Durham in North East England is home to an array of great places to eat, ranging from slick city centre spots to cosy pubs in the countryside through to fine dining in the county’s manor estates.
In fact, eating out is one of the best things to do in Durham.
We visit Durham’s best restaurants quite regularly and are always up for trying new additions to the destination’s culinary scene.
It’s only a stone’s throw from Sunderland, and though there are many fantastic places to eat in Sunderland, I do love hopping over to our neighbouring neck of the woods for a meal!
Where to eat in Durham
Check out my guide to where to eat in Durham, from the City of Durham to the coast and also including the best restaurants in the Vale of Durham and Durham Dales.
Best places to eat on Durham’s coast
We spend a lot of time in Seaham now that we’re dog owners because the beach is so perfect for walks, so I’ve gotten to know some of the best places to eat there.
For breakfast on Durham’s coast, I recommend the Instagram-friendly, dog-friendly Flamingo Cafe. Think beetroot lattes, colourful ‘nourish bowls’ and superfood smoothies.
There’s a small outdoor seating area overlooking the beach and they even serve alcohol.
Another place to eat near the beach in Durham that offers healthy options is Clean Bean Seaham. It’s my go-to for brunch or lunch on the Durham coast. They have an extensive menu with lots of delicious options.
For pizza on Durham’s coast, it’s got to be Slice. They have a hatch at the back of The Coalface, and you can order by the slice or go big with a 20 inch pizza.
Speaking of Italian food, Stirks Italian Steakhouse now have a restaurant in Seaham. We love the one in Sunderland and our first visit to the Seaham venue didn’t disappoint!
For a special occasion, the best place for fine dining on Durham’s coast is Seaham Hall‘s The Dining Room.
You can feast on British produce beneath a chandelier and look out their Georgian windows at the scenery outside.
The fillet steak we had there was probably the best I’ve had in the UK.
You can read my review of an overnight stay and spa time at Seaham Hall if you’re interested in making a night of it. It’s one of my favourite spa hotels in North East England.
Alternatively, we love the tapas at The Lamp Room. They also do a surf and turf menu.
Where to eat in Durham city centre
For fish and chips in the city centre of Durham, Bell’s is a popular spot.
If it’s coffee and cake in Durham you’re after, it’s got to be Flat White – but you’ll have to get there early to nab a table.
We’ve had a fantastic bottomless brunch at The Boathouse. The setting is perfect because you’re perched right on the river and it’s a Tomohawk steakhouse, so the food is always top-notch.
For a truly memorable meal in Durham, book a table at The Rabbit Hole, Durham’s speakeasy-style supper club where you can listen to live jazz while you dine on excellent Asian cuisine.
If you’re just in Durham for drinks, their downstairs drinking den does some incredible cocktails and you won’t find an ambience like it elsewhere.
If you’re just after a quick bite while you enjoy a day out in Durham’s city centre, head to Fat Hippo. They do the best burgers in Durham.
Where to eat in Durham’s countryside
If you’re out for a drive in the Durham Dales, I recommend stopping to refuel (yourself, not the car) at Cheesedale Cafe near Bishop Auckland.
We stayed in one of the Teesdale Cheesemakers’ gorgeous shepherds huts recently and had a scrumptious breakfast in the on-site cafe.
As well as a whole host of cheesy treats, they serve an incredible fry up.
I absolutely loved browsing in the little shop they have that’s stocked with local products and came home laden with treats. The biscoff cheesecake is also to die for!
We had a beautiful meal at The High Force Hotel, which is directly across the road from High Force Waterfall. The menu there celebrates local produce and I’m told they do an excellent roast!
Sunday Lunch is served between 12 noon and 6.00pm, and you’ll most likely need a booking.
When you’re eating out in Durham, look out for the Taste Durham mark. It’s a sign of great quality and service.
More North East England guides
The best walking trail to see Newcastle’s attractions
The most magical glamping sites in Northumberland
Romantic places to stay in Northumberland
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