Mateo has had a Spanish heart with a Southern soul in downtown Durham since 2012. The first solo venture from James Beard semi-finalist Chef Matthew Kelly of Vin Rouge, Mothers & Son’s, Nanas and the beloved Saint James Seafood (RIP), is housed in the old Book Exchange building in the heart of downtown Durham. The menu blends the flavors of Spain with beloved ingredients and dishes of the South, with one of the largest sherry collections in the country and a large Spanish wine collection. Alton Brown called it the best tapas bar in the country, posting a pic to social media before taking the stage at DPAC.
Love the atmosphere and vibes here, excellent lighting and a lovely bar area. Chill, lowkey upstairs area. Packed in a little bit downstairs.
The food is great, but I’ve heard so many things about Mateo that it may have just not quite lived up to expectations. A few items were slightly overcooked (like chorizo or shrimp in the paella), but everything was delicious in general. Delicious pork belly and street corn. The paella in general was slightly underwhelming on texture but had great flavor, albeit could be spicier. The bone marrow dish could’ve had a little bit more bone marrow to short rib ratio. All the tapas were extremely delicious, well prepped, plated and served. Everything came out quickly and tasted incredible in general. Don’t come in with expectations and you will be pleasantly surprised at everything.
Overall throughly enjoyed my experience at Mateo’s - excellent wait staff and service. Extremely refreshing and delicious cocktails with a nice selection of vermouth as well.
Andrea Martin
Aug 3, 2024
5
Great option for Tapas. Plates are well constructed and thought out. The Cheerwine Sangria was a nice touch.
Stephen Mutz
May 21, 2024
5
This is my third time, and my wife’s and my second time in the last year. Fantastic restaurant with a great atmosphere, and so many delicious options. Today we celebrated our seventh anniversary, and our waiter even threw in a little something special, which we really appreciated!
While we didn’t get it this time, I think the best dessert is the apple pie. We also really liked the pork belly, but you really can’t go wrong with anything… Except for the chicken croquettes, that one we did not like ha.
Satish Venketachalam
May 8, 2024
5
Had a team dinner here, so got a variety of items and drinks. Great food, service and vibe in this place. Seafood paella was amazing.
Fit Gear Hunter
Mar 17, 2024
5
Easily, EASILY one of the top 5 food experiences, of my entire life. They have a dish called "Marrow" w bone marrow and short ribs - served in the Bone! It was awesome. Plus as a bonus the full experience is to have a shot of Sherry or Bourbon down the bone channel after - I left that picture out - it was epic. A must try dish/experience (and side note they have a really good Special right now: a Turnip dish with Ramps, which I had never heard of before but was great)
C Rod
Feb 25, 2024
4
Stopped by this place on sat night, thank goodness we had a reservation cause the place was packed. It is kind of an interesting place, with a huge bar and upscale food presentation. Having the bar meant there was a long list of drink options, including beer and wine. Overall, I thought the food was ok as nothing really wowed me. We had an awesome waiter, though, very attentive and social. With a carafe of sangria, 2 deviled eggs, and a few meal options, we finished with over $100 bill. It was an experience, it just fell short of my expectations.
