£££Modern Cuisine
Its name comes from an Old English word for ‘journey’, but there is something decidedly contemporary about this centrally located restaurant – from the airy, pared-back interior to the on-trend open kitchen and terse menu descriptions. An antique stained-glass window adds character and makes a fine backdrop for the chefs as they show their talent across colourful, precisely executed dishes that utilise punchy flavours like Sichuan pepper, onion ketchup and an intense duck jus.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.8/5 · 80 reviews
Located in central Durham, Faru specializes in modern cuisine. Reviews frequently praise the high food quality, attentive service, and elegant atmosphere, with many highlighting the exquisite presentation of the tasting menus. However, some guests noted issues with meal pacing, inconsistent service attitudes, and strict cancellation policies. A minority felt portions were small relative to expectations. While the culinary experience is widely regarded as exceptional, visitors should be aware of potential service variability and booking terms.
Suitable for diners seeking refined modern cuisine for special occasions, with prior attention to service consistency and booking terms.
££Modern British
Hidden away in a small courtyard in the centre of Durham, this warm, cheerily run restaurant is the realisation of a dream for the three friends who crowdfunded its opening. The simple, rustic décor belies the quality of the cooking found within; the set menu of modern British small plates changes seasonally and the kitchen’s skill is clearly evident in the quality of the sauces.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.9/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Durham, Coarse offers modern British cuisine with an impressive 4.9/5 average rating from 80 reviews. Guests consistently praise the high food quality, friendly and professional service, and relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for celebrations like anniversaries. The tasting menu is noted for its lack of gimmicks and exquisite presentation, complemented by a good wine selection, particularly natural wines. While a minority of reviews mentioned pacing or portion value, the overwhelming consensus highlights exceptional dining experiences, establishing it as a top-tier choice in the area.
Suitable for diners seeking high-quality modern British cuisine for special occasions.
££Modern British
After opening a shipping container café, local food blogger Anna Hedworth crowdfunded this stripped-back, industrial-style restaurant with a pleasant terrace and a relaxed feel. Dinner is the main event, with many of the vibrant, fiercely seasonal dishes cooked on the hibachi barbeque.
£££Modern British
This long-standing restaurant continues to operate with smooth efficiency and serve unfussy, eminently satisfying dishes you want to eat again and again. Start with a gin from the large selection behind the zinc-topped counter then head through to the smart red-and-black brasserie. The à la carte offers a wide selection of confidently cooked, classically based dishes that showcase the kitchen's great understanding of ingredients and flavour. The fixed-price menu offers a wallet-friendly option, while Sunday lunch includes a traditional roast.
£££Modern British
Named after the owner's childhood dog, this intimate, personally run restaurant has a quirky narrow shape, with art by a member of the family on the walls and rustic wooden tables. The set menu, available in two lengths, offers seasonally informed dishes that often utilise overlooked ingredients, such as a flavour-packed faggot made from less glamorous cuts of venison, served with the tender loin. The wine list includes some interesting organic and biodynamic choices, and it’s worth going for the pairings. Friendly, caring service is the icing on the cake.
🕐 Th-Fr 18:30-23:00; Sa 18:00-23:00; Su 12:30-16:00
£££Modern Cuisine
Head Chef Kleo is Albanian by birth and spent time in Italy before making the UK his home, so it’s no surprise to see the flavours and colours of the Mediterranean feature at this charming neighbourhood brasserie. There is a welcome lack of fussiness to the cooking, as each dish bursts with flavour. Go for the à la carte for the most choice, the fixed-price menu for the best value or the tasting menu for the full experience; sensibly priced wines from across Europe are an added bonus whatever you choose. Lisa, Kleo's partner, looks after the service and is a natural host.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
Lovage in Bakewell offers modern cuisine with an average TripAdvisor rating of 4.5/5. Food quality is generally praised, with standout dishes like trout tartare and hogget, though some reviews note issues with excessive saltiness, overcooked meat, or small portions. Service is typically described as welcoming and attentive, yet some diners experienced slow pacing during lunch, extending meal times significantly. The atmosphere is cozy and well-designed, featuring thoughtful decor and lighting, although the dining room can be quiet. While many guests report exceptional experiences, inconsistencies in food preparation and service speed suggest variability depending on the visit.
