The Best Restaurants in Durham

Durham's dining scene has grown well beyond what you might expect of a city its size, helped along by a steady stream of visitors and a large student population. From ambitious tasting menus to relaxed neighbourhood favourites, here are the places worth booking.

For a special occasion

At the top end, Coarse, tucked into a courtyard off North Road, serves a set tasting menu of modern British small plates built around local, seasonal produce, and is one of only a couple of Durham kitchens listed in the Michelin Guide. Nearby on Silver Street, Faru offers five- and ten-course tasting menus from an open kitchen, the work of a team with serious fine-dining pedigree.

Riverside and modern European

The Cellar Door on Saddler Street is a long-standing favourite, its rear windows opening onto the River Wear and a garden that supplies some of the kitchen. A little way out at Aykley Heads, Finbarr's serves British and European cooking in a handsome period house, a reliable choice for an unhurried lunch or dinner. In the shopping quarter, Brasserie Quartier brings a French accent to everything from brunch to dinner.

Around the world

Durham does international food well. Zen on Court Lane is a long-running Thai and pan-Asian restaurant with a striking interior, while Lebaneat on North Bailey serves generous Lebanese shawarma, mezze and grills with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. For something more casual, Tango on Saddler Street turns out inventive burgers alongside Middle Eastern-influenced plates.

Booking

The smaller kitchens, especially the tasting-menu restaurants, have limited covers and book up, so reserve ahead, particularly at weekends and during graduation and the Miners' Gala. For a full picture of eating out in the city, browse our directory of Durham cafes, pubs and restaurants.