Faru in County Durham

We visited for a special occasion and had the ten course menu with wine pairing. The greeting on entering was warm and personal, all the staff were so friendly and we especially liked Bobby who was our main waiter as he made us feel relaxed and welcome. It was fantastic watching the chefs prepare the food and how meticulous they were - felt like an experience. All the food was delicious, as you would expect. I especially loved the cod course. Wine pairing was lovely and Laura clearly understood each one and why it had been chosen - the only change we would make is we’d like to see the wines we were having on the menu!

Visited recently and had the best time here! The food was amazing and the service was great and super attentive. We were able to have the full tasting menu experience with an intolerance taken into account without any issues. Would definitely recommend and hope to return!

Wow, really very good cooking ,there's clearly a great deal of attention paid to flavour.The wine pairing is clever and confident.A really very special meal.

Overpriced bland food, waiter was rude

Been wanting to try here since it opened last year. It's a modern open kitchen style restaurant, clean and light with only around 10 tables to serve. Me and the wife chose the 10 course tasting menu with the wine flight to accompany the food, some of the smaller amuse-bouche style plates were lovely and left a nice full taste on the palate, but other plates didn't. There was a lamb dish, that to me didn't taste of much, and mostly I found the food more than a little underwhelming on the whole, It was nice, but not a lot of wow factor to them. The wild garlic butter served with a milk bread, or the wild mushroom, Hen of the woods and dashi dish, again to my palate, lacked depth of flavour, there was a seabass dish, the fish alone needed a touch more seasoning, and the little dashes of different sauce with it where too light to add any further flavour to it. Same with the beef dish, nicely served on the pink side to it's middle, but the pur'ees along with it didn't really enhance it at all. We had a new dish of rubarb and tonka bean custard, that was nice, but just a bit polite, I hoped a sharp tang of rubarb would need the custard to help calm it, but you lost the rubarb tast altogether in some spoonfuls. The wine paring was nice, not a big fan of the first spanking British wine, but the others where lovely. Reading this back, the review does sound like I'm a bit scathing of Faru's food, but along with a bottle of still water, coffee and a service charge, our bill came to over £380, so I did hope for a little more of a Wow factor too support this cost. Shame really.

This was our first visit to Faru and I have to say it won’t be our last. Everything about this restaurant is simply fantastic. From arriving and through the 10 course tasting menu ( there is a lighter version with 5) the food and service is faultless. Each course is clearly well thought through with several stand out dishes. The beef was simply beautiful and tender. The sea bass was also wonderful accompanied by divine mussels. Two desserts with a beautiful Mille Feuille was the way to finish a memorable afternoon. We chose the wine flight and discovered some fantastic new wines. Laura was especially helpful in pointing us towards where we could buy the wine directly. From the warm service, open kitchen and wonderful food you can clearly see the influence that working at the House of Tides had on both Jake and Laura. A fantastic addition to the North-East food scene.

A real treat. Superb set menu, beautifully cooked, well presented and served. Course timings were excellent. Very professional and lovely staff. Looks and feels very up market without being over the top. Exceptional.

Wishing the husband and wife team who own this restaurant every success with their new venture. We have lived in Durham for 25 years and have never enjoyed a meal of such sublime quality. The young team clearly enjoy working together and are knowledgeable about the menu . Only change we would have liked is to swap out the goats cheese on the cheese plate. Will recommend and am sure to be back later in the year in a different season.

Very very good. We're so pleased to see this restaurant in Durham, which has been crying out for a good fine dining venue for a long time. Faru is certainly the best in the city. They do a tasting menu for dinner and it's excellent. Well worth the price.

There is little doubt the food is very good and well presented. My issue is with the number of courses. We had the five course but it was actually four courses. So I felt a little cheated by that. Because we had the wine flight it meant on four wines instead of five. The wine flight was £55 for four wines. Three of the wines were excellent but given it is understandably a small pour of less than 100ml (probably closer to 75ml) the cost per wine was £13.75. In summary, very good but it is not somewhere I would go back to in a hurry given that there are other options in the area that offer better value for money. I just think the price point for the wines is just a bit off and the four course instead of five left me feeling a bit sour about the whole experience which maybe unfair but it is how I felt leaving the restaurant.

We had the tasting menu, which was delicious and impeccably served. My only suggestion would be if the kitchen could cater to vegan diners, as many of the competing fine dining restaurants manage to do.

