A new family-run Italian restaurant has opened in the heart of Durham City - offering authentic dishes and a cosy atmosphere. 

Pesto, which opened on Silver Street last Friday (September 15), has already gone down well with diners after offering promotions on their food and drink in their first week of operating. 

Despite the entrance to the restaurant being located in a small doorway, the stairway takes you to a bigger restaurant.

Read more: Food and Drink unit comes on market at The Station, in Richmond

Celebrating its grand opening, Pesto has been posting plenty online - which has seen it showcase its pizza and pasta dishes, as well as its drink offerings. 

Posting on its social media page on its opening day, Pesto said: "Grand Opening. Pesto Italiano, your new destination for authentic Italian flavours, is officially open.

"Join us on this exciting culinary journey as you immerse yourself in the richness of Italian cuisine.

"From exquisite pasta to artisanal pizzas, each dish is a unique gastronomic experience. Come and celebrate with us at Pesto Italiano.”

So now that Pesto has opened, what can we expect from it?

The Northern Echo: Pesto Italian on Silver StreetPesto Italian on Silver Street (Image: PESTO ITALIAN)

Pesto is doing a two-course lunch menu for £14.99, while pizzas, pasta and authentic Italian dishes are on the main menu.

The new restaurant has even shown footage of them making the dough fresh in the kitchen of the restaurant.

If that wasn't enough, they have established an exclusive beer called 'Santiago' that the restaurant has crafted just for its customers.