Little Bull

Restaurant · Durham

Little Bull

Restaurant · Durham

2

810 N Mangum St, Durham, NC 27701

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Highlights

Small plates like dumplings & octopus, plus cocktails, upscale  

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810 N Mangum St, Durham, NC 27701 Get directions

littlebullnc.com
@littlebullnc

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

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810 N Mangum St, Durham, NC 27701 Get directions

+1 919 251 8989
littlebullnc.com
@littlebullnc

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 16, 2025

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@foodandwine

These Are America's Next Great Food Cities

"One of several restaurants by a prolific local chef, presenting bold flavors and modern casual dining that contributes to the city's rapid restaurant expansion." - Regan Stephens

https://www.foodandwine.com/emerging-us-food-cities-11744710
View Postcard for Little Bull
@eater

14 Most Anticipated Restaurants Across the Carolinas, Spring 2023 - Eater Carolinas

"The chef behind lauded Raleigh restaurant Cortez Seafood + Cocktail, Oscar Diaz, branches out to Durham with the opening of Little Bull this spring. Diaz wants to redefine American comfort food through his view as a first-generation Mexican-American who grew up in Chicago and ended up in the South. Look for items like dumplings stuffed with birria and served with giardiniera chimi churri and confit papas." - Erin Perkins

https://carolinas.eater.com/2023/3/8/23627772/new-restaurants-north-south-carolina-spring-2023
View Postcard for Little Bull

Peyton Kuhlers

Google
Great food, the tongue and cheek barbacoa might be the best I've ever had! Salsas were super flavorful too. This was my first time trying octopus as well and it was great. They put some serious char on it (in a good way). The bread pudding was delicious but definitely too much for one person. Dining area is cute -- highly recommend coming here!

Myron Greene (Zimp707)

Google
Absolutely delicious from start to finish! Every dish was crafted with fresh ingredients and full of exciting, vibrant flavors. The presentation was stunning — each plate looked like a work of art. You can really taste the care and creativity that goes into the food. The ambiance was just as impressive, with beautiful outdoor dining and superb nighttime lighting that created a cozy, inviting atmosphere — perfect for a relaxing evening. Our waitress (I wish I remembered her name!) did an excellent job taking care of our table. She was attentive, friendly, and made the experience even better. I’m including a photo of her in the review to show appreciation for her great service. Highly recommend this spot if you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful, and well-rounded dining experience.

Matt Strain

Google
This place is amazing! I can't believe we didn't dine here sooner. The food was absolutely amazing down to the smallest detail. I was also pleased to find several non-alcoholic options both mocktails and NA beer available.

K D

Google
We tried the Arepa and the GAMBAS A LA PLANCHA as our main dish . I had a glass of Tempranillo and my wife had a Mojito. Both were good . We also had the bread pudding as recommended by a lot of folks. In my opinion it was too sweet and two much for two people .Ideally its good for 4 folks but if you are looking for a healthy option

S. Watson

Google
I highly recommend making reservations because this place is popping. We were fortunate enough to get a seat at the bar. The staff was busy but friendly and patient. While we noticed there was a full house, it didn't feel crowded and loud. We were able to enjoy the vibe and the delicious food. The food is a fusion of many cultures with small and large plates that encourage you to try something new. I would not consider the larger plates "shareable". It's creative and a wonderful food adventure. Among the food we ordered were the Grilled Octo which was absolutely outstanding, the char was perfect while it was still moist on the inside. Their fusion take Banh was also the show stopper for us.

Connie H

Google
All the food we tried was D licous ! The service was great too. My only suggestion is, maybe post on your website about the parking issue. Drove around the block trying to find somewhere to park, only to be told that you rent the parking lot across from the restaurant. It says "private, towing enforced". Otherwise was a great experience and I plan on coming back soon.

Jamie Juett

Google
Went to Sunday brunch to catch up with a friend and was blown away. The food was amazing (had the duck chilaquiles, birria ramen and French toast) and the cocktails were delicious. It was also fairly uncrowded so try out the brunch before it gets more popular!

Ryan Herron

Google
Durham’s newest hit spot! The meats are so tender. The birria dumplings are a must. We also loved the ceviche. And the bread pudding for dessert — so good! You can’t go wrong! Great for groups of friends / family or date nights.
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Andrew J.

