Best Indian Restaurant in Newcastle Gateshead Area
We are in the northeast for business conference .staying at beautiful Hilton hotel Newcastle-Gateshead, fantastic view of the Tyne Bridge and great service. We asked martin at the reception to recommend best Indian restaurant in Newcastle Gateshead area. We wanted to try something special to celebrate, we have eaten at both Tamarind and Benares Michelin starred Indian restaurant we loved the experience. Martin said raval luxury Indian restaurant just a cross the road very popular with business clients and we have received lots of excellent feedback from our guests, it’s really different. We always recommend raval for Indian to our guests. We checked out ravals online reviews on both TripAdvisor and hardens guides 2016 both rated as excellent. We now very have high expectations for best curry restaurant in town tonight! We booked our table at raval for 7,30pm on Thursday evening. Two minutes walks away from Hilton. Entering into raval is more like entering in to beautiful five star hotel reception and lounge area with floor to ceiling glass windows with the views of the Tyne Bridge we were very impressed. The place is very clean and beautifully done up. The host is perfect Indian gentlemen very knowledgeable about Indian food and spices. The restaurant was very busy still the restaurant host guided us through the menu, On to the food - we were well greeted by the waiting staff and lead to our table. After sitting down we were offered excellent mini poppadum not like anything we have tasted before with 3 different dips - even before the menus had arrived! The menus offers number of tasting options .but Went with a la carte options - the portions are just right and the seasoning perfect. We ordered 4 starters and for main courses. Two side dishes. 2 naan breads two pillau rice Starters, lobster and mango, tandoori grilled scallops, char gill lamb chaps and Keralans king pawns the mains. Tandoori mixed grills. Scallops and king prawns, spicy hot lamb and Goan fish curry. Sides. Aloo matter and mixed dal, Malabari paratha, garlic Nan and two saffron rice The food came beautifully presented and tasting equally good. Between our starter and main, as well as the sides the staffs were knowledgeable and friendly throughout the whole experience, even when we were leaving. The price came to approx. £55 per person for three courses and a wine. We were well satisfied with the whole experience and are certain to return. 5/5 for...
Read more⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 – Absolutely Exceptional – The Best in the North East!
Raval Indian Brasserie & Bar in Newcastle Gateshead is, without a doubt, a culinary gem and one of the finest dining experiences I’ve ever had. From the moment you walk in, it’s clear this isn’t just another Indian restaurant – it’s an elevated experience, combining warm hospitality, sophisticated ambiance, and truly outstanding food.
Ambiance & Service: The atmosphere at Raval is stylish yet inviting, with a modern design that still manages to feel cozy and intimate. The lighting, music, and table settings all contribute to a relaxed yet upscale vibe. The staff were impeccable – attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about the menu, and genuinely welcoming. They clearly take pride in what they do, and it shows.
Food Quality: The food is where Raval truly sets itself apart. Every dish we ordered was bursting with flavor, beautifully presented, and perfectly cooked. You can tell they use premium ingredients and authentic techniques. Whether it was the fragrant biryanis, the tender lamb, or the bold, rich curries – each plate was a masterpiece. The balance of spices was perfect – nothing overly heavy or oily, just refined, elegant Indian cuisine done to the highest standard.
The vegetarian options were equally impressive – creative, satisfying, and treated with the same attention as the meat dishes. And the naan? Fluffy, fresh, and the perfect companion to every bite.
Drinks & Bar: The bar is another standout feature, boasting a thoughtfully curated selection of wines, cocktails, and premium spirits. While I opted for non-alcoholic drinks during my visit, my friends spoke very highly of the cocktails, praising both their creativity and how well they complemented the food. There’s a distinct sense of refinement and flair here—not only in what’s served, but also in the presentation and service.
Value: For the level of quality and experience, Raval offers great value. This is a place that easily competes with top restaurants in major cities, yet still feels accessible and welcoming.
Overall: Raval isn’t just the best Indian restaurant in the area – it’s one of the best dining experiences in the North East, full stop. Whether you’re local or just visiting Newcastle Gateshead, this place is a must. Perfect for special occasions, date nights, or simply indulging in exceptional food. We’ll absolutely be back – and next time, we’re...
Read moreVery disappointed with out visit to this restaurant, the staff were great but I was shocked at the way we were treated when paying our bill, 4 of us went and the bill came to a few pence short of £200 so we looked over it and a curry that was priced in their menu @ £4.95 was charged at £15. We questioned this and were told it was a typo, the same typo on every menu for so we politely told them we would like it at the price advertised in the menu and this was their fault not ours, we weren't even told when ordering that the price was incorrect.
We were then told that their were no deserts left which was disappointing as we were the first in the restaurant and it was on a Saturday night so found this hard to believe. We called the manager over to ask about this and suddenly they did have desert available and were offered deserts on the house.
We always tip when we go out but don't like having a service charge added to a bill especially for 4 people, I can understand this for larger groups and the manager then complained to us saying we should have known the curry wasn't £4.95 and that we should not be in his restaurant as it wasn't right for us which was weird because we are 4 people who like to eat Indian food and the card machine had no problems taking over £160 for the four of us which I think qualifys us to eat in the restaurant.
The food was good however overpriced in comparison to equally impressive Indian restaurants around the area the big let down was the manager and after speaking with staff they had agreed that it was a common complaint about the manager being arrogant and rude, would not reccomend or go here again and genuinely felt like walking out without paying a Pennie after he made it clear that our money somehow isn't valued at...
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