Discreet Dining in Durham
Durham's restaurants are spread across a small, hilly city with the river running through it. Here is how to find a calm table and get home easily.
Three settings for a meal
Most meals in Durham fall into one of three settings: the old streets around the Market Place and Saddler Street, the riverside around Walkergate, and Old Elvet across Elvet Bridge. The old streets have the character, the riverside has the space, and Elvet tends to be a little quieter.
Most meals in Durham fall into one of three settings: the old streets around the Market Place and Saddler Street, the riverside around Walkergate, and Old Elvet across Elvet Bridge.
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The old streets
Around Saddler Street, Silver Street and the Market Place, restaurants and cafes sit in old, often small buildings. Tables can be close together, so ask for a corner or an upstairs table if you want a private conversation.
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Somewhere to book a room or a table for the evening, in Durham itself.
Walkergate and the river
The modern buildings at Walkergate, near the Gala Theatre, hold larger restaurants with more room between tables. They suit an evening that starts with a meal and moves on to a show or a drink without a long walk.
The modern buildings at Walkergate, near the Gala Theatre, hold larger restaurants with more room between tables.
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Booking and the calendar
Durham fills up around graduation, Regatta weekend and the start and end of term, and tables go early on those dates. Booking ahead is always wise for a Friday or Saturday, and a weekday evening outside term is the calmest time to eat in the city.
Durham fills up around graduation, Regatta weekend and the start and end of term, and tables go early on those dates.
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Getting home
After a meal on the peninsula, remember that every route out is up or down a hill. A licensed taxi from the rank or booked in advance is the easiest way back to the station or a hotel on the edge of the city. As everywhere on the site, this guide is for adults aged 18 and over.
After a meal on the peninsula, remember that every route out is up or down a hill.
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Durham areas worth knowing
- Saddler StreetSmall restaurants on the climb to the cathedral
- Silver StreetA steep lane from the Market Place to Framwellgate Bridge
- WalkergateLarger restaurants by the Gala Theatre
- Old ElvetA wide, quieter street east of Elvet Bridge
Frequently asked questions
At weekends, and around graduation and Regatta, yes. On a weekday outside term you can often walk in, but booking costs nothing.
Old Elvet and the larger rooms at Walkergate usually give you more space than the small restaurants on the old streets.
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