Last updated: October 08, 2024
In recent years, Newcastle’s foodie scene has exploded with restaurants offering international cuisines from all over the world. Here at Luxe Bible, curries are our number one choice and we’ve eaten at so many of the city’s curry houses, we thought we’d share our knowledge with a round up of the 12 best restaurants in town. Whether you’re after a cosy Newcastle dining experience, cheap street food, a fancy dinner, or a late night slap up meal after a few drinks, we’ve got you covered. From spicy madras to buttery naans and next-level tandooris, check out our list of the tastiest Indian restaurants in the toon.
My Delhi
My Delhi on Clayton Street in Newcastle transports you and your guests to the bustling streets of Delhi where the rich tapestry of Indian street food is beautifully presented in a modern, luxurious setting. This trendy Newcastle spot has had a constant stream of diners since it opened and is perfect for curry loving foodies keen to explore authentic flavours with a gourmet twist. Their Delhi Railway Butter Chicken is a standout—creamy, aromatic, and totally delicious, while the brand new addition to the menu – the Aslam Chicken comes smoked in a glass cloche and is utterly delicious served with butter sauce. With its chic décor and dynamic energy, My Delhi is the go-to spot for a casual yet upscale Indian dining experience. It’s a big hit for takeaway too!
Address: 87A Clayton Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5PY
Dabbawal
Dabbawal brings the vibrant street food scene of Mumbai to Newcastle city centre and Jesmond. This chic eatery is celebrated for its bold, aromatic flavours, blending traditional Indian spices with a modern twist. The buzzy atmosphere is perfect for casual dining with friends or an intimate date night. With a range of classics, chats, tandoors and curries, we recommend you give the Chef’s Special a try which at £26.95 is a great deal. You’ll get to try a selection of appetisers, street classics, grills, curries, sides and breads. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a feast, Dabbawal will have something for you.
Address: 69-75 High Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6BX and 1 Brentwood Mews, Jesmond, Newcastle, NE2 3DG
Ahar
Located in Whitley Bay, a half hour drive from Newcastle city centre, this curry house is worth the journey believe us! Occupying a prime spot on Whitley’s prestigious Park View, Fiz and his team serve up the best curries in the North East in our opinion. The lamb mustard bhuna is an absolute must-try with tender chunks of soft lamb in a rich velvety sauce and mustard notes which build slowly, rounded off with a nuttiness from the mustard oil. Classic masala is as you’d imagine a really popular choice, and don’t forget the starters – the chicken and prawn roti has the perfect amount of spice and layered flavours with plenty of meat and seafood. Finalists for Bangladeshi/Indian Restaurant of the Year for 2024, Ahar has been going strong for 30 years.
Address: 238 Park View, Whitley Bay NE26 3QX
Dakwala
Dakwala on Newcastle’s Grainger Street offers a dining experience that beautifully balances authentic Indian flavours with a touch of sophistication owing to the stylish, modern interiors which make it perfect for a special night out. We absolutely love Dakwala’s Butter Chicken—rich, full of flavour, and perfectly spiced – creamy but not too hot. There’s plenty of great deals to enjoy too like bottomless brunch (Thursday – Sunday 12.30pm – 4.30pm) priced at only £39.95pp for 90 minutes of bottomless cocktails paired with two small plates of one large plate. And their Sunday Feast is incredible value for money with unlimited curries and mains from the special menu for only £19.95. Sundays are epic and super busy so be sure to book in advance. The bar is lovely too if you’re just in town for drinkies! Read the full Luxe Bible review of Dakwala here.
Address: 42-44 Grainger Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 5JG
Rani
Rani, also on Newcastle’s Quayside brings a taste of Northern India to the North East with its Punjab classics. Boasting an enviable location and a luxurious setting, the menu masterfully combines traditional and modern elements for an outstanding collection of curries perfected by Chef Chand who has worked all over Mumbai, Punjab and Goa. Try the Chef Kebab menu for two priced at £64.95 which offers up delights like king prawn coconut and Kashmiri lamb chops. The restaurant’s attention to detail and commitment to high-quality ingredients make it an unforgettable destination for both casual diners and fine dining enthusiasts.
