coarse
A Michelin Guide-recognized restaurant in Durham offering accessible, imaginative tasting menus with a focus on local, seasonal produce.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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coarse
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Michelin Guide-recognized restaurant in Durham offering accessible, imaginative tasting menus with a focus on local, seasonal produce.
"The creativity, balance of flavours and presentation of food was superb and we felt it was excellent value for money."
Book Ahead
Reservations are essential, especially for weekends and special occasions, as the restaurant is very popular.
Consider Wine Pairings
Enhance your meal with carefully selected wine pairings that complement each course.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Modern British
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+44 191 380 5776
Address
Reform Pl, North Rd, Durham DH1 4RZ, United Kingdom
Website
coarse.restaurant/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Imaginative Six-Course Tasting Menu
Experience a meticulously crafted tasting menu featuring locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients with superb flavor balance and beautiful presentation.
Exceptional Value Fine Dining
Enjoy fine dining quality without the premium price tag. Coarse makes tasting menus accessible and affordable.
Accommodating and Knowledgeable Staff
The attentive and friendly staff create a relaxed yet special atmosphere, offering knowledgeable insights into dishes and wine pairings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are essential, especially for weekends and special occasions, as the restaurant is very popular.
Consider Wine Pairings
Enhance your meal with carefully selected wine pairings that complement each course.
Inform About Dietary Needs
The staff is very accommodating to dietary restrictions and preferences; inform them in advance.
Weekday Dining
Opt for a weekday visit for a potentially quieter dining experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are essential, especially for weekends and special occasions, as the restaurant is very popular.
Consider Wine Pairings
Enhance your meal with carefully selected wine pairings that complement each course.
Inform About Dietary Needs
The staff is very accommodating to dietary restrictions and preferences; inform them in advance.
Weekday Dining
Opt for a weekday visit for a potentially quieter dining experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Coarse is lauded for its exceptional, imaginatively presented tasting menus that offer outstanding value for fine dining. Diners consistently praise the delicious food, creative flavors, and beautiful presentation, complemented by knowledgeable and friendly staff. While most experiences are overwhelmingly positive, a rare gristle in the lamb was noted, and some found the music could be improved to enhance the ambiance.
"Coarse was recommended to us by a friend and it did not disappoint ! We visited on a lunchtime and had the full 6 course tasting menu plus the extra monkfish course. The creativity, balance of flavours and presentation of food was superb and we felt it was excellent value for money compared with restaurants of similar food quality. An absolute hidden gem and we will definitely be back. The atmosphere is relaxed and staff were knowledgeable about the dishes and attentive. We were there with our dad for an 80th birthday treat and he had such a memorable experience - for which we’re really grateful. Thank you"
Jane Greenaway
"Wonderful food in a lovely informal atmosphere. Staff were knowledgeable but not too intrusive. Wine prices were reasonable too. Everything very good, except had a gristly price of lamb on the Indian course 🙁 Would come again though. Very nice evening out. Thanks to all."
Claire Parker
"Took my mum for a very belated Mother’s Day treat. Our experience was fantastic from start to finish. The staff are brilliant - knowledgeable and friendly. The food was incredible, every single coarse ;) was a delight. My mum had the wine pairing, so we got a little wine lesson along the way too. Honestly, it’s probably one of the best restaurant experiences I’ve had. I guess good news travels, as the place was full on a Wednesday night!
If I had to find anything constructive to say - and I’m very much clutching at straws - it would be that the music could be better, to create a bit more of a ‘vibe’. But music is such a subjective thing, you’re never going to please everyone!
Thanks so much for a great night. :)"
Steph Clish
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Coarse primarily offers an imaginative six-course tasting menu that changes seasonally, with vegetarian options available.
Yes, Coarse is a perfect spot for celebrations like birthdays or anniversaries, offering a memorable dining experience.
Absolutely. The staff are very accommodating towards dietary restrictions and preferences, including lactose intolerance and coeliac needs.
Coarse is known for offering fine dining at reasonable prices, particularly with its tasting menus, making it excellent value for money.
Yes, optional wine pairings are available and recommended to enhance each course, with informative descriptions provided.
Consider visiting during weekdays for a quieter experience. Reservations are highly recommended due to popularity.
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Featured in these publications
Top Restaurants and Brunch Spots to Try in Durham City Centre
Reform Place, North Road, Durham DH1 4RZ 0191 380 5776coarse.restaurantAn understated restaurant on Durham’s North Road, the food here is nonetheless fantastic. The focus here is on making fine dining accessible for all, offering a well-priced six-course tasting menu using local and seasonal ingredients. Head chef and co-owner Ruari MacKay started his career training under Michelin-starred chef Terry Laybourne at Jesmond Dene House, so you know the food is going to be good, and he has since opened sister venue Isla on the same street.
Durham restaurant named a Michelin favourite within four months of opening
Coarse in Durham has been winning praise for its imaginative six-course menu boasting locally-sourced produce and now it's come to the attention of inspectors from the prestigious restaurant and hotel guide who have included it among their top new pick of places to eat. And the restaurant could not be more delighted, saying in a post on its Facebook page: "We had been open seven weeks, serving our first ever tasting menu when we spotted a tweet from the Michelin Guide mentioning us.
Best Vegan Restaurants in Durham for Amazing Plant-Based Food
Coarse brings a fresh and unique dining concept to Durham with its focus on tasting menus. This modern spot embraces seasonal ingredients and culinary creativity, offering diners a multi-course adventure that showcases the best of what’s fresh and local. While their website highlights a commitment to quality and there’s an enticing vegetarian tasting menu, there’s limited information available online about fully vegan options.
The updated guide to Michelin restaurants in Newcastle, Northumberland, Durham and North Yorkshire 2025
One of the hidden gems in Durham, Coarse, is tucked away in a cute courtyard in the city centre. The set menu changes seasonally and the Michelin Guide particularly praises the chefs for the quality of the sauces (say no more). They offer a three-course lunch menu (£27) and a six-course dinner menu (£49) which is incredible value for the quality, thanks to their mission to make tasting menus accessible and affordable.
Top 28 Gluten-Free Dinner Spots to Delight in Durham
, with thoughtful adaptations and a welcoming, accommodating staff ensuring a safe, inclusive dining experience. Not an exaggeration to say this is probably the best meal I think I've ever had in my life (and to think I was originally doubting how good a summer picnic theme could be). An amazing dining experience with beautifully prepared food at a fair price, very competent and friendly staff, and a cosy atmosphere.
The 15 Best Places to Eat in Durham's City Centre [2025]
Fine dining arrives in Durham with a six course tasting menu presented by Head Chef, Ruari Mackay. Ruari was behind the transformations of the Garden House Inn and the Traveller’s Rest so you know that the food is going to good here. coarse aims to make tasting menus more accessible, more affordable and more fun and I have to admit that I have never had a tasting menu.
Durham Restaurant Week returns, with everything from fine dining to burger bargains
Coarse, in North Road, will offer a lunch menu that includes a snack and three courses, plus a free glass of cava (or any non-alcoholic drink) for just £20. While Restaurant Faru, in Silver Street, will offer guests a special five-course menu.
Durham's Coarse restaurant gets Michelin Guide accolade
For those who have tasted the eatery's offerings, its commendation by the Michelin guide comes as no surprise - Coarse has cornered the market with its tasting menu of local and seasonal dishes.
A Chef’s Guide To Durham
An incredibly affordable tasting menu spot from Ruari MacKay. Ruari cooks playful takes on classics and changes the menu every six weeks. Book early as it’s very popular.
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