The Best Breakfast in Durham

A good breakfast sets up a day in Durham nicely, whether you are heading up to the cathedral, catching a train or simply settling in for a slow weekend. The compact city centre is packed with independent cafes, so you are never far from a proper cooked breakfast or a plate of brunch. Here are our favourite places to start the day.

Flat White Kitchen, Saddler Street

Flat White Kitchen on Saddler Street has become Durham's go-to brunch spot, and for good reason. It is an airy, contemporary room turning out some of the best coffee in the city alongside a well-judged brunch menu, with plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Expect the modern classics done properly, from eggs and avocado to bigger cooked plates.

Its position on the climb up towards Palace Green makes it an easy stop before or after a look at the cathedral. It is deservedly popular, so arrive early at weekends or be ready to wait for a table.

Best for: Best for a stylish weekend brunch with excellent coffee.

Riverview Kitchen, Silver Street

Riverview Kitchen sits on Silver Street close to Framwellgate Bridge, making the most of its spot above the River Wear with views over the water. Family-owned and independent, it bakes everything on site and offers a dog-friendly welcome that suits walkers coming off the riverside paths.

The menu leans towards hearty cooked breakfasts and brunch favourites such as eggs royale and stacks of pancakes, served through the day. The riverside outlook and central location make it a comfortable place to pause while exploring the city.

Best for: Best for a cooked breakfast with a view over the Wear.

Vennels Cafe, Saddler Street

Tucked down a narrow yard just off Saddler Street, Vennels Cafe is one of Durham's most characterful hideaways, set in a listed sixteenth-century building. It is the sort of cosy, low-beamed spot that regulars are quietly protective of, serving generous breakfasts, sandwiches and homemade cakes away from the bustle of the main street.

Finding it is half the fun, down the vennel and up the stairs, and it rewards the effort with a genuinely old Durham atmosphere. It is a lovely place to shelter with a pot of tea on a wet morning.

Best for: Best for a cosy, characterful breakfast off the beaten track.

Cafédral, Owengate

Cafédral on Owengate is about as close to the cathedral as you can get for your morning coffee, sitting on the short climb between the Market Place and Palace Green. It is a bright, friendly coffee shop serving breakfasts, pastries and light bites, and it makes a natural first or last stop on a walk around the World Heritage Site.

The location is the draw, but the coffee and the welcome hold their own. Grab a window seat and watch the visitors making their way up towards the green.

Best for: Best for coffee and pastries right by the cathedral.

Treats Café & Tea Room, Silver Street

For a more traditional start, Treats Café & Tea Room on Silver Street serves breakfast and brunch all day, alongside lunches, cakes and a proper afternoon tea. A minute from the Market Place, it is a comfortable, unpretentious spot for a full breakfast or something lighter with a pot of tea.

Everything is geared towards a relaxed sit-down rather than a grab-and-go, which makes it a good choice when you want to take your time over the first meal of the day.

Best for: Best for a leisurely, traditional breakfast and a pot of tea.

Where to go

From riverside cooked breakfasts to stylish brunch and cosy tucked-away tea rooms, Durham has a strong breakfast scene for such a small city. If we have missed your favourite, let us know via our contact page. For more places to eat and drink, browse our directory or read our guide to the best cafes and coffee in Durham.