Sambucas in County Durham

Great restaurant that I would happily go to again. Service was more than perfect, and the waiting staff were kind, helpful, courteous and extremely efficient. Food was exceptionally good and tasted very Italian, including the vegan option. I spoke with the chef afterwards and complimented him on his cooking. If I was in Durham again, I simply wouldn't bother going anywhere else. This is a really good restaurant, with good service, good food, a wide array of drinks, and all at very reasonable prices.

Chosen initially because it was right next to the Travelodge we were staying in. So good, we also ate there for our second night in Durham. Enjoyed the food and the service was great. Great value for money too.

Staff were very helpful and accommodating. Food is always reliable and although most restaurant have raised prices unacceptably, we found the menu relatively reasonable for the food there which is always reliable.

We used the this restaurant both nights of our stay as the food was so good with an extensive menu which was good value for money and very friendly staff.

Firstly I have to say the food at all sambucas is very good and I have never had a bad experience we had the three course special which is now £7.95 not the price they are advertising online which is £ 5.95 that is not good advertising for your business, now i understand energy prices and costs are rising but it was very quiet for a Saturday and if you keep putting your prices up that is what happens but on the whole it is still decent value for nice food , now I have to say the place was very dusty and grimy the glass and mirrors are all smeared and greasy looking which is a shame because it's a nice cosy place but as i say it needs a deep clean from top to bottom then I'm sure it will be fine

My meal was alright, except for the texture of the prawns which had pieces of solid object, likely the tail still left on, which is by the way very disgraceful. Everybody else's meal was bad and you should be ashamed at this terrible quality. Whoever is the chef fire them before they set the restaurant on fire with their incompetence.

Great place to eat and very friendly staff. Good selection of Italian food and pizza at very reasonable prices

Ate here at a recent stay in Durham. Lovely reasonably priced food. Varied menu with something for everyone. Drinks not expensive. Friendly staff. Could do with an updated decor, but don't let that detract from good food and service.

Eat at sambucas on a Friday night as we were staying just outside of Durham, we had a pleasant walk to this restaurant and thoroughly enjoyed it. Staff and food were 10 out of 10 and they made sure we enjoyed our night

we had a birthday to celebrate and my word did they treat us in style, we even got sang happy birthday too by the staff and we were encouraged to dance on the tables after our food had been eaten, great atmosphere, stunning resteraunt, family friendly.

Excellent food, excellent service, reasonable prices, Highly recommend this place, especially if staying at the Travel Lodge

Friendly efficient staff.They were very busy ,but we didn't have to wait.Food was excellent and reasonably priced.Lively atmosphere.Families welcomed.

Food was amazing, special £6 for 3 course meal. Staff are very friendly, and helpful. Food was spot on. Deffo recommend!

Come here for a 21st birthday party food was excellent and the service is second to none food was delivered to the table very very fast after our starters and provided them with a birthday cake which after our meal they came out with the cake with candles on and got the whole restaurant to sing happy birthday 5 stars would definately be going again keep up the good work

Nice cosy feel restaurant, food offers are cheap and thr food is nice quality, the drinks as in most of these type of places are slightly more expensive, food worked out cheaper than the drinks for us, about a 10-15 min walk from the gala theatre in Durham, not central, car parking is available at this restaurant free of charge

The sambuca, Durham next to Travelodge A large barn type of place and the roof outline shows this, an eclectic mix of interior design, reminds me of a cantina style mexican street with an internal roof covered with terracotta and roof tiles on the other side. The lighting through metal tubes reminds me of a turkey barn, obvouilsly before Christmas, as the place was full.I had three king prawns, seven quid, pounds to visitors, and lamb chops to finish. Prawns arrived lukewarm so they may have sat for a minute of two but they were not overlooked, a joy.This restaurant is slap bang next door to the Durham travelodge and very handy for those not wanting to walk into town for a meal and a drink, it is licensed. £25 will get you a good meal and drinks

Visitamos aquí porque estaba demasiado húmeda para caminar en Durham. Pero fue una agradable sorpresa. Sólo tuvimos pizzas pero eran grandes y sabrosos. El servicio era excelente, el personal amable y acogedor. El restaurante es peculiar, habiendo sido una casa antigua estación de tren. Pero se habían agregado sus propios toques peculiares que lo convierte en un lugar interesante para mirar alrededor. . . . . Las cabinas., las linternas, árboles y viñas. Los precios eran muy baratos para nuestras comidas, pero incluso más barato si se tenía el Early Bird. Tenían una cantantes melódicos egipcios al estilo en la noche que nos visitó, que era un toque agradable, pero era un poco demasiado ruidoso. Yo le recomendaría visitar si estás en la zona.

