
La Spaghettata
Durham's longest-running independent Italian restaurant, La Spaghettata offers generous portions of authentic Italian food in a lively setting.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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La Spaghettata

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Durham's longest-running independent Italian restaurant, La Spaghettata offers generous portions of authentic Italian food in a lively setting.
"Portion sizes are so large and very filling; the pizza was lovely and stayed hot with an excellent cheese pull."
Arrive Early - No Bookings
Avoid disappointment as they don't take bookings for small groups. It gets busy, especially with students.
Gluten-Free is Authentic
Don't hesitate to try the gluten-free options; they are authentic, flavorful, and cater well to coeliac diners.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+44 191 383 9290
Address
First floor, 66 Saddler St, Durham DH1 3NP, United Kingdom
Website
fabiosdurham.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Generous Portions & Flavorful Italian
Indulge in large servings of delicious Italian classics, including pasta, pizza, prawns with chorizo. Authentic taste that satisfies.

Lively Atmosphere & Quirky Decor
Enjoy a vibrant and quirky dining experience with a lively atmosphere, perfect for casual get-togethers and a fun night out.

Extensive Gluten-Free Options
La Spaghettata offers an impressively expansive gluten-free menu, delivering authentic and flavorful pizza and pasta without compromise.
Plans like a pro.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early - No Bookings
Avoid disappointment as they don't take bookings for small groups. It gets busy, especially with students.
Gluten-Free is Authentic
Don't hesitate to try the gluten-free options; they are authentic, flavorful, and cater well to coeliac diners.
Pacing Your Meal
If you prefer a more relaxed pace, don't hesitate to request more breathing room between courses.
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early - No Bookings
Avoid disappointment as they don't take bookings for small groups. It gets busy, especially with students.
Gluten-Free is Authentic
Don't hesitate to try the gluten-free options; they are authentic, flavorful, and cater well to coeliac diners.
Pacing Your Meal
If you prefer a more relaxed pace, don't hesitate to request more breathing room between courses.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
La Spaghettata is praised for its enormous portions and authentic Italian flavors, making it a highly recommended spot for satisfying meals. While the lively atmosphere and friendly service are definite draws, some reviewers found certain pasta dishes a bit bland. The extensive gluten-free options are a significant plus for many diners.
"The entrance was a bit hidden but it is a place that you cannot miss for their amazing foods and great services. Great portion, and the food quality was beyond expectation. They also have vegeterian options and their cheese was tasty. Simple foods, however they were so satisfying. Their staff were all very lovely and friendly. Would definetely recommend this place foor food!"
Sheryl Yu
"Very tasty Italian food with lots of flavour. The portions were very generous. I opted for pasta with breaded chicken which was cooked beautifully. Lots of gluten free options available. Service was friendly but a tad rushed. We did go on a busy Friday night though."
Lauren Winslow
"portion sizes are so large and very filling, i had the penne alla vodka pasta and it was alright just quite bland, my mam got the risotto was also abit flavourless. we got a pizza to share also and it was lovely stayed hot the whole time and had an excellent cheese pull same with the fries kept burning my mouth of, couldn’t finish it all so took the rest to go will probably season the pasta myself when i reheat it"
Ruby Ali
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
No, La Spaghettata does not take reservations for small groups and can get busy, especially on weekends. It's best to arrive early.
Yes, La Spaghettata offers an extensive gluten-free menu with authentic and flavorful pasta and pizza options.
Portion sizes are consistently described as very generous and filling, offering great value for money.
Yes, the lively atmosphere and cozy setting, along with the option of a bar upstairs open until 2am, make it a popular choice for dates.
Yes, the restaurant offers vegan options in addition to their gluten-free and vegetarian choices.
Popular dishes include various pasta dishes like Penne Alla Vodka, pizzas, calamari, and jumbo prawns with chorizo.
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The best places to eat and drink in Durham, according to chef Tom Anglesea
A post shared by La Spaghettata (@spagsdurham) on Oct 8, 2018 at 5:34am PDT. “A place we always go with friends or family on a night out. It’s been there since day one.
Best Gluten-Free Restaurants In Durham
La Spaghettata wholeheartedly welcomes gluten-free diners with an impressively expansive menu dedicated to classic Italian flavours. Going far beyond token substitutes, they deliver an abundance of gluten-free pizza and pasta choices that taste so authentic you’ll quickly recognise that this is one of the best restaurants with gluten-free options in Durham. We were particularly delighted with the creamy, flavourful, gluten-free carbonara – proof positive that delicious Italian food can be enjoyed without compromise.
Italian Restaurants in Durham
Known for its lively atmosphere and friendly service, La Spaghettata is Durham's longest running independent Italian restaurant. It provides authentic Italian food for an excellent price, and you can expect to find traditional and tasty antipasti, pasta, and pizza dishes, including vegan and gluten-free options. It’s conveniently located on Saddler Street so, if you’re hunting for a great Italian restaurant in Durham City Centre, La Spaghettata could be exactly what you're looking for.
A freshers’ guide to Durham food and drink
One thing about Durham is that it is full of Italian restaurants — La Spaghettata (Spags) is a classic for students, but can often get busy, especially as they don’t take bookings for small groups. Coviello on Silver Street is fairly similarly priced to Spags and does a great range of Italian food. It’s also open all day, so works for lunch or an afternoon coffee.
Delicious Restaurants In Durham You Need To Try in 2025
La Spaghettata is an award winning Italian restaurant which has been drawing in customers since 1996. Situated on Saddler Street, this independent restaurant is the place to be for classic Italian pizza and pasta, with a variety of dishes to suit everyone’s palate. How does their Penne Alla Vodka with vodka cream, onions, tomato and chicken sound?
Tripper - Guide - 15 perfect restaurants in Durham, United Kingdom
Welcome to La Spaghettata, the Italian restaurant that will have you saying "Mamma Mia!" The cozy and casual atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for a date night or a family dinner. Don't miss out on their homemade pasta and delicious pizza, or you might just regret it more than saying "no" to your Italian grandma. www.fabiosdurham.com
Top 28 Gluten-Free Dinner Spots to Delight in Durham
The food was absolutely amazing, fantastic portions & great quality. Most of the waiting staff were awesome, but one of them women cleared away the table while one person was still eating, but i understand thats more of a personal issue. Bizarre that you have to pay extra for gluten free, but fantastic it's an option in the first place.
Discover Top Durham Attractions: History, Culture, Nature & More
For those craving Italian, La Spaghettata serves classic pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas. The Cellar Door, set in an atmospheric riverside location, combines seasonal ingredients with innovative recipes. This restaurant’s menu includes delights like duck breast with cherry glaze and wild mushroom risotto.
These are the six most romantic places in Durham to visit for a first date
Great food, even greater wine (from what I slightly remember, the sleepy Spags wine deal really is on par with the Woodgate). The real joy of Spags is telling your mates that you went there, so a first date there might seem a bit cliché. But hey, it’s all part of the Durham experience.
Places to eat - Q Student
Situated beneath the ever-popular Fabio’s Bar, La Spaghetta offers a traditional menu at affordable prices and has a lunchtime special for just £6.95. 66 Sadler Street, Durham City, DH1 3NP
8 of the Best Restaurants in Durham, United Kingdom
La Spaghettata is an amazing restaurant where you can have Italian food. This restaurant in Durham even won an award. Thus, it's definitely one of the best restaurants in Durham.
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