Northern Echo’s Best Restaurant 2026 top ten finalists revealed

It’s no secret that there are some fantastic spots to get some great grub across the region, a place home to so many talented and dedicated restaurants. 

And this year we’ve once again been looking to shine a spotlight on the best of the best, along with the help of our readers.

We can now reveal the top ten finalists in our competition – and we want you to now vote for your favourite.

This year’s top ten are: 

1. Burtree Inn – Burtree Gate, Darlington, DL2 2XZ
2. Stable Hearth – 33-35 Duke Street, Darlington, DL3 7RX
3. Taipan Asia – 10 Crown Street, Darlington, DL1 1LU
4. Tawny Owl – Neasham Road, Hurworth Moor, Darlington, DL3 1QE
5. The Bay Horse – 45 The Green, Hurworth-on-Tees, Darlington, DL2 2AA
6. The Bridge Inn – The Green, Stapleton, DL2 2QQ
7. The Crown at Mickleton – Mickleton, Barnard Castle, DL12 0JZ
8. The Ivy Tree – Yarm Road, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 3RY
9. The Loft Steakhouse & Grill – 10 Crown Street, Darlington, DL1 1LU
10. The Talbot – 47–49 The Green, Bishopton, Stockton-on-Tees, TS21 1HE

To vote, you simply need to cut out a coupon printed in The Northern Echo this week and next. You have until Wednesday, April 22 to vote for your favourite. 

In the meantime, we’ll be highlighting each of the restaurants and gastropubs in our top ten to help you decide which one to vote for.

The Northern Echo editor Gavin Foster said: “We have some fantastic restaurants across Darlington and County Durham and our best restaurant or gastropub competition is the perfect opportunity to shine a spotlight on that. 

“We are delighted to once again be launching our search for the best of the best. Get your votes in now!”

To vote, you simply need to cut out a coupon printed in The Northern Echo this week and next. You have until