The area abounds with good places to eat, to suit every pocket, from good-value pub to Michelin star, through Indian, Chinese, Italian - and even that good old Northern staple, fish & chips (with or without ferrets, whippets or any other Northern generalismsw...). We've tried and like most of these; the others come by recommendation.
Here's a map with our favourites on them. You'll also find more details below.
At the end of Low Job's Hill (turning right out of the gate), turn left towards Durham and it's about 100 yards along on the left. Re-opened as a Bar/Restaurant in October 2015. Tel: 01388 763333 . We like it, and have had many good reports so far! We do have a sample menu (formerly the Colliery).
An Italian restaurant in the centre of Crook serving not only pasta and pizza, but also more "formal" meals. It's closed on a Monday. Many guests have enjoyed dinner there. We do have a sample menu. Tel: 01388 762424. Crook.
A new Italian Restaurant at the corner of Hope Street and North Street in Crook. We haven't tried it yet, but guests who've been there tell us its good. Tel: 01388 213108.
%20(Small).JPG)
Serves evening meals (Wed – Sat) and Sunday lunch. Do ring first to book. Tel: 01388 762207.
At the top end of Hope Street (no. 36) serves good home-cooked traditional English food. Open for evening meals on Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays last orders are at 8 pm. Tel: 01388 762859.
(A JD Wetherspoons inn) serves reliable, good value fare available at most times. Very popular with locals. Tel: 01388 744980.
The owners say: "We pride ourselves on offering a wide range of home-made food which our customers tell us is consistently excellent. Our chefs source as much produce as they can locally and make almost everything on the premises which means they can also cater for special dietary requirements.
"We serve Afternoon Teas from Noon until 4pm between Monday and Saturday and are famous for our home-made scones and cakes. Our breakfasts use locally sourced bacon and sausages and we offer a choice of breads from a local artisan bakery."
We couldn't agree more!
Several guests have reported very good food at reasonable prices. Open every day, food served 'til late. And, you can ake your dog in to the bar! Tel: 01388 767429.
Boun appetito sets out to offer simply the finest Italian food in Wolsingham and, accoriding to a recent guest review, succeeds! Tel: 01388 529 124
66 Saddler Street, Durham DH1 3NP, tel: 0191 383 9290
The Garden House is a pub and restaurant serving excellent, imaginative freshly-prepared dishes in a friendly atmosphere. And, your dog will be welcome here, too! Tel: 0191 386 3395.
Durham’s only Lebanese restaurant open at lunchtime and in the evening at 47 North Bailey, tel: 0191 384 6777
The newish Walkergate development by the Gala Theatre has attracted several national “chain” restaurants, namely Nandos, ASK, Chiquito’s, Slug & Lettuce and Fat Buddha
Offers excellent South East Asian cuisine and is open all day from 9am. It’s in Court Lane, opposite the Crown Court. Tel: 0191 384 9588.
Distinguished by its willingness to accept dogs – and our guests tell us the food is good too. It is a family owned and managed pub, with pleasant areas located inside and outside for drinks and meals. A wide range of quality dishes are served at sensible prices with real ale on tap. An urban oasis with a friendly ambience and "mobile free" zone so everyone can truly relax. Tel: 0191 384 7350.
17 Hallgarth Street, Durham DH1 3AT, tel: 0191 384 4007 - opposite the Student Union building - both offer inexpensive Italian food.
Yet another Italian, but a bit more down-market on Elvet Bridge, tel: 0191 384 0096.
Also in Saddler Street, nos 41-42 is the Cellar Door aptly named as a steep staircase leads down to the restaurant which has wonderful river views and terraces for summertime dining – bistro type, reasonably adventurous food, tel: 0191 383856.
There are several Indian restaurants in Durham, the best among them being Shaheen’s in North Bailey, tel: 0191 386 0960, and The Capital at 69 Claypath tel:0191 386 8803, which are both traditional curry houses with good, friendly service.
For a cup of coffee and a cake, or a sandwich at lunchtime, the Picnic Basket (take away food), also in New Elvet, offers good quality food with friendly service. Or, for something a bit more substantial at lunchtime, the Crypt restaurant in the Cathedral is reliable, as is the Café on the Green on Palace Green. The Cafe at Crook Hall is also one of our favourites
A very special restaurant. Every visit is an occasion. Barnard Castle, DL12 8PN. Tel 01833 637668
Always something of a special event. Particularly good for lunch. Romaldkirk, near Barnard Castle, DL12 9EB. Tel 01833 650213;
Top quality restaurant for lunch or dinner. Blanchland, DH8 9SP. Tel 01434 675469.
Newcastle. One of the oldest dining rooms in the UK, and great for special events and mediaeval banquets.
Wark, Nr Hexham. The style is primarily modern British but with a smattering of international choices for those with a more cosmopolitan palate.
Near Wolsingham, stocks lots of good stuff, much of it grown on the farm. Also an excellent café. Lovely for lunch.
IF you have any ideas and suggestions as to what else might be on these pages, If you'd like us to feature other eateries, please do contact us and say why you like the place recommended. We're grateful for any ideas.
Note that these links are to external websites. We at Dowfold House can take no responsibility for their content, or even their existence, although we do try to make sure they are good links that do work. You visit them at your own risk.