We ate here on three occasions and each time the food and service remained at a good standard The staff were great and attentive very professional Would recommend if staying at the travelogue next door Will return

Ir a Sambucas regularmente y era la primera vez ver algunos personal nuevo que no habíamos visto antes y nos dieron, de lejos, el mejor servicio que he tenido! La comida era increíble para vino enseguida. Personal incluso tomó las fotos y selfies jajaja

Qué situación pegajosa. Cuando entramos en el restaurante tenía que agacharse debajo de la puerta chica y paso en una placa azul decorado en patrones rompieron florales. Mi abuela encantadora impotente es discapacitado y podían caminar Dios bendiga su corazón. Nadie se ofreció a ella a través de la trampilla shimmy en la casucha que chica era el corazón del restaurante. La cocina olía a una tienda de animales de comida para perros. Como me senté mi asiento estaba mojado con el sudor y la trasera después de clientes no fue limpiada de forma eficiente. Mi pizza con un camarero que parecía de 12 años, muy joven, de hecho. Mi hija de 20 años tenía un buen aspecto en los jóvenes. que no estaba mal llevaba sólo un gorro azul y amarillo de manga larga chaleco y algunos pantalones de lino blanco. aparezca 12 veces. Sus calcetines eran negro y sus zapatos eran blancas. Grandes zonas de delincuencia en mi. Este instante tomó mi apetito de mi comida. Las únicas opciones para los aperitivos del menú eran típicos de pieles de patata y sopa del día que ERA crema de hombre de mediana edad. Pedí las pieles de patata como la alternativa no era atractivo para mí sin embargo mi Wie era inflexible, ella pidió la sopa del día. Tuve un rápido pensé que esto era debido a no poder satisfacer sus necesidades. El menú de red del happy hour era simplemente pepperoni pizza vegetal, o margarhita. No sólo una sospecha de salsa de pasta blanca. Que el camarero era 12 años ld con firmeza debemos probar n nuestra pizza, dijo que era casero. Así que no pude resistir. En este punto me di cuenta de cuánto coraje tiene mi esposa. De postre estaba 2 bolas de helado de vainilla o el más barato de Asda manos café podía comprar. Sobre todo, mi cuenta fue de 15 libras. 60 que era preocupante, ya que solo tenía 1 bebida entre nosotros. Y esta fue una botella singular de tomas que se acercaron en frío a través de la abuela de ruedas (mu buen consejo si estás agotando en dinero en efectivo para bebidas). Por no mencionar este era comida de Navidad con la familia, por cuarto año consecutivo en este establecimiento.

We have eaten here previously on a number of occasions and its been a nice place to visit in a...

Mis amigos y yo hemos estado antes y nos decepcionó con el servicio. . . Me preguntó en una comida de cumpleaños allí. Nos presentamos lastnight y les informó que tres eran incapaces de venir, me dijo que estaba bien y nos llevan a nuestra mesa. En la mesa 6 sillas extra y nos metimos todos en una esquina. Pedimos unas bebidas enseguida y miramos el menú y debe de tomó 20 minutos para que alguien venga a preguntarnos si queríamos más bebidas. Nos dijo que nos gustaría pedir comida y actuaron sorprendido por alguna razón. Pedimos entrantes y platos principales. . . La comida llegó y yo pedimos la masa bolas con mantequilla de ajo, eran perfectos. Por desgracia, cuando mi principal vino (pasta tiras de carne) que estaba impresionado que yo no como de la carne ya estaba increíblemente duro y se me quitó todo el plato. Mis amigos, que me pidió pizzas acabada porque estaba tan hambriento. Las pizzas son muy delgadas, pero si me he de volver sin obtener porque en realidad eran bonitas. Como la noche fuimos nos continuamente tener que conseguir los camareros y camareras" para bebidas atención orden, pero luego nos animaron a prisa y consigue la factura cuando estábamos ordenando dinero nos preguntaron a abandonar la mesa y pagar en el bar", debido a que necesitaba una mesa. En general, me sentí como el personal no estándar, no sabían lo que estaba pasando y lo que se necesita para lo arreglen. Cuando nos estaban esperando también nos sentamos muy frío y me tenía que sentar con mi abrigo. Una cosa buena acerca de este lugar es el precioso cantante que te hace sentir bienvenido y es muy buen entretenimiento. En general. . . No me impresionó! ! ! !

17 of us came on a quite rainy Monday night, we were greeted to a " watch the wet floor" as the roof was leaking, also the place was absolutely freezing cold , we all left our Coates on, staff very pleasant and helpful, most of us had pizza, mine was nice but noticed a few of the party left there's as they were soggy!! Over all price wise this is a very reasonable restaurant, it's not a favourite of mine but I would definitely return.

