May Bank Holiday is in full swing and there is no doubt that many will take to their nearest city or town centre to lap up the spring sunshine while enjoying a drink or two with family and friends.
And a few drinks go hand in hand with good food as many traditional curry houses serve dishes into the early hours of the morning for punters to make the most of.
While some may have their favourite hot spots to visit, others may be on the lookout for something new, without knowing where to look.
Read more: The best all you can eat buffets across the North East according to Google Reviews
Here at Chronicle Live, we've done the research so you don't have to. Here is a top ten list of the best Indian restaurants across the region, according to Google reviewers.
*Disclaimer: Each of the restaurants compiled on this list have over 100 verified reviews on Google to give a fair and open opinion.
The top ten best Indian restaurants in the North East according to Google reviews:
1) Zamorin's - 179-183 Park View, Whitley Bay, NE26 3RE
4.9 stars out of 5 based on 179 reviews
With a name in tribute to one of the greatest dynasties in the history of Southern India, the cuisine Zamorin's is equally as ruling across the region.
Zamorin's is a relatively new curry house in the North East, only becoming established in November 2018, however, it has quickly made a name for itself in Whitley Bay as a staple local eatery.
Hosting three qualified and experienced chefs from Kerala, with 22 years of track record in contributing to food industry across the world, it has became a fan favourite across the North East, with regular visitors coming from slightly further afield.
Local Guide, Peter Thewlis, said: "If you're in the northeast, specifically near Newcastle upon Tyne and you fancy an Indian meal, don't go anywhere else. You may pay a little more here than other restaurants but it is worth the extra for excellent service, excellent food and a great experience."
2) Shampan - 185 Whitley Rd, Whitley Bay, NE26 2DN
4.8 stars out of 5 based on 528 reviews
A stone's throw away from Zamorin's coming in at a close second place is that of Shampan, located on Whitley Road.
Here, Kamrul Hussain and his team pride themselves on offering traditional flavours from India, Punjab and Bangladesh - using the finest ingredients to produce authentic home made dishes.
Ian Bell, wrote: "Excellent food and very attentive staff. This place is just amazing!
"They do all the regular stuff to a very high standard, but also have a full page of their own creations that are nothing short of fantastic."
3) Lasun - 50 Dean Rd, South Shields, NE33 4DZ
4.8 stars out of 5 based on 192 reviews
South of the Tyne in South Shields sits Lasun - bringing a traditional taste and ambient atmosphere to a town saturated with Indian restaurants.
There is a lot of competition for Asian cuisine on Sheilds' famous Ocean Road, however, those happy to search a little further for a hidden gem can find that at Lasun.
One Google reviewer, wrote: "Simply the best welcome, ambiance and Indian food in South Shields.
"Only our first time here but definitely not our last. Excellent all around and would highly recommend if you like a first rate curry."
4) Zyka - 44 Priestpopple, Hexham, NE46 1PQ
4.8 stars out of 5 based on 174 reviews
Northumberland's first entry on this list comes in the form of Zyka of Hexham - a modern boutique restaurant, offering visitors a stylish and cosy vibe, in which they can enjoy food with family, friends or associates.
Self acclaimed as 'The North East's first fine dining experience', servers are incredibly attentive and allegedly pleasant to all who walk through the door.
Andrew Lowe, wrote: "Hands down, the best curry I’ve ever had, and I’ve been to a few good Indian restaurants.
"Melt in the mouth Venison with Garam Masala. We were half way through the starters yesterday when we decided to book a table for tonight."
5) Karma Kitchen - 6 Bigg Market, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1UW
4.8 stars out of 5 based on 138 reviews
Ran by a mother and her two daughters with a love for food, the Karma Kitchen in Newcastle opened its doors to the public just three years ago.
A 100 per cent plant based restaurant, which runs on vegan and vegetarian dishes for all - the Karma Kitchen offers punters something a little different across the entirety of the North East. Their pride of 'being part of an enterprise that brings good, honest, tasty food to tables' really shows in their moreish plates.
Alice, wrote: "Best curry my partner and I have had in years! The flavour and quality of the food was outstanding and so much to choose from.
"Can recommend to vegans and non vegans...you will not be disappointed! 10/10"
6) Simla - 39 Side, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3JE
4.7 stars out of 5 based on 577 reviews
A restaurant dishing up modern Indian cuisine on Newcastle's Quayside, Simla has held it's own on the Toon since 1981. Following a revamp in 2016, new life was breathed into the staple curry house, with both a refreshed look to the place and revitalised menu to choose from.
Simla's menu reflects their 'deep appreciation of historically significant dishes from throughout the Indian subcontinent', and aim to 'provide a relaxed and refined dining experience'.
Fatima Alshamsi, said: "Simla is a true gem! The food is very authentic, the flavours are complex, presentation is appetizing, and the overall service is incredible.
"I can’t recommend this place enough."
7) Shikara - 181 Whitley Rd, Whitley Bay, NE26 2DN
4.7 stars out of 5 based on 544 reviews
A multi award-winning eatery, Shikara offer a wide range of 'authentic Indian dishes in stylish surroundings at the coast in Whitley Bay.
Providing a luxurious feel to hungry diners who opt to visit, the restaurant claims to provide 'first-class' service through their extremely attentive staff.
David McClinton, exclaimed: "Well this was bloody amazing for an authentic evening!!
"Staff were fantastic and really helpful with the menu and explaining the different spices and sauces that were available. So pleased that we came here.
"Sat upstairs and the atmosphere was great. The food is so delicious, we would thoroughly recommend a visit!!"
8) Yuvraaj - 6-7 Douro Ter, Sunderland, SR2 7DX
4.7 stars out of 5 based on 324 reviews
Proving that Sunderland can hang with the best and the rest is Yuvraaj on Douro Terrace. Built and situated inside a converted Victorian townhouse, traditional Indian cuisine is a Yuvraaj staple.
They also offer more modern fusion dishes cooked up by chefs who boast a combined 80+ years of experience.
Jeffrey Cowell, said: "Meet and greet by staff exceptional as well as service and the food was outstanding.
"Took my in-laws from Scotland for a meal and they were very impressed and look forward to returning again. Thank you again for a excellent evening - the Cowell family."
9) Shaj - 14-15 High St, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, NE64 6DR
4.7 stars out of 5 based on 320 reviews
Indian cuisine served from a contemporary street-corner restaurant, Shaj achieves its status completely through its dishes.
A small family run restaurant, the owner's exemplary customer service which has been passed down to staff goes a long way - with many critics applauding the eatery for their manners.
Jennie Ringrose, wrote: "Small family run restaurant. The staff are very friendly and even though it was extremely busy still stopped for a chat and made you feel valued. Service impecable.
"Choice of menu very varied. The food was absolutely beautifully cooked - would recommend a visit here to anyone."
10) Lal Khazana - Deanmoor Rd, Alnwick, NE66 2YP
4.7 stars out of 5 based on 320 reviews
Capping off the top ten restaurants across the North East is none other than Alnwick's Lal Khazana. Claiming to provide 'exquisite cuisine' complemented by sophisticated interiors, the reviews match up for this Northumberland curry house.
Alike that of Shaj, staff at Lal Khazana are regularly credited for their delicate customer service and servile demeanour.
Joules Jardine, complemented the restaurant, writing: "Had a very nice meal here this week.
"Staff were friendly, food was tasty and in very reasonable portions."
Where is your favourite Indian restaurant in the region and why? Be sure to let us know in the comments.
