Where to eat: the 50 best restaurants in Durham

Really nice restaurant in the centre of Durham. The atmosphere is nice. A very buzzing restaurant with very friendly and professional staff. Alex the manager is very professional and gave mr the table that I asked for even though the place was packed. The pigeon starter was really good. Oysters were large and very fresh. I had the duck. It was well cooked and loved the apricot combination. The rest of the party had the beef wellington. Very soft meat. We were too full to eat desserts. There's always a next come.

Once we found the entrance, went down narrow stairs into recently refurbished and sparse dining room. Was dark so didn’t see any view out of window. Greeting and service was friendly and professional. Good gluten free options, simple small menu with good range along with a long, diverse wine list. We think the starters were sized and priced as sharers/small plates. Our fave was the truffled celeriac spiral/roulade. This whole dish really worked well. The excellent pressed lamb belly was a close second but a bit puzzled with comparing the menu description to the elements of the dish. This was a common theme throughout although everything on the individual plates definitely worked together harmoniously. Butternut squash wellington was very tasty, particularly with the Dukkah-like crumble/soil. Duck was expertly seasoned but could have done with a smidge more rendering/crisping for utter perfection and the fondant potatoes could have used both more butter and caramelisation for me. Chicken was tender and again the elements worked well together but presentation a bit fussy with the see-saw over an excellent piece of dauphinois. Lovely desserts, fondant disappeared very quickly. All sorbets are house-made. Overall the menu was imaginative and very well-executed with quality ingredients. Despite my picky criticisms. definitely a good value and service was optional.

Held our wedding reception at The Cellar Door after receiving recommendations on Facebook. My husband and I could have not made a better decision. The staff has been exceptional with the communication and help regarding the preparations as well as during the service. All of our guests were extremely impressed with the food including my dad (who is a professional chef with 20+ years in the industry). The food and experience is amazing value for money. Our wedding day could not have gone better, we did not expect to have such a lovely intimate wedding that we dreamed of, but yet it came true. Thank you so much to the wonderful team at The Cellar Door and the talented chefs for making our day so memorable! Extra details for reference, we booked "The Cave Room" for 12 people altogether. The pistachio ice cream is incredible, and beef shin is also highly recommended.

Stunning restaurant. Was here for our aniversary break in Durham, and cellar door did not disappoint. Food was exceptional, service excellent. Nice sitting out area overlooking river.

The roast is among the best I've had. Great quality vegetables and plenty of them, and the most gigantic Yorkshire puddings you've ever seen. Excellent service.

I had high hopes but left disappointed. The beef wellington lacked any flavour, and was too rare for my liking - maybe even raw/blue. The chips/potatoes that came with the wellington were too salty and I couldn’t eat the mushroom due to taste. The chocolate dessert was also not great - it didn’t taste like chocolate and the bananas were an unusual addition that I’m not sure worked. The space felt crammed and I couldn’t wait to leave. The staff were lovely but I wouldn’t go back for the food/ atmosphere

We went here as 2 couples and could not fault the place, staff so attentive, food amazing, atmosphere too! It is a bit more pricey than other places in Durham but if you want quality over quantity this is definitely the place to be… the a la carte menu is phenomenal they focus on having a few different dishes which are cooked to perfection definitely the tastiest meal I’ve ever had. I highly recommend that you book in advance as it was pretty busy but they have enough staff to cope with the demand. 10/10! ☺️

Hubby and I had a wonderful lunch at Zen. The staff were friendly and attentive and the food was tasty and fresh. Portions were good, definitely didn't leave hungry. Nice atmosphere

Spectacular food, really nice drinks. Atmosphere was good we sat outside as it was a last minute booking. More of a romantic setting then a group booking.

I was on a work trip and found this amazing Thai- Asian dining place. I didn't have a reservation and they were fully booked, but they still happily accommodated me. I'm so glad they did because the food was incredible. The curry I had was the best I've ever tasted. It's a 10 out of 5 stars from me. Thank you team.

This Thai restaurant serves the BEST Pad Thai ever! So flavorful and delicious — definitely a must-order dish every time you visit. Don’t miss it!

We had a fantastic evening at Zen to celebrate my husband and our daughters birthdays. The staff were very welcoming and our waiter was both excellent and really fun. We sat at the bar for a cocktail first, they have an excellent cocktail menu which are reasonably priced. The food was delicious, it's clear that the kitchen use fresh high quality ingredients and the dishes had really vibrant flavours. Our waiter made some great recommendations. We will definitely come back again, a great place for a fun night out.

Fab treat for those who love Thai food.We loved all of our courses at Zen, the staff were attentive and friendly. Took a mark off only because they don't have a dessert menu.

Good vibes and service in this restaurant if you would like to go with couple friends. Food wise it's a little bit below real Thai food as most dishes are over sweet or salty.

Food was excellent and so tasty it makes me realise how dull my cooking has become. Thanks to the chefs for their knowledge and the waiting staff for guiding us through the menu and answering any questions. Another lovely Coarse experience 🌟

Fantastic food on the tasting menu 5 courses out of 7 were exceptional, with the two others good. Very accommodating to individual dietary needs. Most staff lovely. Only issue was toilet opens out directly into dining area, and some diners left door open after use - not pleasant when eating - please fit an automatic door closure - this would up your score. Overall a lovely experience!

It was a truly wonderful dining experience from beginning to end. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and went above and beyond to ensure every detail was perfect. We chose the £49 per person 8-course menu. The food was fresh, delicious, and beautifully presented. From cheese to lobster, crab to beef, and everything in between, it was an unforgettable meal. There was a wide selection of drinks. I would recommend paying the extra £39 per person for wine pairings; the wines were carefully selected to complement each course, and the staff provided informative descriptions of their history.

Not an exaggeration to say this is probably the best meal I think I've ever had in my life (and to think I was originally doubting how good a summer picnic theme could be). An amazing dining experience with beautifully prepared food at a fair price, very competent and friendly staff, and a cosy atmosphere. We got the wine pairing with the meal as well and thoroughly enjoyed it. I cannot possibly recommend this place enough to anyone and everyone. They were super accommodating with lactose-intolerance and coeliac dietary requirements too and it didn't even feel like a barrier at all or like it detracted from the meal in any way.

We enjoyed an amazing first visit: the food was fantastic; the staff were attentive and the venue was great. We had a fab night, trying some different (and elevated) food and drinks, and would definitely return.

Incredible food, fabulous service. Thoughtful staff who did everything they could to make our evening fantastic. Arancini dish was UNBELIEVABLE.

I went with my son as a treat. It was his first experience of a taster menu. It isn't totally overpriced as some are. The food was amazing. Really tasty. We enjoyed all of the courses. Will definitely go again. They were very accommodating with dietary requirements. I don't eat meat, but I didn't eat fish so didn't want the full vegetarian menu, so I was able to just swap the meat dishes on the menu for the veggie alternative.

Overall: ★★★★★ Food: Brunch/Coffee Spot Most definitely Durham’s finest breakfast/brunch spot and it seems we were lucky to be seated within two minutes (a queue quickly formed) The breakfast was delicious and I felt worth every penny despite it not being that big. The service was slow but they acknowledged it before anything was said and the coffee was disappointing but neither enough to merit a deduction of stars overall. Such lovely place and the cakes whilst quite expensive (£3.95 a slice to take away!) were more generous in portion size and really, really tasty. Not dry and crumbly like most places. What I liked: • Good, friendly service • Really inspiring menu • Lovely presentation • Delicious food • Plenty of options What I didn’t like: • The Americano wasn’t hot enough • Service was quite slow Do I recommend going? YES Will I go again? YES Was it good value? REASONABLY Price Point: $$

The best breakfast in Durham? Very probably. Great place, my friend and I sat upstairs and were very well looked after by Siobhan, thanks Siobhan! And the food? Amazing “House Fry” which is their full English but wow is it good! Loads of other breakfast, brunch and lunch options to choose from including veggie and vegan. Oh and they have cake, lots of delicious homemade cakes! Finally have you seen the hot chocolate with separate mini jug of cream?! It was so good I didn’t can’t a chance to take a snap. Can’t recommend enough!

Lovely as always. Just wish to have more house syrup on pancakes otherwise you get charged £2 per pot of syrup to put onto your pancakes. Perhaps need more lighting inside. Staffs are lovely.

Love the cosy, natural, village style of the restaurant! The effortless cared pot plants have enhanced the charm of the place. The food was in good quality.

We came for a day out to Durham, we ordered the steak Benedict, iced strawberry matcha and pistachio Latte. The food was one of the best brunch items I’ve had for a while, quality food and flavour. Both drinks were perfect and the service from all staff was attentive, personable and efficient. The atmosphere was quirky and inviting. Just note when coming here there is a wait, we waited around 20 minutes but our experience was worth every second. It’s a high in demand cafe.

As the name implies, there’s good coffee here, but also good service, and really nice food. Right in the heart of the city, and spread across 3 floors, Flat White is a big step up from the usual tourist centre food. Pancakes are the specialty, but the fig and whipped ricotta on toast with Parma ham was a great combination.

It’s a pretty cafe. I had food and coffee in here in April and last week. The food is not bad but over priced. I had classic benedict and Korean fried chicken pancake. I definitely would recommend the Benedict, but not the pancake. You charged me £17 and only gave me two small, side pieces of chicken… Furthermore, can’t tasted pistachio in the pistachio latte… But their filter coffee smelled and tasted good. About their service, unstable and need more training! When I went in April half term, no student and not busy. The student and senior staffs who served me were friendly. However, they almost got my order wrong if they didn’t reconfirm it😅At the end I still paid the service charge as I enjoyed my time that day. Last week, I went again. There are students and kinda busy. Still, I got my seat pretty soon. After that, I didn’t enjoy my time in this cafe. No one came to take my order for like 12 minutes. The student staff who responsible for taking order on that day… feel like he ignored me. As he only chatting with other customers who came after me. But before I left we talked so I guess it was a misunderstanding. The pancake was disappointing. And when I asked to have my bill to a girl staff, she acknowledged it. And no one came to me for 10 mins. Bro I want to leave 😂! When I went to the bar, the girl didn’t look sorry at all. I guess is because most of them were making takeout orders at that time? But one of them could deal with it right? Why letting your customers wait so long??? I talked to the senior staff about it. He didn’t charged me the service fee. I think I would come again, but only for coffee and takeout.

Fat Hippo is a great place for burgers. If you are into spicy food, the Wild Bill is the way to go. For me one of the best burgers I ever had. Waffle fries were great as well. Special thanks to our waitress Ocean. She really made sure everything was perfect.

Popped in here for some food today, they served a wide range of burgers. I tried the southern fried crispy chicken burger either ranch and bbq. The burger was decent, although I would considering it a little big pricey for a burger at around 16 pound. My partner got the smaller beef burger and added on bacon her burger was half the price of mine and was near enough the same size and served with the same amount of chips. So probably better value to go on the smaller menu. The chips were standard fries nothing special with a bit of seasoning on. The staff were friendly enough. Not bad for a quick bite however like I said a little pricey, although not sure on standard pricing around Durham.

First Class. Absolutely top. Great staff, stylish, grunge/pirate rock and roll atmosphere, and the food is EXCELLENT. We had the American burger, best one I've had in ages. The cheeseballs defeated me. 10/10 recommend to Fat Hippos everywhere.

Great restaurant with a reasonable lunchtime offer on when we visited! One of the best burgers I’ve ever tasted. Waffle fries were just the right amount of crispy. Would definitely return when we’re back in Durham!

