Five 'hidden gem' restaurants to visit around Darlington

Whether it's places with lovely and warming fireplaces or places that do comfort food, we've got you covered. 

We have searched through TripAdvisor for restaurants in and around Darlington that offer a 'hidden gem' feel. 

These can be towards Richmond, or in the villages of Darlington. 

Here is the list: 

The Bay Horse at Ravensworth

Ravensworth, Richmond, DL11 7ET

Rating: 5/5 (86 ratings)

A traditional country pub offering a quality food and drink menu, accompanied by a warm and vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Ravensworth village. 

This exceptional restaurant has been ranked among some of the best around Richmond and Darlington - and has received 84 'exceptional' reviews on TripAdvisor. 

Among the reviews, one person wrote: "Had a fantastic Sunday lunch in this wonderful country pub. The roast beef dinner was amazing with a great selection of seasonal vegetables, roast chicken was really good and I enjoyed my beef bourguignon pie."

The Black Horse

Front Street, Ingleton, Darlington, DL2 3HS

Rating: 5/5 (196 ratings)

Another restaurant that boasts five stars out of five, and has been hailed as one of the most exceptional meals around the Darlington area. 

If you're looking for village dining, this is your place - with diners raving about the Sunday roasts and other pub meals.

With 169 'exceptional reviews', it's clear that this diner had a nice meal, with their review reading: "Had lunch at the Black horse with all the family 6 different meals and everything was fantastic. Service 5 star and beautiful food with a warm welcome we will be back thanks to all at the Black Horse."

The Heifer

The Green, High Row, Scorton, Near Richmond, DL10 6DH

Rating: 4.5/5 (470 ratings)

A lovely laid-back Pub & Restaurant situated in Scorton near Richmond, suitable for all occasions.

This restaurant has been handed numerous 'exceptional' rating from 470 diners who have written on TripAdvisor.

One reviewer wrote: "Fantastic Sunday lunch with family and our dog. We were made to feel very welcome and service was great throughout the meal. The bar area is welcoming and we were very impressed with the quality of the food."

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The Otter and Fish

1 Strait Lane, Hurworth-on-Tees, Darlington, DL2 2AH

Rating: 4.5/5 (1122 ratings)

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 ambience second to none, in what has to be the best interior in the area. Family-owned and run since 2006, they pride themselves on their food & service.

This place has a whopping 785 ratings with exceptional rankings, while also only having eight negative reviews.

One person who was impressed said: "We managed to secure a table at the last minute so were thankful. The restaurant has a great atmosphere. The food is good; we had the beef and it was served pink. The mackerel starter was amazing which we shared."

The Fox Hole

Piercebridge, Darlington, DL2 3SJ

Rating: 4.5/5 (644 ratings)

Tucked just outside of Darlington, this hidden gem boasts a nice outdoor terrace area and a light and airy space inside. 

This place is famed for its incredible food. 

In the reviews, there are hundreds of exceptional reviews, with one person saying: "Visited for a birthday as a group of 15 for Sunday lunch and was very impressed! Food was quick to come and was delicious, with a range of different meats to choose from and lots of veg on the side."