Raval, Gateshead

Felt that all they were interested in was to make as much money out of each customer. The popadoms and pickles were like oversized crisps and thimble size pickles-so much so that I would have expected them to be supplied FOC. The starters were below parr and only one of the four main meals was up to scratch. We also did not like the automatic 10% service charge added to the bill. Living of their reputation comes to mind!

Raval is based on Gateshead Quays near the Hilton Hotel, Baltic, Sage and Tyne Bridge.

Raval is a luxurious Indian restaurant and has a contemporary feel. The room is split up in to a lounge bar and restaurant and is very spacious. In some Indian restaurants you sometimes feel cramped especially when tables are so near to each other, but not in Raval.

The Bar has a large selection of wines and even serves cocktails. Before dining me and my partner ordered a glass of Groot Constantia Merlot. The wine was priced accordingly and was poured out by the waiters.

We then proceeded to the main seating area. For starter i ordered the Marchi Awaini, fresh wild salmon marinated in Punjabi herbs & light spices, smoked in tandoor. The cost was £6.95 and was worth every penny. The Fish was tender without a bone to be seen and the spices complemented the meat, it was fantastic.

The manager of the restaurant personally came over to ask how the food was, what kind of dishes we liked and how spicy we liked our food and recommended some dishes for the main meal.

For the main meal I went with the Gosht Khada Masala, Lamb cooked in a Punjabi spicy sauce with onion, tomato, mixed peppers & whole spices, the cost was £9.95. For that price I thought the meal was very reasonable for such quality food. I have never experienced lamb so tender and again the spices complimented the dish. In some Indian Restaurants they overpower the cooking with spices, but i could taste the flavour of the succulent lamb and the rich Indian spices for a mouth watering flavour, every bite was like a piece of heaven. With the lamb dish i ordered Basmati Rice £2.95 that i shared between my partner as you get a generous helping and also a Peshawari Naan 3.95 Stuffed with ground almonds, cashew nuts and sultanas.

After the main meal I would have loved to order desert but I was happily full and content.

I would recommend this fantastic restaurant to anyone. If you live in the North East this is a must.