Cafe Valente in Darlington

Thought we would give it a try helping out local businesses during these times ordered two bacon/egg sandwiches and two latte coffees Coffee was really nice but the bacon sandwich wasn't worth the money it's the only time I have ever had a bacon sandwich with only one piece of bacon in it.... it's not as if the piece of bacon was large it wasn't Service was polite and friendly

Trying to help local business we tried here rather than a nationwide chain. Didn't have our first two choices then found a "parmo"(in the freezer methinks) Not traditional parmo just a breaded chicken breast with cheese sauce poured on. Meat pie was ok . Service was slow and laboured. Had the treacle and cornflake tart which was very good. At £11 with eat out discount that seems about right £22 would have been excessive. £2 for a pot of tea for one.its just a tea bag hot water and a spot of milk!!

What can I say, service outstanding, we only had coffee and a sandwich but was fresh and tasty, and just what we needed, and great value. Can’t recommend highly enough

Visit Darlington about 6 times a year,always visit here.Excellent home made food,good atmosphere,great banter,always wind the owner up something rotten!

A little gem been coming here for years wonderful service food always good fresh salad a must home made pies delicious

Just found this fab café excellent service food fresh and delicious homemade pies great delicious Ice cream

We always go here when shopping in Darlington and ALWAYS have the Wallace & grommit filling (basically Wensleydale & apple) on a jacket potato It is so nice, we have tried to recreate at home but it’s just not the same! The decor is looking a bit tired now but as long as they keep doing Wallace & grommit I will keep going back

Wonderful welcome by the staff home cooked food reasably priced will definitely go again keep up the good work as everywhere is closing

Called in on the off-chance (should have checked reviews first) as it looked nice from the outside, but service was rather brusque as they were approaching closing time and made sure we knew it. So-called filter coffee was awful, cappuccino was just okay. Treacle and cornflake tart with custard was tasty, but was priced at £1.90 on the counter, but we were charged £3.10 for eat in and hot. If £1.90 is the take away price, that’s one mighty mark-up for eat-in and I’m curious as to how tart and custard works as a take-away! Will go elsewhere next time we visit Darlington.

Good to have a good home made cooked meal service very good warm and friendly can't wait until the ice cream machine is on they make delicious sundaes

Great home cooked food, friendly atmosphere, free coffee top ups. Been going for months now, carnt ask for more.

Avoided queues in well-known chains and stumbled across this warm and friendly cafe. Small business makes lovely cakes and serves coffee with a smile and chat. I would've posted a picture but I ate the cake too fast... Recommended.

I went here yesterday, on a miserable wet day. The cheese scones we're delicious and the coffee hot, with super service. We are regulars here, every 6 months or so, always made to feel welcome. The only improvement would be for slightly stronger coffee, but will still return!!!

Having been regular customers of Cafe Valente for several years we were apalled by the owners verbal outburst at his chef after a mistake with an order. Very unprofessional, we won't be going back.

I've been coming to this restaurant every week for over 5 years!! Friendly welcoming service. Food excellent and always a great selection. Would definitely recommend

I knew something wasn't right when the food hygiene scores on the doors sticker wasn't displayed, since found its only 3 stars! Second clue was it was empty!

Just sat in cafe now having eaten the full English which was cold and served on a plate that a tea cup would not look out of place on.

A very friendly cafe/restaurant serving not posh nosh at reasonable prices.

Popped in for lunch with my partner and mother to order 3 "HOT roast pork, stuffing and gravy rolls". They were all served cold, and sent back only to be microwaved and come back out crisp and solid. Only positives were how this was all dealt with by the staff on duty who offered a replacement and removed them from the bill.

Been coming here for years, the Cafe has never been anything special, but OK for a quick lunch.

Unfortunately not a good experience. Ordered a snack which was on display and plentiful when I ordered it. Was then told while I was waiting for it that it had ran out clearly because counter service customers who arrived after my order took what was left. Was sternly told in so many words 'tough luck it's gone' with a wholly insincere apology. No viable alternatives offered; no on the house drinks to make up for what was an obvious mistake and our waitress knew the mistake too. Basic customer service very poor. Coffee we did have before leaving was very small. If anyone can stand being spoken too if this establishment's poor customer service is the customer's fault, then this might be the place for you. Won't be getting my custom in future.

I am so annoyed about taking an elderly person who is in a wheelchair and ordering snacks 2 pots of tea and asking for a cup of hot water. On getting the bill I was told the 50p is for the water. I am disgusted that a disabled person who needed water for medication was exploted. In 10 yeas of asking for TAP water I have NEVER been charged and I am talking every area in teesside and Yorkshire .

Again bought food from Cafe Valente for a Birthday Party we were hosting at home.

A decent cafe but I feel that recently they've taken their eye off the ball when it comes to customer service. I think it's time to find somewhere new and Darlington has plenty to offer.

Handy little cafe just off the main shopping street, friendly service, reasonable prices. Quiches and pies a speciality, both are lovely.

We dont often get the chance to call-in for lunch at the last minute but when we do this is definitely the go to place for us. Always very friendly service, and delicious home cooked meals that are generous portions, extensive menu, as of our latest visit we were offered a free top up coffee, very impressive!!

We were passing and popped in for lunch. I'm suprised this place manages to stay open. We had a salad from the salad bar. Consisted of a few basic pots of not very fresh looking salad. The coronation chicken topping was awful, you wouldn't know it was chicken, more likely to be cheap tinned chicken chopped into even 5mm cubes. Not good! Carrot cake was rock solid and stale. Staff were friendly enough but lacked much enthusiasm. When I enquired as to whether a free from cake contained sugar I was told "it's gluten free" not really answering my question! Would never return.

First visit to this cafe.. Had breakfast freshly cooked and hot. Good quality bacon and fresh tomatoes. Excellent value for less than £ 5 including coffee

I have visited here previously & enjoyed what I had but today I think I made the wrong choice as the jacket potato I order with bolagnese & cheese had peppers in the sauce & I cannot stomach peppers. The other member of the party had the steak & mushroom pie with salad & seemed to enjoy it.

Dark and dingy inside. Basic food. Tiny "baked" microwaved potato, with underwhelming filling. Uninspiring salad consisting of lettuce and tiny slivers of tomato with no dressing. Lukewarm coffee.

We almost passed right by this place, as it is hidden away down a side street. Bad luck for us if we had, as this place offers fantastic, friendly service and great value for money. We popped in for afternoon tea and were greeted with a friendly and welcoming smile, and made to feel at home. The food itself was brilliant and very well priced, and I will definitely be returning for the scones! Definitely worth checking out, a wonderful find.

Cafe Valente is almost hidden down a pedestrian street.