Best Indian Restaurants in Jesmond

Jesmond has one of the strongest Indian restaurant scenes in the North East. From the pioneers of Indian street food to a 40-year institution, there is genuine range here — and every option offers something distinctly different. Whether you want tapas-style sharing plates, bold street food, traditional curry house dining, or South Indian dosas, Jesmond has you covered.

Dabbawal

Dabbawal at 1 Brentwood Mews is where it all started. This was the restaurant that reimagined Indian dining in Newcastle, swapping white tablecloths for a vibrant, tapas-style street food concept when it opened in Jesmond. The menu features punchy chaat, tandoori grills, thalis, and sharing platters designed to be ordered in multiples and passed around the table.

The vegetarian and vegan options are genuinely strong — not an afterthought — and the cooking is consistently bold and well-spiced. Dabbawal has won multiple awards and spawned a city centre branch, but this Jesmond original remains the one to visit. Call 0191 281 3434 to book.

Best for: Indian street food pioneer, sharing plates, strong vegetarian and vegan menu.

Chakh Dhoom

Chakh Dhoom at 127 Osborne Road is a more recent addition to Jesmond's Indian dining scene and has already made a serious impression. Winner of the ARTA Best Street Food Restaurant of the Year, it serves authentic Indian street food in a vibrant, atmospheric setting that feels like a step up from the standard curry house.

The menu goes well beyond the usual — expect bold, punchy flavours and dishes that showcase regional Indian cooking rather than the familiar anglicised menu. The restaurant fills up quickly at weekends, so booking ahead on 0191 307 7300 is strongly recommended.

Best for: Award-winning street food, vibrant atmosphere, Osborne Road location.

Simla

Simla at 7 Osborne Road has been part of the Jesmond dining scene since 1981 — over four decades of Indian cooking on one of Newcastle's most popular restaurant streets. Following a full renovation in 2016, the restaurant was refreshed with a contemporary look and an updated menu that blends traditional Indian flavours with modern techniques.

This is the kind of place that has served generations of Jesmond residents. The menu covers all the classics alongside chef's specials, and the cooking has the depth and consistency that only comes with decades of experience. A Jesmond institution.

Best for: Since 1981, traditional Indian with a contemporary refresh, Osborne Road.

Dosa Kitchen

Dosa Kitchen offers something genuinely different from the other Indian restaurants in Jesmond — South Indian cooking with a focus on dosas, biryanis, curries, and comfort food. The menu is rooted in home-style South Indian cooking, and the prices are noticeably lower than the Osborne Road restaurants.

This is a family-run operation with a warm atmosphere and generous portions. The vegetarian and vegan options are extensive, reflecting the strength of South Indian vegetarian cuisine. If you have only ever eaten North Indian food, Dosa Kitchen is worth a visit for something completely different.

Best for: South Indian specialist, dosas and biryanis, family-run, excellent value.

---

The quick comparison:

Dabbawal — the street food pioneer, sharing plates, Brentwood Mews Chakh Dhoom — the award-winning newcomer, bold flavours, Osborne Road Simla — the 40-year institution, classic Indian, Osborne Road Dosa Kitchen — the South Indian specialist, great value, family-run

For takeaway options across all cuisines, see our Best Takeaways in Jesmond guide.

Know another Indian restaurant near Jesmond we should add? Get in touch via our contact page.