Great food, the service was quick to take our drink and food order but the food took a tiny bit longer than expected. However it was more than worth the wait it was great best burger I’ve had in a long time. Would recommend the half parmo chicken burger and the chicken tender fingers

Ordered burgers from here from uber eats and decided to come to the restaurant because my mum is in town. They never disappoint. Fresh and delicious. Would recommend. Abby and Marta were great and attentive. Will deffo be coming back here often during my degree!

Food is always really nice here but the starters were spectacular, staff are great and welcoming.

It was our first time at Tia's and my husband and I had a great time. We were served by Nicola and she was fantastic, attentive and friendly; offering superb customer service. The nachos were delicious, fresh and beautifully served. I will definitely come back to try other dishes.

Had a fabulous family meal there on bank holiday Monday. Food was yum, staff friendly and cracking jokes with us, and they are well versed in allergies and Coeliacs, so we felt safe eating there and could just sit back and enjoy. Highly recommend, would visit again when next in Durham.

Second time visiting here and I can’t wait to be back again! Absolutely beautiful food, great service and a lovely atmosphere! Thank you so much to the team at Tias, you should all be so proud of the amazing restaurant you have created🇲🇽🌮🫔❤️

The food was delicious, we had the Tia Rose onion which was lovely! All our main courses were amazing too. Not the fastest service, but it didn't matter as it was well worth it when it arrived, and the staff were lovely. Definitely recommend Tia's! 😁

A lovely evening and amazing food as always 😍 The service, atmosphere and food were all 5* and nothing is too much trouble. Highly recommend going if you haven’t already and spoiling yourself with a hanging chicken kebab

Despite not being local to Durham, we visited on a friend's recommendation and were blown away by the service and atmosphere – don't miss the sombrero photo opportunity! My Steak and King Prawn Fajitas were excellent, with generous portions and fantastic flavor (though I'd suggest chopping the king prawn tails). The "Tia rose" starter for two was incredibly large and could easily feed four. However, our friends' Chicken Kiev pizza was a bit of a letdown, as the excessive toppings made it soggy and undercooked, requiring a trip back to the oven. While their pizza wasn't great, my fajitas were definitely excellent.

Wouldn't be surprised if this place turned up on kitchen nightmares. Food was way below average ordered a chicken la Mexicana and it was just breaded chicken with almost no flavor or seasoning in a mashed potato sauce. The burrito was just dry salty chicken and yellow rice that was just like mr bens that too for 16.5 pounds to be the size of my fist All the food just seemed to be a dump of asda's frozen section. Not worth it

Very busy and clearly sought after food in Akarsu. Was very busy inside with diners on both levels. The front of house staff were very good and friendly. Lots to go at on the menu too, real good quality authentic food too. Great location with views over the bridge and to the water. Very well decorated internally on all levels. All in all impressed by all aspects of the visit, the food was delicious. If your in town or considering a visit I'd call in here for food.

Really tasty food, huge portions and friendly service. Drashika (not sure if I'm spelling her name right) was super helpful. Would love to come back and try more dishes

We recently visited this restaurant around 2pm for lunch. We ordered 2 course lunch meal. Starters were decent for the portion and taste. Main courses were not up to the expectation. Esperanza the falafel wrap was totally dry and crumble. Bread that was served with saksuka was great but the dish was cold. It was a disappointment as we waited for more than 45 minutes to get just the starters served.

From the start our server Hugh was so friendly and made us feel at home. His reccomendations were great and we loved the food here. Would reccomend to anyone who enjoys grilled food.

The best restaurant in Durham ❤️❤️ Authentic turkish food, the meat is juicy and tender! Taste is 10/10 A must visit. Service is friendly 😃

One of the best restaurants in Durham. We tried 6 different kind of meats, 3 salads with potatoes and naan bread. They were just as tasty as they looked like. Enjoyed every bit, and the coffe after kept us running for the rest of the day: I higly recommend it. Stunning view on the river and the bridge jearby, kind and skilled staff members.

Wow. Best Turkish food I’ve ever had. Beautifully cooked and meat tender and flavoursome. All the staff greeted us with a warm reception and a smile. Booking advised, not a seat left empty! (We were there Friday 19:00)

We had a lovely quiet lunch on Good Friday at Uno Momento in Durham. The restaurant was super quiet with only a couple of parties in, so service was very prompt. We opted for the tagliatelle carbonara and a pepperoni pizza. I'm under no illusions that it's authentic Italian carbonara, but truthfully, it's exactly what I wanted - loaded with cream and bacon and truly indulgent. My partner enjoyed his pepperoni pizza. The crust looked a little pale to me, but he had no complaints. Prices were really reasonable. I wish we had room to squeeze in one of the delicious-sounding desserts, but we were so full. My one complaint is that the soundtrack could have been a bit more Italian trattoria and less reggaetón club. It felt a bit bizarre and made the vibe a bit weird for me.

The food was very good. We asked for water, but the waiter forgot (probably). We asked again and it took him ages to bring us water, but eventually we got it. Also, when we asked to split the bill, the waiter rushed off and then came back and split the bill on half, which is not what we wanted, we wanted that each pays what they had, we didn’t mind much, but it’s a bit weird not to ask, and to make the girl pay more than what she had.

Uno has some of the best spaghetti in Durham! So many choices on the menu and every dish is full of flavor. Truly delicious and a must-try.

We celebrated our one-year anniversary at Uno Momento in Durham city centre, and it couldn’t have been more perfect! ❤️ The food absolutely exceeded our expectations — full of flavour, beautifully presented, and the portions were so generous. Incredible value for money! A special thank you to Olivia and Sophia, who truly made the evening unforgettable. They were warm, welcoming, and so easy to chat with. Thank you for helping make our special day even more memorable. We’ll definitely be coming back! 🥂🍝💕

Visited on a holiday to Durham and was not disappointed. Firstly, the meal sizes were huge and great value for money. The atmosphere was nice. The staff member who served us was quite blunt but it didn't really bother us, we were there for the food not a chat. Overall, a good dining experience with tasty food.

The combination of half pizza and half pasta satisfied my greedy appetite, haha. It tasted delicious, and the portion was quite generous as well.

We booked an evening meal to celebrate an anniversary at this restaurant. Upon arrival, we were not greeted at the door but were instead abruptly approached by the manager, whose only concern was confirming our booking. We were then seated in a cramped, dimly lit corner of the upstairs floor at a sticky table, surrounded by piles of cardboard boxes and un-hung paintings. The waitresses were friendly and professional, promptly taking our order; however, it took around 10 minutes to receive water for the table and another 10 minutes for two glasses of wine. Portion sizes were generous, but the quality of the food was disappointing. The garlic bread resembled a greasy pizza base smothered in cheese, and the mushroom tagliatelle was bland, made with gritty, unwashed mushrooms that left actual grains of dirt in the dish. Given the portion sizes and the high prices, we requested to take our leftovers home (minus the gritty mushrooms), only to be handed the containers and asked to pack them ourselves. The overall décor was dated and poorly maintained, with dirty walls and a cramped floor layout. For the prices charged, I expected a far higher standard of food and service. Unfortunately, this experience was very disappointing, and I would not return. I would advise others to dine elsewhere.

This is the first time in my life I’ve had such a strange roast duck and Kung Pao chicken. The waiter said they were trying to adapt to the local eating habits! The result was a very untraditional Chinese meal — a bizarre experience that anyone would never expect. If you’re really looking for authentic Chinese food, I definitely wouldn’t recommend this place. But if you just want to experience something different, you absolutely should come here, because they can really cook up dishes beyond you expect. I wish there is some real Chinese food here.

My family and I and two friends went to the Rabbit Hole last night to celebrate my ‘significant’ birthday. The service was impeccable, the restaurant is opulent and the food was absolutely amazing! Generous portions, cooked to perfection and the presentation was fantastic! The staff were attentive, friendly and nothing was too much trouble. Just to top the night off I was presented with a surprise birthday desert and serenaded by all the lovely staff! I can’t wait to go back and do it all over again. Thank you to all the staff for making my birthday feel even more special.

This is no authentic Cantonese food, very strange fusion , taste is weird. If you re looking for a real Cantonese food , this is not the place. Although the environment is very cozy and nice decorated.

Went here for a birthday and it was incredible! The atmosphere is dark lighting with candles, with lots of booths so feels very private and luxurious. Food was excellent, we had everything from the monkfish, belly pork, lamb shank to house special fried rice and everyone really enjoyed their meal. One person said it was the best soup they’d ever had and another said the same about the house special fried rice. The portions were generous, too. I got 2 different cocktails both of which were excellent and different to the usual cocktails restaurant serve. The menus also light up with LED lights which I have never seen before. Little things like that made it a special experience. They brought me over an ice cream with a candle, sang happy birthday and gave me a birthday card. The waitresses was fantastic, she was so attentive ensuring everyone had everything and they re-filled our waters multiple times. One of us has a nut allergy and they were brilliant in dealing with allergies. Prices are expensive but for a treat or special occasion I would highly recommend this! Worth every penny. It’s one of the only restaurants I’ve been to recently where I didn’t mind the prices as it felt worth it. 10/10!

One of the best ambiences I’ve visited in the North East. Delightful food, cocktails and service. Highly recommend!

Truly an opulent place. Made us feel very special. I will definitely go there again if I go to Durham. The oysters were huge. What Truly stood out is the monk fish ghai red curry. Highly recommend it. By the way the main courses are huge it's worth sharing. Very nice staff We did go again second time and had a blast. Bryan the waiter is super friendly and gave us excellent recommendations. The wanton soup is a must have. I had the cod it was really great

THE best food in durham. had the honey walnut shrimp as a starter, a tad spicy which we didnt expect. for main we ordered the lamb shank and the duck fried rice, portion is very filling. we couldn’t finish the food, so i would recommend skipping the starters or sharing mains.

Brought my hubby here for his birthday treat and we both loved it. The outside is very minimalist and , i think but don't quote me, used to be the body shop on silver street so no parking. We chose the 4 course tasting menu but added the hen of the woods (mushroom) dish and we wanted the wine pairing of 3 wines but they also added another wine to go with mushroom dish ....sooo with the starter snacks we had 6 dishes and 4 wines 😋😋 the snacks of a crab and a chicken liver parfait were my absolute faves but every dish and wine were amazing. All the staff made us feel welcome and the kitchen was in full view with chefs working efficiently and of course silently! We will definitely be back

I wanted to to try the tasting menu but we were only in Durham for the weekend so Sunday Lunch was our only option. Service was great and the staff were very knowledgable about wine and food options. My wife and I had a lovely roast beef dinner and other menu items. I had the cheese course which was lovely. I’d highly recommend this establishment as one to watch in the future.

Exceptional meal. Every course was incredible and the service from Laura, Hannah and Luke was fantastic. We will absolutely be back and couldn't recommend it enough. Incredible!

After 20 years of tasting menus in places across Europe including Michelin star venues , this is one of the best executed we’ve ever had. Great service, fantastic wine pairings and almost completely faultless food. Will definitely be back.

Was it one of the best meals I've had in the UK? Yes. Was it the most well presented dinner I've had in the UK? Also yes 😀 It's what you'd expect from this level of a restaurant: just 10 tables, tinted windows, so you stare into the open kitchen (with some beautiful stained glass windows), where the chef puts every leaf on your dessert with tweezers. They offer 10 courses menu, but honestly, 5 courses is more than enough food, and you can always make it a 6 course with a cheese platter. The service is on the highest level, and the staff is happy to accommodate: we love wine, but don't drink much of it, so we split a single flight of accompanying wines, for example. Some expected "power moves" from the chef, like three different ways to prepare a cauliflower in a single dish were welcome. But for me the real highlight was the hazelnut dessert. It was so delicate I have no idea how it didn't crumble under its weight, and it looked like a piece of art. The place is not cheap, but well worth the price for the experience.

