You're sure to find somewhere delicious to eat in our round-up of Durham restaurants. While the city is famous for its fascinating history and spectacular Cathedral and Castle, it's also home to some fantastic places to eat and drink, including fancy fine-dining restaurants, traditional British pubs, trendy brunch spots, and even a gaming and comic book café. So, if you're planning a visit to this stunning city, you're sure to be spoilt for choice.
In this list, we've picked out some of the best restaurants in Durham, including options to suit different tastes and budgets. Keep reading to start planning your perfect meal today.
If you're looking for great Asian food in Durham, Sense is the place to go. Located on Claypath in the city centre, this little gem is the perfect spot for a filling meal after a busy day of sightseeing or before a trip to the theatre. The menu is seasonal and authentically Chinese, the décor is modern, and service is relaxed and friendly. A lot of dishes on the menu are also quite hot, so it's a good place to go if you like spicy food.
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Gussto is a bustling tapas restaurant located right next to Durham's main shopping district, and a short walk from the theatre. It serves authentic Spanish small plates and paella that are ideal for sharing - so it's perfect for large groups. The décor is rustic and romantic, and the ambiance is lively. Make sure you order a jug of real Spanish sangria!
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If you’re visiting Durham for a special occasion, you might want to celebrate with a high-end meal, and that's exactly what you'll find at The Cellar Door on Saddler Street. The service, food, and wine list are all exceptional, and the venue is pretty impressive too as it’s based in a converted 13th century cellar. On sunny day, you can even enjoy your meal out on their terrace, which offers beautiful views of the river.
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If you’re in the mood for Thai food, book a table at Zen, which is located over the River Wear on the East side of the city. Zen offers an incredibly extensive menu, and you can expect to find a huge range of different Thai and Pan-Asian dishes, including stir fries, roast meats, noodles, soups, dim sum, curries, and more. The venue is stunning and the atmosphere is lively, so it’s a great place to dine if you’re celebrating a special occasion.
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Lovers of Mexican cuisine will definitely want to pay a visit to Tia’s - a casual eatery that serves tasty enchiladas, chimichangas, fajitas, and huge racks of slow-cooked ribs. The atmosphere is lively and there's a fantastic cocktail menu that includes frozen rosé and margaritas, which are very popular with the locals. It’s located on Claypath, so it’s a great place to start a night out.
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If you like a good burger, you’ll definitely want to check out Fat Hippo, which is located in the heart of Durham City Centre on Saddler Street. It's known for its inventive toppings and flavour combinations, which include everything from peanut butter and bacon jam to pineapple and hot sauce. Although they might be best known for their beef and chicken burgers, they have plenty of delicious vegan and vegetarian options on the menu.
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08 Nov 2023
28 Apr 2021
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