On a wkend visit to durham to see our granddaughter who is at uni.Restaurant was just next door to travel lodge were we stayed.Both meals we had were very good.The staff were very attentive & effiencient.It could get rather noisy later in the evening but it didn't cause us any problems if you were in a room at the travel lodge just next to the restaurant it may cause a problem.Our room was far enough away so it didn't bother us

I booked a table in advance for my birthday, as there was eleven of us in total (five adults and six children). I chose here because we have been a few times before and its always good for the kids. We arrived in time for our 6:30 booking and were taken straight to our table. We placed an order for drinks and food. All was so far so good. When the starters came, one was forgotten, but this was quickly rectified. The problem came with our main courses. The food arrived and was quite enjoyable but halfway through my meal I noticed the waiter speaking to my brother and his wife at the other end of the table. I asked what the problem was and the waiter was asking if we would move tables as they had a large party of 25 booked and needed the room! I was absolutely disgusted that they thought this was an acceptable way to treat their customers. We had booked in advance and been there less than an hour before they were trying to move us. I felt they should have been better organised and thought twice before making us feel like we weren't as important as the other party coming in (who were no doubt going to spend a lot more money than us!?). I would have minded less if we had finished our meal and were just finishing drinks, but we all still had food on our plates! They tried to placate us by offering the children a free dessert, but as most of the children had ordered from the kids menu which included a dessert anyway, I felt that this was a little cheap. I was so annoyed I was unable to finish my meal and asked for the bill. Rather than move we just left. No discount was applied to the bill and by this point I was too annoyed to even ask for one. £130 for a spoilt dinner. Also we didn't even get to have the cake that my dad and partner had organised for me. We had to ask for it back before leaving. I've never had such terrible service or felt so undervalued as a customer. I will definitely not be returning!

This is the noisiest restaurant I have ever visited. It was full of young teenagers screaming and shouting and what appeared to be underage drinking. It was so noisy that my 9 year old granddaughter was so distressed that we had to leave. This place needs to decide if it is a restaurant or a nightclub. To be fair the food was excellent but we were unable to enjoy it because of the ambiance.

Good value food terrific unlimited Pizza other food good and freshley prepared to order with friendly and attentive staff even on busy nights

Lovely place with great service, however the food was terrible ! Sent the soup back as it didn't taste very nice vegetables were fine however it was watered down . Lasagne had no meat in it sent it back and girls had meat balls which tasted and look days old sent that back to . But I must say the staff were very friendly and replaced our meals with something different of our choice and tasted lovely . Don't be afraid to send stuff back that isn't up to scratch your the customer and your the one paying .

lovely food, lovely staff, lovely atmosphere, often pop along parking can be a problem when it's busy, but apart from that one of the nicest places 'ive been for dining as a couple and also parties of ten people or more, love it when they get someone up for their birthday on a chair, you can not help but join in,

The food here was very nice and good value for money was close to our hotel so was handy for a meal as we had done a lot of walking that day.

We called at Sambuca for lunch and had the lunch time special 3 courses for £5.95. Fantastic food in a beautiful setting you could believe you were in Italy. Fantastic staff it was our first visit but it won't be our last

Booked a table for 12, for Saturday lunch. We where running late and they where brilliant. Good cheap lunchtime special which was brilliant value. Drinks usual price.Service was a little slow but we where nut in a rush.Definitely go again. Shame they don't do breakfast for travelodge guests on a weekend.

This restaurant is right next to the Travelodge so handy for the guests who don't want to venture to far after a long hard day at work. Don't be put off because its an Italian restaurant as they have a range of foods including English. Although the decor could do with a refurb the staff, atmosphere & food are superb. I had the 3 course special & drink all for less than £15. Must compliment the chef for cooking me a steak to perfection & the garlic mushrooms were fantastic. Had a brilliant time here, service was quick & the staff made every effort to keep everyone happy. Well done & keep it up.

Ate here because we were staying in the Travelodge next door. Building is an old station so interesting and vast, but tables are laid out to give a more cosy feel. For a cheap and cheerful meal it was ok and can very much see it could become a regular choice once you found reliable dishes on the menu. Food was nothing remarkable but fine. Was told the tuna I ordered would be medium rare but it was cooked far more than that. Seemed like a bit of a local take on Italian food! Service was ok - helpful about the wine chosen - although there was mix-ups on nearby tables (three plates of food arrived for two people for example). Would certainly go back if staying at the Travelodge again.

