Where to Eat in Durham: The Best Restaurants and Bars

October 8, 2017 Veronika Gaddis

Discover the best restaurant in Durham, United Kingdom (UK) including Tia's, Finbarr’s Restaurant, Bells Fish Restaurant, Cross Keys Inn, Tealicious Tearoom, Bella Mamma, Restaurant 17, Restaurant DH1, Lebaneat, Three Horse Shoes
Things to do in Durham

1. Tia's

84 Claypath, Durham DH1 1RG, England Delivery, Takeout, Full Bar, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards Mexican, Pizza, Mediterranean, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly Dinner, Late Night HK$63 - HK$220 +44 191 383 9001
Excellent
67%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 355 reviews

Tia's

Freshly prepared authentic Mexican cuisine including enchiladas, chimichangas, fajitas. Our menu also includes slow cooked ribs, handmade pizzas, fish, chicken and steak dishes. Food is cooked to order, so we can adjust our dishes to suit individual dietary requirements ie gluten free, vegan, dairy free etc. Please let us know any dietary requirements or allergens upon arrival. We have an extensive cocktail list as well as a wide selection of wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks.

Reviewed By Joanne G - County Durham, United Kingdom

We eat at Tias probably 3 times a year, as we live local. The menu is great but getting alittle stale. Alcohol free cocktails-softails are lovely. Staff are always very helpful and polite. Could do with a few meat alternatives on the menu-such as quorn-would be much more of a substantial meal-come on Tias why not give it a trial and see how it goes down.

2. Finbarr’s Restaurant

Aykley Heads, Durham DH1 5TS, England Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa European, British, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner +44 191 307 7033
Excellent
66%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 930 reviews

Finbarr’s Restaurant

Reviewed By Watt500 - Sedgefield, United Kingdom

Went for lunch with 6 other ladies. Nice room to have drinks. Bread and olives we're waiting on the dining table. Pleasant staff. Had Beetroot and Feta starter, Fishcakes, then Creme Brûlée. All we're really lovely, and nicely presented, but the Main meal was too salty(my friend agreed). Desert was lovely but would have been enhanced served with a mini biscuit or a couple of raspberries. All three courses were very tasty and I would have them again. Special lunch price for January £17.50 for 3 courses. Service charge extra, so £20 more than covered the meal.

3. Bells Fish Restaurant

Market Square, Durham, England Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol Seafood, British Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +44 191 384 8974
Excellent
68%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 927 reviews

Bells Fish Restaurant

Take-away.

Reviewed By simon e - Hartlepool, United Kingdom

What a wonderful fish and chip restaurant in the heart of Durham. The haddock and plaice and salmon were all fantastic quality and fresh. The chips were tasty and crispy. It’s also a fantastic place to people watch too, we will return.

4. Cross Keys Inn

Front Street | Esh, Durham DH7 9QR, England Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Accepts Credit Cards Bar, British, Pub, International, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner HK$55 - HK$220 +44 191 373 1279
Excellent
75%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 320 reviews

Cross Keys Inn

The cross keys provides friendly service and a range of food for everyone. While we provide traditional homemade British classics we also have a specials board which covers cuisine from around the world. Our desserts are eclectic and traditional

Reviewed By SuznDave - North Yorkshire

We ate here on a Thursday evening. We had rump steak with chips, mushrooms, tomato and salad garnish plus a lovely bottle of Chardonnay. The service was friendly and fast, the food piping hot and delicious. We learned through chatting to the barman that this pub has recently changed owners. The new owner came out to chat to us, he was very approachable and friendly. He and his wife deserve to do well with this place. A final lovely bit of service was that we forgot to take the rest of our bottle of wine with us (my husband was driving) and the barman came out to our car to bring it to us. Wish we lived a bit nearer to this place but we will be back! Highly recommend you try it out.

5. Tealicious Tearoom

88 Elvet Bridge, Durham DH1 3AG, England Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Waitstaff Cafe, British, Soups, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Brunch, Drinks HK$39 - HK$133 +44 191 340 1393
Excellent
84%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 428 reviews

Tealicious Tearoom

Tealicious Tearoom offers a relaxing atmosphere in which to enjoy the 17 individual blends of loose leaf tea served in a collection of unique fine bone China tea cups. Fresh homemade cakes, scones and sandwiches made to order, makes a visit to Tealicious Tearoom a truly unforgettable experience.<br>Opening times:<br>Tue - Sat 10am til 4pm<br>Sun - 12 noon til 4pm<br>Mon - Closed

Reviewed By BassettHound33 - County Durham

We have been visiting Tealicious for morning tea/coffee regularly for several years and it is consistently excellent. The service is always enthusiastic, the ambience is relaxing and the tea and coffee and cakes and scones are absolutely delicious. The eclectic collection of China cups, saucers, and plates is also great. It is our favourite tearoom.

