Palatine Café & Circolo Restaurant • Durham University

Palatine Café & Circolo Restaurant at Durham University blends the casual ease of a campus café with the more structured feel of a student-focused restaurant. Situated within the Palatine Centre, it serves as a convenient midday stop for students and staff looking for a quick but satisfying lunch without straying far from campus.

The atmosphere is relaxed and functional, typical of university dining spots where the priority is on efficiency and variety rather than fine dining. You’ll find a rotating daily menu offering simple, hearty meals at a reasonable price point—generally around £5 to £6. The food tends to lean toward straightforward, homey dishes, such as a recent turkey in tomato sauce served with pasta and peas. Alongside the main meals, there’s usually pizza on offer, although it’s clear this is more of a casual addition meant to satisfy a quick craving rather than an authentic Italian experience.

This café-restaurant is best suited to those who value a reliable, no-fuss lunch option that changes day-to-day, ideal for students and university employees who want to step away for a short break without the formality of a sit-down restaurant. Peak times are likely around midday during term time when the dining area fills with campus life humming around food and conversation. The space supports a casual and social vibe, where grabbing a quick bite and catching up with friends or colleagues happens naturally amid the university rhythm.

If you're passing through Durham University and want a solid, affordable lunch with a range that changes enough to keep things interesting, Palatine Café & Circolo provides a straightforward, comfortably informal spot right in the heart of campus activity.