Thai River Durham is a gem nestled along the picturesque River Wear, where authentic Thai cuisine meets stunning views of Durham Cathedral. Customers rave about the restaurant's extensive menu, filled with well-portioned dishes that don't compromise on flavor. One standout dish is the Duck on Fire—a delightful stir-fry with roasted duck that bursts with aromatic basil, chili, and garlic flavors. Its crispy skin and tender meat are a testament to the chef’s skill.
Another popular choice is the Tom Yum Seafood Udon Soup, featuring a rich and creamy broth packed with succulent seafood, including mussels and prawns. Starters like the Thai Fish Cakes complement the main dishes perfectly, especially when dipped into the zesty soup.
The restaurant boasts a cozy ambiance, ideal for unwinding after a long day, and the staff receives high praise for their friendly service. It's also noteworthy that the owner proudly showcases the 'Thai Select' award for authentic cuisine, adding a layer of authenticity to the dining experience. Overall, whether you're a local or visiting Durham, dining at Thai River Durham promises delicious food, warm hospitality, and a view worth savoring.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves healthy options
Serves late-night food
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Quiet
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Paid parking lot
Photos
Reviews For Thai River Durham
malcolm watson
Jun 25,2025
A great Thai in the heart of Durham. Food was excellent and good size portions. If you’re lucky you can get seating overlooking the river with the Castle up to your left. Staff were brill, lots of help with the dishes if required. It is on the river bank so could be an issue if in a wheelchair. Another restaurant to add to our must visit again list.
Samia Rashna Ahmed
Jun 15,2025
Located in Durham beside the river Wear Thai River Durham is run by their Thai owner. Service was really good. And the interior is very nice and cozy. Now onto the food. We ordered: Tom yum seafood udon soup - we wanted Tom yum soup and we wanted to order noodles as well. So we got a mix both. The broth was creamy and flavourful. Portion size was plenty with a good amount of seafood. It had mussels, cuttlefish, prawns, mushrooms. Thai fish cakes - these were the appetisers and went well with the Tom Yum Seafood Udon Soup. I usually like to dip my Thai appetiser in my tom yum soup. So this was a good combination. Duck on fire - this was the star. Stir fried roasted duck with basil, chilli and garlic. It was like a burst of flavours inside my mouth. The duck skin was crispy and the meat itself was tender. Loved the sauce/marination. This went really well with the steamed rice we ordered. This is dish is one of their best sellers according to their menu. I’d highly recommend this restaurant. They accept both cash and card payment. Do give it a try when you visit Durham and want to try Thai food by the river.
Iustina Morosan
May 22,2025
The best Thai so far in Durham. Every single time we have dinner from/or there it never disappoint us. From the starters to the mains everything is so so good. We are really fan of the Curry's they do. So far, the best taste we have ever tried. Taste, quantity and quality of the ingredients excellent. Lovely views of the Cathedral. Thank you!
Docs On Vacay
May 17,2025
Treasures of Durham - Thai River Restaurant Magnificent views of the River Wear, with Durham Cathedral as a stunning backdrop – all of which can be enjoyed even at night. Despite the rain, the atmosphere was peaceful and perfect . We were craving Thai food in Durham and decided to make the half-hour drive from Newcastle . This spot is ideal for catching up with friends . The owner greeted us with a warm smile – Thai hospitality is truly special. He proudly showed us the 'Thai Select' award , granted by the Ministry of Commerce in Thailand as a seal of approval for authentic Thai cuisine! We tried the Thai River Signature dish : Fish Fancier – a deep-fried Seabass prepared with basil leaves, chillies, and garlic. It was spicy and heavenly . Thai food always brings that perfect heat kick! Other dishes we enjoyed: Tod Mun Pla (Thai Fish Cakes) Pad Kra Praw Jay (Stir Fried Tofu with Basil Leaves, extra spicy) Tom Yum Soup with Noodles This is definitely a place for celebrations – with views to admire and heartwarming Thai food. I have such a strong affinity for Thai cuisine !
Richard Crawford
Apr 28,2025
Me and my wife went here for our anniversary. Got to say we went in there blind not knowing what our choices were and made a lucky guess. Got to say we guessed perfect I had crispy squid for starter with salad and chilli sauce was amazing with a generous starter portion. And if you like a bit spice but not too much then definitely go for the Duck Curry (as written on the menu) best meal out for a long time excellent service and nice pint of Stella. Reasonable prices also.
* Woo Bai
Apr 17,2025
Authentic Thai food managed by Thai boss. Location is right at the city centre. Many Asian customer like this place. Good quality of food and portion is generous. Favourite meeting place for students.
Stefanie Lowe
Apr 11,2025
Lovely authentic Thai restaurant tucked away slightly so easy to miss. I’d recommend finding this place. We popped in for lunch. They have a lunch time meal offer but we choose from the main menu. 2 delicious meals generous portions and attentive service. Will definitely go back
Get around Chap
Apr 2,2025
This place serves beautiful food I have been here a few of times and the food is always hot and tasty. The staff are very good. I really can't believe that the restaurant is only half full, the place is really clean and well presented. I would definitely recommend any of the seafood dishes.
Reviews For Thai River Durham