- Play Hard
- 16th Oct 2026
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Darlington Restaurant Week returns – 7 places on our must-try list
Darlington Restaurant Week is back from Friday 23rd to Friday 30th October with delicious discounts and exclusive menus across the borough.
With half term just around the corner, this is the perfect excuse to make the week a little tastier. From Asian food and pub grub to steak and quick lunch bites, there’s an incredible choice of restaurants taking part. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy a meal out for less while supporting the brilliant and upcoming local food scene.
We’ve picked out seven spots we’d love to try to help you find your new fave.
Walworth Castle
Walworth Road, Darlington DL2 2LY
Offer: Two courses for £20, three courses for £23, including Sunday roast menu
Available: During restaurant opening hours
Did you know that there’s a 12th-century castle surrounded by countryside in Darlington? You’ll be treated like royalty here, with a selection of hearty dishes and an unmissable Sunday roast menu, but come hungry, the portions are fit for a king. Pair it up with a walk in the Darlington countryside, and you’ve got the perfect day out.
Babul’s
2 Skinnergate, Darlington DL3 7NB
Offer: Small plate, big plate and side for £20
Available: During restaurant opening hours
Darlington Restaurant Week is the perfect time to visit Babul’s took the title at the 2025 Asian Restaurant Awards International. Babul’s combines street food with classic Indian and Bangladeshi dishes and curries,which you can enjoy at a steal of a price at the end of October. The rogan josh will be ideal to warm up a chilly autumn evening.
TAO
27 Blackwellgate, Darlington DL1 5HG
Offer: Two courses for £15
Available: During restaurant opening hours
TAO is bringing a taste of Japan to Restaurant Week with a bargain deal – two courses for just £15. No matter if you’re new to Japanese food or a total pro, we love that this menu is accessible to all. With classics like gyozas, salmon maki rolls, char siu pork ramen and more, there’s something for everybody to enjoy. This one is seriously high on our list.
The Loft
10 Crown Street, Darlington DL1 1LU
Offer: Three courses for £25
Available: Friday 23rd, Wednesday 28th, Thursday 29th and Friday 30th
This one is for the meat lovers among us. The Loft is a newer venue in the town centre and has quickly become a hotspot for steaks and burgers. This would be a great option for a date night – think moody lighting, a glass of wine and comforting food that will totally spark conversation. We especially love the sound of the dry-aged pulled beef croquettes to start.
Saltfish
Houndgate Townhouse, 11 Houndgate, Darlington DL1 5RF
Offer: Two courses for £20, three courses for £25
Available: During restaurant opening hours, excluding Sun 25th
Tucked inside the beautiful Houndgate Townhouse boutique hotel, Saltfish is a must for seafood fans, with fresh, high-quality dishes in a super stylish setting. Their Restaurant Week gives us a little taste with seafood arancini, king prawn curry and more. Not a seafood person? Don’t worry because there’s plenty of fish-free dishes too, like roast chicken supreme.
Taipan Asia
10 Crown Street, Darlington DL1 1LU
Offer: Three courses for £20
Available: Sun 25th, Mon 26th, Wed 28th and Thurs 29th
We love a bit of variety, and that’s exactly what you get at Taipan Asia. With Pan Asian dishes that span the continent, from China to Japan, and Korea to Thailand, they’ve got something for you. The food combined with elegant decor and an intimate atmosphere makes for an incredible dining experience. We’ve got our eye on the hot wings and Thai green curry.
Cherry Tree
8 Blackwellgate, Darlington DL1 5HL
Offer: Two courses for £17
Available: During restaurant opening hours
Cherry Tree is a local fave for tapas, but for Darlington Restaurant Week, you can enjoy tapas dishes as a starter, followed by a heartier main. With veggie, meat and fish options, it’s a spot that’s got something to suit everyone, and it all sounds incredible. We’re very tempted by calamari, followed by lobster and prawn tortellini for a seafood dinner, and at £17 for two courses, it’s a bargain.
Want to browse even more restaurants taking part? Visit Enjoy Darlington.
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