The Cellar Door
If you find yourself wandering around the charming city of Durham, UK, and you're craving an unforgettable dining experience, The Cellar Door should be at the top of your list. Tucked away on Saddler Street, this cozy restaurant has earned its place as a beloved gem among locals and visitors alike. Whether you're popping in for a quick lunch or treating yourself to a leisurely dinner, this spot offers a mix of elegance and comfort that's hard to beat.
Located at 41 Saddler St, Durham DH1 3NU, The Cellar Door is more than just a restaurant-it’s an experience. Known for its welcoming vibe, this restaurant creates the perfect atmosphere for both solo diners and those sharing a meal with friends or family. With a great wine list and a variety of offerings that cater to all tastes, it’s no wonder that The Cellar Door has become a favorite for lunch and dinner alike. The restaurant serves dine-in options with the convenience of outdoor seating, offering a perfect space to enjoy the city’s charm while indulging in a well-curated menu.
One of the standout features of The Cellar Door is its diverse and mouth-watering selection of dishes. Whether you're in the mood for something hearty or a lighter option, there’s always something that catches your eye.
For those who enjoy rich, indulgent meals, Beef Wellington Garlic & Parmesan Portobello Truffle Fries Jus offers a sumptuous bite that’s hard to resist. Another crowd favorite is the Roast Chicken Sunday Lunch, which has earned a reputation for being the perfect comfort food. And for those who have a sweet tooth, the Sticky Toffee Pudding is a must-try, bringing together rich flavors with a touch of nostalgia. If you're into seafood, don't miss the Oysters or Mussels Marinara, two dishes that are always fresh and bursting with flavor.
For a more refined touch, try the Soufflé or the Lamb Rack-both plates are crafted to perfection and have become synonymous with elegance. If you're craving something light yet satisfying, the Ravioli and Steak Tartare will deliver exactly what you need. And don’t forget to finish your meal with a delightful Panna Cotta, Gelato, or a Lemon Meringue Pie. Trust me, it's the perfect way to end your dining experience.
At The Cellar Door, the food isn't the only thing that shines. The restaurant also takes great pride in its drink offerings. Whether you're in the mood for a glass of fine wine, a refreshing beer, or a carefully crafted cocktail, the bar has something for everyone. Their wine list is exceptional, perfect for pairing with everything from a hearty steak to lighter dishes like the Beetroot Tartare.
For coffee enthusiasts, The Cellar Door serves some of the best coffee in town, which pairs beautifully with their dessert options. If you're a fan of cocktails, the bar team has a knack for creating signature drinks that will surprise and delight.
One of the things that truly sets The Cellar Door apart is its impeccable service. The staff here are friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to make recommendations based on your preferences. Even though it’s not wheelchair accessible in terms of entrances and seating, the outdoor seating area makes for a comfortable and laid-back dining experience.
If you're searching for a place that's popular for solo dining, this spot delivers. It's also a great place to enjoy a casual lunch or a more intimate dinner. Whether you're popping by for a quick bite or lingering over drinks and dessert, the vibe at The Cellar Door is always inviting.
No matter your dietary preferences, The Cellar Door offers a range of options. They serve alcohol, including beer, spirits, and cocktails, and the menu caters to healthy options and vegan or vegetarian dishes. Late-night food is also on offer for those who fancy a bite after a day of exploring Durham.
If you're someone who enjoys pairing your meal with a refreshing drink, rest assured-there’s no shortage of options. From cocktails to wine and spirits, The Cellar Door ensures that your dining experience is perfectly complemented by the best beverages.
When it comes to dining out, The Cellar Door strikes the perfect balance between an upscale yet casual experience. It’s the kind of place where you can relax, enjoy great food, sip on fine wine, and bask in the atmosphere of one of Durham's most beloved eateries. Whether you're coming for the Steak and Chips, a Cheese Platter, or to sample the Mussels Marinara, The Cellar Door will not disappoint.
For those of you who appreciate quality food, good company, and a delightful environment, The Cellar Door is a restaurant that’s not to be missed. Whether you're in the mood for a full meal or just a dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth, you’re guaranteed to enjoy your time here.
Reviews
Dinner @5:30pm outside of term time - we were basically the only diners. Had a vegan option for every course so we were both catered for. And both sets of food were devoured. All flavours as described and dishes were well executed. Service was also great - friendly and professional front of house. Couldn't fault our visit.
We went here as 2 couples and could not fault the place, staff so attentive, food amazing, atmosphere too! It is a bit more pricey than other places in Durham but if you want quality over quantity this is definitely the place to be… the a la carte menu is phenomenal they focus on having a few different dishes which are cooked to perfection definitely the tastiest meal I’ve ever had. I highly recommend that you book in advance as it was pretty busy but they have enough staff to cope with the demand. 10/10!
We had an amazing dining experience at Cellar Door! We were visiting Durham on a walkabout tour, and our guide Peter recommended this restaurant. Everything was fresh made, so it took a bit for us to get our food but it was worth waiting for! We highly recommend the poached egg, asparagus, and hollandaise starter; the steak; the supreme chicken (perfectly cooked!)and the chocolate fondant dessert with rhubarb (it was like a molten lava cake). We will be back anytime we are visiting in Durham! Be aware there are stairs to get down to the restaurant.
Held our wedding reception at The Cellar Door after receiving recommendations on Facebook. My husband and I could have not made a better decision. The staff has been exceptional with the communication and help regarding the preparations as well as during the service. All of our guests were extremely impressed with the food including my dad (who is a professional chef with 20+ years in the industry). The food and experience is amazing value for money. Our wedding day could not have gone better, we did not expect to have such a lovely intimate wedding that we dreamed of, but yet it came true. Thank you so much to the wonderful team at The Cellar Door and the talented chefs for making our day so memorable! Extra details for reference, we booked "The Cave Room" for 12 people altogether. The pistachio ice cream is incredible, and beef shin is also highly recommended.
Came here on a Tuesday afternoon in late January for lunch. It was very quiet that day and you can definitely get a table by walking in. The restaurant overlooks the river which is nice. Food is good but imo a bit pricey for what you get. Agree with a few comments that food is slightly on the colder side when served, and the wait is relatively long. Portions are actually quite good even though it doesn't look like a lot in photos. Friend ordered a Beef Wellington which was good as well. Overall solid restaurant, wouldn't be a place I'd come often but will definitely consider going back when there are special celebrations.