From gourmet dining to Sunday roasts, County Durham is home to some of the UK's top-rated eateries and pubs.

With glowing reviews and humorous anecdotes, here’s what visitors have to say about these stand-out venues.

5 County Durham pubs and restaurants with 'glowing reviews', according to TripAdvisor:

The Owl & Otter, Burnopfield

“Barcelona Nachos and the Best Burgers in Britain”
The Owl & Otter takes pub food to another level, according to one satisfied diner who likened their nachos to a tapas bar in Barcelona:
"They came with four sauces, jalapeños, and cheese that was so tasty and good quality!"

The praise didn’t stop there:
"The brioche bun had a slight crisp, the homemade chips were the best I’ve ever had, and even the onion rings were divine."

Even dessert was a revelation. One guest declared: “The pavlova was amazing, and the After Eight cheesecake was refreshing.”

The Half Moon, Spennymoor

“The Sasha Effect”
Sunday lunch at The Half Moon brought smiles all around—thanks in no small part to their cheerful server:
"Sasha made sure we had everything we needed, all with a great smile. Nothing was too much trouble."

The food was as stellar as the service: “Excellent value and a lovely atmosphere. We’ll be back—well done, Sasha.”

The Otter and Fish, Hurworth-on-Tees

“A Comfortable Affair”
At this charming spot, it’s all about relaxed elegance and value for money. One review summed it up perfectly: "Tasty food, promptly served by friendly staff in comfortable surroundings."

But it wasn’t just the food that left an impression. “You feel like you’re dining in a cosy haven where every detail has been thought through.”

The Bay Horse, Hurworth-on-Tees

“So Good, It Ruins All Other Food”
High praise doesn’t quite cover the reviews for The Bay Horse. One enamoured patron claimed:
"When you eat normal food the next day, it pales in comparison."

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From the refined dishes to the knowledgeable staff: “The food is elegant, flavours are amazing, and the staff make every visit memorable.”

The Fox and Tree, Seaham

“Even the Nibbles Are Michelin-Worthy”
This venue left a solo diner astonished, not with a grand meal, but with a simple snack:
"I popped in for Guinness and hummus, and even the hummus was exceptional—served with anchovy and garlic dip and half a loaf of sourdough bread."

The clincher? “It helps that the chefs are Michelin-restaurant trained.”