Everywhere you need to eat in Durham before you die

Durham may not be the most cultured or culinarily vibrant city, but my are there some good places to eat. Here’s a selection of the best of the best the North East has to offer.

La Spaghettata

https://instagram.com/p/BHDGO3-DtCA/

On the floor below the Fabio’s bar sits Spags, a cosy little candlelit restaurant. If you’re after pizza or pasta at a competitive price, there is no logical alternative. At happy hour, you can get a meal for under a fiver (take note).

Fat Buddha

https://instagram.com/p/BGPtRLkrjbH/

Although admittedly on the pricey side, the cool vibes of Fat Buddha are unrivalled. Darker than your average Hollister, the room is mainly decorated by lights; if you’re sat in one of the booths you literally walk down a lit catwalk to your table, like a boss. The food, Asian fusion, is delicious, as is every exotic cocktail on Fat Buddha’s extensive menu.

Cellar Door

https://instagram.com/p/_2eqdIthtL/

Narrow steps lead you into this cellar conversion beneath Saddler Street, where the food is just as stunning as its river views. Higher prices are a given as Cellar Door is nicer than your every-day haunt, and they pride themselves on using only the highest quality, sustainably sourced ingredients. Nevertheless, it is still a classic choice for a special occasion, if only for its more proper, adult feel.

Zen

https://instagram.com/p/BFEzAIwMZ-N/

Tucked away near the police station, in one of the prettiest parts of Durham, Zen describes itself as “casual Thai Asian dining” – this means delicious food at reasonable prices. The restaurant feels exotic, with dimmed red lights and beautiful orchids, and, with its chilled atmosphere, truly lives up to its name.

Flat White Kitchen

If you have ever Instagrammed an avocado then Flat White is the place for you, a staple in the diet of any basic middle class (female) Durham student; however, its popularity is hardly unfounded given how yummy the food here actually is. Flat White is the gem of Saddler Street, and as a result competition for seating is fierce, so be prepared to queue. When you finally feast your eyes upon the menu and cake counter, it’s worth the wait.

Bells

Striking a balance between your traditional chippy and a more refined sit-down restaurant, Bells in the Market Square has both. You can get amazing, simple food for an absolute steal. Need I say more?

DH1

DH1 definitely puts the ‘fine’ in fine dining, producing exquisite dishes from simple and seasonal recipes. At £40 for 3 courses, its not cheap, but given the quality of the food, the beautiful building and views of Durham city, it’s justified. This is one for a celebration.

Nadon Thai

https://instagram.com/p/BEiJLJOHZH3/

Framwellgate’s Nadon Thai is Durham’s go-to thai restaurant, with flavoursome oriental cuisine and corresponding decor. Definitely the best place to get your pad thai fix.

Lebaneat

https://instagram.com/p/-m5VRcyOdj/

Renowned in Durham for its tasty, traditional Lebanese food at low prices, Lebaneat doesn’t try to be clever, instead focusing on quick service and food quality. And, if you’re feeling particularly unimaginative, they do pizza.