Yelp
This place is amazing!!! We had an opportunity to try out some of the dishes through restaurant week but also ordered a bit on our own. The service was ok but it may have been due to the waiter being new. They didn't really explain much of what was each of the dishes they were serving included or how to eat them but we kind of knew what we were doing so it was fine! We had the Ceviche, Duo Del Mar, and Capirotada for restaurant week and the Barbacoa. Tldr: GET THE BARBACOA!!! Everything else was good but barbacoa was leaps and bounds better than the other dishes. Ceviche: this was a fun mix of seafood mixed with a tart sauce. Overall it was good but felt a little light on the seafood. Duo Del Mar: This was fantastic! If you needed to fill yourself up, this was the way to do it. Great flavor and each bite felt unique. Solid option. Barbacoa: This was the BEST! DO NOT BE INTIMIDATED BY THE INGREDIENTS OF TONGUE AND CHEEK! Those are the best parts! The mix of those cooked in a banana leaf with seasoning made this a delicious collagen and fatty filled delight! Put some of this with the included onion, tomatoes and sauces in a tortilla and it was delightful! Definitely will go back just to eat this one if they have it! Capirotada: solid dessert. exactly as advertised with cinnamon, vanilla extract with a creamy bread pudding. We had an ice cream to especially enhance the creaminess. It was a bit too decadent and sweet for us but it was definitely great! Definitely recommend giving this place a try!
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Chrissy A.

Yelp
We made a reservation for Sunday brunch, we arrived early, but were seated right away. Parking was a little tough since I think it was only street parking. Some of you say that you can park at the minimart across the street, but I wasn't definite on that so we decided not to do it. Upon entering, the interior was very awesome. I absolutely loved the decor. It was almost dark academias feel with charcoal and florals and glitz frames. Our seats were fairly comfortable as we waited for the other couple to join us. The service seemed a little bit slow and our waitress was a little unsure about some of the items on the menu. We had looked at the website to get a better guess of what we were going to order, however, what we had wanted on the website was not available on the menu. We all ended up getting the El Bono, which was just OK. I particularly liked the yucca bread, however, the other half of our table did not. The plantains were just there. They were plain and lacked flavor of any sort. The drinks were also slightly disappointing. The Hugo spritz was mostly champagne and seltzer. The menu said $15 but the receipt said $11. My husband got an IPA that rang up $14 though, which I don't recommend. The restrooms were very clean. All in all, I was disappointed. My best friend and I decided to come here for a birthday brunch since our birthdays are 18 days apart but this failed to impress. Nothing was wrong, it just wasn't spectacular like we expected it to be.
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Ciarra J.

Yelp
I don't even want to write this review, because this is my little secret slice of perfection. Little Bull might be one of the best restaurants I have been to in Durham.i don't even want people to know about this gem. I eat all through Durham and this meal gave everything it was supposed to give. My friend and I taste multiple items, each one a standout. B&B, Birria Dumplings, Brussels, and Gambas A La Plancha. I am going to focus on the dish that I dream about! The Gambas A La Plancha, the flavors were bold, savory, layered, and just so good! I have not notes! Each sip and bite *chef kiss*
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Christopher N.

Yelp
Totally unexpected, but the food was Awesome! Chef Oscar Diaz did an amazing job with this menu and there were so many great choices. We had: Birria Dumplings, Charred Broccolini, Barbacoa , Arepas , Mama's Mole puerquito, Little Bullhogi Asada. What was equally amazing was that you could use the sauces from one dish to compliment the other dishes, for example, the chili oil from the broccolini goes great with the dumplings. The broth from the dumplings worked excellent with the Barbacoa tacos. The mole was amazing on its own! The service was excellent, and the ambiance was loud. The bar ask have some really great contrails, and ask about the Party Girl drink special! We will be back to Little Bull for sure one day!
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Monica M.

Yelp
Cute little restaurant in Durham with a nice covered outdoor seating area. Food is pricey and their menu is constantly changing. This can be a good and a bad thing. When you have menu items that are a major hit, you should probably keep it on the menu as a staple. My friend raved about their elotes dish but we were told it was not on the menu because it's "seasonal". Quite unfortunate because the table next to us also asked the waitress about the same dish. Being from San Antonio, I have a high standard when it comes to Mexican cuisine. The cost of the dishes and drinks were a little rich for my taste.
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My-Linh D.

Yelp
I recently dined at Little Bull and it was a delightful experience! The drinks are nothing short of amazing, with unique flavors that really elevate the dining experience. I got a cocktail and switched over to a red blend. As for the food, it's an exciting fusion of different culinary styles, and I absolutely loved it. One standout dish is the DIY hand roll, which adds a fun and interactive element to the meal. The birria dumplings are an absolute must-try--they were bursting with flavor and was my favorite dish of the night. The service was incredibly kind and warm, with staff members who made sure we felt welcome throughout the meal. However, the only downside was that the service was a bit slow at times, which is something to keep in mind if you're in a rush.
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Anna V.

Yelp
Molly is an amazing waitress. She recommended amazing dishes (the shrimp especially was to die for, also the butter beans and the bread pudding dessert!!) and was timely with our orders and needing to go to a dpac show. Thanks for a wonderful experience, we will be back!!
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Monica M.