Suitable for diners seeking refined modern cuisine who can tolerate occasional inconsistencies.
£Seafood
The team behind Lovage in Jesmond have turned their attention to the fruits of the sea at this restaurant on the bustling Gosforth High Street. Despite not quite being the restaurant’s namesake, oysters are available in multiple guises to kick off proceedings, before a choice of prime fish and shellfish. The chefs are aware of the quality of their ingredients, eschewing overcomplication in favour of simple combinations – like Pink Fir potatoes, tenderstem and beurre blanc accompanying a generous helping of sea trout.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 56 reviews
Located in High Heaton, Osters specializes in seafood and holds a 4.6/5 average rating on TripAdvisor. Positive reviews frequently highlight fresh, well-cooked dishes such as crab, sea bass, soft shell crab, and fish pie, alongside a relaxing atmosphere and attentive service. However, some negative feedback points to inconsistent meal pacing, under-seasoned items, and discrepancies in ingredient descriptions, such as mozzarella served instead of burrata. A few guests found the Sunday lunch overpriced for the portion size and quality, noting thin pork crackling. While the majority praise the culinary quality and hospitality, occasional inconsistencies in food preparation and value perception remain notable concerns.
Suitable for diners seeking high-quality seafood and attentive service, best visited during off-peak hours for optimal pacing.
🕐 Th-Sa 12:00-15:00,17:00-23:00; We 17:00-23:00; Su 12:00-16:00; Mo,Tu off
££Modern Cuisine
Well-prepared dishes, a wide-ranging wine list and smartly attired staff add a touch of formality to this village pub – although the locals aren't forgotten and can still come just for a drink in the bar. The modern pub cooking comes in the form of colourful and eye-catching dishes that show a clear understanding of flavours, with steaks a feature. The ‘market menu’ available during certain hours offers great value for money, and their monthly wine tasting evenings sell out in no time.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews
Chadwicks Inn in Thornaby on Tees holds a 4.4/5 rating from 80 reviews. Positive feedback highlights food quality, friendly service, and a warm atmosphere, with particular praise for Sunday lunches and festive meals. However, negative reviews cite inconsistent food standards, slow pacing, and poor value for money. Some guests noted limited menu options and occasional preparation errors. While many describe it as a charming local pub-restaurant, others found recent experiences disappointing compared to past visits. It remains a popular spot for traditional dining, though consistency varies.
Suitable for diners seeking a traditional village pub experience, particularly for Sunday lunches or festive meals, though expectations regarding consistency should be managed.
£££Modern Cuisine
The jewel in the crown of this 15th-century coaching inn is its lovely garden and terrace, closely followed by its crackling fire for a warm winter's welcome. It's a smart, efficiently run but still relaxed and friendly pub, with serious modern cooking made up of many elements. The kitchen team show an ambitious edge, as well as strong classical technique underpinning the dishes – such as a finely made red wine sauce with grouse. If you want to extend your trip, settle in for the night at their cottage next door.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
Bay Horse in Shireshead offers modern cuisine with generally positive feedback. Food quality is highlighted for fresh seafood, beef, and duck, though vegetarian options are limited and occasionally criticized for lack of flavor. Service is mostly friendly and attentive, but some guests noted delays or inconsistent pacing during busy periods. The ambiance is cozy and intimate, featuring wooden beams and garden views. While many find the value acceptable, negative reviews cite high prices and insufficient plant-based choices, suggesting it may not suit strict vegetarians or vegans seeking variety.
Ideal for diners seeking a cozy rural atmosphere and quality meat/seafood; vegetarians should review options carefully.
