Based right next to the River Wear, with a stunning view of Durham’s cathedral (a UNESCO World Heritage site), Barrio Comida is a double-headed Mexican restaurant made up of a casual ground-floor taqueria, and a more upmarket Mexican fine-dining concept in the basement called La Mesa at Barrio Comida.
Chef Shaun Hurrell originally ran Barrio Comida as a series of pop ups before it found its home on Durham’s Church Street. The food is inspired by the taquerias Hurrell used to visit over the border in California, where he grew up, and the relaxed setting aims to maintain the same laid-back feel that you would find in Mexico.
From the outside, the restaurant fits in seamlessly with the many beautiful Durham buildings nearby; an old stone façade hides the modern glass extension behind, with the restaurant also spilling into a red-brick building next door and a patio for warmer months. Once inside, the ambience is relaxed, with red chairs and white tables spread around the space and stripped-down walls emblazoned with the odd Mexican word or logo.
Food options in the ground-floor taqueria range from sides such as guacamole and prawn ceviche, to the staple tacos stuffed with fillings such as Jalisco-style braised lamb, and charcoal-grilled chicken.
There is also a selection of soft-serve ice creams on offer for those with a sweet tooth, with flavours including mango and lime, and milk and honey. The drinks list is predominantly based around cocktails, especially a selection of Margaritas, but there is also a short list of wines and Mexican beers on offer too.
Basement restaurant La Mesa, meanwhile, serves modern interpretations of some of Mexico’s finest dishes, using British seasonal produce. La Mesa has space for just 16 diners on a communal table, as well as four counter seats overlooking an open kitchen.