Yelp
The experience here was just okay. The service was friendly and attentive, and I have no complaints about our server. The drink menu was delicious, and we all enjoyed the variety offered on both the drink and food menus--although the food itself was a mixed bag. The plate presentation was lovely, and everything looked great. We tried the arepas, barbacoa, and the market vibez veggies, and I'd say the veggies were the highlight. Unfortunately, the octopus was a letdown--it was overcooked and chewy, so we had it taken off the bill. On a positive note, I loved the restaurant's atmosphere. I'll likely return to try a few other items, like the birria dumplings, though I've read some mixed reviews about the goat meat's texture. There's definitely more to explore on the menu!
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Sweta S.

Yelp
I just visited this restaurant for my anniversary. The decor is bright, inviting with indoor(with heaters) and outdoor space. Even on a Monday, this place was busy. Their Halal chicken and Bread Pudding were delicious. For two people, I would recommend two tapas and one large dish. Don't forget the dessert! If you make a reservation and don't make it to the reservation, there is a fee. I can't get myself to reserve in advance, as a result.
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Taylor L.

Yelp
Such a great little spot! Get atmosphere, busy with a very city feel. The drinks were really good, I very much enjoyed my "witches be tripping." We loved loved loved our arepas and the barbacoa tacos, they were absolutely delicious. The only issue we had was with the octopus, it was over cooked and dry and possibly too grilled. Everyone at our table agreed it was not good and the waiter took it back. He forgot to take it off our bill even though we said we didn't like it, and didn't eat any of it. He was apologetic and took it off the bill after he said he had forgotten. I'm not knocking him for forgetting, but I'm a huge octopus fan and that was a let down. Other than that we had a great time and the rest of the food was spectacular!
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Lindsay K.

Yelp
The food and the drinks here were delicious! I was impressed from the moment I walked in- the decor is beautiful and the food and beverages are very aesthetically pleasing. It was a good thing they tasted as good as they looked! I especially loved the corn. It all felt well balanced, properly portioned and freshly made
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Scott J.

Yelp
My wife and I decided to finally check this place out. I'm glad that they have finally added some vegetarian options. The drinks were okay, but not worth the price. Overall the food was stunning and very tasty. However the birria dumplings were not good. The goat meat was very chewy and decided not to eat it. Better to skip that dish. Customer service was on point. Overall a great experience, but at the cost of a high price tag. I don't think we will be back with those kinds of prices. We dropped over $130 for dinner.
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Kiara I.

Yelp
My friend Whitney and I were excited to have our girls' night out at Little Bull in Durham. While Whitney had visited before, it was my first time, and I was excited about the experience as it had been on my list for a while. Upon our early arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the host, who graciously accommodated our request to sit inside instead of at our scheduled outdoor reservation. Despite arriving 30 minutes before our reservation time, she assured us it was not an issue. Our server, whose name eludes me but hails from Spain, was exceptionally kind and knowledgeable about the menu. She attentively ensured our water glasses remained filled to the brim, a gesture we appreciated. Patient and courteous, she guided us through the menu as we deliberated on our meal choices. Bottle of: GAMBAS A LA PLANCHA shrimp/salsa piquin/onion/ciabatta GRILLED OCTO octopus/cannellini beans/butter beans/field peas/pink eye peas/parm herb salad CORN (not currently listed on the menu) BOTTLE OF LAMBRUSCO The food was good, although I found the Gambas to be slightly salty. My friend and I thoroughly enjoyed the Lambrusco, a favorite that I often purchase from our local wine store. The ambiance exuded intimacy, making it an ideal spot for a romantic date night. While I appreciated the cozy atmosphere, I wished the lighting had been brighter for better photo opportunities. The weatherproof patio seemed inviting, offering a pleasant outdoor dining option. Surprisingly, towards the end of our meal, they opened the windows, a feature I had not been aware of. In hindsight, I would have chosen to sit by the window if given the opportunity. Overall, my experience was positive, and I would definitely consider returning for another visit.
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Jane B.

Yelp
I have had some great meals lately but this was truly stellar. EVERY bite was delicious. I especially loved the cajun-sauced shrimp served with a hunk of crusty bread; my husband raved about the arepas; a companion was especially fond of the potatoes. And the bread pudding was the perfect icing on the cake, so to speak. Seriously: EVERY single bite was exquisite. The meal was topped off with a great, fun, knowledgeable waiter. Cocktails may be a bit overpriced, and we had some concerns about the noise level, but that was much better after an especially loud party near us left. Run, don't walk, if you've not tried Little Bull yet.
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Rusty S.