£££Modern British
Located in the extensive Saltmoore hotel and wellness resort, this chic modern brasserie welcomes guests into an elegant dining room of green walls, seersucker upholstery and marble café-style tables. The friendly service team are happy to guide you through the menu, which has a classic British heart and makes a feature of prime meats cooked on the grill. Some seasonal local produce makes an appearance too, like wonderfully pure Whitby crab in an unfussy tartlet, or crème brûlée sweetened with heather honey from the North York Moors.
££British Contemporary
The team from the former Bantam in Helmsley are behind this characterful rural pub, which benefits from an enviable location perched above a pretty valley in the North York Moors National Park. A former drover’s inn dating back to the 19th century, there’s a vintage style to the décor and a lovely, welcoming vibe thanks to the friendly team. Hearty, unfussy and downright tasty dishes are the order of the day, with old favourites like devilled kidneys and toad in the hole sure to satisfy. Bedrooms are available for those looking to explore the surroundings in more detail.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
The Owl in Camber holds a strong 4.5/5 average rating, primarily driven by high praise for its food quality. Reviewers frequently highlight exceptional flavors, fresh local produce, and well-prepared dishes such as bream, oysters, and cheese boards. Service is generally described as warm and hospitable, with specific appreciation for the dog-friendly policy, though isolated incidents of rude staff or misleading information were noted. The atmosphere is comfortable and suitable for leisurely dining. While some guests found the value average and noted the strict no-children-under-five policy, the consistent quality of the cuisine and welcoming environment make it a solid choice for travelers seeking a reliable contemporary British dining experience.
Ideal for adults seeking high-quality local cuisine and pet owners, but unsuitable for families with young children.
£££Modern Cuisine
A stone-faced 16th-century house in the pretty market town of Bedale provides a fine home for this friendly restaurant. Start with an aperitif in the wine bar or on the drinks terrace on the cobbled street out front, before heading to the main dining room, which stylishly contrasts rustic beams and an old fireplace with modern décor. Chef-Owner Ruth Hansom is a local and it shows in her tasting menu, which skilfully spotlights wonderful produce from the surrounding area – be it Swaledale lamb or the famous Yorkshire rhubarb.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.9/5 · 80 reviews
Hansom in Bedale offers modern cuisine with high ratings. Food focuses on seasonal local produce, featuring beautiful presentation and creative flavor combinations, such as a standout tomato dish, though some find certain textures experimental. Service is generally friendly, attentive, and relaxed without being stuffy. The atmosphere is comfortable with quality tableware. While isolated negative reviews mention cleaning smells, cold mains during Sunday lunch, or lack of greeting, most guests praise the food quality, ambiance, and reasonable value. The extensive wine list and well-executed tasting menus are frequently highlighted as strengths, making it a reliable choice for a pleasant dining experience.
Suitable for diners seeking high-quality local ingredients and modern culinary techniques in a relaxed, elegant setting.
£££British Contemporary
The North York Moors and their produce are the inspiration behind this charming little restaurant housed inside a rural, stone-built former farmhouse. Chef-Owner Peter Neville and his partner Cecily Fearnley show great pride as they enthuse about their environmental philosophies. Local produce – be it Moorland roe deer, Whitby crab or any number of ingredients from the kitchen garden – is used in hearty dishes that pack a punch when it comes to flavour. Sauces and accompaniments are a particular strength of the kitchen.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.8/5 · 80 reviews
Homestead Kitchen in Goathland offers contemporary British cuisine with an average rating of 4.8/5 from 80 reviews. Food quality is highly praised for its local sourcing, garden-grown produce, and meticulous presentation, though some guests noted small portions or occasional seasoning issues. Service is generally excellent and attentive, despite isolated reports of pacing inconsistencies or dismissive responses to complaints. The atmosphere is welcoming, featuring a lovely courtyard suitable for outdoor dining. While a minority of reviewers cited value concerns, the majority describe the experience as exceptional, making it a notable dining destination in the area.
Suitable for travelers seeking high-quality local ingredients and an elegant dining environment.