Planning a perfect night out in Durham? Searching for the best restaurants in durham and a stress-free way to get there and back? This guide is your complete solution. We’ve handpicked Durham’s most exceptional dining experiences and combined them with a seamless cab service so you can enjoy your evening without the hassle of parking or navigation.
Durham, UK, is not just about its world-famous cathedral and cobbled streets; it’s a thriving culinary destination. From fine dining to casual eats, Indian delicacies to Sunday roasts, Durham offers something for every taste. With our local cab service, you’ll enjoy door-to-door travel that makes the journey as enjoyable as the meal.
The Culinary Heart of Durham: A Curated Selection
Instead of a long, generic list, this is a curated tour of Durham’s food scene. Each restaurant has been chosen for its unique character, award-winning dishes, or local reputation. And with our taxis, you won’t worry about traffic, parking, or finding your way through the city’s historic lanes.
Fine Dining & Romantic Escapes
For those special evenings or hang outs with friend and family on local event where ambience matters as much as the food, Durham offers several outstanding fine dining experiences:
The Cellar Door
Tucked away in a converted 13th-century cellar, this restaurant overlooks the River Wear. Its modern British cuisine and outdoor terraces provide a romantic setting. Parking is notoriously tricky around Saddler Street—another reason why arriving by cab is the best choice.
Faru
The debut restaurant from Jake and Laura Siddle, Faru focuses on seasonal British ingredients with creative flair. Its reputation for modern European cuisine has quickly made it one of the most talked-about dining spots in Durham.
Restaurant 17
Perched on Elvet Bridge, Restaurant 17 blends modern European flavors with an intimate atmosphere. It’s ideal for a candlelit dinner, and a cab ride ensures your night begins with ease instead of a stressful parking hunt.
A World of Flavors: Indian & Asian Cuisine
Durham is celebrated for its international food scene, especially Indian and Pan-Asian restaurants. Here are some options that stand in the list of best restaurants in durham to taste.
The Spice Lounge
An award-winning establishment in the city centre, Spice Lounge is known for authentic recipes and exceptional service. Its chef has received international recognition, making it a local favorite.
Shaheen’s Indian
A Durham institution for over 30 years, Shaheen’s offers authentic Indian recipes made with fresh local produce. Regularly praised as a “jewel in the crown” of Indian restaurants in Durham City, it never disappoints.
Zen Durham
Zen, with its vibrant Thai-inspired décor and lively menu, is perfect for celebrations. Sense, on Claypath, specializes in seasonal Chinese cuisine, offering an authentic Pan-Asian experience.
Family-Friendly Fun & Casual Eats
Looking for something relaxed, fun, and welcoming? These spots are perfect for families or groups.
The Food Pit
Durham’s first street food hall on The Riverwalk hosts local vendors serving everything from gyros to bubble waffles. A great choice for families who want variety under one roof.
Fat Hippo
Located on Saddler Street, Fat Hippo is famous for its indulgent burgers and playful toppings. Vegan and gluten-free options make it inclusive for all diners.
Cosy Club
Set on The Riverwalk, Cosy Club combines Durham Cathedral views with an all-day menu—from breakfast to late-night cocktails. Its family-friendly yet stylish atmosphere makes it versatile for any occasion.
Best for a Classic Sunday Roast
The Sunday roast is a British tradition, and Durham’s pubs deliver some of the best. If you want to taste of classic sunday roast, we picked the best restaurants in durham to visit for this mood.
The Lambton Worm (Chester-le-Street)
The Lambton Worm in Chester-le-Street is a family and pet friendly pub. This pub serves hearty roasts in a cozy, welcoming setting.
Black Horse Beamish
An award-winning country pub with scenic views. Its Sunday lunches are highly sought after, with locally sourced ingredients at the heart of the menu.
Rose Tree Inn (Shincliffe)
A riverside gem offering refined pub dining. The roast here comes with picturesque views of the River Wear—a cab ride makes it even more relaxing.
Your Ride to a Great Meal: Getting Around Durham with Our Cabs
Durham is historic, beautiful—and tricky for drivers. Streets are narrow, parking is limited, and car parks often have confusing pay systems. According to Durham County Council, daytime parking is capped at two hours, and busy weekends make it even harder.
Here’s why choosing a cab transforms your night out:
| Scenario | Driving/Parking (Pain Points) | Our Cab Service (Solutions) |
| Convenience | Waste time searching for a spot. | Door-to-door, no hassle. |
| Cost | Parking fees + fuel + fines. | Transparent fares, cost-effective for groups. |
| Safety | Risky to drive after drinks. | Professional driver, safe return. |
| Local Know-How | GPS often misses closures. | Drivers know the fastest routes. |
Our fleet includes wheelchair-accessible taxis, 8-seater vehicles for groups, and executive cars for special occasions.
Beyond the Meal: Durham’s Nightlife
Dinner doesn’t have to end your night. Durham offers a lively bar scene—perfectly paired with a cab ride.
- Cosy Club (The Riverwalk): Cathedral views with cocktails late into the night.
- The Hotspot Bar: A quirky converted 1960s fire engine serving drinks with flair.
- Local pubs and wine bars: Easily hop from one to the next without worrying about parking or walking long distances.
Our cabs act as your designated driver, giving you the freedom to explore Durham nightlife safely.
Your Questions Answered: FAQs
Yes, it’s compact and walkable, but cobbled streets and steep hills can be tiring—especially after dinner. A cab is a comfortable alternative.
Uber operates in Durham, but local taxi firms often provide better reliability, pre-booking, and vehicles with accessibility features.
From fine dining and modern European cuisine to hearty pub roasts and authentic Indian dishes, Durham is known for variety and quality.
Car parks are available but limited, and on-street parking is metered. Many diners prefer taxis to avoid hassle and fines.
Saddler Street, leading from Market Place to Durham Cathedral, is a hub for dining and shopping.
Durham offers a world-class dining experience, from romantic fine dining to family-friendly casual eats and traditional Sunday roasts. But finding great food is only half the story. The challenge of parking and navigating historic streets makes cabs the smart choice.
With our Durham City Cabs, you get reliable, comfortable, and stress-free transport that completes your night out. Whether you’re planning dinner near Durham Cathedral, exploring street food at The Riverwalk, or enjoying a countryside roast, we’ll get you there and back safely.