Yelp
Hilariously overpriced for mediocre tapas place, I guess they are next to the even more comically priced beer hall with the $12 dollar Pilsner?? Haha, If you buy a million dollar condo in downtown Durham, then you'll think this place is great... dessert was pretty good though, still just not worth it.
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Jocy C.

Yelp
I'm 100% a fan! Little Bull is a relatively new restaurant that opened in the Raleigh / Durham area of North Carolina in June 2023. From an Eater article, Little Bull's concept combines Asian and Mexican cuisines with a nod towards American comfort food. According to their website, they are focused on nostalgic comfort food inspired by first generation immigrant kids. My friend and I were in the area for the weekend and made reservations here for dinner. We made reservations ahead of time on OpenTable. Between the 2 of us, we ordered several dishes: - Ceviche Negro - snapper & squid ink (seafood was really fresh!) - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=M9jIbDtOE5G9zUkX3zLonA&userid=NvUeb5G_mSSxgKhEE_Hueg - Gambas a la Plancha - shrimp & salsa piquin (tasted more Asian to me!) - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=YUWlCXvHxMI6M8BfFiMVhg&userid=NvUeb5G_mSSxgKhEE_Hueg - Tongue & Cheek - bone marrow, beef cheek barbacoa (MY FAVORITE! MUST GET!) - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=clpnM92C1SBOC_iIHd4SbA&userid=NvUeb5G_mSSxgKhEE_Hueg - Charred Broccolini - also with bok choy (the veggie dish) - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=rM43cGOMUlCF6g2-eUkn_g&userid=NvUeb5G_mSSxgKhEE_Hueg - Little Fall Asada - hangar steak (MEDIUM RARE) For desserts, - Taiyaki Pan de Yuca - cheese bread taiyaki (my favorite of the 2 desserts) - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=-zQ1ZvK_kvs7r6Ty-sB5WA&userid=NvUeb5G_mSSxgKhEE_Hueg - Pastelito - puff pastry, goat cheese, guava - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=cDdbBdLZp3YS200dKXd5gg&userid=NvUeb5G_mSSxgKhEE_Hueg For drinks, - Carmenere - Chilean Red Wine from Casa Silvo - Overberg - Mezcal - described as smoky, extremely bitter, sour, and herbaceous - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=DtSYElisi_GJ4BnrvQx6KQ&userid=NvUeb5G_mSSxgKhEE_Hueg Food & drinks were delicious! Service was impeccable. Ambiance was intimate. I was definitely happy with their creative menu and their fusions. It was a great experience to start a weekend trip! ENJOY!!
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Chelsea P.

Yelp
We went here on a Friday night with a reservation. We were seated right away and our waitress advised ordering everything at once so she could manage the timing of dishes coming out. We would order the ceviche, market vibes and the little asada again if we went back. The ceviche really stood out as exceptional. So many layers of flavor and fantastic variety of textures. The market vibes we ate with warm pita and I would eat this dish all the time it's so fresh and delicious. The grilled octopus wasn't my favorite but my boyfriend enjoyed it. The birria dumplings were tasty and I would consider ordering them again. The inside of the restaurant is really cute and has some fun cheeky art. It was a little too loud at first but overall it was a good experience. I'm excited to go back.
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Jason P.

Yelp
A great tapas restaurant in Durham. Same owner as Aaktun and Mezcalito. The menu is diverse. I got the main half chicken "halal gueys" which was a great mix of flavors. Had the bread pudding as dessert. Friendly staff. Nice vibrant, but chill ambiance. I will certainly come back to try more of the menu!
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Jessica L.

Yelp
Had a great time at the Little Bull. The food is sort of a Mexican fusion. Our favorite small plate was the DIY tuna hand roll, a fun twist for sushi lovers and beautiful presentation! Our server recommended the Birria Dumplings and Plantain Empanadas, which were a little underwhelming. The dumpling format doesn't add much to the birria experience; they don't absorb the broth well. The empanadas were quite hard, impossible to cut into. But the mole sauce it comes with was fantastic. Our chicken large plate "Halal Güeys" was the highlight of the meal. It's a huge serving for the price, that dish alone would've fed two people. It's a whole chicken cooked perfectly tender with crispy charred skin and smothered in a delicious marinade. It came with some pita, fries, side salad, and two yummy sauces. The diablo sauce is actually quite spicy! Drinks were great as well. I'm impressed they had a clarified cocktail on the menu. We wanted to try the Taiyaki dessert but wound up waiting quite a while for it to come out, almost like half an hour. A table with a large group was shouting quite loudly, disturbing the whole dining room and I wish some staff would've asked them to reel it in. When dessert finally came, the whole wasn't greater than the sum of its parts. Overall, the food at Little Bull is both aesthetic and tasty. It's definitely worth a visit and a great addition to the Durham food scene.

