Durham is a charming historic city with a vibrant and diverse food scene, offering everything from cosy riverside dining and British gastropub classics to refined restaurants and flavour-packed global cuisines. Whether you’re exploring the medieval centre or enjoying a meal near the cathedral, Durham has plenty of highly rated restaurants to choose from. Below, we highlight some of the best-reviewed places to eat in Durham for flavour, service and atmosphere.
Why Durham Is Great for Food Lovers
- A mix of traditional British, European, Asian and contemporary restaurants.
- Beautiful riverside and historic dining settings.
- A strong independent restaurant culture alongside reliable favourites.
How We Selected the Best Restaurants
- Included only restaurants with consistently high, recent reviews.
- Prioritised food quality, creativity, value and overall dining experience.
- Ensured a mix of cuisines to suit all tastes.
- Featured restaurants popular with both locals and visitors.
Best Durham Restaurants
Finbarr’s Restaurant
A refined, modern British restaurant offering seasonal dishes, exceptional flavours and warm hospitality. A top choice for special occasions and fine dining in Durham.
Zen
A stylish Asian fusion restaurant serving Thai, Malaysian and pan-Asian dishes in a vibrant, atmospheric setting. Known for creative flavours and excellent service.
Tealicious Tea Room
A beloved tearoom and café offering freshly made breakfasts, afternoon teas and classic British light meals. Popular for its cosy charm and homemade treats.
The Cellar Door
A riverside restaurant serving modern British dishes with local produce. Known for its scenic views, relaxed atmosphere and well-presented plates.
Coarse Durham
An inventive dining spot offering tasting-style menus with seasonal and creative small plates. Praised for its unique approach and excellent value.
La Spada Ristorante
A popular Italian restaurant offering pasta dishes, pizzas and Mediterranean classics. Loved for its hearty portions, friendly service and family-friendly setting.
Popular Cuisines in Durham
- Modern British — fine-dining dishes, seasonal produce and creative menus.
- Asian Fusion — Thai, Malaysian and pan-Asian flavours.
- Italian — pasta, pizza and Mediterranean comfort food.
- British cafés — homemade treats, afternoon tea and light meals.
- European & contemporary — stylish plates and relaxed dining environments.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to book restaurants in Durham?
A: Booking is recommended for popular spots like Finbarr’s and Zen, especially during weekends and holidays.
Q: Are there vegetarian and vegan options in Durham?
A: Yes — most modern British, Asian and Italian restaurants offer strong vegetarian options.
Q: Is Durham good for casual dining?
A: Absolutely — several cafés, gastropubs and bistro-style restaurants offer relaxed, affordable meals.
Q: Are there fine-dining restaurants in Durham?
A: Yes — Finbarr’s and Coarse are top choices for refined dining experiences.
Conclusion
Durham’s restaurant scene blends history, culture and excellent food, offering everything from comforting British favourites to exciting global flavours. Whether you’re visiting the cathedral or exploring the riverside, the restaurants above represent some of the best places to eat in the city. See all restaurants in Durham
Also Check: Best Restaurants in Edinburgh
