The best restaurants in County Durham North East

Great reviews for previous owners the afternoon tea here was delightful been many times . please note this is not the same place now as previous reviews from 2023… went for afternoon tea and it was disappointing to say the least. Hardly any sandwiches but tasteless hardly any filling, pale scones, cakes seemed possible shop bought..very overpriced and waste of money and not very cozy was cold - owner very pleasant but would not return again

Been today for Sunday lunch for our wedding anniversary cannot fault it we had roast beef which was lovely and nice and hot starter of soup and bri we weren’t going to have dessert but they gave us it for our anniversary I had Xmas pudding was fab my husband had sticky toffee fabulous the staff are great especially the girl who looked after us sorry didn’t get your name but your dad used to own the pub big thank you you made our anniversary we will definitely come again keep up the good work

We were seated quickly and were given the menus and our drinks order taken, there was a specials board as well as a great choice of dishes.We ordered the bread and charcuterie boards to nibble while waiting for our starters, well presented, and delicious.Starters were lovely and staff asked if everything was ok,our mains were served and we all thoroughly enjoyed our food, I had fillet steak it was cooked exactly as I like it and it came with big chunky chips,my grandsons belly pork was a huge portion with a very tasty sauce, everyone was thoroughly stuffed! Staff were busy but efficient and asking if there was anything else we needed,we can definitely recommend and will certainly return!

Gorgeous place, gorgeous food, gorgeous cocktails!! Me and my partner both vegan and really enjoyed the veggie board would love to see more vegan stuff in the future <3

Brilliant little find, extremely friendly staff and brilliant quality of product. Would definitely recommend for locals and people visiting Durham

News years day in the Grind, returned after a slightly negative experience back in August and we all (group of 9) had a fantastic day! I just want to say well bloody done to the girls behind the bar!! The place was absolutely heaving you couldn’t move and they did so well getting everyone served! Everyone was in such good spirits and the vibe was brilliant! Happy New Year 🥳

Have been back here now a couple of times recently. Being honest Indian was not usually our first choice for a meal out but this place has converted us. We were there last night. I had Lamb Kundan Kaliyan and my husband had Lamb Byriani and both were absolutely delicious. It was one of the best plates of food I have had. The service is second to none. Would recommend.

Amazing! First off, the staff are so friendly. They never hesitate to answer any questions and make you feel so welcome, no matter the day/time. The decor and the atmosphere are great. I keep finding new details to admire. Love the surprise in the ladies’ loo as well! 🤫✨ The new menu is to die for! Gorgeous. I hate to admit I’ve had two burgers in the space of a week but can’t resist. This isn’t bog standard stuff - this is a menu that’s been properly thought through and they’ve thought outside the box! Unique things I haven’t seen before - super tasty. Try it all. The cocktail menu is equally fab - loads of choice and beautifully presented.

Excellent! I had a lovely time at the establishment. The staff were really warm and friendly. Definitely visiting here again.

Where are here again! The best Glamping in England. We love coming here and always made to feel welcome. It was Tapas night in Cheesedale cafe tonight, which was amazing as always. Sarah made me one of her awesome Espresso Martinis (wasn’t on the menu, but they know I like them😁), which was perfect. Food was spot on and service was great. Couldn’t manage their homemade Biscoff Cheesecake (so got a couple of slices in a takeout box). Thanks Allison and Jonathan for a superb weekend (and for the hugs). See you at Raby Castle Christmas Fair in a couple of weeks. Xxxx

What a fantastic pub and restaurant. Welcoming staff and the young man who looked after us whilst we ate was very attentive. Could not fault in anyway. Food was delicious and excellent choice. Great that they do a daily roast too. I had the beef which was tasty and tender and plentiful too. Would definitely recommend and will definitely be going again. Thank you.

Had the most amazing festive afternoon tea here with friends. Everything was delicious & a party member with coeliac disease was well looked after. Nothing was too much trouble. I believe that everything was made with love....sign of the best establishmets.

Recently visited Perla Nera for an evening meal. The restaurant is beautifully decorated. The Christmas decorations are lovely and tasteful. We had bruschetta which was so tasty. Garlic mushroom and a black pudding and pepper sauce to start. All were cooked to perfection the pepper sauce was stunning. For main course we had a chicken in pepper sauce and a carbonara which again both were beautiful. The chips and veg with the chicken were lovely. Homemade chips and the veg was sautéed in butter and was fresh and crisp so nice. I had a coffee after which was beautiful, you can’t beat Italian coffee and my husband had sticky toffee pudding which was beautiful he said and was convinced was made fresh in the restaurant and not bought in. The staff really are attentive without being overbearing and are extremely friendly. I can’t recommend this restaurant enough and we will definitely be back. Thank you so much Eli and team keep up the fantastic work. We had heard about your reputation before we came and can 100% see why you are so highly regarded. Thank you.

A really lovely little restaurant. Serves very nice home made food. Staff are fab and the food is so tasty. It's always busy and just such a lovely friendly traditional place. Mine and my best friends favourite spot for lunch

Lovely milkshake and coffee perfect from one fussy coffee drinker. Lovely staff always friendly and asking if you need help. 5 out of 5 stars.