Bistro 21 - Durham

Superb staff who knew the menu giving helpful choice advice. Amazing venison with first class smoked beetroot. Maybe a little pricey but excellent value. Highly recommended.

We visited Sunday October for a reservation, there was four of us. The restaurant was very quiet, we were seen to immediately upon arrival ordered drinks then our meal. Only one of us were having a starter, the starter took minutes to arrive, we twice had to ask for water, then waited another minutes after that for our main meal. We had our six year old grandson with us who kept saying he was starving and when are we going to eat. Whilst the food was first class and we appreciate we don't want to be rushed with the courses we feel an hour is far to long to be sat waiting for our food.

There is always a worry that the early evening set menu will consist of disappointing left overs and obviously cheaper cuts. Not here! Compares very well to the best pre theatre dining in London. The pear and chicory salad and the ham and pease pudding terrine were delicious. The pork loin and the fish fillet were well cooked with rich and tasty sauces and plenty of vegetable accompaniment. The creme brulee, chocolate brownie with pistachio ice cream and the cheesecake did not disappoint. Special mention must go to the house red Cuvee by Georges Dubouef an enjoyable Beaujolais Villages as expected from this blender and excellent value at per bottle. Service was friendly and attentive without being intrusive. If you are visiting your son and daughter at the University and are looking for an evening meal I can recommend Bistro above Finbarrs and Oldfields. Don't be put off by the Tapas Bar exterior the interior is delightful! The three courses were more than ample for our rugby playing son.

Beautiful Setting. This little hidden away gem surprises you from start to finish... The decor is reminiscent of a mediterranean restaurant and it has some lovely touches to make the whole experience seem warm, cosy and dare I say romantic! The food was fabulous The attention to detail from the chefs was outstanding and everything was cooked to perfection. All in all, a gold star and highly recommended from my girlfriend and I

We have dined at bistro many times. This time, the food was as good as ever but front of house standards seem to have slipped. Off-hand waiters and having to ask for simple things like glasses for different wine. These things should be noticed and be acted upon automatically. I know that I am out of step with current thinking, but I do mourn the lack of a dress code. Jeans and sweaters? Really! I think a little more attention to detail is required. We still had a good meal in spite of the above.