Mama Mia!! This small, unpretentious restaurant serves wonderful food. The menu changes everyday…read moreand is hand written on a blackboard which is brought to your table. I ordered baked scallops with a herby crust and samphire which came with delicious seasonal veg and, being a pig, I also ordered chips. The scallops were melt in your mouth perfection. A very generous portion! I polished off the delicious veg and yummy chips too. But thanks to my second, or if you will my 'dessert' stomach, there was still room for pud. I had the warm orange cake with morello cherries and creme fraiche... delicious, light and very satisfying. The bill came to less than £50; we both had 2 courses and red wine. Amazing value for money and wonderful service to boot. I'm sure you can see how Imperial Express earns 5 stars in my eyes!

The Imperial Express is a really nice small restaurant located in Darlington town centre. I have…read morebeen here for breakfast and lunch, but not an evening meal - although I've heard the food on an evening is excellent. The lunches are really nice with a good choice of sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes and paninis. It is not the cheapest place in town, but it is worth the money. It offers really good food & excellent service. I would definately recommend this restaurant if you're looking for something that bit more special.

Of the chain coffee shops I like Cafe Nero and Costa the most. The coffee is nice and strong here…read morebut I still like to ask for an extra shot. The only downside to this Cafe Nero over others I've been too is that it's quite small and there is no upstairs. This means that you can't really get away from the banging and clattering of the service area. Not great if you are after a bit of peace and quiet.

The coffee is hot and strong here, they always put two shots in per cup so if you like me and dont…read morelike strong coffee ask for only one. The prices are not the cheapest, but neither are other coffee shops. The reason I like it here as opposed to others is that there is always jugs of fresh ice water available, the staff are friendly and they do a loyalty card - nine stamps and you get a free coffee. I know your spending a fortune to get a free coffee, but its still something that their competitors dont do.

This little coffee shop is downstairs in the Cornmill Shopping Centre. It sells food as well as…read morecoffee, tea and hot chocolate. It usually sells sandwiches, soups, cookies, cakes, etc. It is not really a restaurant but a cafe/coffee shop. The quality of the food and drink is very good and the service is great. It is a nice place to stop whilst shopping.

Don't let the outside of Bambers put you off - it is very bare and doesn't look welcoming - but has…read moregood coffee, sandwiches, sticky cakes etc and does a mean bacon sarnie. When they started out they offered fairtrade, organic and locally sourced produce - but unfortunately I don't think Darlington was ready for it. They still try to be ethical but for a cheaper budget. Personally I like Bambers and I'd much rather support them than the multinational coffee chains.

This is a new cafe in an old one, formally the Houngate cafe. Nice decor with piped music of a…read moremellow nature to listen to. Ordered Latte which was nice & a toastie which had been done in a toastie maker, (no criticism). Fresh ketchup in a small china bowl was provided. Food & drinks ordered from the counter but delivered to the table by friendly staff. Seating both hard & soft with plenty of space to move about between tables. News papers available to read. Overall a nice experience. Would recommend you give it a try, I would return. Disabled access is ok, toilets upstairs but a lift is provided. Returned a week later, free wifi & loyalty card now provided. Buy 9 hot drinks & get 10th free (card stamped each visit).

great food at a great price ,…read moremeatballs are extra special

We went here at the weekend as we were new in town after just moving to the Pastures in Darlington…read more We wanted something quick to eat whilst we waited for the Bed to be delivered. We found Roosters as it was the closest decent eatery near where our house was. We love to try new places and Roosters will definitely be one we go to again. I had the smothered Chicken, that and a meatball sandwich, hot chocolate and a tea with 2 waters was only £6.77! Great value. If you are near by, get along. it is right next to Legacy Skate Board shop

Had a great burger in the town centre cafe this afternoon, New York Burger, brioche bun with a…read morehandmade beef patty, with melted cheese, pickle, onion rings and Mayo. Nice side salad and more chips than I could eat! The Cafe was very clean and quiet, the staff were mostly hanging out in the back, but were there when we needed them and were polite and accommodating. We also had halloumi bites - really tasty and well grilled, with salad, chilli jam and toasted pitta bread. Top tip - portions aren't scrimped on so share your thick cut chips. The only down side is not having any room for cake!

This place used to be my favourite place to go for lunch but then they changed all the staff to a…read moregroup of 16-19 year old chavs. The staff are not very well presented, their attitude sucks and they spend most there time sat in the kitchen doing nothing. The service is appauling compared to what it once was. The food is still fantastic though, you beat a tuna melt panini from here. The new one on Grange Road really shows this one up. I wish this one was like it used to be.

The cafe is hidden away in the corner of the in-door Market. Ideal if you are on a budget. Nice cup…read moreof milky coffee & cheese toasty for a reasonable price. What made it for me was the French lady who worked here, really friendly & chatty to everyone. Brought the place to life. Oh la la.

Afternoon tea at Robineau is just fantastic! Great service and the food was perfect…read more The savoury course had tasty sandwiches, plus the egg mayo was served on a half scone and the salmon in pastry rather than bread.. such good attention to detail. The fruit scones were light as air and served with the option of jam or lemon curd. The cakes were all delicious, moist fruit cake with a crunchy nutty topping, and the best bit.. the salted caramel indulgence! Really good value at £19.95, served in their lovely tea room. We added a baby bottle of prosecco for £5.50. I can't wait to go back! Best afternoon tea I've had!

This is lovely patisserie in Cocketon village in Darlington. Despite being a small shop it is…read moreincredibly organised and staff are incredibly helpful and friendly. As well as making wedding/celebration cakes to order they sell beautiful cakes and scones and fancy pastries. They are also chocolatiers and stock seasonally appropriate novelty items. Items are presented beautifully and therefore can be given as gifts or proudly taken to parties. The mince pies are Christmas were lovely, and I can highly recommend the almond macaroons and the trifle if you are looking for an easy sweet. Maybe not a great stop for the calorie counters out there but I suppose if you jogged there a little treat wouldn't hurt!