Just enjoyed an amazing Saturday lunch at Faru. We're lucky to have sampled a fair few tasting menus and the ten courses was up there with the best. It's not at all stuffy, the vibe is very relaxed. Floor staff were knowledgeable service was excellent. It's quite a small space with an open kitchen so watching the chefs quietly and efficiently go about their craft was like watching a well oiled machine. Every dish was a delight most memorable for me was hen of woods and also the chocolate dessert which I would happily have died in. Minor feedback which is personal taste. It's a bit of a sparse interior which might be the owners style. Bare walls mean the room echoes and there's no art or design features. The bar does not appear to be well stocked with bottles widely spaced its not really a feature. This is a fairly new restaurant so maybe some investment in design in the future. The music was a bit strange too - madness and David bowie? Not the usual ambient background we find in other similar high end places. We will definitely return perhaps next season when they'll have a new menu ( We loved this one of course )

Outstanding food and service. I can’t rate this place high enough. The staff are very friendly and welcoming and explain all of the courses and wines in great detail. The food was exceptional!

Over all good food. Tried the 2023 autumn menu. Some interesting Asian ingredients, such as salted egg yolk, black garlic, aga, chive, umeboshi, kalamansi and kaffir lime, ran through the menu. Suggest to take the full menu as the most surprising dishes are above the short menu. My favorite elements are the "petit pie" of venison tartare, the Jerusalem artichoke variations and different natural savory flavours. With a bit more extensive these dishes could be stars. Not a big dining pace and can feel a bit noisy with table of groups. Music is plain. Staff could explain the menu with more poses and smiles.

Lovely food - beware cancellation policy. I always give a balanced review and this will be no different. We have been trying to get in for ages so had been looking forward to it. Yes I read the cancellation policy before I booked which says if you cancel within 48 hours of visiting, they ‘reserve the right to charge £98 a head.’ I get why they need a cancellation policy as they are trying to run a business and they allegedly run a waiting list so they don’t want people letting them down. What is not reasonable however is that they would seek to charge the full cost of the most expensive taster menu as a ‘penance’ for a no show. We were a party of 3 and the morning of dining, 2 of the party woke up with a sickness bug and one was bedridden. We contacted Faru at 10am to ask if we could re arrange the booking, only to be told that yes they would be happy to take our money to re book but they would also charge us the full amount of £98 a head for a no show . This is in spite of there being a 5 course taster menu for £60 we may have ordered while we were there - but instead they charge for the most expensive menu. They did say if they re sold the table they would waive it but when we asked they said it was ‘too late for them to see if there was anybody on the waiting list’ - for a 7pm booking? Really ? So in the end on point of principle, 2 of us still went and one remained at home in bed to avoid paying our £300 ‘fine’ . The person in my party who came with me who was ill did not enjoy her food in the same way but said on balance she would feel more ill paying for a meal she hadn’t eaten! . So yes, I get the principle of a ‘fine ‘ for a no show and I would have happily paid something - but the full cost of the most expensive menu? Shoddy business practice and the lack of flexibility has left a bitter taste. Such a shame as the food really was lovely with great flavours and was beautifully presented. It was up there with some of the nicer taster menus I’ve had elsewhere over the years. Venue itself is under stated - I like the open kitchen style but it was a brightly lit room, nothing on any of the walls and Cher music blasting out a bit too loud, so the ambience was a bit lacking for me really.

An easy 5 star review. Every course was amazing, staff really friendly and venue itself is really nice. The wine pairing was perfect and great value. Well worth a visit .

Great food done very well. Took a while, but why rush when it's this good?

Third visit to Faru. Food is fabulous and service first class The tasting menu is beautifully presented and imaginative Definitely our favourite restaurant

Well done to the whole Faru team. What a fabulous experience! Incredible food, beautiful wine pairing and friendly,service. Great to watch the chefs in action too.

The understated exterior of this restaurant hides a superb fine dining experience. Durham was overdue a restaurant of this quality.

The tasting menu was amazing. All courses were imaginative and nothing you could cook at home. A real treat. Quality of food was as good as any Michelin starred restaurant. The restaurant was comfortable and staff were very attentive. I think it will be only a matter of time before they are awarded a Star. We will be back.

Superb! The Faru team are extremely talented across the board, with service and food second to none. It’s only a matter of time before they get a well deserved star. We have been three times now and will continue to go back. The service is welcoming and relaxed whilst the food gives 10/10 flavour from a seriously good Chef and kitchen team. Durham is lucky to have what is definitely a destination restaurant amongst its offerings. Highly recommend.