I was looking forward to trying Faru and it didn’t disappoint. We visited on a Saturday lunch time. The food was amazing, we had the wine pairing and it was excellent. The menu takes 2-3 hours to get through and every course was delicious. The kitchen is open plan and it’s great being able to watch your food being prepared. The service was also excellent and attentive. Will definitely go back again, definitely a place to go for a special occasion.

Second visit to this fantastic restaurant for a Sunday lunch. Excellent service and quality food. The option for some extras was worth it. The bread and salmon were delicious. A special mention for the mackerel, which was incredible. Great value for a gourmet Sunday meal. Original review from Jan 24..... At last, we made it for a Saturday lunchtime full menu. Food and service were exceptional. The menu was extremely well balanced, and each coarse was perfect. Allow about 2.5 hrs to enjoy. Highlights for me were the croustade, fish, beef, and the rhubarb. Very talented chef and team. The drink and wine menu was extremely reasonable for such a classy establishment. A 🌟 is surely in waiting. We are already looking forward to our next visit.

Not good on delivery. I haven't had it in the restaurant. Pizza is cardboard and puree The spicy lebaneat wrap has too much potato and vegetable Chips were dead - rubbery with an awful spice Lamb on the mixed grill tasted weird and dry. The chicken wings were good though.

The food was amazing as always and the waitress was lovely. It wasn't very busy so the lack of any background music or something was obvious which made talking awkward as it was so quiet. I had the sambousek lamb and the lebanese mixed grill, all very delicious 😋

I feel I had to post this amazing review for Lebaneat in Durham, nothing but exceptional!! From the outstanding and warm service from our young waitress (sorry can't remember her name) she couldn't do enough for us throughout our meal...so much so my daughter drew her a thank you picture - so sweet! We got a range of starters, falafel, Kibbeh Shamiyeh, Batata Harra, Chicken Wings, Cheesy garlic bread The falafel was so light, fresh and very tasty...the fired lamb meatballs were so juicy and full of flavour I absolutely loved these! The wings fell off the bone along with potato's full of herbs and spices. My daughter had the cheesy garlic bread and we pinched a slice - one of the best garlic breads weve had such a nice crispy base and the cheeseness was unbelievable. The chicken shawarma is different to anywhere else I've ate Lebanese food it's cooked in a sauce and comes out a red colour, different but tasty. All the meat was cooked to perfection and the portion sizes as you can see are generous. I got a biriyani chicken curry and the presentation for starters are top tier and the flavour were bang on. The mixed grills are worth every penny. We even had homemade lemonades made it front of us which I could of drank a gallon. We had a selection of Baklava and knefa and these were to die for. We absolutely loved everything. It's a gem to Durham and a throw away from the cathedral grounds. Already planning to visit next week , thanks so much for a beautiful meal.

Delicious, authentic, full of flavour Lebanese food. One of the tastiest felafel I had. Mango lassi, original recipe lemonade and Arabic tea - superb. Chicken Shawarma and mixed koftas so tasty and juicy. Service very friendly. I highly recommend this restaurant.

LOVELY FOOD, FROM STARTERS TO MAIN, NICE, FRIENDLY WAITER, AND DECENT PRICES, WE HAD LUNCH SPECIALL FOR £13, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

We love Lebanese food and this restaurant did not disappoint. The portions are a good size and the special ingredient on the fries is to die for.

Great food and staff. Perhaps more photos on the main dish menu too.

Our first time at Tangos warm welcome & best seat on the terrace. Quick service from Sofia who was very attentive. Food choice was excellent & delicious good portion size too. Highly recommend see you soon.

More staff than customers early Friday evening so was able to walk in without a reservation which is always handy but sometimes a red flag. We ordered several 'sharing dishes', four between two. It would have been cheaper to order a main course each and probably more filling. The food was unimaginative. The cauliflower wings were delicious although cold by the time they arrived. The cheeseburger spring rolls were terrible value for money at £9.50 for two small rolls which were eaten in two bites. That's nearly £2.40 a bite. Yes, I am fun at parties... The additional service charge is a joke for small tables. I understand it for large groups but all it does is lead to poor and lackluster service as we got today. We weren't served twice by the same person and each interaction seemed to be killing the waiter to complete. All in all I'm surprised by how highly rated this place is. Perhaps indicative of the lack of choice in Durham or how easily please residents are because of that lack of choice.

I don't usually write negative reviews, nor would I say this one is completely negative. The nachos with Korean brisket were great, meat was really good and well seasoned, the burger spring rolls were also okay - not to my taste but other half enjoyed them. Now, onto the burgers.... For a restaurant that advertises themselves as a hamburger restaurant I was really looking forward to their burgers! And maybe my expectations were higher than in relation to a restaurant that just serves burgers among other things. We had the Gaucho and Kiss me Deadly. Gaucho was very salty, the meat not overly tender and just not great. Kiss me deadly - both patties were burnt and overall it was just nothing exciting. Chips were also overcooked. No coleslaw or something on the side to break the meaty/salty taste. I would say let's give grace as it was a busy day, but it just wasn't great. If I were to compare it to Five Guys which is just a fast food restaurant, those burgers were closer to a pub burger. Price wise nothing crazy as for 2 starters, 2 mains and 2 drinks we paid around £60.

These burgers are definitely up there with my all time favourites and the loaded fries are amazing.

Had a delicious meal here. We tried the Korean Beef Brisket Nachos and the Uncle Sam burger. Both were excellent and really flavorful. Would definitely recommend!

Ducked in when the rain got really bad and ended up having a great lunch in this little gem. Staff were great and food was very tasty.

Nipped in here with no reservation whilst on the Durham University open day. Burgers (Tango and Uncle Sam) really good, as was the chicken flatbread. Skin on chips were poor though, undercooked and soggy with fat, but staff were v friendly and changed them for fries which were much better. Sticky toffee pudding for desert was decent.

Authentic Italian food with amazing flavors! The restaurant is spacious and clean, and every dish tastes fantastic. They also have great seasonal menus to choose from — definitely worth a visit.

ASK in Durham City agreed to take our large group of 32 including 15 kids as a walk-in yesterday afternoon, after bowling at Lane 7 a few doors down, for a footy team end of season celebration. We were quite noisy as you can imagine but they set the upstairs up for us especially, and the service was friendly, professional and efficient. The food came out quite quickly for the hungry kids, and prices are reasonable too, especially for the kids’ meal deal. It was also good quality and tasty. The staff were very accommodating and patient, including the chefs. Thanks so much for helping us make a special day out for the boys!

we had an amazing time, our server lee was incredible and we thoroughly enjoyed our time more because of him. he recommended many different dishes and made the experience smoother for us. he was very kind and friendly to everyone. we wish we could have tipped him more! the atmosphere was lovely, nice and quiet, and the food tasted amazing too! highly recommend coming here for any occasion!

Absolutely fabulous lunch at Ask in Durham. Lee made the meal, (manager) lots of fun, jokes and banter about Chilli oil. Even gifted me a bottle, I couldn't have been happier. Food was prompt and delicious. Thank you Lee for everything! (Give that man a raise)

2nd time visiting and absolutely amazing once again! Great gluten free options available, fantastic service (heather is amazing!), cocktails that I need to make my way through cos they all sound lush! Will absolutely keep returning

Lily, and her manager were super friendly, attentive and helpful. Could not do enough to make our experience as enjoyable as possible. Highly recommended and will definitely return.

Heather was a brilliant waitress, really friendly and kind. Food was lovely!

Whilst visiting my sister in Durham, she suggested La Spada Ristorante for Sunday lunch. It didn't disappoint! Food was top notch, along with impecible service and ambiance! We were even given free shots at the end of our lovely meal! Would highly recommend this little gem of a restaurant!

We wanted a special place for a birthday meal while on a short visit to Durham. After reading reviews we chose La Spada. We prefer privately owned restaurants to the big chains and we weren't disappointed. Very friendly but not over attentive service from all the staff. The food was delicious, we had sardines, garlic mushrooms, beef stroganoff and sea bass. Thank you to everyone for a lovely evening.

What a wonderful experience. It was Tress's (my wife's) birthday and we had chosen La Spada purely by chance. Our reception was terrific - the staff were so friendly, attentive and efficient, and the food was amazing: then there was the chocolate orange cake dessert - wow!!!

A lovely Italian restaurant, a little out of town so parking is much easier. Very popular so worth booking if meeting in the evening. Food is good, well prepared rather than a huge plateful, and not at all bad for price

Visiting the area and restaurant was local with good reviews, did not disappoint. Excellent fresh food and top service. Definitely recommend.

Lovely family meal at La Spada, service was great and our food arrived quickly, we had pasta and chicken dishes, all delicious ! We were full so shared a few desserts between us, the homemade cheesecake was absolutely lush !

Zoe was lovely she served us with a smile The food was very good however I could not understand on the children's menu pasta is served with chips I asked if the child could have pizza and chips and there was a problem I ordered a separate portion I approached the manager twice but he appeared to have no time for us very rude Something must have been mentioned because the chips were refunded from the bill. Toilet facilities were not clean We won't be going back

Good pud just set back of the main road about a minute from the bus station. Great mix of ages inside and out.we never had any food or saw anyone, but looking at the menu, there are a few nice things to choose from and not expensive .

Head of Steam is a hidden gem in Durham. Great beer selection by Camerons - Tooth and Claw but the Belgian beer selection is something special too. A nice atmosphere with food available, a great variety on the food menu. I look forward to going back. Cheers!

I know Head of Steam is a chain pub. However, the Durham pub is really good. The staff are kind and attentive, they have a surprisingly good selection of beers especially bottled gems in the fridge. Food selection is small but well chosen and always cooked well. Can be a bit noisy sometimes in the evenings - but some people like that :-)

Best pub in Durham, 25% off student pricing, great atmosphere and delicious pints!!! Definitely recommend trying a pint of delirium red.

Cool place. Expensive food, small portions. One of the best espresso martinis I ever had.

I recently visited this pub in Durham, and unfortunately, it was a poor experience. While the pub itself had a nice atmosphere and seemed quite popular given how busy it was, the food and service were disappointing. I ordered a cheeseburger and chips, but the quality was subpar, especially for the high price. Additionally, the soft drinks were completely flat, which was another letdown. To make matters worse, the ladies' toilets were out of toilet paper, which added to the overall frustration. For the amount of money spent, I expected much better. I won’t be returning and wouldn’t recommend it.

We are Yorkshire folk don't normally leave a beer! Fabulous overnight stay in Durham. Do not recommend for a beer. Head of steam lager. Most expensive drink we had and the worst tasting.

Lovely food, service and atmosphere... All produce purchase fresh and local as per map on wall. Young man serving was very polite. I thought the bill on a postcard a very lovely touch ....

Excellent meal, faultless. Fresh local produce used. Service was outstanding and friendly. Already booked our second visit.

Delicious food and friendly staff. There were a couple of errors with our food but they rectified it quickly. The anniversary platter at the end was a nice touch for our celebration.

First time we have been to this fabulous restaurant. Everything excelled our expectations. We will be going again very soon. What a little gem!!!

Beautiful Sunday lunch, searched on Google and what a find. Lovely atmosphere with friendly and attentive staff. Meat cooked to perfection, vegetable were fresh and full of flavour and roasties to die for. Desserts chocolate brownie, light and melt in your mouth. Sundae with fresh fruit and beautiful sauce. Food is quality and you can tell they know how to cook. Thanks for a beautiful meal, after a rubbish start to the day. Thanks again, will be back.

Not opened. Closed for lunch. Drove all the way here 45 mins. Google open time is wrong. See photo for opening time. Should have update your Google business time. It was recommended for tea and dinner on online blogs.

