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Isla

Durham - Modern British - Restaurant - ££

Homely vibes, sweet service and eclectic sharing plates

Overall Rating: Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Very Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Very Good

From the people behind Coarse on Reform Place, Isla swaps tasting menus for something more casual but equally delicious. Occupying a converted terraced house, the place still has a homely feel with bare brick walls, a big open hearth and pretty decor, while super-sweet staff add to the easy-going vibe. Breakfast and brunch are ‘truly outstanding’ – from a plate of slow-cooked ham hock with roti and gherkin ketchup to a magnificent giant crumpet with spicy sausage, ‘nduja, cheese, garlic mayo and a fried egg.  Lunch and dinner menus offer a roster of eclectic dishes bursting with ‘super unique flavours’: courgette bhajis with rose-harissa houmous and pine nuts; Korean pork belly bao buns; scallops with celeriac purée, crispy mushrooms and chicken butter. Finish with a piña colada meringue or chocolate and miso caramel tart with popcorn ice cream. Sunday lunch means traditional roasts with all the trimmings, alongside some unusual f...

From the people behind Coarse on Reform Place, Isla swaps tasting menus for something more casual but equally delicious. Occupying a converted terraced house, the place still has a homely feel with bare brick walls, a big open hearth and pretty decor, while super-sweet staff add to the easy-going vibe. Breakfast and brunch are ‘truly outstanding’ – from a plate of slow-cooked ham hock with roti and gherkin ketchup to a magnificent giant crumpet with spicy sausage, ‘nduja, cheese, garlic mayo and a fried egg. 

Lunch and dinner menus offer a roster of eclectic dishes bursting with ‘super unique flavours’: courgette bhajis with rose-harissa houmous and pine nuts; Korean pork belly bao buns; scallops with celeriac purée, crispy mushrooms and chicken butter. Finish with a piña colada meringue or chocolate and miso caramel tart with popcorn ice cream. Sunday lunch means traditional roasts with all the trimmings, alongside some unusual fish and vegetarian options (roasted cauliflower with curry sauce, lime pickle gel and poppadom ‘crumb’, for example). 

A short list of easy-drinking wines does its job, and there are cakes and croissants on the counter – if you simply want a ‘perfect flat white’ and a sweet bite. ‘We travelled from York,’ commented one reader, ‘and it would be worth the train fare to come back – which we absolutely will.’

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VENUE DETAILS

53 North Road

Durham
DH1 4SFGB

0191 384 3378

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OTHER INFORMATION

Family friendly, Dog friendly

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