El Barrio — Restaurant in Trat Province

🪴El Barrio – Expectations Always Walk a Bit Ahead

I had passed by this restaurant many times on my trips to Koh Chang. This time, I finally walked in—with a bit of hope, and years of curiosity.

Green plants filling the space, deep red table mats, dim lights glowing warmly in a dark-toned room. Every corner seemed made for the camera. 📸

We ordered tacos, quesadillas, Camarones al Ajillo served with rice— All with a heart full of anticipation.🌮

But perhaps, I had expected too much. No words like “Wow, delicious!” came immediately to mind.

The quesadilla had more of the earthy flavor of mushrooms than the richness of cheese. The shrimp dish, cooked in olive oil, was pleasant but plain. The margarita? Also safe and forgettable.🍸

But the biggest disappointment was the taco. It was soggy and fell apart the moment I picked it up— I had to eat it with a fork.🍴 I wasn’t asking for a perfectly crisp shell, but I wasn’t expecting it to collapse in my hand either. It was, honestly, a letdown.

I might want to try something else next time, but my partner will probably protest with a firm “no.”🥲

Taste, after all, is deeply subjective. It’s hard to meet everyone’s palate, and nearly impossible to exceed expectations that have been built for years.

Still, there's a reason this place has lasted over 16 years. The service is smooth, the system efficient, and the atmosphere—the lush, exotic mood of a night in Koh Chang—is undeniable. ✨

If you come not just for the food, but for the feeling of being somewhere far away, El Barrio might just be...

El Barrio - A Hidden Gem in Koh Chang

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I stumbled upon El Barrio during my stay in Koh Chang and what a pleasant surprise it was! This cozy little Mexican spot completely exceeded my expectations.

The sizzling beef fajitas were absolutely incredible - served on a hot cast iron plate that kept everything perfectly warm throughout the meal. The meat was tender and flavorful, mixed with colorful peppers and onions that had just the right amount of char. You can hear it sizzling from across the restaurant!

I also tried their ceviche, which was remarkably fresh for being on a Thai island. The fish was perfectly “cooked” in citrus, with a nice balance of lime, herbs, and a subtle kick of heat. It came in a beautiful blue bowl that made the presentation even more appealing.

The nachos were generous and loaded with toppings - perfect for sharing. The margaritas (I had two deluxe ones) were strong and well-made, exactly what you need after a day exploring the island.

What impressed me most was the authenticity of the flavors. The staff clearly knows their Mexican cuisine, and at 1,320 baht for a feast including drinks, the prices are very reasonable for the quality and portion sizes.

The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with that laid-back island vibe but with a genuine Mexican flair. Perfect spot for a relaxed dinner after a day at the beach.

Highly recommend El Barrio if you’re in Koh Chang and craving some quality Mexican food. I’ll definitely be back on my next visit to the...

An absolute gem of a restaurant, a real taste of mexico. Right on the main road, however once in you would never know. From the moment you walk in and are greeted by the most friendly and genuine hostess (manager) with " ok chica" you feel at home, the decor is colourful, respectful and hugely engaging, with beautifully ornate and vibrant murals, staff are so friendly and helpful. Then there is the food and drinks.... OMG, the most delicious course after course, glass after glass, all explained by the wait staff. We could not get enough!! I could recommend what we had however that would do an injustice to other dishes as i highly expect eveything to be as beautiful and delicous (menu images of the dishes we had). Prices were exceptional given the international cuisine especially when compared to local Thai restaurant prices. What was so unique was that even though there was a constant demand for tables, no one had to wait long at all and yet we never felt rushed. It was swift professional and seemless service, with the managers (possibly owners) getting stuck in at every step, leading and supporting staff, fabulous! We were supposed to go to mexico for our honeymoon however covid put a stop to that, El Barrio has made us determined to go to mexico and our whole evening was a truly heart, belly and soul warming experience.Muchas gracias. Definitely a place I will recommend to everyone coming...