Top restaurant soo good everything you could possibly want from a bistro Cary is great and so are the rest of the staff it’s an absolute pleasure everytime

The Whitechurch Cafe: Good Coffee, Confused Operations - 3 Stars I'd heard great things about the Whitechurch Cafe in Durham. Being a bit of a coffee enthusiast, and seeing the consistently glowing reviews, I decided to brave the crowds on a particularly busy Sunday, smack in the middle of University Welcome Weekend. I was hoping for a sanctuary of excellent espresso. What I found was a case study in operational confusion, which unfortunately overshadowed a genuinely excellent cup of coffee. The chaos started with the ordering process. A queue snaked around the counter, blocking the ingress and exit of the staff, and after a good twenty-minute wait to finally reach the counter, I, and several others, were abruptly informed that we needed a table number first. This meant being redirected to a completely different member of staff for seating, only to be told to go back to the exact same counter we had just left. It was a pointless, frustrating loop that easily added ten minutes to the start of my visit. When I finally did place my order, I was told there would be a reasonable 20-minute wait for drinks due to the volume. I accepted this, but after 30 minutes, and no sign of my coffee, I gently enquired. The server, who was lovely and clearly trying their best, confessed my order had been misplaced and promised to expedite it. When the coffee finally arrived, it was, to its credit, excellent quality—rich, balanced, and clearly made with care. But the long, confusing wait had soured the experience. From a hospitality management perspective, the operation was fundamentally flawed. The poor person on the counter was trying to do far too many jobs: taking orders, processing payments, managing the sprawling queue, and directing other staff. Meanwhile, the staff member dedicated to seating seemed surplus until a customer managed to present themselves, table number in hand. The whole system was utterly disjointed. If I were advising the owners, I'd suggest a total overhaul. I would clear the counter completely, dedicating that space solely to expediting drinks. The crucial 'meet, greet, and seat' function needs to move into the dining area. Servers could then be equipped with POS tablets to take orders right at the table, sending them directly to the barista area. This would let the baristas focus purely on the art of coffee, while the front-of-house staff focuses on the guest experience. The coffee is worth five stars, but the chaotic service dropped the overall rating to a generous three. The product is there; the process is not. I will return in a couple of months and re-review. Fingers crossed I'll have a better experience 🤞

overall food and coffee is good but not of great value — portions have been disappointingly smaller since my first visit (look at the pathetic amount of hollandaise😭) recommend the brunch items over lunch/dinner: pulled ham croissant benedict, shakshuka and coffee 👍🏼 overpriced but nice to indulge once in a while.

The pancakes here are super delicious and reasonably priced! It’s the perfect spot to stop by for a treat after class.

Eaten here a few times now and it’s usually been alright, came a couple of weeks ago and after paying the bill and leaving a tip I mentioned the chicken supreme dinner was very small but I ate my girlfriends as she doesn’t eat much so wasn’t an issue, categorically said it was constructive feedback and nothing more, hence why I said it after I’d paid. Fast forward 2 weeks, this is the amount of chicken in the chicken sandwich, I only looked as the first half I could only taste salad but didn’t really want to start de-constructing my food in a restaurant. Anyway the lad behind the counter assured me this is the size of the fillet. Well guess what, it most definitely shouldn’t be the size of the fillet, and if it is use two, the sandwich was £16. Not only this, the chicken was wafer thin and was more batter than chicken. I could not believe the way he handled it. Anyway I eat out multiple times every single day and can’t think of a time I’ve ever left a review so that’s saying something.

Fab people looking after us Superb Tynemouth Company coffee Excellent choice of breakfast items .

Lovely venue and enjoyed our brunch food on a Saturday. Looks like a pub but more stylish than an ordinary pub inside and very nicely decorated. Came here around 10.30 on a Saturday and by time we left the place was full. We both had the hot smoked salmon bagel with cream cheese, cress and beetroot. Very nice and a generous portion of salmon. Staff friendly and efficient. We didn’t have their cakes but they looked delicious. Lots of seating including garden area for when it’s warmer.

Location is great. Right in front of Durham Uni campus. Prefect for hangout. Due to costing, food portion is not as generous before the acquisition by a chain group. Quality also less tasty than before. Staffs turn over is high and obviously facing shortage.

Visit for brunch. Absolutely wonderful from start to finish. The staff are very welcoming, helpful and attentive throughout. Food is fabulous. The crumpet was outstanding, mushroom dish gorgeous too. We will go back for lunch and/or dinner, and definitely to have the crumpet again. Thoroughly recommend a visit.

First time visiting Isla with my husband. We reserved an upstairs table and we were the only ones up there. It was bliss! Nice and warm in the restaurant and the food took a little time but the offerings are quite elaborate for breakfast. My husband has the vegetarian nduja crumpet which he struggled with the spice level but I thought it was perfect! I had the hot smoked salmon on muffins. Beautiful! Would whole heartedly recommend.

Tucked out of the way but well worth the effort. An innovative and VERY tasty menu. Nothing weird, just good home cooked dishes, most of which you don't see in other restaurants. I had a delicious soufflé, for example. And very reasonable prices too.

Got the last seat in this cosy and friendly restaurant. Sensational food. Beautiful textures and flavours. Had I not been coming to Durham this would’ve been worth the 3 train journey on its own!

Loved our first trip to Isla – high expectations were met with delicious small dishes and quick service. Hard to pick a favourite, all outstanding. Their decision to offer Cornish Orchard cider was inspired too – light, tasty and easy to sip throughout the meal. Service was great from their young staff. Atmosphere upstairs was good – very tasteful, elegant decor, if a little plain. What wasn't so delicate was the lighting... far too bright for our liking and being be the window felt like we were on show. Warmer bulbs and a few floor lamps would add atmosphere and a touch of cozy that we felt was missing. Also as the food orders increased, the smell (although nice) from the kitchen certainly became a bit much. Overall, would happily come back 9/10.

Amazing food, some of the best tapas we’ve ever had. Lovely staff and dog friendly! We will definitely come back again😊

Our train was quite badly delayed but the staff were super friendly and accommodated us anyway. Food was really delicious, amazing variety and everything we had was very well put together. Great little place.

Went here expecting something great from an award winning fish and chip shop, but got something that was above average, nice but not spectacular. My haddock was dry and over cooked at the ends where it was thin, the batter was very nice, chips were good, all cooked in beef dripping, but this just left a fatty film in my mouth. The interior of the restaurant was excellent, and the staff were very friendly. The girlfriend's cod was bigger and thicker than my haddock. I didn't like the tartare sauce, had much better from other fish n chip restaurants in Whitby.

I did made a visit to the best fish & chips of 2025 and what a surprise the food was outstanding & so delicious beautiful restaurant and even the deco at the takeaway was beautifully decorated the only downside was the staff I didn’t found them very friendly or welcoming you but I still give 10 out of 10 and I car recommended Mr. Wig. YouTube

Wow! We’ve finally found it. The very best fish and chips. Every part of our meal was perfect- we will be back!

We visited here the other day just on sour of the moment thing, we were greeted and shown to a table, it wasnt busy, lady came and took orders, really polite and friendly young ladies, food came quite quick, it was lovely and hot, very tasty, we had fish and chips and half n half, which meant tou get half portions of sald and chips, we had hot drinks, atmosphere neas calming and nice and quiet, it did get busier with a big family group as we were nearly finished, but the noise level was ok.

Just had my 1st takeaway from here. The staff and atmosphere was fast, friendly and inviting. We had cod and chips and haddock and chips, both were decent sized, the chips nicely cooked and the fish was moist and full of flavour. I will definately go back. PS parking was easy.

We've been going to this particular Bells for years now, but unfortunately the last few times we've been have shown a decline in quality. I'm gluten intolerant and this used to be my go to place for fish and chips, but the last few times have been really disappointing. The chips have become hard in texture and taste old. They don't have the soft texture that the non gluten free ones do and they taste bad. The fish is always nice inside, but the batter was swimming in grease and far too thick. I also had the GF onion rings, which were swimming in a bowl of grease and made me feel nauseous from bite. I also suspect they're watering down the tartar sauce as it's much thinner than usual and they're stingy with how much they fill the pots now. Unfortunately, the service is also going down hill as the wait staff can be moody which doesn't make for a particularly nice atmosphere. It's such a shame as we used to love it here, but for the high prices they charge its absolutely not worth it as I barely ate any of my meal. I hope they can listen to feedback and improve as the gluten free fish and chips used to be lovely.

We were up visiting family, and they brought us to this fish restaurant for our evening meal. I had scampi and my husband cod, both with chips and salad. OMGoodness, our meals were excellent! Our server was very pleasant and chatty. A speedy service, with piping hot food! Could not recommend high enough!

Thank you for the Chinese dumplings on winter solstice day! I also enjoyed my lunch at your restaurant. The clear broth fish soup is very nice and also enjoyed the beef slices and tripe. You food is excellent and service is friendly. Will visit again the next time I am in Durham!

Traditional Chinese not your usual bog standard food. Only customers in were from the Chinese community which is always a good sign. Good service quickly served a real find .

Ordered £56 worth of food to be delivered. Lemon Chicken - reheated chewy and soggy, Utterly disgusting, went into the bin. House special curry - £13 8 smalls bit of meat, filled out with huge pieces of chunky peppers. No taste at all so gross. Refried chewy cold damp salt and pepper chips. House special noodles- consisted of mostly veg. Hardly any taste or meat Bin very full, however we are not! Won’t be using again. China Diner is our usual, thought we’d try fifty-six as china diner closed on Sunday but we’ll just change take away night rather than give fifty six any more of our money. Avoid if you value taste and fresh food.

Absolutely joke!! Ordered off Uber eats and paid for priority delivery. Got a notification to say Driver was on their way. Then two minutes later “ORDER CANCELLED” Meal was meant to be a celebration for my daughter now we’re left having to reorder from somewhere else and waiting until really late for food!! If you can’t fulfil your orderes, don’t have uber eats turned on!

Food is gloop, weird tasting chicken. Crispy shimp were gummy shrimp is a soupy gel which was only peaking in the sugar and cornstarxh dept. Same for fire Crispy chicken. This was a waste of good money for exceptionally poor food standards. I was duped, under the impression based on prices it would be fresh. But old pre cooked in oil fried chicken breast sections thrown in with new sauces does not good chinese food make. Stunned for how shiate it was. Save yourself and dine elsewhere.

Really lovely food here. Lots of choice. Sweet and sour was gorgeous. They did forget one dish, so we had to chase. But apart from that no issues at all. Authentic Chinese, made freshly and came out piping hot. Would definitely go again.

ate here today and ended up with severe food poisoning — vomiting and diarrhea. The food was extremely unfresh, like rotten meat (actually just rotten meat). Absolutely disgusting

I liked it - many Chinese eating here - my plate was lovely. It’s a very unpretentious place - so probably not the place for a fancy meal but the food was excellent - I had sweet and sour prawn and the quality of the ingredients was excellent.

Reasonable restaurant if you want Chinese food. Close to cinema area. Good staff. But the food tastes not great, like prepared one, for example this chicken pot, below my expectation. Also found too many bones at the bottom of the pot...

Good Authentic Chinese cuisine in Durham … A bit pricey compared to most Chinese restaurants in the region but delicious …

excellent mapo tofu rice, egg fried rice, chili-fried green beans and spicy dry vegetable pot. were able to accommodate vegetarian diet upon request; kudos for that. slightly expensive though

Amazing food, really authentic, very reasonable prices and substantial portions; make sure to get a few plates to share! Have been really lacking somewhere like this in Durham and so glad it's here. Definitely coming back soon

Delicious food made me missing Taiwan:’) Staffs are really friendly and treat us a piece of moon cake on the Moon Festival which made us felt at home! Many thanks!

