Raphael
Google
Oh, what regret I have that I've left cellar door to last in my journey through the culinary offerings of Durham - as it came recommended by so many articles, but the google rating, relatively to others, is lagging (at 4.4 at time of writing).
The service starts before the reservation as one receives a courteous reminder.
The restaurant itself is multi-levelled, the main restaurant is classy, with character, there is a hidden away balcony that nonetheless feels elegant, with a view of the river. There is also the downstairs crypt-like restaurant for an intimate atmosphere.
The cured salmon with mustard, home-pickled cabbage was out of this world, the duck confit filled onion could have been a little bit better spiced, but the duck breast was cooked to perfection, retaining tenderness, all natural flavour, without firming up.
I am usually not a fan of beef wellington and puff pastry, but this was different. The mushroom (truffle sprinkler?) layer was a perfect complement, the puff pastry a wrapper, more than a filler, the beef melted on the tongue. The hash brown chips and absolute show stealer.
Also go for the lemon pannacotta. It's meals like this that remind me why it's worth to continue trying different restaurants.
I also just want to thank cellar door for perfect portions and service, I'll be back!