Best Restaurants in Durham

In total, there are 5 award winning restaurants in Durham, based on the combined awards from the leading UK restaurant guides.

Were you expecting to see more restaurants in Durham? Remember at Leading Restaurants we only list restaurants holding awards from major restaurant guides; currently less than 3% of all restaurants in the UK and Ireland hold an award from a major guide.

The best restaurant in Durham is The Dining Room at Seaham Hall in Seaham (based on our unique combination of the leading UK restaurant guides) where head chef Damian Broom serves up award winning Modern British Cuisine. The Dining Room at Seaham Hall currently holds 2 AA Rosettes.

There are currently no restaurants holding a Michelin Star in Durham, however there are 2 restaurants holding a standard Michelin Guide listing.

There are currently 3 listed AA Rosette restaurants in Durham consisting of 1 restaurant holding 2 AA Rosettes and 2 restaurants holding 1 AA Rosette.

Durham, a charming city nestled in the northeast of England, holds an indelible mark on the nation's gastronomic map. Teeming with rich culinary heritage, this stunning cathedral city offers a diverse array of food experiences, from traditional British fare to international cuisine. The Durant Arms and The Cellar Door, two of the oldest establishments in the city, are storied landmarks in the local food scene with the former serving quintessential English pub grub for centuries and the latter beckoning food lovers with their ever-evolving contemporary menu inspired by the region's homegrown produce. In recent times, Durham has undergone a culinary evolution. It has expanded from its stronghold of traditional British and hearty pub fare to accommodate a wider spectrum of cuisines, reflecting the city's growing diversity. Innovative eateries like Finbarr's offer a modern British menu with a global twist, showcasing the cosmopolitan flavours that have infiltrated the tight-knit food community, while preserving the embodiment of the local culinary distinctions. The annual Durham Food Festival, held in the city centre, stands as a testament to the region's gastronomic vibrancy, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the vast array of local food and drink available. Truly, Durham is a town steeped in history that still manages to satisfy the present-day food-lover's treat. It is a jewel in the crown of Britain's culinary kingdom.