Urban Spices - Fine Curries and Cocktails — Restaurant in Sydney

Wow!!!! Balmainiacs are a lucky bunch indeed. But no wonder foodies are travelling from all over the Inner West and beyond to visit Urban Spices. Humming with an atmosphere as delightful as it's flavours and a bunch of smiling people so keen to welcome you in, you want to invite them home, this is a delight for your soul and your tastebuds. This is five star Indian dining at a very manageable price point. Classic dishes as you have never tasted them before, and signature plates using the highest quality ingredients. Every mouthful had us ooohing and ahhhing with pure pleasure. I rarely feel this strongly about all aspects of what a restaurant has to offer...Urban Spices is the exception. We enjoyed a new dish for us to start our journey, Papdi Chaat - it's a traditional Indian street food with potatoes, chickpeas and brightly crispy pastry bits and some crunchy noodles, together with chutneys and a tamarind sauce. The spiciness is smoothed with a topping of yogurt and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds. Crunchy poppadoms on the side and a Pashwiri Naan stuffed with sultanas and almonds and I'm pretty sure, some coconut. We all dug in like it was a drinks and snacks start, with a fresh Reisling to wash it down, Delish! But certainly give the tantalising range of cocktails and mocktails a look in, the Paantini with Gin, jaan liquer, vermouth, lime, and fennel seeds was one of a multitude of enticing and creative options. There were a bunch of mouthwatering entrees, but we were committed to a shared Mains banquet of our own construction (although they do have suggested banquet options) Our choices were: Chicken Karahi, a superbly balanced curry of generous tender chook thigh pieces, with red onion, capsicum and a combination of herbs and spices to dance on your tongue. Lamb Rogan Josh, so frequently a disappointment in other establishments, had no such issues here. Moist and flavourful lamb chunks with not a piece of gristle or fat in sight. And plenty of the meaty chunks in a rich authentic slow simmered sauce with tastebuds begging for just one more mouthful. Of course we had the all important chutneys and side-dishes which rose above the usual. Owner Giri seems to take every little thing very seriously, so that his customers are secure in the knowledge everything entering their mouths is a joy. We are piglets, I admit, so we also enjoyed a beautiful Dahl Makhani - a simple thing of lentils, but slow cooked for apparently 12 hours with spices and herbs, it becomes a wondrous dish, something to meditate on. Also the Goat Biryani: goat pieces on the bone for extra flavour, smothered in yogurt and then cooked in special spices (tell me what they are, I'm begging you!) and served steamed in basmati rice. Unbelievable deliciousness. One thing guys, checking out your online menu before we tried you had us giggling. It has all your specialty Biryani's: chicken, vegetarian and lamb, all of which I want to try as well as the delicious goat I chose. But your web guy has made the hilarious mistake of saying they all contain 'goat'. I love goat! but it might confuse some of your home delivery customers :) We couldn't fit in dessert, but we will next time because I have absolutely no doubt, that like every single morsel I tasted, the Kulfi's and Ice creams among other sweet treats will be to-die-for. Bottom line, GO HERE. Ignore this culinary 'exquisition' (my own new word) and a little piece of your life will be missing. Sorry there's no photos, we were so busy eating, talking and generally having a brilliant time, I failed...

Urban Spices on Darling Street is an absolute gem that brings a vibrant fusion of flavors to the heart of Sydney. From the moment you step inside, you're welcomed by a warm, inviting atmosphere that sets the tone for an unforgettable dining experience. The decor is modern yet cozy, perfectly reflecting the creative, indian inspired dishes on the menu.

The food is nothing short of exceptional. Every dish bursts with fresh, bold flavours that pay homage to the rich culinary traditions of India.The spice blends are masterfully balanced, elevating each meal to new heights. Whether you're indulging in their aromatic lamb curry or savouring a perfectly spiced vegetarian food, you can taste the care and precision in every bite.

The service at Urban Spices is equally impressive. The staff are attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the food they serve. They are more than happy to guide you through the menu, ensuring that your meal is tailored to your taste preferences.

The cocktail list is another standout, offering refreshing, expertly crafted drinks that perfectly complement the flavors of the cuisine.

Urban Spices is more than just a restaurant—it’s a culinary journey that takes your taste buds around the world while offering the warmth and comfort of a local favorite. Whether you're after a casual dinner, a special night out, or a memorable gathering with friends, Urban Spices is a must-visit destination on Darling Street. Highly...

Ever since our first dinner at Urban Spices about a month ago, we’ve been very keen to return, which we finally managed to do last night.

I looked forward to another great experience, but this actually exceeded my high expectations!

Customer service was on point and attentive. Front of house manager, Giri, was very positive in his engagement with diners and staff alike.

The food was exceptional and delicious. The Tandoori Prawns 🍤 were succulent, smokey and perfectly seasoned. Samundar ka Khazana (wealth of the ocean?) is a delectable dish of fish, prawns and scallops in a deliciously rich and warm curry sauce. The Chicken Saag was amazing! Perfectly tender chicken, generously drowned in the best saag I have ever tasted 🥹 — after our mains, we weren’t sure if we could manage desserts, but after checking available options we chose two to share. Pistachio Kulfi and Gulab Jamun. They complemented each other very well, completing our dinner with a light yet tasty dessert.

Pricing was also quite reasonable for such a high quality dining experience. We ate starter, mains and deserts, all for around $50 each.

I’m looking forward to our next visit — meanwhile recommending this delight to anyone who may be...