Satay sauce isn’t even a sauce and curry sauce looks curdled they are both just pure grease what a waste of money I got Shanghai chow Mein, chips, rice, satay skewers and the food was cold. 🤢🤮 (tiny portions)

Wonderful lunch here today. The meat is delicious and lingers on the palate long after. Warm welcome, friendly service, great cocktails. We fought over our shared food. lol. Highly recommend

Really disappointed with the Sunday lunch — it looked amazing on Instagram, but the reality didn’t match. The beef brisket was sliced very thin and tasted quite cheap, and my partner paid extra for a chicken breast but was served a chicken leg instead. Definitely an Instagram vs. reality experience. On a positive note, the staff were lovely and welcoming, and the service was great. Insta vs reality pictures attached.

So delicious and perfect for sharing with friends! There are plenty of menu options, and honestly, everything tastes amazing. Absolutely loved it!

We attending for our anniversary and I Can’t fault the staff their service was amazing , the food was stunning and didn’t have to wait long at all for the food !! We were told to wait 5 minutes for our table which was fine as we were allowed to order drinks and sat us at another table inside . Can’t fault the place !! Will be returning.

Top Notch Burger = epic 👍. Add brisket too, awesome. All American burger superb. Washed down with a couple of pints of Notch Lager. Staff great 👍 Surroundings and decor great 😎

Food was lovely, staff were also lovely. We had a bottomless brunch. It would have been nice to have been given the opportunity to order a last drink before the end of the bottomless. The drinks were quite diluted, which was fine for us because it was lunch time. We had a lovely time as stayed for a cocktail after the bottomless which was very nice!

I had an amazing experience at Notch! The atmosphere was great — relaxed but with a nice buzz — and the staff were super friendly and attentive from the moment I arrived. I ordered the chicken burger, and it was absolutely delicious — perfectly cooked, juicy, and packed with flavour. Everything was fresh, and the portion size was just right. You can really tell they care about quality here. I’ll definitely be coming back soon to try more from the menu. Highly recommend

Absolutely appalling! Ordered for the first time to collect a take out. the order was late when we arrived anyways. When we got back there was one item missing and the containers were 1/3 full!! Rang up and no apology or offer to send out another order. The person hung up on us and refused to do anything. Absolutely shocking & will not be ordering again. £60 for a measly meal

This was hands down the best curry I have ever eaten. I eat curries on more than a weekly basis and the flavours on this curry were on another level. The staff were really accommodating. The restaurant was spotlessly clean and smelt really fresh. The toilets were immaculately clean. I could not fault this restaurant and will definitely be returning and recommending to our friends. Can’t wait to return.

The food was absolutely delicious, and to say that the menu was extensive would be an understatement: there was a dazzling selection of dishes. The selection was very accommodating of different dietary requirements and preferences on level of spice. The proprietress was warm and welcoming, and overall it was an excellent dining experience.

Incredibly rude owner. We planned to eat in here but after encountering the owner we ate next door (which was fantastic!). Owner was say in her car with very bright headlights on which dazzled anyone going up the street. Asked very politely for her to turn them off & refused. Someone else asked & it turned into a screaming match. Ate next door and her rear lights were at eye level which caused a migraine. Had to medicate & move seats. We asked her again & refused to acknowledge us.

Absolutely abysmal! They have no idea how biryani is supposed to taste. Cumin — and peas??? It was more like atrocious cumin rice with dry meat. They really ought to go on some soul-searching to understand what real Indian food is like. The naan was more like reheated cheap Italian pizza bread.

At first I was a bit dubious of the reviews. They were either one star or five stars, so I went with an open mind because it appeared to be one of the only Indian restaurants in town. The food could best be described as mediocre. The starters were okay but came with little in the way of garnish, salad, or dips. The main courses arrived in small dishes which were cold. The curries we ordered seem to be made up of 1 cm cubes of meat with little or no vegetables and a rather watery sauce. The naan bread, although it tasted okay, was a little odd with almost like a yellow margarine on the surface of it. The service was a bit abrupt and altogether the experience was… okay. If you want a good Indian, you might be better going to Newcastle.

I wouldn't recommend this restaurant, Went last night as a group of seven. The curries were very poor, Lamb Madras was bland and not spicy, Chicken Biriani was very dry with no sauce to speak of, garlic naan was more like a pizza garlic bread from an Italian.Service was haphazard, all the cutlery was plonked on the table for us to pass along the table, some curries arrived, then other tables were being served, when the rice eventually arrived curry was almost cold. Toilets were disgusting and smelly.

Best restaurant in Durham (admittedly the City is not famed for its cuisine, but Finbarr's would be deemed good in any location). Great food, well cooked and a good wine list. Excellent venison and duck, local seafood and delicious haggis scotch eggs. Yummy souffle and mousse for dessert. Really good bread. Service not very slick and one waitress was clearly not having a good day, as she offered a frown from first meeting and was lacking a smile throughout the evening unless encouraged. We will return.

Main dish was a scotch beef. It was delicious. Starter is pigeon breast . Really good but other components on the dish were average. Decoration was very out dated.Room (up stairs) very claustrophobic. Ambiance is really very poor. If you close your eyes and just focus on meal fine, else look for a better decorated place.

We were a party of 9 at a work Christmas Dinner and were very well looked after. Restaurant is gorgeous inside, very elegant. The bar was cosy (a little too warm at one point with 9 of us, but we had fun). Drinks are reasonably priced for a place like this. Service was friendly and efficient (especially the lady looking after us in the room upstairs). Food was delicious - steaks were perfectly cooked, chips crisp and desserts tasty. Cheese croquettes - could serve a couple instead of one. Steak could be accompanied by a few more fries too (the fish cakes got lots though). Great meal overall and excellent service.

Located somewhat outside the city & in a farm house. But understaffed that Sunday we went. Food was ok but quite competitively priced especially for set.

Nice atmosphere, friendly but somewhat slow service. High quality tasty food and lots of screens between tables. Would recommend!

Good Sunday roast - the meat was fantastic although everything else slightly paled in comparison. Staff were great and one of the best COVID set-ups I’ve seen.

We went spur of the moment on Saturday they were very busy but we still managed to get us a table excellent service and nothing too much trouble excellent food as normal.

Well… What a let down ˙◠˙ The service was good but the food not so much. Lacks flavour and we must have gone on a bad day because most of the dishes were unavailable. The food was mediocre at best. The price was acceptable for the amount of food (13 pound) but definitely will not be coming again.

We stopped here for lunch in between sightseeing in Durham (after the Cathedral and the Oriental Museum) and it was just what we needed! 🥢🍜 The food was fresh, tasty, and full of flavour, with a good variety to choose from. Service was quick and friendly, and the atmosphere felt relaxed – perfect for recharging after a busy morning of exploring. Definitely a great spot to add to your Durham trip. I’ll remember this place not just for the food, but for saving two very hungry explorers! 😅

An all you can eat buffet Mainly Chinese dishes We went on Sunday so a lot of carvery items were also there Food was hot and fresh and staff was very attentive to the circulation of food They offer 10% off on blue light but only on cash Huge variety of drinks also being offered have to pay separately on that I have attached the menu so prices can be reviewed Very good location next to the river and the central attractions like castle and cathedral Definitely recommend

Absolutely mouthwatering food, thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience. From being seated, orders taken, food and drinks, payment, atmosphere, staff readiness and friendliness, the entire visit was brilliant. I've never visited this place before but I will most definitely be returning regular. Fantastic day

Our absolute favourite chinese buffet. Whenever we're in the north east we always make a point of visiting InShanghai. The views of the riverside are lovely too!

Amazing service and great food. Lots of choice and everyone is so kind, friendly and welcoming. Been there with my family for dinner and we had a great experience. Definitely recommend and will be back again soon.

Tldr: if you like Chinese food, it's great to stuff your face for a reasonable price. £13.90 pp at printing. Lovely food, great selection for an afternoon buffet. The fact it was busy and keeping walk-ins waiting is a testament to its popularity. Service is casual, maybe a bit lax. However, the fresh food, being continually topped up, drinks brought to table, and various salads and starters more than make up for some deficiencies. We'll be back, if we're ever back in Durham. 3* LOTS of kids, but lunar new year and weekend, suppose it's expected 4* service, take it as it comes, some friendly some nor so. 5* lots of food options

Very tasty Italian food with lots of flavour. The portions were very generous. I opted for pasta with breaded chicken which was cooked beautifully. Lots of gluten free options available. Service was friendly but a tad rushed. We did go on a busy Friday night though.

A lovely Italian restaurant with amazing food! The spaghetti is super delicious, the pizza is great, and the desserts are absolutely delightful. The atmosphere is warm and cozy — perfect for a meal with friends, a date, or even family. The service is excellent too. Definitely one of my favorite spots!

Everything’s perfect! The taste was amazing! We visit twice when travelling Durham. Highly recommended!

10/10. Probably the best Italian meal I’ve ever had! Great food all in all, no words can describe it.

The food was the best for a long time. The king prawns in garlic was smothered with garlic. white wine and butter. They did not skimp on the wine. The Spaghetti Puttanesca was perfect. Pasta was a la dente and the sauce clinged to the pasta. Luscious pomedoro sauce with garlic. anchovies, onion, capers, olives and white wine. I could taste every ingredient with every mouthful. I travel extensively to Italy and Europe and they could learn a lot from this obscure Durham restaurant. Excellent 👍 Thank you for a great meal

Good food in big portions, worth the money. We ordered the pesto penne, which was not too bad; the mushroom risotto was brilliant, the garlic bread and pizza were delicious, and the calamari was nice too. The three of us couldn’t finish all the food and brought a few takeaway boxes home after the meal—a great restaurant for lunch.

Very good food, I think it’s cheaper than the other restaurants in Durham.

We had a great meal in here made even better by our wonderful server Lillian. She went above and beyond to make sure we were happy! Will come back again just to see her she is a credit to your company!

I took my partner and parents here for Mother's Day. The food and service was lovely. We will definitely visit again. The young girl who served us was really nice. Only downside was the Restaurant Manager thought it was appropriate to discipline the waitress in front of us which I found very unprofessional and inappropriate. She was doing such an amazing job. Thank you again!

WOW! My fiancé and I dined at The Rib Room while staying as guests at Ramside Hall on New Year’s Eve. The food was out of this world, the steak was honestly one of the best things I’ve ever eaten! Every aspect of the meal felt extra special. The staff were friendly and attentive and it was a lovely atmosphere, a slice of France in County Durham! Sadly we’re not that local but if we’re ever back in the area we’d return in a heartbeat.

Me and my sister had 3 course sunday lunch 18th October it was top notch. Sophia and liliana did an excellent job waiting on us. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience from start to finish 10 out of 10 we will be back.

Not a great experience. We waited 15 minutes and eventually had to get our own drinks as no one bothered to ask if we wanted any. I ordered Halibut and Chips as not a big meat eater. To be honest the fish was beautiful but the size of it was ridiculous for £25. Never ever had a chip bigger than a fish before and my partners wasn't much better choosing the prawn as a main course 5 prawns and a portion of chips for the same price. Very overated and we felt ripped off.

Our guests were ten minutes late in arriving when informing the lady in charge we had a table reservation. YOU ARE LATE was the welcome although only two other tables were occupied in the restaurant at the time. Nearly 45 minutes to have a food order taken in an empty restaurant is too long and asked several times where were the drinks when reordering . Average steak chips menu although the food was good when it eventually arrived. Two and half hours for one course and a coffee is far too long and has definitely put me off returning soon. Staff very poorly trained for restaurant standards and the high prices charged, not their fault it reflects bad management.

