Masterchef Haveli — Restaurant in South Tyneside

This is actually two reviews in one, and why it's 3 stars rather than 1, the first time I tried MC was just before Christmas and my partner and I really enjoyed the experience, friendly and attentive staff, a different menu with lots of dishes we'd not seen before, gratis poppadoms and pickle tray, great cocktails but I returned with a larger party last night (on my recommendation) and it was a much worse experience.

Firstly the mini poppadoms and pickles are £10 which is silly expensive for what you get, barely a tablespoon of limepickle or mango chutney. Just makes you feel a bit ripped off. It's like paying £10 for bread, just put the real cost of it into the price of the meals!

The staff are still very friendly but the wait time for the meal was far too long, at least 40 minutes, the restaurant wasn't all that busy. The whole concept of what is a starter and what is a main seems to confuse both staff and customers, either call them sides or mains if you don't want them to be expected as starters, not only is it a curry no one has heard of but it's quantity is completely unknown, people need guidance and the menu offers none.

The kicker for me is they lost my order completely, I pointed out my missing starters and was told it didn't look like I'd ordered it before they apologised and said there where some issues with the "system" - which seems to be hastily scribbled notes. I just said it was fine, we then waited ages for the mains to show and mine didn't, then I was given a curry that wasn't mine, they said they'd get that sorted asap, asap being a further 20 minutes, as a way of apology they offered to remove the curry I didn't order off the bill, how kind. When it did show up they'd still forgot the rice!

I just got the full thing to go as everyone else had long since finished. I probably won't be returning and unfortunately can't recommend it to anyone...

First time at Masterchef Haveli tonight and we will definitely be going back. We have plenty of Indian restaurants in South Shields but this one is a bit different. There are many of the usual dishes (Biryani, Madras, Rogan Josh, Jalferazi etc) but there are also lots of dishes I haven't seen anywhere else; some of which we tried and they were great. They do a lot of alternative choices as well, such as pizzas, burgers, kids stuff and even fish and chips.

Things we liked: The food was excellent and portion size was good. the surroundings. It's a large, clean, welcoming restaurant, well decorated and laid out. The staff were lovely - really attentive and happy to help with any questions about the menu. We could also tell them how hot we wanted certain dishes (hot and spicy or a bit milder) Service was great in general. We didn't have any long waits for food or drinks. They do a good draught pint. The papadum platter - a basket of a few different types of papadum, with pickles, raita and chilli sauce. There's a large vegetarian choice, much larger than usual. I'm a carnivore myself but my son likes vegetarian food and he loved the menu. There's still a big choice of non-vegetarian dishes if you want chicken, lamb etc.

Overall I would say it's well worth a visit, whether you want a "traditional" curry, want to try something different, have kids, or are in a party of people who have different tastes. They have a range of food, to cater for...

Masterchef Haveli is hands down one of the best Indian restaurants I’ve ever visited. From the moment you walk in, you’re transported to a warm, inviting space that perfectly blends traditional charm with modern elegance.

The food is nothing short of extraordinary. Every dish bursts with authentic Indian flavors, from the rich and creamy butter chicken to the perfectly spiced biryanis. The naan is fluffy and fresh, the curries are aromatic and flavorful, and the tandoori dishes are cooked to perfection. Their use of fresh ingredients and traditional spices truly makes each bite a celebration of Indian cuisine.

The service is impeccable, with friendly staff who are attentive, knowledgeable, and happy to guide you through the menu. Whether you’re new to Indian cuisine or a long-time fan, they’ll ensure you find something you’ll love.

The ambiance of Masterchef Haveli is another highlight. The decor is beautiful and pays homage to Indian culture, making it a perfect spot for family dinners, date nights, or celebrations.

If you’re craving authentic Indian food that’s cooked with love and served with care, look no further than Masterchef Haveli. It’s a true gem, and I’ll be coming back again and...