THE best dinner restaurants in Durham have been revealed, as voted for by the public.
From Italian pizza to authentic Indian curries, there's lots of different restaurants to try.
This list has a mix of popular well-known food venues and places ideal for dates or catch up's with friends.
Even better, there's something on the menu for most dietary needs.
Shaheens Indian
Tripadvisor rating: 5/5
Location: 48 North Bailey, Durham, DH1 3ET
As the winner of one of Tripadvisor's Travellers Choice titles for 2021, it is no surprise that Shaheens Indian ranks in first place.
Shaheens also ranked first place in our previous guide to the five best Indian restaurants in County Durham.
More than 1,000 happy customers have shared 'excellent' reviews about this Indian restaurant.
From Masala Fish and Lamb Pathia to Bombay potatoes, this flavourful menu gets high praise from customers.
One reviewer said: "Just had the best Indian meal I have ever eaten any where in the UK. You must try the onion bhajis you will not be disappointed. Once you have eaten here you won’t go anywhere else for an Indian meal."
La Spada Ristorante
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5/5
Location: 62-64 Front Street, Durham, DH1 5DE
La Spada Ristorante serves Mediterranean dishes described by one reviewer as "the best Italian meal I have had for a long time".
One reviewer from Chester-le-Street said: "A group of four adults had two courses each and three pints of moretti each and thoroughly enjoyed it all.The service was excellent,the food was lovely with dishes of fried mushrooms,pasta,garlic breads and chicken ordered and all eaten.Highly recommend but book as it gets very busy."
This is a great option for people with various dietary needs with the menu serving up food for vegetarians, vegans and those with coeliac disease (gluten intolerance).
Bistro Citron Vert
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5/5
Location: 1 Wellington Street High Pittington, Durham, DH6 1AZ
Bistro Citron Vert has almost 200 'excellent' reviews and dishes "cooked to perfection", according to Tripadvisor.
The French-inspired menu features steak, sea bass, dauphinoise potatoes, mussles, cheese boards and more.
One happy customer said: "Inside the decor is fresh and atmospheric, scented candles give the room a warm welcoming feel and the staff are very friendly. Cool laid back jazz in the background immediately relaxes you. The menu is simple - not too much choice (hurrah!) but every bite of the freshly cooked food is flavoursome and delicious. This was a highlight of my holiday and I'm going to book again before I go home."
Akarsu Turkish Restaurant & Grill
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5/5
Location: 32A Silver Street, Durham, DH1 3RD
This authentic Turkish restaurant serves up Middle Eastern dishes against the backdrop of a 1600's grade 2 listed building.
With meals full of Mediterranean and Turkish flavours, you can expect anything from lamb chops to stuffed vine leaves or halloumi fries.
Customers can also find vegetarian and vegan options on the menu.
One reviewer said: " What a marvellous evening. Quality food in a cosy environment. Great welcome from the staff while we were wonderfully served by the personable and helpful Fehim who is a real asset to the restaurant."
Cross Keys Inn
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5/5
Location: Front Street Esh, Durham, DH7 9QR
One reviewer left the perfect summary of Cross Keys Inn: "Brilliant family meal, great choice on the menu, lovely cosy pub."
Food on offer here includes Sunday lunch, steak parmo, pie, Whitby scampy and much more.
There is also a selection of real ales, draught beers, wines and spirits to choose from.
There's choice for a range of dietary needs - including gluten-free fish and chips.
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