By Holly Grahamslaw
To celebrate our anniversary, my partner, Josh, and I visited Veeno Durham for an evening of authentic Italian dining.
Located in the heart of Durham city centre within The Riverwalk complex, Veeno is perfectly placed for exploring the city’s bars, sights and shops before or after your visit. As a former Durham University student, I was delighted to return to the city, and this relatively new addition to its dining scene certainly did not disappoint.
Founded in 2013 by Nino Caruso, Veeno is rooted in a rich family heritage dating back to the 1880s, when Nino’s great-grandfather established the family’s vineyards in Marsala, Sicily, that continue to produce the wines sold in Veeno’s restaurants today.
Inspired by the Italian tradition of aperitivo – the art of enjoying exceptional wine with delicious food and great company – Veeno has since grown into a boutique collection of wine bars and restaurants across the UK. With the opening of its Durham venue in September 2025, Veeno has now brought this authentic experience to the North East, pairing traditional Italian cuisine with wines from the Caruso vineyard in Sicily.
From the moment we arrived, we were immediately impressed by the warm welcome and the friendly, attentive service. We were greeted by owner Donna Lewis, who explained the menu in detail and provided us with some thoughtful recommendations.
Feeling thirsty, we were delighted to begin with a wine tasting experience. We first sampled the Catalù – Catarratto, a crisp white wine with delicate floral aromas and fresh notes of apple and pear, followed by the Vualà – Nero d’Avola, a berry and peppery red. We also enjoyed the Sirà – Syrah, a smooth red wine bursting with vibrant, fruity flavours. Produced using indigenous grape varieties from the Caruso vineyard, each wine reflected the quality and authenticity that lie at the heart of the Veeno experience.
Customers can also explore Veeno’s wines through their Wine Journeys experiences, pairing a curated selection of wines with the finest Italian meats, cheeses and traditional nibbles.
At Veeno, just as much thought has gone into crafting the food menu, with each dish carefully designed to complement the wines on offer, whilst showcasing some rich and authentic Italian flavours.
To begin, we chose the highly recommended Italia Board, Veeno’s signature sharing platter. Filled with a generous selection of artisan cheeses, cured meats, warm focaccia, olives and a variety of Italian specialities, the dish was as impressive to look at as it was to eat. Tucking in with gusto, we were delighted by the delicious combination of flavours and the exceptional quality of every ingredient.
To follow, I opted for the Pesto tradizionale Genovese pasta, a dish personally recommended by Donna herself. Featuring trofie – a short, twisted pasta originating from the Liguria region of northern Italy, the dish was tossed in a fragrant and creamy basil pesto alongside green beans and crushed potatoes. Rich, comforting and beautifully balanced, the pasta was absolutely exquisite and was served in a hearty, generous portion.
Meanwhile, Josh enjoyed the Ragù alla bolognese, Veeno’s Sicilian interpretation of the Italian classic. This delicious, homemade dish was slow-cooked in the Caruso family’s own Nero d’Avola wine, adding a wonderful richness and depth to this timeless favourite.
To finish, guests can enjoy a range of Italian classics, such as the Tiramisu Della Nonna, made using a treasured family recipe, and the Cannolo Siciliano, featuring crisp pastry filled with sweet ricotta. On this occasion, we shared the rich and indulgent Chocolate Fudge Cake, served warm with vanilla ice cream – a firm favourite of mine and the perfect ending to a memorable evening spent at Veeno.
From the warm hospitality to the outstanding food and exceptional wines, Veeno brings an authentic taste of Sicily to the heart of Durham. Veeno is a welcome addition to Durham’s dining scene, showcasing a passion for quality, tradition and bringing people together. We can’t wait to return.
For more information, call 0191 367 0121 or visit their website, www.veenobars.com