The most delicious moules and chateaubriand, in a lovely setting with great ambiance. Excellent, friendly service. Highly recommend

We visited Slug & Lettuce in Durham for bottomless brunch and had a great experience. There was a good selection of food to choose from, and while the cocktail choices were a bit limited, there were still enough options to enjoy throughout the brunch. We went as a group of four, and it was a great setting for a double date. It was quite busy, but that was expected for a Saturday with nice weather. Despite hiw busy it was, the service was excellent, with staff frequently checking in and taking new drink orders. For the price, the brunch was great value, especially considering that a single cocktail normally costs around £12. One small downside was the photobooth, which we couldn’t quite figure out how to use, and it seemed a little on the pricey side. Overall, it’s a fun place for a casual, lively brunch, and we’d happily return!

First visit and was really impressed. Our booking was for 2:30pm but they managed to fit us in earlier such a lovely man helped us do this. We were served by Danielle and she was an absolute delight. She was so attentive and the drinks were great. I had the cheeseburger and it was one of the best tasting burgers I have ever had. All staff we encountered were lovely, and they work so hard yet always smiling. Thank you for a great experience.

Visited for my birthday for a bottomless brunch yesterday and what a day we had! Such a good atmosphere ,food and drinks were lovely! Our server Rachel was so attentive nothing was too much of an ask! She made the visit honestly lovely lovely girl!

Brilliant bottomless brunch. Only let down was the quesadillas, very spicy with no warning! Samantha our waitress was amazing, very attentive and made sure our glass wasn’t empty when ordering our next drinks. Deffinelty would come back again but wouldn’t chose the quasadillas 😬🌶️

Such a pretty looking place, with gorgeous food and amazing staff! Our server was Samantha who was so lovely :)

Absolutely AMAZING Bottomless Brunch here - brilliant value for money, drinks on point and super fast service and food out of this world. Best part, our Server, Samantha!!! Best girl ever made sure we were happy and were never without a drink- we will be back again!!!!

Had a brilliant time here. Samantha has been very attentive and kept the drinks flowing. Give her a raise stat! Definitely coming again

Vennels Café has a charming, historic atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time. It’s unique and clearly a well-loved, family-run spot. However, despite the hype and long queues, I found it lacking that wow factor. The panini was tasty but felt overpriced for what I got, and unfortunately, the coffee was really disappointing. I wanted to love it, but my experience didn’t quite match the expectations.

My favourite café in Durham, definitely one of the best. It's a lovely family-run café serving delicious foods from sandwiches, jackets, quiches to cakes, and not to mention flavoursome ham broth. They also serve the local Durham "hummus"! Lovely comfort foods - very accommodating to allergens.

A Durham classic for a reason. Beautiful venue with an extensive menu and plenty of options for dietary needs. I've been visiting Vennels for many years and it's always been consistently good - large portions, homemade food and the staff are friendly. Highlights include the full breakfast, carrot cake and Stilton scones. The only downside for me is sometimes it's hard to find a seat and the stairs are pretty difficult when you're carrying a tray full of food. But it's a very old building so not really anything they can fix and once you're up, you can sit there for hours enjoying the vibe. The last couple of visits though there have been students with laptops taking over the bigger tables upstairs and plugging them in across the walkway. This is very frustrating and I'm looking forward to the end of term!

Had an early Saturday breakfast here - eggs Benedict (Benny) in the courtyard. Such a quirky layout inside! It was well worth seeking out this little gem

The caffe is hiden in a charming old building with a little garden, homy food, great cakes and coffee and a very helpfull service. Come early, food disapears quickly :)

Vennel is such a cute spot! The drinks are decent, and the food is pretty good too. A nice place to hang out!

Terrible breakfasts. Seen a lovely review of a full English on TikTok and thought I’d give it a try. Absolutely nothing on the plate forgot hashbrowns. Could have got more from Wetherspoons. Not worth £40 for 2 breakfasts.

The food is not ok not impressed. The price is fine for what it is. The location is excellent, next to the river, the view is great. Sitting by the waterfront is so relaxing. The restaurant is upstairs, highly recommend sitting outside the balcony area if the weather is nice and sunny. The view is gorgeous.

Gorgeous ambiance of the river, lovely place to dine with family. Kid friendly Food was great, had good selection of British cuisine, everything well cooked and seasoned. Staff were friendly and kind. It was a shame they weren’t serving steak that day. Overall pleasant experience would def recommend.

The venue was lovely, and the staff were polite. The steak was beautifully cooked and full of flavor. I recommend one of the sharing boards, whichever appeals to you. We had an early dinner, so the restaurant was very quiet as it had just opened, which was perfect for the children. There was a great selection of drinks, and the bartender who worked the day the King and Queen visited the Cathedral was exceptional.

Staff were friendly and attentive the view is amazing cute building. Food was nice however there was a bone in my parmo but food was still great and overall really nice experience

Brilliant food and service. Managed to get a table a short notice on a Saturday night thanks to the flexibility of the restaurant. We loved it all, especially the pepper sauce. thank you.

A great place to grab a few drinks early in the evening with a view of Elvet Bridge. The place serves a great Long Island Ice Tea.

The best steak I have had in a long while. Well worth every penny... ALL the pennies! 6 Stars for Gracie

What a lovely little find! Friendly owner, a choice of home made cakes, soup and sandwiches. Clean and welcoming. Check it out

We had the perfect afternoon tea at Tealicious! Lindsey went out of her way to make everything special, including checking that all ingredients were pregnancy safe. There was a super wide range of teas to choose from, and even multiple varieties of hot chocolate so something for everyone. The perfect mix of sweet and savoury, gorgeous cakes and beautiful Easter decor- thank you so much for a wonderful afternoon!

Me and my partner popped in for a cosy place to have to tea and this place was perfect. The staff member was so friendly and made us feel welcomed. We had tea and cakes - the pistachio loaf was beautiful and I was told it was dairy free. There was a couple of gluten free cakes also. Lovely independent store and worth the visit.

Had a lovely time here, got a dairy free high tea with sandwich, scone and delicious orange/cinnamon cake. My wife and I were very impressed with the quality of the food and ownership! We would come back!

This tea house probably is the most classical designed British tea place you could find in Durham. They have good amount of options for teas, and very nice desserts. They offer afternoon tea cakes&sandwiches set. I am particularly very fond of the second floor. It’s so lovely designed and so cottage like. One of the best thing about this place is they have a very big and good conditioned bathroom which is quite rare to see for tea houses. I am really amazed by that as well.

Lovely staff, very chatty and very welcoming. The tea room was small but cozy and with very comfortable facilities. We shared a High Tea, which consisted of a sandwich, a fruit scone and a slice of cake. Good food, the prices however were too high.

The most delicious scones we have ever eaten! A lovely experience at this tearoom yesterday, extremely friendly and welcoming, despite bringing a young baby and cumbersome pram. Desperate to visit again soon!

Food great service poor.Emailed on late Friday afternoon requesting a table for two at 6:00pm... Received a prompt reply saying if we took that table they would need it back at 7:00pm....They said if we took an earlier table we could stay longer...Emailed them back and happily accepted......Got there at 5:25pm.....Ordered two drinks two starters & two mains all going swimmingly up to that point, food was delicious...Was about 6:20pm at this point... Waitress approached and asked if we would like a dessert, said yes . Dessert came about 6:30pm...within a minute of leaving the dessert another waitress arrived and said they would require the table back in 10/15 mins....Quite frankly this type of practice stinks in my opinion..Spoilt our evening and caused me not to leave a tip as is my custom..This was our first time visiting Durham and hope this is not a practice we are going to experience in other establishments.Needless to say we would not recommend Nadon Thai based on the above experience. The two stars were for the good food.

Absolutely amazing authentic Thai cuisine! We had chicken satay skewers and Thai fishcakes for appetizers, then the Roast Duck with Thai Basil (fairly spicy) and Tofu Massamun Curry which were mouthwateringly delicious. One or two portions of sticky rice to accompany the main dishes is plenty and goes nicely. Will definitely be coming back!

The portion of the meals from the lunch menu was very small, we were still hungry after eating. In the end we were told the portions are different between lunch and normal menus. However, the price of the same dishes is just 1£ different. It’s disappointing that we weren’t told about this matter in advance. And it took more than 30 minutes to be served with the meal.

The food was absolutely phenomenal. We got the duck spring rolls which were so soft and the satay chicken which was very juicy. We also got a seabass choo chee which is my favourite dish. And dessert we got the fried banana and pandan pancake which were lovely portions all made in house. Staff were lovely and busy night.

Lovely Thai restaurant. It was quite quiet when we went so the atmosphere was maybe lacking a little but it did mean we got great service from the two waitresses. My wife's food was a little too spicy for her palate and after very generously offering to change it, my wife took their suggestion of a bowl of coconut milk on the side. That transformed the meal into a delicious experience. Couldn't fault the way they really went the extra mile. Thoroughly recommended.

Good flavor, but a bit heavy on the noodles — would’ve liked more chicken/veg Best order of the group was the duck

A lush Thai vegetarian meal in Durham🔥 Went over to visit a buddy in Durham, and decided to give this restaurant a go. Happy hour meals are a steal! At £14.95, you get a starter and a main dish (the happy hour menu is the last picture of this post). Happy hour is at 5:30-6:30pm. Thai Basil Fried Rice Mushroom TomYum Soup Thai Red Curry I really enjoyed the meal. There’s a Nadon Thai in Newcastle, so it looks like I’ll have to give that one a go

Another amazing afternoon at Ebony, Durham for a baby shower. Jhan took care of everything & was fantastic from planning to delivery on the day. Christine, our waitress was also fab, taking care of our orders & looking after us from start to end. Fabulous food, service & atmosphere! Thank you!

A surprisingly decent place to come for a hot drink on an evening. Both the bouncers and bartenders were are very polite and friendly. The hot drinks are expensive but that is probably to be expected from a champagne bar - pity the tea wasn’t a better quality one though. Nice experience all in all, and it was nice to see other customers having a great experience too.

What a lovely place! Beautiful cocktails and amazing staff. Olly (or Ollie) was amazing, such a lovely lad with great customer service. He whipped up an outstanding Negroni and French Martini. Would 100% recommend if you are in Durham.

I came for bottomless brunch and jhane was amazing she was so attentive and lovely she made the experience so amazing and I would say it’s personally the best bottomless brunch in the north east, the food was lovely it was tapas, it is really good for couples and in a group really good options for food too and the cocktails were gorgeous the variety was just great , but the staff made it even better definitely going to be coming back

Popped into the champagne bar while view a property in Durham. Hoping to get the property so I can have this bar as a regular watering hole 😃. Good list of drinks and friendly staff.

If you want bottomless brunch in Durham then look no further than The Champagne Bar. Yes it’s a little more expensive but you get excellent value for money. The cocktails are exquisite (I’d recommend the coconut margarita), the food is fresh and delicious, and the service is ridiculously good. Jhan I know I told you a million times yesterday but you and your team are amazing at what you do. The drinks never stopped coming until the very last minute, we were looked after so well and in beautiful surroundings. See you again soon! Xx

Lovely afternoon tea and excellent service. Special mention to the host who was very helpful and understanding when we turned up and realised we had left our voucher at home. We will definitely be back.

Food was superb. The sea bass stood out - probably one of the best I’ve had. Service was attentive interior was lovely and intimate — small and tucked away, felt like a hidden gem

Delightful, cosy restaurant with small but perfectly formed menu. The service is as good as it gets and the standard of food is absolutely excellent. Prices very reasonable for such nice food with mains from £18. Bit of a 50s James Dean rock’n roll theme throughout which is subtle but adds atmosphere. Comfy seats and nice decor throughout. No car park obviously it’s in centre of Durham. Well kept WC facilities. You can’t add tip to card payments so be sure to bring some cash as you’ll definitely want to leave a tip!