Christopher D.

Yelp
If you're searching on the map right now for a restaurant you've found the one!! Absolutely fantastic. Great service, our waiter was awesome and took initiative to ensure the meal was perfect. Food was outstanding, complex flavors and flavors I had never experienced. I highly recommended the dishes that we got below. The shrimp dish was a big hit and you must get the bread with it and use it to soak up the sauce it comes in 10/10, give this restaurant a go!
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Jessica H.

Yelp
This place was amazing! The service was wonderful and our server had lots of insights and answered our questions wonderfully. The ambiance was lovely- kind of like Matteo but not as loud. There was an outdoor patio but we sat inside. The food was to die for- honestly my favorite things were the small plates so I'd probably explore that side of the menu more when returning. The small plates are very generously portioned too! The gambas (shrimp) were one of the best thing I've eaten in my life!

Kendall R.

Yelp
Wonderful server who explained everything and was attentive. The vibe was cool/ we ate inside but there was a covered/heated patio too. Food was excellent- they recommended 5-6 small plates for 2 people but we were full by the fourth, which they beautifully staggered the timing of. Would recommend and go back.
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Jodi G.

Yelp
A plate-share delight. Creative creations, tasty and different. This would make a great date night or pre theater dinner.
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Melissa Z.

Yelp
This place was PACKED on a wednesday and after having the food it made sense. This is a new restaurant in Durham and it's one of the very few aesthetically pleasing restaurants where the food matches the looks! They have indoor and outdoor seating and a nice bar with cute velvet stools. There was plenty of parking in the mini mart parking lot and on the street. Definitely make reservations because every table was full when we got there except the one we reserved. We actually ended up moving to the bar so we could sit next to each other and talk more since it was packed and buzzing on the floor. The service was great- everyone from the host to the bartender was super friendly and helpful. The bartender even made us really cool drinks that were even better than an espresso martini after trying to order one and finding out they didn't have it. Every other drink we got was fantastic as well. The food not only was presented well but tasted amazing. What we got: Appetizers: We got the cornrows, ay papi, birria dumplings and gambas a la plancha. The corn knocked everything out the park it was so delicious. I could've had 10. The birria dumplings were also big, stuffed, and good. The gambas a la plancha was super tasty. It was shrimp in this very flavorful broth. It came with slices of soft bread that was great to dip in the broth and then put the shrimp on top. We loved it. Also there are way more shrimp in the bowl than appears in my picture. The ay papi dish was fried potato balls with buffalo sauce on it. I was shocked taking a bite of the potato and seeing it was purple! All the colors of our food was just so pretty. The buffalo sauce was tangy for me but I don't like buffalo sauce in general so it was good otherwise. Entrees: We got the pork chop (not pictured) and halal güeys. I don't eat pork but was told they had one of the best pork chops he's ever had. I did try the mashed potatoes they came with and they were soooo creamy and yummy. I had to get the halal güeys off the name alone. I am a fan of halal guys food in every state so this was so cute and unique to name a dish. It was AMAZING. 10000/10. They gave you a generous amount of perfectly cooked and seasoned juicy chicken, a yummy salad, two tasty sauces (one spicy and one not), and two hot pita breads to make a wrap with it. I literally couldn't get enough. I loved everything about this place and will definitely be back!!
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Eddie H.

Yelp
We had a big table of 10 people and we sat outside, which was lovely and well decorated. It was cold and rainy out, but inside the outdoor tent it was warm and cozy. We ordered a ton of small plates and never got around to ordering the larger plates because everyone was so full by the end. The food was exquisite and seasoned perfectly (the brussels sprouts are to die for!), and everything was presented in a chic way. My only gripes are that the food seemed overpriced for what we received ($23 for a small plate of ceviche seemed steep, and the cheapest entree was $35) and our server, who was awesome, had a several spiels at various parts throughout our dinner, most of which went on for what felt like 2 minutes. She was super knowledgeable, but 90% of what she said was lost on the whole table. Also, there is limited street parking, so some of us had to park in the left turn lane; luckily nobody was towed. Overall, I'm very glad I went. I will be bragging about the restaurant for a while because the atmosphere and food choices were rad. But I won't be going back anytime soon until I get a work bonus or I want to impress someone.
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Jennie C.

Yelp
Delicious dishes from start to finish. Every dish was so flavorful. Service was great not too overbearing. Drinks were great and the vibe was chill. Would def eat here again when visiting. We sat outside bc it was still summer so I'm not sure what the indoor vibes were like but I got feeling it's more chill outside
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Bridgette S.

Yelp
Innovative approaches to food, fun atmosphere, amazing wait staff of course incomproble dishes. Really enjoyed the food.By all stamdards the food here is expensive but to me it was worth it. Anytime I can get food that I can't get anywhere else on one paying more for it.
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Carol C.

