Bab Haus Mex, based in Barry’s Goodsheds, has become a standout name on Wales’ dining scene, known for its inventive and flavour-packed menu that combines Mexican street food with influences from Los Angeles and Iran.
The restaurant is the vision of Cardiff-born Leyli Homayoonfar, who started Leyli Joon & Co, a catering and events business, in 2017.
After gaining a loyal following through pop-up events, she opened Bab Haus Mex in Barry in 2020 at Unit 3 of the Goodsheds Container Village.
The Barry site is now part of a growing enterprise, with locations also open in Newport Market and Ffos Caerffili.
Here are five things to know about Bab Haus Mex:
- A pop-up success story Ms Homayoonfar turned pop-up buzz into a permanent presence. Bab Haus Mex grew from her original events business and is now a multi-site operation.
- Part of a vibrant hub The restaurant is based in Goodsheds, Barry’s container village on Hood Road. Once a railway storage building, it now houses more than 20 independent businesses, including food outlets, creative workspaces and wellness studios.
- Mexican with a difference Bab Haus Mex serves up tacos, burritos, loaded nachos, street corn and glazed wings. Its signature dish is the 18-hour smoked pulled chilli beef birria burrito, filled with Cajun rice, smoky pinto beans, mozzarella, sour cream, salsa roja, coriander and Tajín. The menu draws inspiration from LA’s food scene, with an Iranian twist that sets it apart.
- National praise and celebrity attention The business was listed in Harden’s Best Restaurants in the UK 2026 Guide. Celebrity chef Matt Tebbutt also visited the Barry site, featuring it in a TikTok series.
- Top marks for hygiene Bab Haus Mex earned a five-out-of-five food hygiene rating in June 2024 following an inspection by Vale of Glamorgan Council.
Inspectors described its facilities, food handling and cleanliness as “very good,” and rated the site fully compliant with “excellent food hygiene standards.”