A great little find …… First visit to this wonderful little restaurant. Didn’t know that this place existed even though I’ve walked past it hundreds of times. A wonderful find in Durham City which is now full of chain restaurants. An intimate venue with fabulous food and very friendly staff who provided a great personal service. Would definitely recommend for a special occasion.

This is a tasty option just off Elvet Bridge. It’s s cozy interior. We arrived at 8 o’clock & they were sending staff home so we weren’t sure we should stay to not be an inconvenience. The manager assured us it was fine. We’re glad we stayed it was a very nice dinner. I tried the soup which was all greens (broccoli, spinach, etc..) which was nice. For entrees my son had the sirloin which he enjoyed, my wife had the risotto & I had the slow cooked beef. All of which we thoroughly enjoyed.

Lovely little restaurant on Eldon bridge down a small set of stairs, holding around 6-7 tables this is a small restaurant with personal service and a refined menu which isn't overlay complicated. Food was cooked well, vegi were lovely, very well informed on changes to the main menu. Service was great, my only negative, no windows and tables a little close together, but definitely worth going and prices were reasonable.

Fabulous find in Durham centre. Food was superb, the service attentive but not overly so. Gary was extremely helpful and his recommendations of the duck and lamb were spot on. Highly recommended

Fantastic restaurant. Equal parts cosy & romantic, with great decor. The service was excellent - personal and attentive. The food was delicious with generous portions. A compact wine list was available by the glass or the bottle. Bonus points for a cool soundtrack curated by the owners. We loved this place ✌️

Overall experience: just okay Food quality and taste: okay - fairly mildly seasoned Food portion: good Staff service: okay Ambience: okay Food options: great including vegetarian options

Had a very nice meal i was a little confused when I ordered a prawn bhaji I expected a crispy deep fried dish it looked more like a prawn in bhuna sauce but it was very nice as was my main sorry to say it was a bit to much for me I couldn't finish it. I tried my hardest lol

Just based on delivery, enormous portions and tangy food. Very much appreciate the liver starter and the exquisite chicken tikka. A bit greasy for my taste, but that's personal preference. Speedy preparation. The menu is a tome, so difficult to select or know what top dishes.

The worst Indian food restaurant in the UK without a doubt. Our chicken tikka masala was tasteless, sweet and had a tone of artificial colouring. It was bright red! The other dish we ordered was also tasteless and an unnatural bright orange (photo attached). The paladins were good, but again the chutney was super artificial (bright red), sugary and worse than what you buy at the supermarket. Save yourself money and health issues and don’t go there.

words cannot express how good this place is. i ordered the paneer bhuna and by the end of the night my plate was completely clean! the wait was a little long but i take it to mean that the food was cooked fresh, so i didn’t mind. will be coming again!!

Amazing food and brilliant staff. Food was amazing so was the vegetarian food it came out hot and quickly. Highly recommen for non meat eater. Very reasonably priced

The food was delicious, the service from the staff was brilliant, although they cleared the table quickly when finished with plate's etc you weren't to feel rushed. We went as an off chance to get a table and they made one up for us.

The calamari fritters were not very good, I'll leave it at that. Customers on the table next to us said they had better fish from Tesco. We cancelled our mains, paid our drinks and left. Disappointing for our wedding anniversary dinner! The staff were very nice and apologetic though, lovely people.

My favourite Italian restaurant in Durham. Consistently good food and reasonable prices. Would recommend most of their pastas and risottos, but my favourite has to be the Carbonara - even if it's not the traditional recipe, it's amazing! Their desserts are class as well and you wouldn't go wrong with most of them, but my personal favourite is the chocolate cake. It's quite rich in flavour and not the sweetest which is what I personally prefer for desserts.

Quite cosy. Small Italian restaurant in Durham. If looking for authentic Italian cuisine this is the place. Unless off peak, otherwise reservations is a must. We are lucky to have a table for two at 4 pm during weekend. Around 5 pm is almost full.

Managed to get a booking for two at short notice when visiting Durham. Lovely friendly service, nice menu choices (all the expected choices and some less usual ones). Quick food service. We had carbonara and pasta with vodka and prawns and both were delicious. Really lovely atmosphere, clearly a lot of regulars there and a welcoming warm vibe overall. Recommended

Food delicious and bursting with flavours. excellent service from helpful friendly staff. Reasonably priced, good value for money, good sized portions. Best fillet steak by far in durham and was cooked to perfection .

Lovely little place! We got a cheesy garlic bread for a started and I ordered the tomato and mozzarella gnocchi and my boyfriend got the calzone (which was huge) for mains. The food was lush and arrived quickly, the waiters were super friendly too.

Went in as 6 without reservation, the waitress quickly figured out to rotate a few tables allowing her to let us all fit, which is the first time I've seen something that smart in a restaurant in the UK. The food was quite good, not the biggest portions, but the prices were very reasonable.

My family and I attended a live dinosaur production, and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. The children were captivated, and the show was the perfect length to maintain their interest. I highly recommend seeing this show.

Beautiful venue with parking right underneath, fantastic prices & top comedians from around the country 10 out 10, was Jack Dee tonight 👏😂

A great place to go to see films at the cinema and theatre productions. We went to see the 50th Anniversary showing of Jaws and had a great time. Car park is right next to it, which make's it easier if you are driving there.

Great to have this kind of facility in the North East. We visit regularly for comedy or theatre shows, and most recently for TEDX. Staff always friendly and efficient. Seats are comfy and you're not squashed in like sardines as you find in some auditorium. Parking is plentiful close-by too. My only negative is that they need a bigger bar area/capacity to deal with large numbers of people during intervals as there is always a queue.

Visited the theatre many times now. Every time is a pleasant experience. Staff are friendly and very welcoming. I love the theatre and this one gives a very cosy vibe with great acoustics for any show. We will be back for panto!

I love the gala cinema. It doesn't have the fancy seats or whatever, but at £5 for a film, you can't go wrong! The only criticism is that the screen in the huge theatre is a little discolored, which I found slightly annoying during some scenes of "Jaws".

Splendid event hosted here with great access, security and Front of House! Catering and Facilities also top notch. Well done Durham!

Lovely authentic Thai restaurant tucked away slightly so easy to miss. I’d recommend finding this place. We popped in for lunch. They have a lunch time meal offer but we choose from the main menu. 2 delicious meals generous portions and attentive service. Will definitely go back

🌟 Treasures of Durham - Thai River Restaurant 🌟 Magnificent views of the River Wear, with Durham Cathedral as a stunning backdrop 🏞️ – all of which can be enjoyed even at night. Despite the rain, the atmosphere was peaceful and perfect 🌧️✨. We were craving Thai food in Durham and decided to make the half-hour drive from Newcastle 🚗🍜. This spot is ideal for catching up with friends 👥. The owner greeted us with a warm smile 😊 – Thai hospitality is truly special. He proudly showed us the 'Thai Select' award 🏅, granted by the Ministry of Commerce in Thailand as a seal of approval for authentic Thai cuisine! 🇹🇭 We tried the Thai River Signature dish 🔥🔥: Fish Fancier – a deep-fried Seabass prepared with basil leaves, chillies, and garlic. It was spicy 🌶️ and heavenly 😋. Thai food always brings that perfect heat kick! Other dishes we enjoyed: 🍲 Tod Mun Pla (Thai Fish Cakes) 🥢 Pad Kra Praw Jay (Stir Fried Tofu with Basil Leaves, extra spicy) 🍜 Tom Yum Soup with Noodles This is definitely a place for celebrations 🎉 – with views to admire and heartwarming Thai food. I have such a strong affinity for Thai cuisine 😆💖!

Authentic Thai food managed by Thai boss. Location is right at the city centre. Many Asian customer like this place. Good quality of food and portion is generous. Favourite meeting place for students.

A great Thai in the heart of Durham. Food was excellent and good size portions. If you’re lucky you can get seating overlooking the river with the Castle up to your left. Staff were brill, lots of help with the dishes if required. It is on the river bank so could be an issue if in a wheelchair. Another restaurant to add to our must visit again list.

This place serves beautiful food I have been here a few of times and the food is always hot and tasty. The staff are very good. I really can't believe that the restaurant is only half full, the place is really clean and well presented. I would definitely recommend any of the seafood dishes.

Had my 30th here and I was not disappointed it was an absolutely wonderful experience. It’s a lovely restaurant in a great location over looking Durham river and the decor in the restaurant is perfect. I had squid and Thai red curry exactly the same quality as in Thailand 🇹🇭 itself. Had few people with me who hadn’t had Thai food before but were won over I definitely recommend and will be back. Big shout out to staff they are very friendly and quick service. Brilliant

We went to the restaurant for opening, 12pm. We were the only customers during our whole meal, so it was very quiet. The good was very nice and full of flavour. For starters, we chose the sharing platter, which was nice. However, I believe it is overpriced for what you get on the platter. Our mains were Singapore noodles (chicken) and Weeping Tiger. The Singapore noodles were very filling and tasteful. I'd recommend trying these. The Weeping Tiger is a sirloin steak cut up on some salad. The steak was cooked well, but I was expecting a little more than steak on some lettuce leaves. For drink, we had a glass of Sprite and a bottle of Singha beer, as the draught pumps had a gas issue, so they were off. The premises were clean and tidy, few high-level cob webs but nothing major. Fantastic views of the castle and Durham City. The bill came to around £62.

Had dinner here with my family. The food were fabulous. Had mezes to share. The portions for two-to-share was like a meal itself. Had a wonderful time of trying the various meze combinations. The mains ordered were chicken shish and kleftico. The grilled chicken was very tender with a lingering smoky aroma. The slow cooked lamb shank was succulent and so tender that it fell off the bone easily. Pairing with Yakut, a Turkish red wine, completes this heavenly meal. Service was warm and friendly. There was almost no wait for the food. Strongly recommended. (apologies for the photos as there was a huge red neon behind our table)

A great little find, great menu with a fantastic variety of authentic Turkish cuisine. The food came quickly and was delicious, The menu was reasonably priced and staff were attentive, if you are visiting Durham it's worth a try.

Great selection of food with authenticity at a prime location in Durham. Must try their mixed platter as it tasted yum. Price is bit on higher side yet is acceptable due to the quality and quantity they provide.

Myself and my wife had lunch here while waiting for her passport from the Durham passport office, we arrived at noon and outside was 26⁰ we were pleased that the aircon was on and working well, We had 3 courses and the food was fantastic, and the service was the same, no rush and very relaxed, I would recommend a visit if you are in Durham, we will be back 😊

We went there yesterday. The food was excellent, and the customer service was perfect. We ordered the lamb and chicken shish. The meat was lovely, tender, and juicy. The portion of olives was very generous. Thank you so much.

Wonderful restaurant. Not only was the food rich, flavourful and with a generous portion but all the food was halal and the service was sublime. The tables and chairs and cutlery was clean and nice. The waiters were polite and charismatic and gave great food suggestions. If you are visiting Durham I recommend this restaurant. I went with my mother and sister and we ordered starters and mains and desserts and drinks and it resulted in about 100 pounds and they even offered us turkish tea on the house.

Had an amazing meal drinks and experience here today with outstanding service will definitely be back! Hikmit was lovely appreciate the fabulous customer service x

Decent tapas food. ! We tried patas Bravas with cheese (really nice), lamb tagine( delightful ), ham croquettes (amazing), meatballs( needed more seasoning and were a bit on the dry side), bread and hummus ! Great ambience ! You can order 2-3 dishes per person!