Yelp
This place is so cute! I think the dinner is better than the brunch but it was great regardless! The food tastes so good and it has so much flavor! I think the barbacoa was the best! My fiancée loved my dish which was the duck but I thought it was too spicy for me but I'm not a spicy person. The French toast was also really good!
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Jordan A.

Yelp
My new favorite spot in Durham. Visited for brunch the other day and can't wait to try dinner. The ceviche and plantains were amazing and the gambas were really good. The service is great and I got to meet the chef (much respect). Service was great I will def check this place out again
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Sarah G.

Yelp
Came here for a special trip with my pal, and we had an amazing meal here! Everything from the service to the ambience was amazing, and we loved the fun menu. Can highly recommend the ramen dish, it was far and beyond our favorite. Make sure to get a reservation so you can enjoy it!
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Tammy H.

Yelp
Delicious fusion dishes in a restaurant with an intimate ambience and good service. We did not have a prior reservation but luckily there were a couple seats at the bar. We ordered the food tapas-style, which was a great strategy to try more of the different dishes they had. The service was good - not sure if this was because we sat at the bar and the bartenders were right there to help us out, but no complaints here! The drinks were delicious as well. Overall, a great place for a date night. It's a little on the pricier side but worth the unique food and experience.
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Glenn G.

Yelp
We had read good things about this place and booked a dinner on a Sunday because it was one of the few places open that day. Parking was tricky but we managed to find a space on the street about two blocks away. We were seated indoors and enjoyed drinks, apps (birria dumplings, pan con tamate) and entree of tuna bulgogi. Everything is meant to be shared. Service was friendly and efficient. We were celebrating our anniversary and also ordered dessert -- we were thinking about the churro balls at first but ended up ordering the pastelito on the recommendation of our server (it was unique and delicious). One minor complaint about sitting indoors is that there are a lot of hard surfaces and the volume of the dining room was very loud. Otherwise, we enjoyed our meal and experience.
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David R.

Yelp
Delicious tapas & main courses. Inventive combinations of ingredients. Beautiful plating of everything! Diverse range of national influences. We LOVED the mole (one of the best mole sauces ever had) with perfect pork. The ceviche was amazing. And the "market vibez" vegetable dish was so yummy. Most importantly, don't miss the guanabana ice cream (on its own, or with the Mexican bread pudding), and the morey ice cream!
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Oby N.

Yelp
Absolutely amazing. I was already a fan of The Cortez (Little bull is something of a spin off) but this somehow impressed me even more! Very unsurprising, the decor was unique yet inviting and the music was super vibey. I came here for the first time with a friend for my birthday dinner and I am SO glad I did! We decided to get a handful of small plates to split between us and every single dish was amazing. I was actually drooling while eating if you can believe it! Tuna Mcnuggies: fun, delicious spin on a filet o fish, especially if you love cooked tuna! Octopus: their signature dish imported from The Cortez--and they did not disappoint! As expected, It was incredibly flavorful and filling (with room for other small plates of course ;)) Birria dumplings: word to the wise--get 4 so you don't have to fight over the last one! The goat meat was incredibly tender and the consomé was bursting with flavor. Tongue and cheek: BOY! I don't think I've ever had bad bone marrow per-say but I've never had perfect bone marrow like this. The juicy, tender marrow melted in my mouth with each bite. I wished I'd ordered two! The servers were also very attentive and made fabulous suggestions throughout the evening. If you're even slightly considering coming here: don't hesitate!

Bill B.

Yelp
Server (Esther) was amazing! She was friendly and helpful. Dishes were really good. Particularly loved the arepas, dug potato dish, and the white sangria. Would definitely return. Ambiance is cooler inside than outside for sure.
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Carrie T.

Yelp
Seriously- this place was a complete delight. I am in Durham from out of town and this place had alllll the vibes. Cutest decor, quaint, plenty of outdoor seating, great service and impeccable food. My goodness! The freshness and interesting flavors had me dancing in my seat (that's when you know it's good). It's tapas so small plates that punch a lot of flavor. Our server recommended 4-6 and it was just the right amount of food. We ordered the market vibez which was fresh veggies with awesome flavors, the broccolini which had the most delicious flavor of chili oil, plantain empanadas which was nestled in a rich mole sauce, birria potstickers with yummy broth, Brussels which were divine in a Caesar dressing. We closed it out with churro bites- I expected these to be better or even more donut like. Perfect for a date or dinner with a small group of friends.
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Kolleen F.

