Durham Restaurant Guide

Gourmet Spot

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I think it takes a bit of nerve to call yourself Gourmet-Spot, particularly in Durham, but nerve or not here is something new and interesting in that gorgeous cathedral and castle city, once described as "one of the finest architectural experiences in Europe".

3 courses from the a la carte menu for £22.50

• Address: The Avenue, Durham, DH1 4DX (Map)
• Cuisine(s): International
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: N/A, Dinner: £33.00

Tasca, La - Durham

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Fixed price menu (Madrileno Menu - Selection of tapas) for £19.95

Fixed price menu (Menu Rapido,your food in 15 minutes or you get it free) for £7.95

Fixed price menu (Sevilliano Menu - Selection of tapas) for £12.45

Fixed price menu (Valenciano Menu - Selection of tapas) for £14.95

Tapas for a tenner

• Address: 58 Sadler Street, Durham, DH1 3NU (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Spanish
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: £14.00, Dinner: £27.00

Almshouses

Located in the heart of Durham on Palace Green, and conveniently near to the Music and Theology faculties, Almshouses attracts large numbers of students. One wonders how many vegetarian vicars and musical meat-haters the place has to its credit? That piece of speculation aside Almshouses goes the extra mile to accommodate the un-believers, and some very tasty dishes emerge as a result.

• Address: Palace Green, Durham, DH1 3RL (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Vegetarian
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: N/A, Dinner: £20.00

ASK - Durham

For some time I made the mistake of thinking that no group of restaurants in the region of 200 locations could hope to maintain the quality for which I was looking. Then one day I decided to put my prejudices to the test, walked into Oxford Ask! and discovered that I could not have been more mistaken.

• Address: The Royal York Hotel, Unit 4 Walkergate, Durham, DH1 1SQ (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Pizza & Pasta
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: N/A, Dinner: £22.00

Bistro 21

Way out in the sticks at Aykley Heads, Bistro 21 is able to aim at a rather different cuisine to that prevailing in the city centre. The cleverly converted farmhouse offers an intimate and friendly atmosphere in which fine food seems naturally at home.

• Address: Aykley Heads House, Aykley Heads, Durham, DH1 5TS (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Mediterranean, Modern European
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: £18.00, Dinner: £42.00

County Restaurant

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A very smart and stylish hotel, their fine dining restaurant is called the County, which is clearly taken seriously both by management and customers. High standards apply and the kitchen produces appealing and original dishes, which command attention and have earned them an AA Rosette for the quality of their cuisine.

• Address: Durham Marriott Hotel Royal County, Old Elvet, Durham, DH1 3JN (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Modern European
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: N/A, Dinner: £42.00

El Coto - Durham

Probably the finest invention to ever come out of Spain is the tapas bar, that wonderfully informal form of eating, with lots of small and interesting dishes, eaten slowly with a delicious fino sherry or quickly if the need arises.

• Address: 17 Hallgarth Street, Durham, DH1 3AT (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Spanish
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: £12.00, Dinner: £22.00

Hide Cafe Bar & Grill

• Address: 39 Saddler Street, Durham City, Durham, DH1 3NU (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Grill, Bar, Café
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: N/A, Dinner: £33.00

Knight's Restaurant at Kings Lodge Hotel

Every now and again a change from more sober establishments is in order, and this is just what's on offer at King's Lodge. The lighting is rigged to gently shift the mood, there is live jazz piano, the décor is cool and the fine art demands a second, or even third glance.

• Address: Flass Vale, Waddington Street, Durham, DH1 4BG (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Modern
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: N/A, Dinner: £25.00

Nando's - Durham

• Address: Unit 5, Walkergate, Durham, DH1 1SE (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Portuguese
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: £13.00, Dinner: £18.00