The Ultimate County Durham Foodie Guide

County Durham is one of the North East’s most underrated foodie destinations. Known for its historic cities, rolling countryside, charming villages, and dramatic coastline, the region is packed with exceptional restaurants, cosy gastropubs, independent cafés, and fine dining experiences. Whether you’re planning a countryside escape, a weekend in Durham city, or a relaxing food-focused getaway, County Durham offers a fantastic variety of places to eat and drink.

One of the things that makes dining in County Durham so special is the contrast between rustic countryside pubs and modern city dining. Visitors can spend the day exploring Durham Cathedral, scenic walking routes, and market towns before settling into traditional inns with roaring fires, stylish tasting-menu restaurants, riverside dining spots, or vibrant cocktail bars. The region is especially well known for locally sourced produce, hearty British cooking, and an increasingly exciting fine dining scene.

County Durham also caters to every style of dining. There are elegant tasting-menu restaurants perfect for celebrations, lively international restaurants for group evenings, family-friendly pubs, riverside brunch spots, and hidden countryside gems tucked away in picturesque villages. Food lovers can enjoy everything from modern British cuisine and seafood to Turkish grills, Caribbean dishes, and traditional Sunday roasts.

Here’s our guide to some of the best restaurants, pubs, and foodie experiences across County Durham.

The Cellar Door

Where

Located on Saddler Street in the heart of Durham city, just a short walk from the cathedral and riverside.

Why It’s Quirky

Set inside a historic building overlooking the River Wear, The Cellar Door combines elegant interiors with one of the most scenic dining locations in Durham. It has become one of the city’s best-known modern British restaurants.

What to Expect

Expect refined British dishes, seasonal menus, tasting options, cocktails, and riverside views ideal for romantic dinners and special occasions.

Coarse

Where

Situated near North Road in Durham city centre.

Why It’s Quirky

Coarse has developed a strong reputation for its innovative tasting menus and intimate fine dining experience. It’s one of County Durham’s standout destinations for modern British cuisine and creative cooking.

What to Expect

Expect beautifully presented tasting menus, seasonal ingredients, wine pairings, and an upscale but relaxed atmosphere.

FIIK

Where

Located beside Elvet Bridge in Durham city centre.

Why It’s Quirky

FIIK offers a more intimate and contemporary fine dining experience, combining minimalist interiors with high-end tasting menus and chef-led dining.

What to Expect

Expect carefully curated tasting menus, premium ingredients, modern presentation, and a stylish atmosphere perfect for foodie experiences.

Akarsu Turkish Restaurant & Grill

Where

Situated on Silver Street in the centre of Durham.

Why It’s Quirky

Akarsu brings vibrant Turkish dining to Durham with colourful interiors, generous portions, and a lively social atmosphere.

What to Expect

Expect grilled meats, Turkish sharing platters, cocktails, fresh bread, and relaxed group-friendly dining.

Turtle Bay Durham

Where

Located at The Riverwalk development in Durham city centre.

Why It’s Quirky

Turtle Bay combines Caribbean-inspired interiors with upbeat music, colourful cocktails, and lively social dining energy.

What to Expect

Expect jerk chicken, curries, rum cocktails, bottomless brunches, and a fun atmosphere popular with students and groups.

Best Countryside Pubs & Gastropubs in County Durham

The Copper Mine

Where

Located in Crook within the County Durham countryside.

Why It’s Quirky

The Copper Mine blends countryside gastropub charm with elevated modern British dining. It’s become one of the region’s best-loved rural dining spots.

What to Expect

Expect seasonal menus, steaks, Sunday lunches, craft beers, and stylish but cosy interiors.

The Old Mill

Where

Situated in Tursdale near Durham in a converted historic mill setting.

Why It’s Quirky

The Old Mill combines rustic countryside character with spacious dining areas and traditional pub hospitality.