We ordered 3 tapas for £14.95 as the promotion board shows. I felt I'm being fooled. All these three tapas taste so bad. Not fresh at all. Prawn smells stinky and expired. Chicken wings were cooked from frozen and you can see the red and brown color on the bones. Fried squid from frozen as well. The crispy coat is very loose, and it is made of only a thin layer of batter, which has very poor adhesion. I can't have another bite after first try. I don't understand why this restaurant can get over 4 stars. Do they use different foods to treat customers who buy at the original price and customers who pay promotion prices?

Had an amazing birthday night out at Gussto last night with friends. Great menu with lots of choice. Tapas was absolutely delicious and the seafood paella was to die for. Excellent service, staff very helpful and friendly. Couldn’t have been any better. Highly recommended.

Walked in for lunch no reservation. Authentic Cruz Campo beer, Spanish wines and music, not sure about the food. Had the Pollo/chicken in mushroom sauce. Chicken had an odd taste and almost prefab texture, mushrooms were too uniform to be fresh. New server, first day so I’ll give her that but then it was one thing after the other… However, I heard a table of 4 next to me say lunch was delicious, I think they had tapas plates. Not accessible due to stairs off the street to basement level dining room.

This was a favourite of ours but after the meal yesterday it’s unlikely we will go back. Waited ages for the food, not always a bad thing if it is freshly prepared but sadly that wasn’t the case. Out of 6 dishes only one was edible. The rest were over cooked and/or frozen processed, too salty and the hummus was disgusting! Just chickpeas blended with olive oil and served with unappetising, badly presented veg and the garlic bread was so hard it couldn’t be broken ! To the credit of the server he significantly reduced the bill but it is so disappointing that this little place has gone down hill.

Service was disinterested and the overall atmosphere (hardly any guests) was unwelcoming. All serving dishes were cold and the food luke warm. Chicken wings had some feather stubs and generally the food tended towards bland unlike tapas we’ve previously enjoyed. A pity, previous reviews were overall excellent and we had been looking forward to this meal.

Bit disappointed tbh. Ordered the paella for 2 to share and was shocked how small portion was, also lacked flavour expected more than 2 prawns and 2 bits of chicken i think i had 1 piece of squid. staff seemed a bit confused when we questioned what we had ordered . We then ordered churros to share again small portion, not worth £7.95.Toilet was shocking taps broken and nothing to dry hands on. Resteraunt was nice, spanish music playing. But I would not return here, plus side...sangria was nice bit again £14.95 a bit steep!

Went for midweek lunch, large portions of traditional pub fayre. Very reasonably priced and excellently prepared. In the city centre with some outdoor areas too. Has recently been well refurbished and staff are very friendly and welcoming too.

Went to this place which they have named themselves sin city burger and they are scamming no brisket no bacon on burgers even though we paid extra the burgers were cold and came poorly wrapped in a flimsy wrapper the loaded fries box looks like they punched the top of them and were absolutely vile soaked un edible and I want a refund

Student pub chain that you have in the whole of England (at least in the North). Standard drinks but that said not a bad place to watch some football (DJ music at background is the downside). Staff are super nice but I suppose it’s a Durham thing!

Nice pub this and it's cheaper than some in the area. It's got a nice warm atmosphere. Toilet is on the first floor. Great sports coverage, and great menu for hot food. Also outside seating if that's your thing. All in all a great pub. Staff friendly and polite. 10 out of 10 😁

Sadly they use plastic cups which can break easily if there’s a slight crack in them when you’re getting a pint. I lost a whole pint after being given a plastic cup with a crack in it already and the staff couldn’t do anything after it cracked all the way down and my whole drink split. I’m not necessarily annoyed that they couldn’t do anything as they have rules about cup breakages, but it’s just something to watch out for and maybe a reason to get a drink from elsewhere instead.

Visited this pub on a quiet Tuesday lunchtime and it was really nice. A few couples here and there enjoying food. We opted for a booth and ordered a sharing platter at the bar when we got drinks - £12.49 where you pick 5 small plate items. The menu was like a Wetherspoons and quite cheap. Food arrived within maybe ten minutes and were larger portions than we had thought. Nachos and hunters loaded fries were lush, chicken pieces were a bit dry and the wings were well overdone. However, still edible and you can’t complain at how much they cost. My hubby had a pint of beer and I had a Coke, lovely and cold and I got them from the friendly lass at the bar. Plenty of seats, clean toilets upstairs and overall good experience. We will be back for sure. If you’re looking for somewhere cheap with plenty of choice, you can’t go past this place.

Went here for the liverpool game, great atmosphere and very good priced drinks. Also shout out to Georgia who served us, she was so lush and a great server! Thank you x

One of the nicest coffee houses in Durham. Lovely local business with freshly made baked goods and brunch options. Haven't ate here since being diagnosed with coeliac, so not sure what the gluten-free options are like. Their food was incredible a few years ago, and looks just as good now! The coffee is excellent and service was great.

Was a little concerned when I read some TripAdvisor reviews stating slow service. But, I found wait times were pretty good. If you want food thrown at you in 3 minutes stick to your McDonald's Mcmuffins. This is quality food with an unusual twist on the menu. The 2 guys in the small kitchen are knocking out great food. Service was good and with a smile. I'm glad we found this place for out last breakfast in Durham. It didn't disappoint It a little tucked away but well worth the visit.

Had breakfast at this beautiful quaint cafe with my family this morning. A simple sourdough toast with butter. The toasty skin with a favourful crumb with the rich butter was simply a warm start to a chilly morning. My son ate the salmon bagel without a word of complaint...sign of a tasty meal. The lattes and flat white were heavenly adding to the wonderful morning meal! Strongly recommended for any who pass by this area.

Quaint little cafe tucked away near the river bank. Range of breakfast/brunch type options and sandwiches which were all very tasty. I'd prefer the bacon a little crispier next time. The biggest downside is the length of the wait for food. The table staff are polite and welcoming, efficient but it's obvious that the kitchen is so small that it really struggles to get food out quickly especially when there's an increase in demand. The kitchen also seemed to have run out of some menu items which I can only assume was due to it bring a. Sunday. I would go back but only if I had time to spare on a relaxed bite to eat!

Booked in advance and came a bit early, the table was all ready so that was fine! The menu doesn't have drink options so that was a bit odd as I had to ask about juices and smoothies. Opted for the prawn and salmon sandwich - very much like an 80s prawn cocktail which was exactly what I wanted, but needed lots more salmon - only a slither!! I thought it was quite pricey given the quantity, possibly needs a serving of salad/chips/crisps to justify. My one main negative was that the service was just so SLOW. There isn't an argument that it was busy because it was not! It took ages for our order to be taken, ages for drinks to come back, and at the end we didn't even ask for the bill we simply went downstairs to pay and leave! It was a shame!

Lovely little cafe, staff all smiles and quick service, burnt cheesecake was lovely.

Been to Leonard's Coffee House a couple of times now, and it's the pancake stack that keep me coming back. They are fluffy and not overly sweet which makes them well accompanied by the maple syrup and bacon. The coffees have been good, not overly milky flat whites, so you can actually taste the coffee. The cafe has a cosy atmosphere, nestled into the corner building at the end of a row.

Best Nando's I've had in the UK by far. Food was on point, fresh, hot and full of flavour. Huge shout-out to Jamie, the guy who served me. Absolute top lad, friendly, attentive and made my whole experience there all the more welcoming.

This is very close to Gala cinema area. Very popular to students in Durham. We ordered half chicken and chicken wings salad. Turn out is quite okay. My impression is their chicken is dry, but not this time. You can place order and pay via QR code. During busy hour had wait for more than 30 mins. Better skip the peak hour.

We've only visited Nando's in Durham a couple of times, but it already looks like this will be our favourite Nando's. Despite being busy, the restaurant has plenty of space both inside and outside, which is great for a comfortable dining experience. The staff is exceptionally friendly and understanding, especially towards our need to take care of our little daughter. They provided us with colouring paper and crayons to keep her busy while we waited for our food. This small gesture made a big difference and added to our pleasant experience. Prices are standard for Nando's, and all the usual standards are maintained. The restaurant is clean, and the facilities, including the toilets which are located upstairs, are well-maintained. This setup contributes to a cleaner environment, unlike some places where tables are right next to toilet doors – not the case here at all. I highly recommend this Nando's and will gladly give it five stars. The dishes are served at the correct temperatures, with cold dishes being cold and hot dishes being hot, so no unpleasant surprises with warm salads or cold chicken. The restaurant appears to be sufficiently staffed, ensuring there are no delays in service. Overall, Nando's in Durham is a fantastic place to dine, whether for a quick meal or a relaxed family outing.

Nando's in Durham is a great place to relax and catch up with friends in a comforting environment. The food quality has been consistently good at this branch, which is always a plus. However, one noticeable downside is the increased prices across all branches, which is unfortunate. The restaurant offers a pleasant atmosphere, but it can get quite busy, as I experienced when I visited on a Wednesday evening around 7 PM. There was a queue, which was a bit surprising for a weekday. The staff, though, are friendly and accommodating. One minor inconvenience is that they encourage customers to order through a QR code, which can be annoying for those who prefer a traditional menu like myself. On the bright side, the cleanliness of the bathroom was notable, adding to the overall positive impression of the restaurant. All in all, Nando's in Durham is a decent dining spot, especially considering the limited options available in Durham. Despite the higher prices and the digital ordering process, it remains a reliable choice for those looking for a tasty meal and a cosy place to spend time with friends.

Nando’s quality food served quickly with a smile, staff sat us immediately upon entry. If you want spicy chicken, it’s the place to go. Children’s portions are big!

Food in store good but delivery atrocious. Repeated deliveries relying on deliveroo drivers from a business perspective doesn't work. Every time we have ordered for delivery on orders over £100 takes over an hour, and when the food eventually does arrive it's wet soggy and comes in more than one delivery with over 20 minute gap between deliveries. Total joke. Will not be ordering for delivery again. Even more hilarious. Deliveroo now refusing to process a refund.

Nando’s is a great place to enjoy some chicken. Their food is amazing and even more their sauces. The only thing that could be better at this Nando’s would be the tables and their arrangement. If you go with a partner or even alone you might end up finding yourself in the unconfortable tables. Besides that, the food makes up for that, the wings and the chicken burger are amazing. If you also put some of their sauce in the chips they will taste 10 times better. Prices are not really that high and you have to walk to the bar to order and they will bring it to your table.

First full breakfast since covid lock down and it was fantastic, owner apologised for not having the usual bacon cut but it was far better than normal a real improvement absolutely fantastic well cooked well presented those sausages and thick slab of black pudding ... Oh I wish I took a photo to share The team feeding us Bowburn key workers a lovely treat at great value for money Be safe ❤️

Great little shop. The staff are always friendly and the food is tasty and well priced. There's a great selection of food as well as specials and there's plenty of cakes and drinks to go with the food. It's definitely worth a visit or drop in if you're passing by.

Really good food, especially the paninis. Their salad options are great and flavourful. The one star deduction is only because they use polystyrene containers for food instead of more sustainable options. Otherwise, great staff and great food!

Great food and staff. Very friendly. Edit. About 8 staff making food with no masks on (great to see) but then ask you to wear a mask! It's a level of stupidity that I never thought possible. But hey...crazy times. Foods still good.

Fantastic and very accommodating, considering I'm vegan the lovely friendly staff really went the extra mile to come up with a delicious vegan friendly breakfast. My girlfriend said her full breakfast was absolutely amazing also, so will definitely be popping in again for a nice treat.

Absolutely delicious food! They really know how to get a panini just right- super crisp! The staff are a wonderfully friendly team, will definitely be a regular here!

Excellent service and top quality food. Sausage sandwich are a taste sensation and the cakes are just something else. Lunchtime gets busy, with good reason, friendly people serving good food.