There are so many things that we do well up in Teesside, but arguably, we are absolutely the best at making the most delicious parmos – Teesside is the dish’s birthplace after all! It’s been said that nowhere does a parmo quite as good as a spot with a TS postcode (the closer to TS1, the better, in my opinion), and the surrounding areas or even further afield just can’t get it right. That being said, there are some certain places that are leagues above the rest, so I thought it was about time that we shone a light on the best parmos in Teesside.
After hunting around on the web to find the next place I wanted to try for a parmo, I couldn’t find a single guide that gave me a comprehensive list. I wanted to know the best spots in the area, their addresses, and a bit about each place. So in true Olivia style, I’ve decided to make my own! In this Good Parmo Guide, you will find a range of local restaurants that serve up parmos for sit in dining or al fresco dinner. I’ve included some of my personal faves, as well as lots of recommendations from my Instagram pals. Find the full list of the best restaurants for a Teesside parmo below (in alphabetical order)!
What is a Teesside parmo?
If you’re from across the pond or even from an area of England that isn’t classed as ‘the North’, you may not have actually heard of a parmo before. To put it simply, a parmo is a breaded and fried cutlet of chicken, topped with bechamel sauce and melted cheddar cheese. It originates back to World War II, when a United States chef was wounded and brought to a UK hospital for treatment. He moved to Middlesbrough in 1958, opened a restaurant on Linthorpe Road and created the iconic Boro dish. And thank goodness he did because we all absolutely love them!
Al Forno, Darlington & Ingleby Barwick
Al Forno was one of those well-loved places in Boro and everyone there knew about it, so we were gutted when it was announced that it was closing! But luckily, you can visit this restaurant in Ingleby Barwick or Darlington instead, and enjoy the same delicious menu, which includes their much loved parmos. If you like your bech and cheese oozy and naughty, this is the spot for you.
81 Skinnergate, Darlington, DL3 7LX // Unit 11/12 Sandgate Park Shopping Centre, Bancroft Drive, Stockton-On-Tees, TS17 5AA. Visit their website or Facebook page for more info.
The Bay Horse, Great Broughton
The Bay Horse in Great Broughton is a gorgeous village pub with that sumptuous traditional feel. Complete with a roaring, open log fire, you can tuck into some pub classics, real ale, and of course, a parmo or two. Their parmos are a crowd favourite, thanks to their generous layer of cheese – seriously, the things are absolutely smothered in the stuff!
88 High Street, Great Broughton, Stokesley, TS9 7HA. Visit their website or Facebook page for more info.
The Blue Bell, Yarm
Parmos from The Blue Bell in Yarm are the stuff of legends. Every time I’ve been to this lovely riverside pub, it’s the only thing I’ll get because they’re just so incredibly good. In fact, their parmos have gained quite the following, so this is 100% a spot to check out. You also have the option of sitting in the beer garden on the banks of the River Tees, which will be gorgeous when the sun is out.
663 Yarm Road, Yarm, TS16 0JF. Visit their Facebook page for more info.
Borge, Stockton-on-Tees
I’m pretty sure that every Teessider has eaten at Borge at least once in their lives and if you haven’t visited yet, you need to get it on your list. The parmos from this restaurant are certified as top class, as Borge have won top parmo awards for several years in a row. This is one of my personal faves, so it’s somewhere that I’d recommend to anyone.
50 Yarm Lane, Stockton-On-Tees, TS18 1ER. Visit their website or Facebook page for more info.
Caruso, Stockton-on-Tees
This little Stockton-based Italian restaurant has stood the test of time and has continued to serve food for close to 40 years! With a relaxed atmosphere, authentic Italian dishes, and fantastic parmos that came out as a top pick in my Instagram polls, this is a great choice for all of the family. This is somewhere that we visited a lot when I was a kid, so it’s got lots of nostalgia for me.
5 Varo Terrace, Stockton-On-Tees, TS18 1JY. Visit their website or Facebook page for more info.
Central Park, Middlesbrough
This spot is a firm favourite in Boro, thanks to its location by Albert Park and it’s humongous menu. Seriously, if you want choice, choice is what you’ll get at Central Park. They’re famed for their parmos, which were massively recommended by my Instagram pals, and have a rooftop terrace for golden hour dining for those who want to dine al fresco.
