Best steaks in Durham – exploring Durham’s top steakhouses

Durham, a city renowned for its rich history and stunning architecture, is also emerging as a culinary hotspot for food enthusiasts.

Whether you’re looking for the best Italian restaurant, the best place to get pizza or indeed the best place for steak in Durham, food connoisseurs will find themselves spoilt for choice.

The city boasts an array of steakhouses, each offering their unique take on this classic dish. From traditional English cuts to exotic Brazilian churrasco, Durham’s steak scene caters to a wide range of palates, making it a prime destination for those seeking the ultimate steak experience.

This guide delves into the finest Durham steakhouses, showcasing establishments that have mastered the art of steak preparation.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, get ready to embark on a gastronomic journey through some of the best Durham steakhouses, where the quality of the steak is as rich as the city’s heritage.

Rio Steakhouse

Address: Unit 6A Walkergate, Durham DH1 1SQ

Website: https://www.rio-steakhouse.co.uk/durham

Rio Steakhouse offers a truly authentic Brazilian Churrasco dining experience that promises a culinary journey not easily forgotten. Situated within the Walkergate Shopping Centre, Rio Steakhouse stands out for its unique dining style and a diverse array of meat cuts, bringing a slice of Brazil to this beautiful city.

The essence of Rio Steakhouse lies in its traditional Rodizio-style service, where specially trained Gaucho Chefs present an interactive dining experience. Guests are treated to a continuous carving of exquisite meat cuts right at their table. This style of service is not just about the food; it’s a celebration of Brazilian culture and culinary traditions.

Before delving into the main attraction, the journey at Rio Steakhouse begins at the gourmet salad bar. Here, diners can indulge in a variety of healthy salad combinations, imported cheeses, cured meats, and authentic Brazilian dishes. This array of starters is designed to complement the meat-centric main course that follows.

As for the main course, the highlight is undoubtedly the variety of meat cuts, each with its unique flavour and preparation. The Picanha, a special Brazilian cut from the cap of the rump, is revered for being the best part of the rump steak. The Fraldinha, or Bavette Beef Skirt available during weekend lunches and evenings, boasts the strongest beef flavour, cooked using traditional Brazilian methods. For garlic lovers, the Picanha ao Alho offers a delicious twist with its garlic marination.

Rio Steakhouse offers an immersive cultural experience, bringing the heart of Brazil to Durham through its authentic Churrasco dining and unique Rodizio service. It’s a must-visit for those seeking to explore global flavours and enjoy one of the best steaks in Durham.

19Twenty

Address: 19-20 Elvet Bridge, Durham DH1 3AA

Website: https://19twenty.uk/

19Twenty Bar & Grill stands out as a premier destination for steak enthusiasts in Durham. It’s a restaurant and modern culinary haven that marries style with sumptuous dining. The establishment prides itself on creating dishes that are both delicious and visually appealing, offering a modern twist on classic favourites. This approach, combined with the restaurant’s dedication to quality, has made 19Twenty a go-to spot for both locals and visitors.

What sets 19Twenty apart is their focus on premium steak cuts. Each steak is cooked to the diner’s preference, ensuring a personalised experience. The menu features an 8oz Argentinean rump, an 8oz Argentinean ribeye, and an 8oz chargrilled fillet steak. Each steak is accompanied by a grilled mushroom, tomato, a side salad, and a choice of skin-on fries, sweet potato fries, or truffle fries. This attention to detail in both preparation and presentation underlines 19Twenty’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

The atmosphere at 19Twenty is particularly noteworthy. Reviews consistently highlight the cosy and welcoming vibe, perfect for winter dinners with friends or a leisurely meal. The restaurant’s design and lighting create an ambiance that’s both relaxed and sophisticated, making it an ideal location for enjoying a meal or simply unwinding with one of their acclaimed cocktail pitchers.

19Twenty Bar & Grill offers a complete dining experience and one of the best steaks in Durham. But it’s not just about the food, although the steaks are undoubtedly a highlight. It’s about the ambiance, the service, and the overall experience of dining in a place that makes every meal special.

