambassadors of Mexico and other Mexican institutions.

At Picante, typical icons and objects to be found in a standard Mexican setting, such as sombreros, cacti, mariachis, piñatas, and chili peppers, are employed in a totally different manner. Thus, it looks much more minimalist, but still quite Latin. All designed by Hakan Arat.

Frozen margaritas, micheladas, and jello shuts have been first introduced to Turkey by Picante, which also features a unique stance to music: non-commercial versions of all genres including Latin and judiciously picked varieties of electronica.