Yelp
This may have been the best dinner I have had since I moved to Durham. Little Bull is absolutely delicious and every aspect of our evening was delightful. The decor is appealing, our service was excellent and the ambience was on point! Definitely a bit loud for real conversations but we were sitting at the bar so we were closer together and not across a table! We ordered the following: *Charred Shishitos which had a kick but were so flavorful *The Gambas dish which I can't say enough. The shrimp were so flavorful and cooked perfectly. I wanted to drink the sauce they were in. *Ay papas which again that sauce........ *Bro Cheta was scrumptious ribeye on a skewer that came with a salad type mix and tortillas *Ceviche-this was my least favorite of the above dishes bit it was still good. I just have had better! I decided to get the Sauvignon Blanc from Chile which was yummo.
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Abigail D.

Yelp
One of the top 5 meals I've had in my life. My friend from California was visiting and she was blown away by the food. We had the birria dumplings, market vibez, Brussels, plantain empanada, seared scallops, steak tartar and pastelito. The scallops were the star and just melted in your mouth, but all the other dishes were amazing as well. My friend said the next time she visits she's definitely coming here again. Such a fun time eating great food!
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Ayana S.

Yelp
Went on Mother's Day for brunch. The food and service were excellent. Kitty was our server and was on point. I will definitely be back for the dinner menu. Parking is across the street in a gravel lot so that wasn't an issue.
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Anabel C.

Yelp
I loved going to Little Bull for our first night out as new parents! I loved that it was tapas style plates, so we were able to try many different things. My favorite appetizer was the Al pastor skewers, delicious! The cocktails were also very unique and tasty. Our server was super friendly and service overall was great. Can't wait to go back!
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Will G.

Yelp
This place is sheer delight. Gorgeous interiors, winsome staff, and super-creative drinks and food. I've even heard laughter in the kitchen, multiple times, and it just makes me want to give this whole place a hug.
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Bruce R.

Yelp
Great small plates, cool atmosphere, yucca was basically just French fries but everything else was fantastic. Great seasonal and local menu.
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Evan D.

Yelp
Really good but not amazing. Space is nice and the service was friendly if way way way too over attentive. Had a Saturday 6pm reservation and it was packed by the time we got there. It's a small space and it was storming so very few folks could eat outside. Also very oddly the floor of the place was very slippery. As to the food -- blow by blow below but concisely put the bone marrow, tongue and cheek tacos were amazing, the crab alcapurria was good but everything else was pretty bang average. 1. Crab alcapurria -- very good crab salad, not a huge portion but very fresh; 2. Grilled octopus -- small portion, a bit chewy, would skip if I return; 3. Ceviche -- looked amazing but super bland. Didn't get any flavor from the aji nor the leche di tigre. Even a bit of salt would help; 4. Tongue and cheek -- a bit salty but otherwise outstanding. I would have preferred a few more tortillas but great balance of flavor/texture And 5. Churro balls -- better than gas station churros but nothing amazing. Good sized portion though. Overall we will probably be back as it was a really pleasant space but personally I found Little Bill to suffer from the same issue as I've found at Cortez the few times I've been: amazing looking food that often screams for more seasoning.
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Cathy B.

Yelp
So refreshing to have a restaurant live up to the hype. Every dish was great -- even the salad was just lovely. We ordered about 5 small plates (for a party of 4) and shared 2 large plates. I recommend ordering the bread and butter, if for no other reason than sopping up the tremendous sauces. As others have noted, the service is attentive. I loved how another reviewer commented on how regularly water glasses were refilled (it seemed like a detail I would care about, so I appreciated the comment); but, it was absolutely true! They really did pay attention to everything you might need during dinner. Cons - it got VERY LOUD indoors. I don't know why restaurants equate noise with excitement. All it really means is that dining guests can't hear each other. Then they either start talking loudly, or, stop talking altogether because it's tiring. Side note: Churro balls were really only so-so.
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Leah C.

Yelp
This place was truly spectacular from start to finish. Excellent imaginative cocktails, fun and inspired dishes and outstanding service. This is one of the ONLY places in NC that makes octopus PERFECTLY. It's like I'm back in Spain or Portugal. The flavors of every dish were nicely balanced, perfectly seasoned and expertly executed. We started with 2 cocktails (the Negroni our way and the La Mula) fantastic! Then we ordered multiple small plates to share. First was the "Birria dumplings" in consume, they were pillowy soft dumplings filled with goat birria and topped with the delicious consume, (this is a MUST!) then we had the "tongue & cheek" it was a roasted bone marrow topped with beef cheek barbacoa accompanied by 4 corn tortillas & a homemade salsa (this was incredible, very indulgent!) next was the "grilled octo" this octopus was grilled to perfection leaving a beautiful crust and a very tender interior it was served over a bean mixture filled both a perfect balance of flavor to complement the octopus (seriously the best in the state!) we also had the brussel sprouts, the roasted potatoes with a delicious chimichurri, and the homemade bread & garlic butter, all were excellent compliments to the other dishes but could easily stand on their own if you were going vegetarian. Lastly we had to try the churro balls, they were perfectly cooked balls of heaven with a dark chocolate dipping sauce. I highly recommend this incredible spot for a date night or a night to catch up with a girlfriend.
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Fela P.

