Location: Darlington
Top Restaurants in Darlington
Top Things to do in Darlington
Darlington Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Darlington
Darlington is a large market town in County Durham, in North East England. With a population of 92,363 in 2011, the town lies on the River Skerne, a tributary of the River Tees. The town is administered as part of the Borough of Darlington. The town owes much of its development to the influence of local Quaker families in the Georgian and Victorian era, and who provided much of the finance and vision in creating the Stockton and Darlington Railway, the world's first steam locomotive powered, permanent passenger railway. The town is often colloquially referred to as 'Darlo'.
Things to do in Darlington
1. Akbar Dynasty
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 399 reviews
Reviewed By Kev M - BORO
Not the first time we have visited Akbar and not the last.Superb food and were served pretty quickly seen as though it was full at 6:30. We had booked and it is better to do this rather than just turning up on the offchance. The only prob was there was a group off fellas seated next to us who were f’ing and jeffing very loud whilst there were children seated with parents all around,some people have no respect. See you soon Akbar’s..
2. The Old Yard Tapas Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 317 reviews
The Old Yard Tapas bar is a longstanding independent business in the heart of Darlington Town Centre. We have an extensive Spanish tapas and Greek meze menu, we cater for everyone, indviduals to large parties. Bar opening hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-11pm, Sunday 12pm-10:30pm Food Service hours are featured below: Please note we serve lunch and evening meals Sunday-Friday and serve food all day on Saturdays only
Reviewed By Andrewms14 - Sheffield, United Kingdom
I ate here prior to seeing the final show of Blood Brothers at the newly restored Darlington Hippodrome. I saw this place listed in the CAMRA good beer guide and it is more a pub with a long established (over 20 years) restaurant at the...MoreThank you for taking the time to leave this kind and detailed review. We are so pleased all aspects of atmosphere, service, value and food quality left you with such a wonderful impression. We hope you will return again. Kind regards-Tapas Bar Management
3. The Otter and Fish
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 861 reviews
Overlooking the river tees in the picturesque village of Hurworth close to the north Yorkshire border. Fully refurbished inside & out to the highest standard, creating an ambiance second to none, in what has to be the best interior in the area. Family owned & run since 2006, we pride ourselves on our food & service. Our menus and service create a warm & welcoming atmosphere with the emphasis on food & service, ensuring a great experience. We serve traditional bar meals as well as a full a la carte menu, giving customers of all tastes plenty of choice. Our food is all homemade, prepared on the premises and sourced from local suppliers.
Reviewed By John D - Bramhall
We had a family evening meal to celebrate my father-in-law's 95th birthday and we were most impressed by the choice and quality of the food. The staff could not have been nicer or more attentive and the restaurant itself had lovely welcoming atmosphere. We can recommend a visit here with full confidence.
4. The Orangery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 444 reviews
Fine British Dining
Reviewed By Ian S - County Durham, United Kingdom
Thorough enjoyed afternoon tea in the Orangery for a second time in a couple of years whilst celebrating a family birthday.
Staff are friendly and attentive and a make concerted effort to deliver a pleasurable experience.
The room is bright and airy- a delight to sit in overlooking the grounds to the rear of the hotel.
The tea itself - lovely, with freshly prepared sandwiches, cakes and pastries- still warm from the morning bake.
All in all, a very nice experience delivering quality and satisfaction. Looking forward already to repeating it again next year!
5. The Raby Hunt Restaurant
Overall Ratings
5 based on 566 reviews
Reviewed By EmmaJane89 - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
My partner and me dined here on the 10th March and are so glad we did. The food was absolutely incredible, there wasn't a dish that we didn't enjoy. Even the raw dishes, that I was personally a little concerned about, were beautiful.
The atmosphere was relaxed and the staff were friendly and knowledgeable.
We had a lovely evening and are already planning our next visit. Definitely worth a trip.
