Best Restaurants in Durham

Hungry in Durham? Explore top-rated restaurants with menus, reviews, and local recommendations. Open the free web guide or Evendo app.

The best restaurants in Durham

Durham offers a diverse dining scene for visitors to enjoy, with a mix of traditional English pubs, trendy cafes, and fine dining restaurants. From classic fish and chips to gourmet cuisine, there is something for every palate. The historic city is also home to charming tea rooms and bakeries, perfect for indulging in delicious treats. With picturesque views of the cathedral and river, dining in Durham is not just a meal, but a memorable experience that captures the essence of this medieval city.

48 restaurants

  1. Caribbean4.92,693 reviews

    Turtle Bay Durham

    Turtle Bay Durham offers a lively Caribbean dining experience in a vibrant riverside setting. Located at The Riverwalk, this restaurant combines authentic island flavours with a fun, colourful atmosphere. Guests enjoy a diverse menu featuring jerk pit ribs, vegan options, and tropical cocktails, alongside attentive service and a buzzing social vibe. Ideal for casual meals, group celebrations, or a relaxed night out with friends, Turtle Bay Durham brings a taste of the Caribbean to the heart of Durham.

    Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs

    7 min walk · 0.5 kmUnit R07 The Riverwalk, Durham DH1 4SL

  2. Hamburger4.41,645 reviews

    Fat Hippo Durham

    Fat Hippo Durham is a vibrant burger restaurant located at 36 Saddler Street, offering a creative menu of hearty beef and buttermilk chicken burgers, alongside vegan and gluten-free options. Set in a quirky, multi-level venue with original features, it provides a casual, family-friendly atmosphere perfect for a satisfying meal in the heart of Durham's historic city centre.

    Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs

    9 min walk · 0.7 km36 Saddler St, Durham DH1 3NU

  3. Thai4.51,319 reviews

    Zen

    Zen is a contemporary Asian fusion restaurant located on Court Lane in Durham, offering a refined dining experience inspired by traditional Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Indian cuisines. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and flexible menu options, it caters to diverse tastes with vegetarian and spice-level choices. Open daily from 11am to 10pm, Zen combines authentic flavours with Western glamour, making it a popular spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the heart of Durham.

    Daily 11:00–22:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs

    13 min walk · 1.0 kmCourt Ln, Durham DH1 3JS

  4. Italian4.41,078 reviews

    La Spaghettata

    La Spaghettata is Durham’s longest-running independent Italian restaurant, serving authentic Italian dishes since 1996. Located on the first floor of 66 Saddler Street, it offers a homely atmosphere with a menu featuring classic Italian favorites, fresh seafood, premium steaks, and options for vegan and gluten-free diets. Known for generous portions and reasonable prices, it is a popular spot for locals and visitors seeking traditional Italian cuisine in a cozy setting.

    Price level $Time to spend 1–2 hrs

    8 min walk · 0.6 kmFirst floor, 66 Saddler St, Durham DH1 3NP

  5. Turkish4.6973 reviews

    Akarsu Turkish Restaurant & Grill

    Akarsu Turkish Restaurant & Grill offers an authentic taste of Turkey in the heart of Durham city. Situated on Silver Street with views of the River Wear, Durham Castle, and Cathedral, this vibrant eatery serves freshly prepared mezes, charcoal-grilled kebabs, and a wide selection of Turkish wines and beers. Casual yet atmospheric, it features alfresco dining in summer, welcoming families and providing a lively, culturally rich dining experience.

    Daily 11:30–21:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs

    6 min walk · 0.5 km21 Silver St, Durham DH1 3RB

  6. Restaurant4.01,183 reviews

    Broomside park Beefeater

    Broomside Park Beefeater is a family-friendly British restaurant and pub located in Durham’s Belmont Industrial Park. Known for its expertly grilled steaks, classic pub fare, and welcoming atmosphere, it offers hearty meals including Sunday roasts and a popular Premier Inn breakfast. With spacious indoor seating and an outdoor pub garden, it caters to all ages and tastes, emphasizing quality, comfort, and casual dining.

    Mon–Fri 6:30–23:00 · Sat–Sun 7:00–23:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs

    6 min drive · 3.0 kmBelmont Industrial Park, Broomside Ln, Durham DH1 1GG

  7. Hamburger4.5946 reviews

    Tango Durham

    Tango Durham is a lively American-style burger restaurant and bar located at 39 Saddler Street, Durham. Known for its inventive burgers, fresh local produce, and vibrant terrace overlooking the riverside, Tango offers a welcoming atmosphere with a diverse menu including vegan and Middle Eastern-inspired dishes. Open daily from 11am to late evening, it’s a popular spot for casual dining, cocktails, and social gatherings in the city centre.

    Mon–Fri 11:00–23:00 · Sat–Sun 11:00–23:30Price level $$Time to spend 1–2 hrs

    9 min walk · 0.7 km39 Saddler St, Durham DH1 3NU

  8. Restaurant4.5927 reviews

    Flat White Kitchen

    Flat White Kitchen is a beloved café and breakfast restaurant nestled in a beautifully renovated 17th-century townhouse on Saddler Street, Durham. Renowned for serving some of the North East’s best coffee alongside a highly acclaimed brunch menu, it offers a cozy atmosphere with modern rustic décor. Open daily from morning to late afternoon, it caters to a variety of dietary preferences including vegan and vegetarian options.

    Mon–Sat 9:00–16:00 · Sun 10:00–16:00Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs

    9 min walk · 0.7 km40 Saddler St, Durham DH1 3NU

  9. Italian4.6852 reviews

    La Spada Ristorante

    La Spada Ristorante in Pity Me, Durham, offers a welcoming atmosphere and authentic Italian cuisine at affordable prices. Known for its attentive service and a varied menu featuring classic dishes, this restaurant is a favorite for locals seeking quality Italian food. Open daily with flexible hours, La Spada provides a cozy dining experience with a focus on fresh ingredients and traditional flavors.

    Price level $Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs

    7 min drive · 3.3 km62-63 Front St, Pity Me, Durham DH1 5DE

  10. Lebanese4.3970 reviews

    Lebaneat

    Lebaneat is a vibrant Lebanese restaurant located at 47 North Bailey in Durham, offering a rich menu of authentic Middle Eastern dishes with ample vegan, halal, and gluten-free options. Known for its generous portions, fresh ingredients, and flavorful recipes, it caters to diverse dietary needs while providing a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Open daily from noon to 11 PM, Lebaneat invites guests to enjoy traditional Lebanese mezze, grilled meats, wraps, and refreshing beverages in a lively city-centre setting.

    Daily 12:00–23:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–2 hrs

    9 min walk · 0.7 km47 N Bailey, Durham DH1 3ET

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