Yelp
It is so wonder to have this gem in my neighborhood! Little Bull is acquaint, posh and eclectic destination dining experience on the edge of downtown Durham! I feel like I'm on a mini vacay when there. All the dishes are excellent, unique and full of flavor. I had the pleasure of going opening weekend and meeting the owners & Chef Oscar each of them were so personable and warm. I went back last night and tried more of their dishes, the ceviche, grilled octopus, market vibez (vegies), the spicy mango cocktail and the guava pastry stuffed. Simply a total culinary vibe!

Shelly D.

Yelp
What an amazing gem of a restaurant. The server was phenomenal and the food was beyond great! Great flavors Ave extremely well prepared. Our server made recommendations and we were very pleased with them. We opted for Sunday brunch, so of course we're anxious to return for dinner. 10/10 HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
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Y Yelp Y.

Yelp
***FOOD: creative spin on tapas. Noticed it was pretty much the same sauce /dressing /mole??? on many of the diverse dishes. Not Spanish tapas but Mexican twist maybe? Remember it's tapas so small plates you'll need to order a lot of plates. CEVICHE squid ink & snapper -ok but not too sure about the squid ink definitely not a date night dish with black teeth and all; TONGUE & CHEEK- a little confusing, was in a marrow bone, think tasted the beef cheek but was there tongue or bone marrow in the dish, came with 4 tortillas; JIA BAO RITO PORK BELLY on Plantain wafer- pork belly was good but too big a piece, plaintain was ok, but tasteless and the wafer was too big. Sort of difficult, not bite size so things fell apart after first bite. Loved the ginger pickle & pork belly combo; BIRRIA DUMPLINGS-good, think it was one of the better plates. AY PAPA- ok. Was potatoes with sauce over it, not a Patatas Bravas; GAMBAS A LA PLANCHA- OK. shrimp with sauce over it. Little bit spicy. Still in shell so messier to eat but butterflied open; GRILLED OCTOPUS-good liked the micro salad ontop; LITTLE FALL ASADA hanger steak -very good cooked perfectly; TAIYAKI PAN DE YUCA- ok matcha ice cream isn't strong, taiyaki ended up being too mushy; CHURRO BALLS-yummy good but was sort of expecting churro sticks but it did have really good chocolate dip. ***COST (OUT OF 4$) $$$ because they are small Plates you have to order a lot more items (tapas plates from $10-$20 each bite size 3-4 pieces; large plates $30-$40 each honestly enough to really fill one person. I wouldn't say shareable. I think our dinner came close to $400 with tip. ***DÉCOR: sat on outside enclosed area with heaters but wind was blowing through gaps. When we made reservation online resey system it said they were full at 6pm -7pm but when we got there there were so many open tables inside and in covered patio. By the time we finished dinner around 7pm it was fairly empty on the patio. So I'm not sure what is happening. Pretty decorated in sparkly lights outside. ***SERVICE: good service. Our server was very accommodating with answering all our questions gave us fresh silverware &plates, and making sure about our restrictions. Server alone gets one star extra since I would have otherwise rated the food just 3 stars. Only issue was not coming back to fill our glasses fast enough, we had to ask and remind about the water and straws. Also we ordered something and ended up with something we hadn't ordered even though she read back our order to us initially and it was there. ***RECOMMEND: Yes RECOMMEND & would go back if in the area. Great for get together, pre show or after show snack, light dinner.
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S S.

Yelp
It was a Monday night and we went out for a birthday celebration. We ordered the birra dumplings, B&B, and ceviche for small plates. They were all very nice but maybe the dumplings were a little salty. For our large plates, we ordered the puerco chop and halal güeys. Both dishes we again solid but the chicken was cooked perfectly, the flavor was great, and it was very tasty. The largest area for growth on this evening was the service. When you dine at a restaurant, with a certain price point, you expect a certain quality level of service. While adequate, the service was slow, infrequent, and really lacked the attentiveness that you would expect from a restaurant like this. Later in the evening, there was a power outage, and nobody stopped by the table to let us know what was going on, and we never even got an apology for our evening being cut short. We let them know that it was a birthday celebration, and there was zero acknowledgment of this fact. And all of that basically was right on brand with the service that we had gotten throughout the evening. I'm not sure how long the restaurant has been open, but this is definitely an area that they need to work on. To end on a positive note, I will say that the cocktails and food were really good.