Durham, like many areas of the North East, is not short of places to eat – but which places are best when you’re on a budget?

We’ve had a look at the best places to eat in Durham when you’re on a budget.

Venues on this list offer a range of options for customers, from cuisine to location, but there is one thing they all have in common.

Every single venue has been classed as a cheap option with just a single pound sign on TripAdvisor.

We will try to list the general prices you will

be paying at these restaurants when available.

Here’s the top 10 places to eat in Durham while on a budget:

1. The Library, Saddler Street, Durham

The Northern Echo:

Offering quick bites at cheap prices this venue has scored four-stars out of five for value.

The business has managed to pick itself up a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice award for 2021 and reviewers have praised for its “amazing breakfasts.”

With 486 five-star reviews out of 765, you can see why many people love the venue.

It has been described as a welcoming and informal bar in a student area and open from Breakfast until the early hours on TripAdvisor.

One person said: “We were served a lovely breakfast/brunch. Jackfruit Crumpet was lovely. As was the Big Breakfast (hash browns were fantastic). Denise the manager was great.

2. Treats Tea Room, Silver Street, Durham

The Northern Echo:

Treats Tea Room offers quick bites on the sweeter side of things, and for a great price with just a single pound-sign and scoring four-and-a-half stars for value.

Some reviewers have said it is “easily the nicest food in Durham” and a “perfect lunch.”

Another business to pick up the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2021, this business has scored 594 five-star reviews out of 834 all together.

One person said: “My family and I visit here often. The food is really good quality and beautifully prepared and the staff are friendly and professional.

“The portions are very generous and excellent value for money and there is a great selection on the menu. We have been trying other places in Durham for lunch recently but nowhere has come close!”

3. Ye Old Elm Tree, Crossgate, Durham

The Northern Echo:

Although not as highly rated as others on this list, Ye Old Elm Tree offers classic pub food for a great price.

The pub has been praised for its great atmosphere and has secured 88 five-star reviews out of 155, with the rest of the reviews being quite mixed.

One person said: “This is the best pub in Durham. Mint staff, great beer, lovely beer garden.

“Love taking my dog here as there are always lots of friendly dogs and people for her to socialise with, staff always give her treats and water.

“I’m coeliac too and there’s always gf beer and sometimes great gf ales. Great live folk music during the week and Durham’s toughest pub quiz on a Wednesday. Lovely mix of students and locals. Can’t think of a better pub tbh!”

4. Sambuca, Station Lane, Durham

The Northern Echo:

Another venue to be not so well-reviewed, Sambuca offers traditional Italian food for between £5 and £20.

Despite the mixed reviews, it has received a four-and-a-half stars for value and has scored 354 five-star reviews out of a total of 975, not so great.

One person said: “It's become a bit of a tradition on our overnight stays in Durham and we've never been disappointed yet.

“Great Italian food at good value price and friendly staff. Can't wait for our next visit, next year.”

5. Biz-R Coffee House, The Gates, Durham

The Northern Echo:

Another great quick-bites option offering great service, food, value and atmosphere with four-and-a-half stars in all of them.

Reviewers have praised their “excellent coffee” along with some “delicious muffins” and other sweet treats all for a reasonable price.

The business has scored 47 five-star reviews out of 81 all together.

One person said: “Friendly staff, delicious coffee, reasonably priced. Lovely view from the terrace. What more could you want? Didn’t eat here but cakes & muffins looked tasty”

6. Café Cenno, Durham Indoor Market, Durham

The Northern Echo:

A little less well-reviewed, Café Cenno still offers great value for money with four-stars in value on TripAdvisor.

Mixed reviews have landed it with 40-five star reviews out of 107, however.

One person said: “We visited here for lunch twelve months ago and couldn't resist going back again when passing through.

“It sits above the market and is clean & spacious. The food is well priced, delicious and service is cheerful and efficient. 10 out of 10!”

7. Paxton’s Sandwich Bar, Romaine Square, Durham

The Northern Echo:

Paxton’s has secured itself five-star on TripAdvisor a long with five-stars in value, food and service.

Praised by customers for its lovely food and friendly staff, it’s no wonder why the venue is so highly-rated.

It has scored itself 32 five-star reviews out of 35.

One person said: “I work all over the north east and I'm often going into cafe's and sandwich shops.

“I NEVER leave reviews but this place was fantastic. The staff were lovely and the food was out of this world. I'd put this place's food above most restaurants I've eaten in.”

8. The Bishop’s Mill, Walkergate, Durham

The Northern Echo:

With prices from £3 to £15, you might be able to forgive the not-so-great reviews for The Bishop’s Mill.

The venue has secured just 199 five-star reviews out of 635, the rest being very mixed.

One person said: “Good value for money & surprisingly good food for price. We had the sirloin steaks with drink included option and very tasty.

“Don’t know if the ‘Gormet’ steak was worth it as only got ONE mushroom, 2 small onion rings & half a tomato extra so would just go for standard. Everything nicely cooked & bar service good.”

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