The Best Italian Restaurants in Durham

Italian is Durham's reliable go-to for a night out, and the city is well served for it, from long-established independents run by the same families for decades to smart, central bistros. Whether you want a lively trattoria in the heart of the old streets or a cosy dining room for a special occasion, here are the best Italian restaurants in and around the city.

La Spaghettata

La Spaghettata has been on Saddler Street since 1996, making it Durham's longest-running independent Italian, and it still has the warm, lively buzz of a proper family trattoria. Spread across the upper floors of the historic street between the Market Place and the cathedral, it serves a broad menu of pasta, pizza and classic mains at fair prices.

Downstairs, the same family runs Fabio's Bar, so it works just as well for a drink before dinner as for the meal itself. The central spot makes it popular with students, visitors and residents, so it fills quickly at weekends and in term time.

Best for: Best for a lively, characterful night out in the heart of the city.

Bistro Italiano

Bistro Italiano on Claypath has earned a devoted local following over many years as a warm, family-run restaurant serving authentic Italian food a short walk from the Market Place. The kitchen does the classics well, from homemade pasta and risotto to veal, chicken and fish dishes, with generous portions and attentive, personal service.

Its reputation rests on consistency and hospitality rather than fashion, which is exactly why it remains a favourite for date nights, family meals and celebrations. The cosy dining room is small and popular, so booking ahead is wise.

Best for: Best for an intimate, authentic Italian dinner.

Uno Momento

Uno Momento sits on Silver Street, one of the busiest streets in the centre a short walk from the Market Place, and blends the charm of a classic Italian bistro with a more contemporary look. The menu covers the staples, from pizza and pasta to risotto and grilled mains, and the central location makes it an easy choice for lunch while shopping or a relaxed dinner in town.

Part of a small North East group, it aims for consistency and a friendly welcome, and the setting suits everything from a casual bite to a group get-together.

Best for: Best for a central, contemporary Italian lunch or dinner.

La Piazza

Just up from the centre in Gilesgate, La Piazza is a spacious family Italian set in the former Gilesgate railway station, which closed to passengers in 1966. It serves homemade pasta, stone-baked pizza and classic mains, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options and a terrace for warmer days.

The generous dining room suits a family meal, a larger celebration or a pre-theatre dinner before a show at the Gala, and it is well regarded for friendly service and good value.

Best for: Best for a relaxed family meal with plenty of room and easy value.

Picking your table

Durham's Italians each have their own character: La Spaghettata for a buzzy night in the old streets, Bistro Italiano for an intimate dinner, Uno Momento for a central and contemporary meal, and La Piazza for a roomy family gathering. All get busy at weekends and in term time, so book ahead where you can.

Have a favourite Durham Italian we have not mentioned? Get in touch and we will take a look.