6. The Bay Horse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 736 reviews
The Bay Horse retains an emphasis on the finer details of a real old English pub, hand pulled local ales in dimple glasses and side dishes served in copper pans. The menu is made up of classic British cooking with a twist & has a strong emphasis on flavours & presentation. The premise has achieved a Michelin Bib Gourmand for the last four years.
Reviewed By Sarayumei
We had a fantastic Valentine's dinner at the Bay Horse. The environment is elegant but informal (a fancy pub in some ways), the service impeccable and the staff very helpful.
We had a selection of starters and mains which included Whitby crab and pork belly. All cooked to perfection with zesty flavours to stimulate the palate. Prices are more than reasonable and it's excellent value for money.
They do lunch and afternoon day (check their availability on this). Highly recommended!
7. Sol Tapas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 549 reviews
At Sol Tpas, there are 41 delicious tapas dishes to choose from that evoke the culture and flavour of Spain. You'll find all your favourite seafood, meat and vegetarian tapas dishes, as well as ones you've never experienced before. Or why not choose the popular set menu, which is ideal if you're new to tapas? Just tell the waiter your food preferences and we'll keep the tapas dishes coming till you say stop. Our tapas menu is inspired by Italian, Moroccan and Spanish food, and there's meat, fish and vegetarian dishes to choose from. We change our menu regularly so there's always plenty of variety of flavours to tempt your taste buds with. The enjoyment doesn't stop at the food. Our comprehensive wine list and bar promises to have a drink to suit every palate, no matter what the occasion. So why not book your table tonight and treat yourself to a fantastic Spanish dining experience to remember?
Reviewed By adrian d - Darlington, United Kingdom
Went today as part of a xmas gift appreciated the warm friendly welcome
Staff very attentive didn't book but seated quickly Staff were most helpful with the various dishes on the menu from fixed 2/3 course to combo of choices which we eventually opted for as we wanted to sample mixed bag
We had approx 7 dishes to share mainly vegetarian from humous Spanish omelette fried potatoes etc my wife enjoyed especially the fried cod I greatly liked the chorizo with chickpeas
All came with warm flat and fresh bread along with x2 lime and sodas came to around £ 37 our voucher covered most of the cost
So we did over indulge with the varied dishes gave us food for thought for a most definitely return visit
It's all about the sharing which can certainly be achieved at Sol Tapas just Shame couldn't fit desert in
Already planning next visit
Thank you for a great experience
8. Meze
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 304 reviews
Turkish Restaurant
Reviewed By Paul H - Darlington, United Kingdom
Clean, fresh flavours is what typifies Turkish cuisine and that's precisely what you will find here. Simplicity and a level handed approach to seasoning and food combinations make for a heavenly marriage on the plate.
Humous served with warm flat bread is a devine starter. The chicken shish is simply a pure joy to follow. The service is faultless and the ambience is warm and friendly.
This is still my favourite restaurant in Darlington!
9. The Tuns at Sadberge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 249 reviews
Public House
Reviewed By helenglenn7 - Newton Aycliffe, United Kingdom
Had the pea soup it was to die for my mum found it a little expensive, the management let her have a small portion to appease her. The decor was nice and the bar staff were very friendly ( a little cheeky) not a bad thing!!
10. The Talbot
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 335 reviews
Reviewed By bbpix - Stockton-on-Tees, United Kingdom
Gave this place a second chance after a disappointing meal a couple of months ago. Unfortunately no better this time. On arrival the bar was empty and very cold....a small blow heater seemed to be the only heating therefore sat in our coats. The restaurant had approximately a dozen people in. This in mind with 3 staff serving you would think service would be good. However all 3 staff seemed stressed and complaining it had been busy, going on and on about it. Doesn't make for a relaxing experience. Ordered a burger and a halloumi burger. Both looked good but tasteless. The meat burger was thick but no flavour. The halloumi and red pepper burger was all salad and pepper with the 2 slices of the thinnest halloumi I have ever seen. At around £11 each just not impressed. Won't be giving it a 3rd chance.
