Durham is a stunning cathedral city in the North East, known for its 11th century castle, iconic cathedral and prestigious university, which students from across the globe come to study at. That’s not all this thriving city is known for though, its diverse food scene is a huge stand out, with cuisine from all over the world being served up at restaurants on every corner. It can be hard to find the best spots to head to with your besties once hunger strikes, but as fellow foodies here at Prestige, we’ve collated the most delicious restaurants that you need to try in 2024. Check out our guide to discover your new go-to!

1. Tia’s

Searching for delicious Durham restaurants? If Mexican food tickles your taste-buds, check out Tia’s. A funky family-run restaurant in the heart of the city, Tia’s has been bringing in customers since 1996, with their wide ranging Mexican dishes. We have to recommend ordering the sharing nachos for your starter, and for your main, their legendary Chimichanga is a must-try. They even have a vegan and gluten-free menu so regardless of your dietary requirements, you can still indulge in the mouth-watering flavours at Tia’s. Be sure to make the most of their happy hour deal with a wide selection of cocktails to choose from!

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Address: 84 Claypath, Durham DH1 1RG

2. The Cellar Door

The Cellar Door is a contemporary relaxed fine dining riverside restaurant, just a few minutes walk from Durham Castle. The menus at this modern European restaurant change each month due to the use of seasonal produce so no two visits will be the same, but you can always expect incredible food. Whether you choose to eat indoors within their ancient cellar conversions or eat alfresco style on the riverside patio offering amazing views, you can’t go wrong with a meal here. With an extensive drinks menu featuring wines, cocktails, and spirits, you’ll definitely be impressed.

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Address: 41 Saddler St, Durham DH1 3NU

3. La Spaghettata

La Spaghettata is an award winning Italian restaurant which has been drawing in customers since 1996. Situated on Saddler Street, this independent restaurant is the place to be for classic Italian pizza and pasta, with a variety of dishes to suit everyone’s palate. How does their Penne Alla Vodka with vodka cream, onions, tomato and chicken sound? Or their speciality Durham pizza with olives, red onion, egg, mozzarella and tomato? Chef's kiss is the only acceptable response! If you’re eating out with friends and fancy a few drinks, there’s house wines, beers, prosecco and cocktails on the menu here, so you’re sure to find something to wet your whistle.

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Address: Ground Floor, 66 Saddler St, Durham DH1 3NP

4. Gussto Tapas Bar

Gussto Tapas Bar brings authentic Mediterranean cuisine to the City of Durham, with dishes from Spain, Italy, France and Greece on offer. This independent restaurant is located on Silver Street backing onto the river, and has a menu which is curated by the Spanish owner and chef team, so your taste-buds are sure to be delighted. Choose from dishes like Paella Valencia, Patatas Bravas, and Gambas Con Chorizo, with 3 dishes for just £12.95. Don’t forget to order a jug of Sangria to share with your friends too! Not only is the food irresistible here, but it’s also the perfect place to relax and unwind with friends, thanks to the welcoming atmosphere and great service.

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Address: 32 Silver St, Durham DH1 3RD

5. The Rabbit Hole

For a unique dining experience in Durham, you need to eat out at The Rabbit Hole. The Rabbit Hole is a 1920's inspired Supper club with vintage-chic interiors, which serves up Asian cuisine and dim sum. No matter if you’re eating out for lunch or dinner, there’s plenty of indulgent plates to choose from, like hot and steamy dumplings, stir-fry's, small plates, as well as signature noodles and rice. In terms of what to order, we’d recommend trying their Tropical Roasted Duck Curry, a Fragrant Thai inspired red curry with grape, pineapple and cherry tomato. They even have a 10% student discount with a valid ID card, so make sure to bring along yours to get some money off your food bill!

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Address: 17 Hallgarth St, Durham DH1 3AT

6. Lebaneat

If you’re after a filling meal but don’t feel like cooking after a busy day, make your way to Lebaneat. This bustling Durham restaurant offers an authentic Lebanese food experience, with amazing flavours that are difficult to find anywhere else. You and your friends can sin at their beautiful restaurant decorated in Lebanese furnishings and feast upon exceptional chargrilled plates. Try their Kofta Meshwi, chargrilled skewers of seasoned minced lamb with onion and parsley, served with tahini sauce and grilled vegetables. Another highlight of their menu is the Spicy Lebaneat Wrap, which is perfect if you like food with a bit of a kick!

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Address: 47 N Bailey, Durham DH1 3ET

7. Ajiwai Japanese & Korean BBQ

In the mood for Japanese and Korean food? Well, haven’t we got just the restaurant for you! Ajiwai Japanese & Korean BBQ is located in the heart of Durham and offers an incredibly extensive menu, featuring different sushi and sashimi sets, teppanyaki, ramen, bento boxes, donburi and more. There’s plenty of flavoursome vegan and vegetarian dishes on the menu too, and all of their plates aren’t too costly making it great value for money. With relaxed surroundings and an authentic experience, this place is well worth checking out whilst studying in the city.

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Address: 88 Claypath, Durham DH1 1RG

8. The Curious Mr Fox

The Curious Fox is a uniquely decorated bar-restaurant on The Riverwalk which offers traditional British cuisine. With amazing views, beautiful interior and great tasting plates, The Curious Mr Fox has been a Durham favourite for students and locals alike since 2021. This charming eatery is the ideal place to enjoy some food and drinks, with an array of dishes to choose from. Whether it’s bloomers and wraps, Sunday lunches, fresh salads or an appetising main course you go for, you’ll definitely want to return to this place.

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Address: 35a The Riverwalk, Durham DH1 4PW

9. The Spice Lounge

Craving authentic Indian cuisine? If so, it has to be a meal out at The Spice Lounge. Crowned as the Best Asian Restaurant in the North East in 2022, The Spice Lounge is more than deserving of a place on our list. At this much-loved Durham restaurant there are culinary delights from every corner of India on offer, from madras to zhal roshun to rogan josh to masala. Aside from classic dishes, there’s also beer on tap if you want a few pints with your meal. Eat in at their friendly and welcoming restaurant on Market Place, or order a takeaway online straight to your door.

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Address: St. Nicholas Cottage, Market Place, Durham DH1 3NJ

10. Tango Durham

If the ultimate comfort food is what you’re after, take a visit to Tango Durham. The food on offer here is sure to get your taste-buds tingling with American-style steaks and burgers, chicken wings, nachos, topped chips and more on the menu. For us, we absolutely cannot resist their Diablo burger with chilli cheese, chorizo, inferno nduja chilli spread, low slow onions, matchstick potatoes, pickled jalapenos and aioli. Don’t forget to get a mega side like their midnight bacon gravy fries - mmm tasty! After a veggie or vegan option? Go for either their Not Butchered or Fake It Chick burger.

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Address: 96 Elvet Bridge, Durham DH1 3AG Eating out is one of the best things to do in Durham with so many amazing restaurants to choose from during your student years. We’ve highlighted just a few of our favourite Durham restaurants, but there are so many out there for you to try! Where is your favourite place to eat in Durham city? Have you been to any of these restaurants before? Let us know @prestigestudentliving. Keen to experience the nightlife scene in Durham? Read the Top 8 Nightclubs You Need To Visit.

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