What to Expect

Expect pub classics, family dining, Sunday roasts, outdoor seating, and hearty British comfort food.

The Bay Horse

Where

Located in Hurworth-on-Tees near Darlington.

Why It’s Quirky

The Bay Horse offers an upscale countryside dining experience with stylish interiors and a strong reputation for quality food and service.

What to Expect

Expect modern British cuisine, steaks, seafood, cocktails, and relaxed but refined dining.

The Rose and Crown

Where

Located in the picturesque village of Romaldkirk near Barnard Castle.

Why It’s Quirky

This historic coaching inn is one of County Durham’s most charming countryside pubs, featuring oak-panelled interiors, open fires, and traditional village charm.

What to Expect

Expect hearty British pub classics, Sunday roasts, cosy dining rooms, and scenic countryside surroundings.

Best Casual Dining & Social Spots

Ye Old Elm Tree

Where

Located in Durham city near Crossgate.

Why It’s Quirky

One of Durham’s best-known traditional pubs, Ye Old Elm Tree combines historic charm with a lively local atmosphere and classic British pub culture.

What to Expect

Expect pub meals, beers, live sport, social dining, and a welcoming traditional atmosphere.

The Three Bridges

Where

Situated near North Road in Durham city centre.

Why It’s Quirky

This lively city-centre pub is popular for casual dining, drinks, and affordable meals in a busy social setting.

What to Expect

Expect burgers, pub classics, drinks deals, group-friendly dining, and a lively evening atmosphere.

Hidden Gems & Local Favourites

County Durham has plenty of additional foodie spots worth exploring beyond the better-known restaurants.

• Saltfish Seafood & Wine Bar - A stylish seafood restaurant inside an elegant townhouse setting.
• Gussto Tapas Bar - A cosy Spanish tapas venue popular for romantic evenings.
• Cross Lanes - A fantastic café and farm shop showcasing local produce.
• The Rib Room Steakhouse and Grill - A sophisticated steakhouse at Ramside Hall Hotel.
• Babul’s - A vibrant Indian restaurant known for street food and cocktails.

Why County Durham Is a Great Foodie Destination

County Durham offers a dining experience that feels more relaxed and authentic than many larger UK cities. Visitors can enjoy historic pubs, independent restaurants, riverside dining, and countryside gastropubs without the crowds often found in more tourist-heavy destinations. The combination of scenic landscapes, historic towns, and quality local food makes the county ideal for foodie weekends and countryside escapes.

The region’s food scene continues to grow, with modern tasting-menu restaurants sitting alongside centuries-old inns and family-run cafés. Whether you’re looking for fine dining, casual comfort food, or hidden countryside gems, County Durham offers something for every taste and occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurants in County Durham

What food is County Durham known for?

County Durham is known for traditional British pub food, Sunday roasts, locally sourced produce, gastropubs, and modern British fine dining.

What are the best areas for dining in County Durham?

Durham city centre, Barnard Castle, Darlington, Seaham, and the surrounding countryside villages are among the best foodie areas in the county.

Are there fine dining restaurants in County Durham?

Yes, restaurants like coarse, FIIK, and The Cellar Door are known for elevated dining experiences and tasting menus.

Are there good countryside pubs in County Durham?

Absolutely. County Durham is famous for cosy village pubs and gastropubs such as The Copper Mine and The Rose and Crown.

Is County Durham good for foodie weekend breaks?

Yes, the combination of countryside scenery, historic attractions, and excellent restaurants makes County Durham perfect for relaxing foodie getaways.

Stay in the Heart of County Durham

After exploring County Durham’s gastropubs, riverside restaurants, and countryside dining spots, staying in a comfortable property makes the experience even better. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, countryside retreat, or foodie escape, County Durham offers the perfect mix of history, scenery, and dining.

For travellers looking for stylish and flexible accommodation, Pass the Keys offers professionally managed stays across the region, giving guests more space, comfort, and convenience while exploring County Durham.