6. Bella Mamma

Darlington Road, Durham DH1 4JX, England Takeout, Serves Alcohol, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night HK$31 - HK$275 +44 191 370 9922
Excellent
75%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 285 reviews

Bella Mamma

Reviewed By geordie22 - County Durham, United Kingdom

Great experience,from entering place to leaving.Welcomed without a fuss, given complimentary drink to start.Waiters very attentive without being overbearing.Good selection of food and easy to read menu.Food great and even made a portion side order that was not on menu.
Not rushed at all throughout night.Very surprised at low cost of bill for the evening.
Certainly now a one for regular visit.
Great.

7. Restaurant 17

17 Elvet Bridge, Durham DH1 3AA, England Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar European, British, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner HK$47 - HK$251 +44 191 384 9050
Excellent
72%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 260 reviews

Restaurant 17

Restaurant 17 Has a Reputation for fresh cuisine. With world wide infulences all Home Made by a Talented Team of Chefs. Set within a Historic Grade II Listed Building on Elvet Bridge. The boutique inspired interior is stylish and contemporary, with lanterns and beautiful chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, candle lit tables welcome you and a historic brick fireplace is a main focus point within the restaurant. If in Durham Visit Durhams First World Fusion Restaurant

Reviewed By plus4man - London, United Kingdom

Had enough of burgers and high street chains? Head for Restaurant 17 near Old Elvet Bridge for quality food, well prepared and perfectly presented. See the full menu on their website. Courteous and attentive staff, nothing too much trouble. Will definitely return next time we...MoreThank you for taking the time to leave us a great 5* review, we look forward to your next visit.

8. Restaurant DH1

The Avenue, Durham DH1 4DX, England Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar British, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Dinner HK$196 - HK$549 +44 191 384 6655
Excellent
78%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 250 reviews

Restaurant DH1

The restaurant occupies Farnley Tower’s lower floor and can seat around 22 diners. We offer fine dining at an affordable price, in cosy, friendly surroundings. At Restaurant DH1 we are proud of the food that we serve and the service which we provide and we aim to offer our customers a special dining experience every time that they visit. We hope to help create some memorable evenings for each and every one of our guests, whether they are spending time with family, friends or loved ones.

Reviewed By cycletourleader - Durham, United Kingdom

We don’t need a special occasion or need an excuse to dine at Restaurant DH1. My wife and I have been coming here for several years and chef Stephen Hardy, his wife Helen and their team have consistently delivered high standards of food and service.
Tonight we chose the midweek special menu (4 courses plus Home made bread/butter & snacks for £50 per couple) and were delighted with the flavours on every course.
Thankfully, we only live a few miles away so it goes without saying, we’ll be back.
Thanks again for another delicious meal!

9. Lebaneat

47 North Bailey, Durham, England Delivery, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol Lebanese, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Halal, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +44 191 384 6777
Excellent
64%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 862 reviews

Lebaneat

Reviewed By Suzanne N - Nottingham, England, United Kingdom

We visited last night as a group of 9. It's not somewhere I myself would have chosen and I don't think I'd go back purely as I'm not so keen on the cuisine. It's also got quite a cramped feel with tables packed in. Some had the £20 mixed platter and it looked good but was huge. Staff friendly and you have to book as it's so busy. It's very popular but just not for me.

10. Three Horse Shoes

Running Waters, Durham DH1 2SR, England Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Bar, British, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch +44 191 372 0286
Excellent
67%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 167 reviews

Three Horse Shoes

Reviewed By DJE13288

Visited the Three Horse Shoes recently with my parents for a birthday treat after hearing positive reports on the quality of the food from friends. The restaurant had a very cosy feel and good atmosphere. It filled up very quickly after 6PM on a Saturday night.. always a good sign! The food was very nice, we all enjoyed everything we chose and the food was presented well. Needless to say we all had empty plates and unfortunately could not squeeze in a dessert. We will definitely be returning in the not too distant future. Staff were also very friendly and hospitable.

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