Superb! The Faru team are extremely talented across the board, with service and food second to none. It’s only a matter of time before they get a well deserved star. We have been three times now and will continue to go back. The service is welcoming and relaxed whilst the food gives 10/10 flavour from a seriously good Chef and kitchen team. Durham is lucky to have what is definitely a destination restaurant amongst its offerings. Highly recommend.

On our repeat visit it was even better. Some brilliant tweaks to the taster menu. Some truly memorable dishes were served. Brilliant quality and outstanding service!

Loved our meal here. Was the Mrs birthday and we had wanted to try here since it opened, the birthday was a perfect excuse. We were welcomed and sat in what I would suggest is the best seat in the house watching the pass. Plating...

Had a beautiful meal - food was very tasty and the presentation was inventive and pretty - loved the open kitchen - staff were friendly and the service was excellent Wonderful to see fine dining in Durham

Visited Faru over the weekend, and had an amazing experience. The attention to detail was tremendous. Excellent experience from front of house to the kitchen. Would definitely recommend a visit, and will be back in the future.

I don’t usually leave reviews but I felt compelled to leave one for Faru and it’s staff. It was our first visit to the restaurant (it definitely won’t be the last) and from walking through the door, to the meal, to the service, to the...

Had lunch and some dishes were fabulous just like House of Tides. Staff incredibly superb. Please just go and experience it for yourself..

Amazing place. We loved the food, the service and atmosphere. Our favourite in the city!

My wife and I went with a couple of friends recently, and I really can recommend this restaurant unreservedly. We couldn't find fault with any of the courses - the cooking was immaculate. The waiting staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and the dining area was...

Excellent night spent celebrating my graduation at Faru, such a fantastic experience, service was impeccable definitely will be back thank you.

Faru is a new restaurant in the heart of Durham and we had a lovely tasting menu. The restaurant is simple and minimalist with all tables facing the kitchen so you can watch the magic happen. The food is excellent (our favourite was the Hen...

My husband and I had the 10 course tasting menu and it was amazing. Excellent service. Will definitely be returning.

I have been to most of the fine dining restaurants in the Northeast, and Faru is one of the best. A fresh and bright contemporary interior giving a relaxed and informal atmosphere. The front of house team were lovely, friendly and efficient. The food was...

An amazing experience, the food was incredible, beautifully presented and the service was impeccable. Very friendly and a non pretentious atmosphere!

Amazing food, amazing service and all round an amazing experience. Without doubt will get a Michelin star soon.

5/5. That’s it! Outstanding food. Tasting menu well balanced and plentiful. Great service. Non-pretentious place. Total focus on food and taste. Please support this local gem.

This is our second visit to Faru. We ate there on their opening night too. It was every bit as good as we remember. The ambiance was lovely. The staff are welcoming and friendly and super knowledgeable explaining each and every dish to us as...

Outstanding on all fronts. Nothing more to say. Go visit and enjoy!!!!!

This restaurant is what Durham has been crying out for. Top quality, innovative food in a simplistic but elegant setting. We have just visited for the first time with friends. The food accompanied by the wine selection was fantastic. Every course was delicious and explained perfectly without any arrogance or attitude. The off menu ‘old fashioned cocktails were perfect. I got the impression that that every member of staff actually wanted to be there and this as reflected in the friendliness and quality of the service. 10/10 I’m so pleased that we ya restaurant of this calibre on our doorstep and will be visiting again soon.

This restaurant is what Durham has been crying out for. Top quality, innovative food in a simplistic but elegant setting. We have just visited for the first time with friends. The food accompanied by the wine selection was fantastic. Every course was delicious and explained...

Food was lovely and service was good. Catered well for dietary requirements. I had the vegetarian tasting menu. It was all lovely. Hubby had meat/fish but without wheat or corn and they dealt with that excellently. We'd been to Roots in York the week before...

The whole experience was fantastic. All of the food was first class and excellently presented. Tastes of all courses were delicious. Very friendly and attentive first class service. Wonderful new addition to Durham city centre.would deserve mitchillin stars! Well done.

3 small Parmesan biscuits, a mushroom and a small bun, a finger sized portion of fish, 3 small pieces of lamb and a 2 inch diameter dessert for £60. No wonder the restaurant was empty on a busy Saturday in summer. The food was well...

The food here is truly exceptional and although expensive very much worth the cost. Everything is impeccable and the staff highly professional but friendly. We so enjoyed our evening a great place for a special occasion

Exceptional interesting food. The atmosphere is warm with friendly highly professional staff. Wine pairing with the tasting menu well worth the cost and the sommelier is very knowledgeable

Great service by knowledgeable staff, food was second to none, atmosphere fantastic, very comfortable surroundings and nothing too much trouble! Thoroughly enjoyed evening with the Mrs. Highly recommend this dining experience!

