5 of best places to eat out in the North East according to Echo staff

After looking online to find out more about some of our favourite places to grab a bite to eat we have made a comprehensive list to inspire you.

This is not a definitive list of the best places to eat in the North East and North Yorkshire but we are confident they are excellent options.

Here are The Northern Echo staff's pick of the best places to try in 2024:

1. H. Taylor & Sons Ltd, Darlington, DL3 7NR

One of reporter Michael Robinson's favourite destinations, the butchers provides a range of hot and tasty food to help warm you on a crisp spring day.

The business has been family run since 1922 when it was set up by Harry Taylor, a Yorkshireman, born in Sheffield, who travelled around the north of England as a butcher manager.

The shop, located on Skinnergate, has an impressive range of pork pies, curry pies and quiches.

2. The Old Mill, Thinford Road, Metal Bridge, Durham, DH6 5NX

Our very own Andy White has recommended a pub which was transformed from a paper mill.

From 1890 the building was used for a range of purposes and it was not until 2000 that it was taken over by Key Inns Ltd and it became the pub we know today.

On their website they emphasise a desire to 'provide great quality home cooked food'.

If you love the pub like Andy you can even stay there the night as it doubles up as a hotel.

3. The Bay Horse, Hurworth-on-Tees, Darlington, DL2 2AA

The esteemed Nick Gullon, our print editor, has plumped for The Bay Horse in Hurworth-on-Tees.

The pub, inside a 15th century coaching inn, has slowly built up a reputation for delicious food since it opened in 2008.

In 2023 Nick visited on his 30th birthday and had a delightful time.

Five years ago it was polled as one of the top 3 enterprise inns in the country for their food offer and received Living North's 'Pub of the Year' award.

4. Amontola Indian Restaurant, Richmond, DL10 4AE (written by Ashley Barnard)

There’s no shortage of curry houses in and around Richmond, but the top one for me has to be Amontola, in Queen’s Road, handily just a couple of doors down from Wetherspoon’s.

Whether getting a take-away or dining in, service is always really friendly and quick; the pricing has remained reasonable despite rising costs in most restaurants; and, most importantly, the food is delicious.

The menu offers a wide range of dishes outside of the norm, and everything is always top quality. My favourite dish is the tangy and spicy lamb dansak served with pilau rice and a bit of keema naan. Perfection!

The team at Amontola is headed by Syed Washim Bari, previously from the award-winning Star of Bengal in Darlington. Head chef is Syed Koyes Miah, also formerly of the Star of Bengal. 

5. Dosa Kitchen, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 2AE

The unassuming Indian restaurant on Osborne Road is Phoebe Abruzzese's pick of the year.

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It opened in 2017 and has achieved recognition since then by the Good Food Guide.

They aim to bring “authentic South Indian cuisine to the North East”.

The menu offers a selection of authentic curries, small plates, breads, and most importantly its namesake – the dosa.