337 Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough, TS5 6AA. Visit their website or Facebook page for more info.
The Crown Hotel, Kirklevington
The Crown Hotel is a quintessentially British pub with everything that you want in a traditional village local, and that includes absolutely amazing parmos. It’s the perfect place to try if you’ve been exploring nearby Yarm, whether you need somewhere for lunch or dinner. They also locally source as many of their ingredients as possible, which also includes their range of drinks (there are so many Northern gins on offer!).
Thirsk Road, Kirklevington, Yarm, TS15 9LT. Visit their website or Facebook page for more info.
The Derry, Long Newton
The Derry offers a fantastic atmosphere, with a super stylish beer garden and fabulous food to boot. While their menu is full of incredible dishes that are so beautifully presented, their crowning jewel is their parmo. Not only were these parmos highly rated in my Instagram poll, but also on Tripadvisor, so you know that The Derry is a key spot to check out if you’re ever in the area.
Darlington Road, Long Newton, Stockton-on-Tees, TS21 1BX. Visit their website or Facebook page for more info.
The Gables, Middlesbrough
If you’re out near Coulby Newham, you can head for a pint and a bite at The Gables! This quintessential British pub offers real ales, a cosy atmosphere, and homecooked food – but it’s the parmos that you need to try. Available in three sizes, these parmos are large and in charge (especially the OMG size, which apparently leaves you needing a nap), and you can upgrade to different variations.
Hemlington Village Road, Hemlington, Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, TS8 9DE. Find out more on Facebook or their website.
The Hamilton Russell Arms, Thorpe Thewles
If you’re ever looking for somewhere to try on the outskirts of Stockton, you need to get The Hamilton Russell Arms on your list. You can find this spot out in Thorpe Thewles, and it offers a welcoming atmosphere, a stunning beer garden with little pods, and super indulgent parmos. This country pub is an ideal spot if you’ve been out walking or exploring the local villages.
Bank Terrace, Thorpe Thewles, Stockton-on-Tees, TS21 3JW. Visit their website or Facebook page for more info.
Hole In The Wall, Darlington
Darlington is such a lush place for a day out, and you should absolutely round it off with a trip to Hole In The Wall. This town centre pub is super cosy, but a lot more modern than your typical British pub. But in true pub style, they offer gorgeously hearty food, including superb parmos. If you like your parmos with a generous layer of bech and cheese, this is definitely the place for you!
14-15 Horse Market, Darlington, DL1 5PT. Visit their Facebook page for more info.
Hope & Union, Stockton-on-Tees
I absolutely love a sneakily hidden eaterie, which is exactly what Hope & Union is! This bar and kitchen is tucked away on Silver Court, but it’s worth stumbling upon as they do the most delicious burgers, fish, and of course, banging parmos. Their beautifully bech-covered chicken gets rave reviews all round, so if you’re ever in the town centre, this is one to visit.
9-10 Silver Court, Stockton-On-Tees, TS18 1SX. Visit their website or Facebook page for more info.
The Jet Miners, Great Broughton
The Jet Miners is about as quintessentially British as they come, and it’s the perfect place for a cosy, comfortable dinner. This place has also got parmos nailed down to a tee – I’m talking about perfectly even cheese, a generous layer of bechamel sauce, and crispy chicken that isn’t too oily. Plus, you also get a healthy portion of chips, which we all know is almost as important as the parmo itself.
61 High Street, Great Broughton, Middlesbrough, TS9 7EF. Visit their website or Facebook page for more info.
Manjaros, Middlesbrough & Darlington
Manjaros is such a popular spot, particularly with twenty-somethings, and I remember hearing everyone talk about it in uni. But they talk about it so much for very good reason – the parmos are absolutely banging. They get the chicken perfectly thin, and load it up with just the right amount of bech and cheese. Plus, you can switch it up with extra toppings! However, if parmos aren’t your thing, this spot offers a range of African and Caribbean-inspired dishes, so it’s great for spice lovers.