We had a wonderful experience dining here. The service was impeccable, from the friendly greeting at the front desk through to the service and advice on wine pairings. The ambience was lovely, relaxed but refined, with very comfortable chairs! The food was incredible, every dish was so carefully prepared and presented and well explained. We were lucky enough to have a table near the kitchen so could see it being prepared. Already talking about when we can return!

We had a fantastic time last night, food was amazing, the service was excellent the vibe of the restaurant is very relaxed.

Small intimate restaurant that really packs a punch! Each table is angled to the pass and open kitchen for an immersive feel, and have never experienced a calmer kitchen!! Evenings are a tasty menu, often said to let the chefs show their talents and here...

Exceptional food and service. A small intimate fine dining restaurant which truly makes a trip to Durham worthwhile.

Our first visit to Faru shortly after they opened earlier this year was nothing short of superb; truly excellent dishes, perfectly paired wines and a front of house welcome and level of service that resulted in a perfect experience. We visited for a second time yesterday to celebrate our daughter’s graduation and were delighted to have had an even better experience! Can’t wait to visit again later in the year, thank you.

Attended Faru for my wife's 30th birthday and we were not disappointed. It was my first experience of a set taster menu and was very much not my thing, but I was made to feel at ease and welcomed by all members of staff. They explained to myself as a layman how the process worked, and took a lot of the stigma I had around tester menu meals away. The food was very tasty, and all had its unique qualities. My wife had the wine pairing which she thoroughly enjoyed, and the beer I had left me very pleasantly surprised at the price for the grade of establishment we were dining at. For the most part we were the only customers at the time - Wednesday at opening time - but that didn't change the enthusiasm of the staff to host us.

I was looking forward to trying Faru and it didn’t disappoint. We visited on a Saturday lunch time. The food was amazing, we had the wine pairing and it was excellent. The menu takes 2-3 hours to get through and every course was delicious. The kitchen is open plan and it’s great being able to watch your food being prepared. The service was also excellent and attentive. Will definitely go back again, definitely a place to go for a special occasion.

We visited on the opening night and I'm delighted to say we were not disappointed. Attentive, friendly staff and wonderful food. It's great to have a venue of this calibre in Durham City, we can't wait to return.

We have eaten in most of the regions top restaurants as well as many in other countries and I have to say Faru stands its ground with all of them and is easily the best value. Food is excellent, really well presented, good wine choices, beautiful environment and friendly happy staff, we will definitely be back 👍

We visit Faru on a recent trip to Durham - Fantastic experience, we loved it here and really enjoyed the evening. Food was superb, friendly staff and a great evening. We couldn't believe it had only just opened. Portions are quite small even for the taster menu but the quality of food is excellent, yes it is expensive but well worth it for the experience. Brilliant and can't wait to go back, just a shame we are so far away!!

We made a trip to Faru on Saturday 20th May. It was an impromptu booking during the week and as this is a new restaurant there is not many Google reviews. This is an expensive restaurant and will not be to everyone’s taste or preference. However, if you do enjoy the experience of a tasting menu then it was outstanding. Both Laura and Jake previously worked at the House of Tides in Newcastle and that influence certainly shows at Faru. The atmosphere is very relaxed, the service is attentive and the food is amazing. I would certainly recommend if this is your type of food. I hope the restaurant can keep the delivery consistent and move from strength to strength.

Absolutely first class top end dining in the heart of Durham City. The taster menu was outstanding, the ambience calm and peaceful and the staff, pleasant, knowledgable and attentive without being intrusive. Open plan kitchen allowed us to see everything being prepared. Definitely a "special occasion" venue.

We were excited to go to Durhamm's latest tasting restaurant. I would recommend going sober, it would be silly not to appreciate the delicate flavours and not get the full benefit. Its not cheap, but you know this before you go and have high expectations. They delivered and I would describe it as a "food experience" rather than a meal. It was outstanding quality, and your taste buds will relish the experience. Oddly, worth every penny.

Excellent addition to the Durham high street: the food was outstanding, service attentive and we particularly enjoyed the wild garlic brioche and mushroom course. The tasting menu took us just under 3 hours from start to finish, and each dish is a small, but complex mixture of flavours and textures. The presentation of the dishes is beautiful and each is explained to you as it is served. The experience is more of an event rather than just a meal- highly recommended.