Address: 2 Queen Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 3UG
Dosa Kitchen
Dosa Kitchen is hidden away in the back streets of Newcastle’s Jesmond on Osborne Road. Offering an authentic taste of South India, Dosa Kitchen are famed for their dosas which if you’ve never tried them before, are thin crispy crepes made from ground rice and lentils. Tear off chunks and dip them in traditional sambar, or order one filled – we love the masala dosa which is perfectly crisp, stuffed with a savoury potato mix bursting with spices. This seems to be the favourite of the Geordie Indian community. Try also the Sundy Sapaad and the only real India Pizza in Newcastle in their courtyard.
Address: 7 Osborne Road, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 2AE
Simla
The Simla is one of Newcastle’s longest running Indian restaurants, opening in 1981. Following a re-vamp in 2016, Simla on Newcastle’s quayside is the home of classic Indian dining in Newcastle, offering a menu that blends traditional flavours with contemporary techniques. We love the Lam Rogan Josh which is rich in flavour with a well balanced combo of flavours and depth of Indian spices owing to its slow cooked sauce. Great any time but good if you’re looking for a later evening eatery after a few drinks.
Address: 39 Side, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3JE
Khai Khai
Gordon Ramsay elevated Khai Khai’s reputation to new heights after he visited the restaurant on Newcastle’s Quayside in 2022, but it was already known in Newcastle as one of the best Indian restaurant owing to its true to the original, authentic dishes. Specialising in slow-cooked, fire-roasted dishes, Khai Khai takes diners on a gastronomic journey through India’s past. The Black House Daal—a smoky, earthy lentil dish—is a favourite, packed with rich flavours while their humble broccoli dish has become somewhat of a viral sensation! The sleek and stylish décor adds to the refined yet relaxed dining experience, perfect for those who appreciate history as much as innovative cuisine. Khai Khai brings the essence of Indian culinary heritage to life and thats why its so loved by celebrities and Newcastle United footballers alike.
Address: 29 Queen Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3UG
Raval Indian Brasserie and Bar
Raval Indian Brasserie and Bar defines Indian fine dining in Gateshead, just minutes from Newcastle over the Tyne Bridge. This award-winning restaurant offers up a sophisticated menu bringing together the freshest ingredients and authentic Indian spices. From early evening menus to the seven course luxury tasting menu, Raval has a number of crowd pleasers but we’d suggest trying the Nilgiri Chicken Saag with velvety spinach puree and the aromatic biryani layered with fragrant Raval spices.
Address: Church Street, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2AT
Sachins
A Newcastle institution for over 30 years, Sachins in Newcastle offers an elegant dining experience that blends traditional Punjabi flavors with contemporary touches. The chic interior, featuring warm lighting and modern decor, creates a refined yet inviting atmosphere. For starters, try the Gunpowder Chicken—marinated in Punjabi spices, coated in a gram flour batter, and served with a tangy gunpowder sauce. For the main course, the Murgh Malabar is a standout dish, with tender chicken cooked in a flavorful blend of South Indian spices, coconut milk, and curry leaves, offering a perfect balance of richness and spice.
Address: Forth Banks, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3SG
Chakh Doom
Chakh Dhoom in Jesmond is probably one of the only restaurants we’ve walked into at 6pm and found completely full! Testament to its awesome food and great location, they’ve just won an award at the ARTA’s – the ‘Oscars of the Curry Industry’, taking home the prize for best Street Food Restaurant of the Year. Having only opened in December last year, Chakh Dhoom have already amassed a foodie following who love the atmosphere as much as the food. We absolutely love the Authentic Vegetable Manchurian which has a unique flavour owing to its Indo-Chinese influence, while our fave main on the menu is the Paneer Lababdar Masala – rich, creamy and oh-so moreish with a perfect blend of spices. Read our full review here. Taste the smoke! Book ahead, its always busy!
Address: 127 Osborne Rd, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 2TB
Snackwallah
For a casual Indian offering, look no further than the Snackwallah in Newcastle’s Grainger Market. Serving up vegan street food, this family run independent eaterie is the perfect place to sample quick fresh dishes, while their curry of the day includes daal, rice and naan for only £7! The Hairy Bikers loved Snackwallah’s Bhel Puri describing it as ‘like eating sunshine’ which includes crunchy snacks, chutneys, fresh veg and spices.
Address: Unit 31-33, Grainger Market, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 5QG