With its stunning river views, impeccable service, and a menu that caters to a variety of tastes, 19Twenty is a jewel in Durham’s culinary crown, offering an experience that guests are eager to repeat.

Tomahawk Steakhouse

Address: Elvet Riverside, Durham DH1 3AF

Website: https://www.the-boat-club.com/

Situated on the picturesque banks of the River Wear, the 500-year-old building of The Boat Club in Durham offers some of the best steaks in Durham. It’s not just the panoramic views of medieval Elvet Bridge or the traditional City of Durham that draw patrons in; it’s the culinary delight found within.

The Boat Club, already renowned for its cocktail bar and riverside beer garden, has enhanced its offering with the recent addition of the Tomahawk Steakhouse. This new venture brings an exceptional steak dining experience to the first floor of the establishment.

At Tomahawk Steakhouse, the focus is on quality and flavour, with a selection of steaks that are nothing short of gastronomic artworks. The menu features an array of choices, each tailored to different tastes and preferences.

The sharing options at Tomahawk are just as impressive. The Sharing Board is a carnivore’s dream, featuring a combination of Flat Iron, Fillet, Sirloin, and Ribeye, all sliced and served with four classic sides.

Tomahawk Steakhouse at The Boat Club thus stands as a culinary landmark in Durham, offering an unparalleled steak experience that is both sumptuous and memorable. With its variety of cuts and preparations, it’s a destination that promises to satisfy every steak aficionado’s palate.

The Rib Room

Address: Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham DH1 1TD

Website: https://www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk/dining/the-rib-room/

The Rib Room at Ramside Hall stands as a beacon of culinary excellence, earning its reputation as one of the finest dining venues in the North East and having some of the best steaks in Durham.

This AA award-winning Rib Room Steakhouse and Grill is celebrated for its speciality in steaks, particularly its commitment to serving the finest Durham beef.

What distinguishes the Rib Room is its meticulous approach to beef aging, with a maturation process of up to 32 days, ensuring each steak is succulent, tender, and full of flavour.

A unique feature of the Rib Room is its meat locker, where guests can see the quality of the product for themselves, adding an element of transparency and trust to their dining experience.

The dining room’s style, characterised by round tables and banquette seating, creates the perfect atmosphere for a sophisticated yet comfortable dining experience.

The Rib Room’s steak menu is a testament to its dedication to quality and variety. All steaks are grass-fed Hereford Beef, sourced from local Durham farms and aged in their own Meat Locker.

The menu offers a range of cuts, including a 10oz Flat Iron, 10oz Rump Steak (served with a fried egg), 6oz and 8oz Fillet, 10oz Sirloin, 10oz Rib Eye, 16oz T Bone Steak, and an impressive 48oz Tomahawk for two to share.

Each steak is served with a roasted field mushroom, tomato, watercress, and a choice of butter or sauce.

The sauces range from classic Peppercorn and Diane to more unique options like Bearnaise and Chimichurri, while the butters include Garlic & Herb and Truffle, catering to a variety of palates.

The reviews of the Rib Room speak volumes about its quality and service. Guests frequently comment on the exquisite taste of the dishes, particularly the Chateaubriand and Tomahawk sharing board, which are noted for being cooked to perfection. The service is consistently praised for its excellence, contributing to an overall exceptional dining experience.

The Rib Room at Ramside Hall provides a complete dining experience where the quality of the food, the ambience of the restaurant, and the excellence of service come together to create an unforgettable culinary journey.

It’s a place where each steak tells a story of local sourcing, careful ageing, and expert preparation, making it a must-visit destination for steak lovers in Durham.

Estabulo

Address: The River Walk, Durham DH1 4SL

Website: https://www.estabulo.co.uk/locations/restaurant-durham/

Estabulo Rodizio Bar & Grill brings the authentic Brazilian Gaúcho cooking style to the heart of the city, offering a unique and flavourful dining experience.

This method involves skewering and slowly cooking the most delicious cuts of meat over open flames, ensuring each piece is cooked to perfection and bursting with flavour. At Estabulo, the focus is on delivering these freshly grilled meats directly to your table, allowing diners to enjoy a variety of tastes and textures.