The Masham, Hartburn
The Masham is another of my personal favourites, but it’s one that got lots of recommendations on Instagram. I grew up in Hartburn, so I spent a fair amount of time in The Masham, and let me tell you, their parmos are incredible. With a proper, quintessential British pub vibe, plus the orangery restaurant space and a beer garden, this is a really fantastic place for families, couples and parmo lovers.
87 Hartburn Village, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 5DR. Find out more on Facebook or their website.
The Merlin, Billingham
The Merlin in Billingham is a good old fashioned pub with something for absolutely everyone. Whether you have a hankering for a Sunday dinner, a game of darts, or somewhere to relax with a drink, then this is a great spot. However, it’s their parmos that have captured the hearts of the locals, thanks to the gooey liquid cheese and the beautifully tender chicken. If you are near Billingham, this is certainly a spot to keep on your list.
286 Marsh House Avenue, Billingham, TS23 3QJ. Visit their website or Facebook page for more info.
The Open Jar, Norton & Hartlepool
Since opening in 2016, The Open Jar in Hartlepool has taken the local area by storm – so much so that they opened a second site in the beautiful village of Norton. While these restaurants offer up a fantastic variety of food, their crowd favourite is the perfect parmos. Not only can you get the classic chicken, bech and cheese combo, but they also have other options, like Hawaiian, fajita, and spicy meat feast, so there are plenty to go back and try!
7 High Street, Norton, TS20 1AN // 23 Navigation Point, 3 Middleton Road, Hartlepool, TS24 0UJ. Visit their website or Facebook page for more info.
The Prickly Pear Bistro, Middlesbrough
A beautiful bistro tucked away in an unlikely location, but with free parking and a gorgeous menu to boot. Choose from Asian-inspired cuisine or browse the menu of 35 parmos (yes, 35 different types!) and soak up the atmosphere in the garden-themed decor. I highly recommend the Meze, or the Mafia, or the Bacon-De-Brie… basically, every single one is absolutely unreal.
The TAD Centre, Ormesby Road, Middlesbrough, TS3 7SF. Visit their website or Facebook page for more info.
The Ship, Redmarshall
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times, The Ship is the best place for a Teesside parmo. Branded as ‘Destination Parmo’ and owned by the family behind The Prickly Pear, this restaurant offers 35 different types of parmo, each inspired by a country or location. Every single one I’ve ever had has been incredible, so it gets a massive recommendation for me. Make sure you get them on your list!
14 Church Lane, Redmarshall, Stockton-On-Tees, TS21 1EP. Visit their website or Facebook page for more info.
The Spa Hotel, Saltburn
If you have had a trip out to the coast and need your parmo fix, the place you need to head to is The Spa Hotel in Saltburn. This spot is on the bank down to the beach, so you can’t miss it, and gives you the opportunity to sit out on the terrace and enjoy the sea views while you tuck into your parmo. They’re super indulgent, but not too greasy or coated in too much bech. They get the balance just right, so make sure you get yourselves booked in.
Saltburn Bank, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, TS12 1HH. Visit their website or Facebook page for more info.
Tomahawk Steakhouse, Darlington, Yarm & Acklam
Tomahawk Steakhouse has made a name for itself across the whole of the North East and the UK, but there are three restaurant options for you in the Tees area, who all serve the most gorgeous parmos, alongside their famed steaks. You can dine in Darlo or Yarm if you’ve been out in town, or you can book yourself in for Acklam Hall for a bit of a refined setting.
32-34 High Street, Yarm, TS15 9AE // Unit 6, Feethams, Darlington, DL1 5RD // Coopers Lane, Potto, DL6 3HQ. Visit their website for more info.
Hopefully this Good Parmo Guide has helped you to find your next parmo spot to try, or inspired you to visit your local parmo spot. If you think I’ve missed any of the best restaurants for a Teesside parmo, please let me know!
Have you tried George’s Pub & Grill? I watch his videos all the time and their parmos look amazing!!
I believe they are in Teeside and other areas as well. I live in the USA, so never been there nor have I had a parmo.