I went here before hitting Durham for my hen party. We were waiting a while to get seated even though we booked in advance. Ordered pizza it was very boring and tasteless. My friends' food did however look tasty. Unsure whether to go back again

loved this place lovely staff very polite and helpful the restaurant was a very calm and nice place to be food was so good im not a dessert person but had a lovely pud over all love eating out and if a place is not good then i think we all need to tell others as nine times out of ten we dont know want these restaurants have to offer best policy be honest 10 out of 10 for this one

I have been to a few sambuca restaurants although this one is not my favourite not because of the food but because my local one I go more so know the staff. Food is always lovely when I come, staff always friendly. Meals are well worth the money can't complain at all

Arrived at Sambucas at 5 minutes to 5 just in time for the £4.95 special.Minestrone Soup or Potato Skins or Pate then Pizza or Pasta then Ice Cream or Coffee for £4.95.At this time the restaurant is much quieter -no loud birthday parties .For a cheap and cheerful meal this is the place.

Disappointed in the whole experience..Misrable waiters, guy singing very loudly and to many happy birthdays.....The food well all I can say is although everything was boiling hot it was tasteless and bland...£72 for 4 people...no thanks certainly won't be back

Well after being taken there by family for my birthday i can say i will never step foot in there again. When we got seated in a booth that was crampt a waitress attempted to take our drinks but we kept having to repeat our order to be heard over the loud music.The food waiter was very pushy trying to take our order.after the average food which was over cooked and pretty tasteless said waiter puthis hands on my shoulders to try and get me up to dance on a chair i asked him twice to remove his hands as i am not a people person due to having ptsd.i recommend finding somewhere else to eat

We stayed at the Travelodge attached so this was handy for our evening meal and drink. The food was lovely, Italian, with a good selection and very reasonably priced. We had steak with a mustard sauce and chicken with the pepper sauce, both with the hand cut chunky chips, delicious. Waiter/ess service with very attentive staff and a nice buzz about the place.

Staying in the adjacent Travelodge, we looked in here in case it might offer an alternative to a walk down into the city centre. We were so glad we did; delightful staff, really good food in generous portions, and with prices for food and drink that were typically two thirds of those of nationwide Pizza chains.

We were one of several groups of parents and children celebrating the last day of the school year. There were about 30 of us and we were quite a demanding group - taking ages to decide, changing orders etc etc. Despite this the staff were patient, helpful and polite throughout. The menu offers standard Italian fare - pasta, pizza, risotto - nothing too fancy - at very cheap prices. Our meals arrived promptly despite the high volume of orders and they all tasted great - freshly baked pizza with thin, crispy bases and lots of garlic in the tomato sauce - delicious! The kids loved their food and every plate was scraped clean. The deals they offer are superb value for money, the food is good and the staff are welcoming. Recommended.

If you want a romantic meal or a place you can talk this is not the place for you. The music is loud, especially during the birthday celebrations (there will be several!) and the cheap pizzas etc are well...cheap. But if you want somewhere cheap and don't mind a lively atmosphere then it can be a fun place to go. The goats cheese bruschetta is nice. The fish and steaks are, in my experience, not!

Love a good meal out in sambucas, especially on happy hour!! always cheap and cheerful and food is nice :) even orded food to take out from here which was also lovely and hot!

I was a little reticent regarding my birthday visit to Sambucas, but was pleasantly surprised by the quality of what I consider to be one of the better restaurants in Durham. We had a party of 9, but had plenty of room, staff bent over backwards to make sure we had a great time, the food was good too.

My missus told me this place was good. I had my doubts, how I was wrong. There's a cheap week day set menu which is really good and then a high end reasonably priced menu. Wine is decent and they sell locally sourced ales.

Food is amazing and great prices, staff are friendly and always a fab atmosphere, very family orientated, also great for parties ect as they make a big fuss. Just make sure you leave room for amazing desserts x

visited whilst staying next door at the Travelodge. we visited on a Wednesday and took advantage of the promotional three course menu @£10.95. i had the garlic mushrooms and my partner tried the melon & parma ham both were generous portions and well presented we followed this with a rib eye steaks one served with a excellent pepper sauce and finally a good homemade tiramisu. a bottle of the house red was well priced and was especially good.t he restaurant is set in the original station building which is now a listed building and adds to a great atmosphere. well worth a visit and we will GO back

Had a great night for my godson's birthday. Lovely food and attentive waiting staff. Will book up again for something nice to eat. Buzzing atmosphere.

Great for a quick cheap meal. Fab for large groups and birthday parties as the staff always make a fuss of you. The bruschetta with goats cheese is a favourite of mine. My husband says it serves the best garlic bread with cheese in Durham!!

we ate here three nights out of four, was really nice. only one thing was wrong, there was no option for a side of chips/wedges that would be the only thing that i would say was wrong

3 course meal for £4.95, attentive staff and lovely restaurant. Cant go wrong in regards to value for money