The Estabulo dining experience is both interactive and indulgent. Diners have the freedom to eat as much or as little as they like, with a large selection of meats on offer.

This approach not only caters to different preferences but also encourages guests to explore new flavours, perhaps trying cuts they haven’t experienced before.

The restaurant’s menu features a range of exquisite meat cuts, each with its unique preparation and flavour profile. The Filé Mignon, known for being a first-class cut, is tender and full of flavour. The Picanha -Alho is a rump steak cut with a delicious garlic flavour, offering a taste that’s both rich and aromatic.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, the Bife Picante, smothered in chilli oil, is a must-try. The Bife do Lombo offers a juicy and meaty flavour, while the Fraldinha is a juicy and flavoursome cut of beef, highlighting the variety and quality of meats available at Estabulo.

The reviews for Estabulo underscore the exceptional dining experience it offers. Guests frequently mention the welcoming atmosphere and the lovely staff, highlighting individuals like Baz and Billy for making their experience memorable.

The variety and quality of the steaks, described as “cooked to perfection”, receive high praise, as does the extensive salad bar, which perfectly complements the meat dishes. The atmosphere is described as cosy, even in a large dining area, creating an inviting environment for a range of occasions, from date nights to work outings.

Marco Pierre White

Address: Old Shire Hall, 9 Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3HL

Website: https://www.mpwrestaurants.co.uk/our-brands/steakhouse-bar-and-grill/durham

Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse Bar & Grill presents an exquisite dining experience, combining the charm of Durham’s historic character with contemporary elegance. Set within the stylish boutique Hotel Indigo, the steakhouse seamlessly blends into the city’s Norman ancestry, offering stunning views of Durham Cathedral.

The restaurant’s location in the old Durham Council senate chamber adds to its unique appeal, creating an atmosphere that is both stylish and comfortable.

The menu at Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse is exclusively curated by Marco Pierre White himself, featuring signature steaks alongside timeless English and French classics. The restaurant is not just about fine dining; it’s about creating an experience suitable for a range of occasions, from intimate dinners to family celebrations.

The use of locally sourced produce underscores the restaurant’s commitment to quality and regional flavours.

The steak menu is a highlight, offering classic cuts like fillet steak, ribeye steak, and sirloin steak. However, it’s the signature steaks that truly showcase the culinary excellence of the steakhouse.

These include the Fillet Steak Au Poivre, served with a fricassee of woodland mushrooms, toasted sourdough, buttered leaf spinach, and peppercorn sauce. Another option is the Fillet Steak with Garlic King Prawns, accompanied by Béarnaise sauce and toasted sourdough, and the Fillet Steak with Garlic Butter, again served with a fricassee of woodland mushrooms and buttered leaf spinach.

Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse Bar & Grill is where fine dining meets historical charm. With its carefully curated menu, locally sourced produce, and stunning setting, the steakhouse offers a dining experience that is both luxurious and deeply rooted in the local culture and history. Whether for a special occasion or a casual meal, it promises a memorable culinary journey.

Durham offers more than just architectural beauty and cultural heritage, it stands out as a culinary gem, particularly for steak aficionados. Each of the steakhouses we’ve visited, from the picturesque riverside charm of The Boat Club’s Tomahawk Steakhouse to the traditional Brazilian flair of Estabulo Rodizio Bar & Grill, not only offers a unique steak dining experience but also embodies the spirit of Durham’s evolving gastronomic landscape.

Whether you’re seeking the rich, authentic flavours of a Brazilian Churrasco at Rio Steakhouse, the elegant dining of Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse, or the local, grass-fed excellence of The Rib Room at Ramside Hall, Durham’s steakhouse scene promises a memorable journey for every palate.

These establishments, each with their distinct character and commitment to culinary excellence, are a testament to Durham’s status as a burgeoning hotspot for steak lovers. So, for those yearning to indulge in some of the finest steaks, Durham is undoubtedly a destination that will satisfy your cravings and leave you with a taste of the city’s vibrant and diverse culinary culture.