Akarsu’s new building
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Akarsu Turkish Restaurant & Grill

4.6
·491k reviews·,

Experience authentic Turkish flavors with charcoal-grilled meats and vibrant mezze in a cozy setting offering stunning riverside views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Akarsu’s new building

Akarsu Turkish Restaurant & Grill

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience authentic Turkish flavors with charcoal-grilled meats and vibrant mezze in a cozy setting offering stunning riverside views.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The best Turkish restaurant in Durham, full of flavor, freshly made, with friendly staff and a lovely atmosphere."

TIP

Try the Sharing Board

Highly recommended by reviewers, the sharing board with a side of hummus is a flavorful and plentiful option.

Avoid Peak Busyness

Visit during off-peak hours to ensure a more relaxed dining experience and avoid potential crowds.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens Thursday 11:30AM

Cuisine

Turkish

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+44 191 250 8465

Address

21 Silver St, Durham, DH1 3RB, United Kingdom

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Turkish Grill & Mezze

Authentic Turkish Grill & Mezze

Savor freshly made Turkish cuisine with charcoal-grilled meats and flavorful mezze in a cozy, eclectic setting.

The best places to eat in Durham according to TripAdvisor reviewersGoogle Review+1
Stunning Riverside Views

Stunning Riverside Views

Dine with picturesque views of Framwellgate Bridge and the river, offering a charming backdrop to your meal.

Google Review+1
Generous Portions & Value

Generous Portions & Value

Experience hearty, delicious meals with impressively large portions that offer excellent value for money.

Google Review+1
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Have you tried Akarsu Turkish restaurant in Durham City Centre? We went on Saturday and it was my first time eating Turkish food but I loved it! Deffo reccomend if you’re visiting Durham 🫶🏻 #wheretoeatindurham #foodindurham #turkishrestaurant #northeastfood #durhamcity #placestogodurham #turkishcuisine
@beccastravel
43 likes • 7.8K views

Try the Sharing Board

Highly recommended by reviewers, the sharing board with a side of hummus is a flavorful and plentiful option.

Avoid Peak Busyness

Visit during off-peak hours to ensure a more relaxed dining experience and avoid potential crowds.

✨ A BOOKISH DAY IN DURHAM ✨ Yesterday was an absolute dream! I spent a gorgeous afternoon strolling along the river before heading to Akarsu Turkish Grill for the most divine dinner. The chicken wrap was absolute perfection. And those little touches—especially the pickles and chilli sauce—just elevated the whole experience. If you’re in Durham, I highly recommend stopping by! Then came the main ev...
@cosymidlifebooknook
5 likes • 773 views
Akarsu Turkish Durham #turkey #turkishfood #turkish
@ladyngapak
5 likes • 973 views

Seating Choice Matters

If you prefer less breeze, consider requesting a table away from the entrance area.

How amazing is Akarsu turkish restaurant in Durham The Christmas windows look sooooo good!! Done by the amazing @immyzillustrationz #wheretoeatindurham #foodindurham #turkishrestaurant #northeastfood #durhamcity #placestogodurham #turkishcuisine @Beccastravel✈️🌈💫🌊
@harpermack714
513 likes • 5.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Try the Sharing Board

Highly recommended by reviewers, the sharing board with a side of hummus is a flavorful and plentiful option.

Avoid Peak Busyness

Visit during off-peak hours to ensure a more relaxed dining experience and avoid potential crowds.

Seating Choice Matters

If you prefer less breeze, consider requesting a table away from the entrance area.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Akarsu Turkish Restaurant & Grill is highly praised for its authentic and delicious Turkish cuisine, with many reviewers highlighting the generous portion sizes and excellent value for money. The warm and welcoming service, along with the cozy atmosphere and beautiful river views, contribute to a positive dining experience. While most experiences are overwhelmingly positive, some guests have noted slow service when requesting the bill and occasional inconsistencies with certain dishes.

"We visited as a group of friends and honestly had a great experience. The food was absolutely delicious full of flavour and freshly made. The staff were friendly and welcoming, the atmosphere was lovely, and the service was excellent from start to finish The restaurant was clean, comfortable, and even had great air conditioning, which made the experience even more enjoyable. We truly loved our time there and will definitely be coming back.
I’ve already recommended this place to others it’s easily the best Turkish restaurant in Durham. Highly recommended ❤️❤️

Best wishes"

Shada Alsull

"The staff were very warm and welcoming. The food was delicious and offered excellent value. I highly recommend the sharing board with a side of hummus. The venue was very clean and tidy, although it could be a little breezy if seated near the entrance."

Andrew H

"Very busy and clearly sought after food in Akarsu.
Was very busy inside with diners on both levels.
The front of house staff were very good and friendly.
Lots to go at on the menu too, real good quality authentic food too.
Great location with views over the bridge and to the water.
Very well decorated internally on all levels.
All in all impressed by all aspects of the visit, the food was delicious.
If your in town or considering a visit I'd call in here for food."

Richard Hall

What People Like

Delicious, authentic Turkish flavors
Generous portions and great value
Friendly service and cozy ambiance

What People Dislike

Slow service for the bill
Occasional dish inconsistencies

Frequently Asked Questions

Akarsu serves authentic traditional Turkish cuisine, featuring charcoal-grilled meats, a variety of mezze, salads, and vegetarian dishes.

TikTokThe best places to eat in Durham according to TripAdvisor reviewers

Yes, Akarsu offers excellent vegetarian and adaptable vegan options on their menu.

TikTokBest Vegan Restaurants in Durham for Amazing Plant-Based FoodThe best dinner restaurants in Durham, according to Tripadvisor

Reviewers highly recommend the sharing board with a side of hummus, the kebab dishes, and the meat feast for its generous portions.

Google Review+2

The restaurant offers great views of the river and Framwellgate Bridge, particularly from window seats.

The 15 Best Places to Eat in Durham's City Centre [2025]Google Review

The restaurant can get very busy, especially during peak times. Visiting during off-peak hours is advised to avoid crowds.

The 15 Best Places to Eat in Durham's City Centre [2025]Google Review

Portion sizes are generally described as huge and brilliant for the price, offering excellent value.

TikTokGoogle Review+1

Yes, guests have mentioned receiving complimentary evil eye logo pins as souvenirs.

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