County Durham Restaurant Guide

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

Alsyros

• Address: 9 Upper Church Street, Hartlepool, TS24 7ET (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Restaurant, Steak
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: £12.00, Dinner: £28.00

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

Austin's Bar & Bistro

This stylish and enterprising establishment is part of the Durham County cricket ground, and offers a sophisticated and imaginative menu in the evenings with a simpler version for lunches. House wine at £12.

• Address: Durham County Cricket Club, County Ground Riverside, Chester-le-Street, DH3 3QR (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Bistro
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: £14.00, Dinner: £27.00

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

Blagraves House

For over five hundred years travellers and locals alike have been coming to Blagraves House seeking solace for the inner man. Amongst their more notable visitors was Oliver Cromwell in 1648 and today a regular stream of discerning clients continues to follow in his footsteps.

• Address: 30-32 The Bank, Barnard Castle, DL12 8PN (Map)
• Cuisine(s): English
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: N/A, Dinner: £33.00

Bridge, The

Paul O'Hara's name has been synonymous with many of the North East's finest restaurants and, after six years of working for acclaimed chef Terry Laybourne, he's upped sticks and settled down in the quaint little village of Whorlton, three miles outside the picturesque market town of Barnard Castle, County Durham.

• Address: Whorlton Village, Barnard Castle, DL12 8XD (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Modern British, British
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: £18.00, Dinner: £32.00

Browns Restaurant, The

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• Address: The Three Tuns Swallow Hotel, New Elvet, Durham, DH1 3AQ (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Brasserie
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: N/A, Dinner: N/A

Cafe Lilly

• Address: 83-85 Norton High Street, Norton, nr Stockton On Tees, TS20 1AE (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Chinese, Indian
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: N/A, Dinner: £35.00

Casa del Mar

Krimo, the culinary King of Hartlepool Marina with Krimo's and Portofino, opened his latest venture in January 2006, Casa del Mar, a Spanish tapas bar and restaurant, which has attracted a wide following, ranging from young families to older couples; though not all of them might wish to take advantage of one of their special offers, the Sunday night salsa sessions, costing just £14.

• Address: 25 Navigation Point, The Marina, Hartlepool, TS24 0PF (Map)
• Cuisine(s): North African, Spanish, Restaurant
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: £12.00, Dinner: £24.00