Le Raaj in County Durham

Came here for a birthday celebration, packed to the rafters. Food was good drinks were reasonable and also got a birthday shot and an ice cream on the house. Would have been a 5 star but the made a mistake on the bill with a bottle of wine charged twice. Simple mistake which the rectified after a phone call. All in all great place to visit.

We had a lovely Saturday night here, great atmosphere which makes for a lovely night when out with teenage children. Quality of food, drinks and service all excellent. It’s been a few years since we have been but we will definitely be back soon. Thank you!

Always a friendly welcome on arrival ,nice bar area with seating in the reception area ,decor is lovely and relaxing atmosphere ,the staff are lovely and very attentive so friendly ,they’re also spot on with service ,food is amazing ,great choices ,dining area is so relaxing ,it’s just a special place ,there’s parking on site ,and takeaway service ,can’t fault this place ,gets our vote every time ,that’s why we keep going back

Great venue with great food Excellent service. We had the lunchtime special which provided a good choice of food. Easy on site parking

We decided to head out for a walk and some food in the Chester Moor area. As we walked past La Raaj the inviting smells pulled us in. We were warmly greeted by the manager and quickly seated at a lovely window table. Considering it was a cold Thursday night the restaurant was vibrant and had a great atmosphere. Service, food, quality, value and overall experience was exceptional. Highly recommended and we will be back soon!

Really warm, friendly atmosphere. Visited for an impromptu date night. Delicious food and service with a smile. Would certainly recommend. We enjoy coming here as we feel relaxed and welcomed.

Always been a fan of this place. Understand prices have increased but its very high now. The quality seemed to go down in reflection. Would i eat here again? Probably not unfortunately for the price you pay. Then menu is really weird now too. 3 people on the table couldn't understand it.. price is a line at the bottom that you have to work out. Anyway.. it was average overall. Hope you read customer remarks and take action..

WOW!! Prices that you can’t believe, average food. i can’t believe that a meal that would normally cost £50 ish was £86 in this restaurant. NEVER AGAIN

We had a nice meal, staff were very pleasant. But the Service was very slow, 2 hours for starter and main, And I thought £95 for 2 people was a bit pricey. £7 a pint.

Extortion at the highest level. 1 chicken curry, 1 x prawn curry, 1 x mata paneer, 1 x rice., 1 onion barji an 2 plain nans. 4 x Small diet cokes. Price £94 absolute rip off for a average meal. Portion size ridiculously small. Once bitten as the saying goes. Buyer beware

Fantastic went last night with the husband, son,and his partner, as it was the sons birthday 🎂 the waiter brought in a surprise ice cream 🍦 with candle so very thoughtful Thank you all so much ❤

Excellent food great service from masum and staff.

Beautiful restaurant, really good food, nice atmosphere, only downside it's a little bit pricey so definitely a treat night 🙂

We went to La Raaj last night - the food was delicious, the staff so so thoughtful, friendly and helpful. Masum inparticular was very attentive - and it really does make a difference! So thanks for a fab night x

Been here a few times for lunch Prices have almost doubled now and are unclear on menu (tiny writing on bottom of page) Bill was hard to understand Felt very impersonal

Another fabulous meal and great service for 7 of us tonight. It’s our “go to” for birthday celebrations! Thanks Le Raaj 👏🏼

Over-booked. Long wait to be seated. Mediocre food and POOR ATTITUDE to people with allergies. Menu is marked up for allergies -but beware it is not comprehensive. I ordered a Tandori Thali which was marked up for seafood but not for nuts. I specifically asked the waiter if the dish contained nuts and was told 'No". When the dish arrived I could plainly see slivers of almond as a garnish ! I have a profound nut allergy. Also the meal was over priced with slapdash un itemised billing.

Absolutely sublime food. The best I’ve tasted in quite a while. Great service too and a decent price in lovely surroundings.

Went to Le Raaj and honestly hands down the best Indian I've ever had! The staff were fantastic and answered questions i had about which curry to choose from and what they were like and suggested what naan bread to go with it, the chicken tikka massala was great and the chicken tikka nawabi i had was the best curry I've tasted so thank you to the waiter who recommended it. All in all great prices, great serving sizes, quality customer service and a great experience we even considered coming back a second night it was that good! Will definitely be coming again

Great food, with exceptional service and friendly staff.

Great food, served quickly and very friendly staff. Would definitely come again

What can I say. We were squeezed in as a last minute booking for 6 on New Years Eve. The place was chockablock but yet the service was outstanding and the food spectacular Hats off to all concerned, can’t wait to go back and try some of the other dishes. A restaurant at the top of its game

We visited two years ago and had a great time. We wanted to return and this time it was sadly really disappointing. Not sure we will go back. The food is still great, but the service was very poor and made us feel unwelcome especially for such an expensive meal (nearly £200 for 5 people without starters) Bare in mind we did attend at a very busy time of the year and we didn't ever complain during the night. It still doesn't excuse the fact that it was pre booked where any restaurant should be able to manage its intake and know their working capacity. Clearly felt like they had taken on more than they could handle. We had pre booked a table and the table wasn't even set when we were guided to it. After waiting 30 minutes they didn't even realise we had a table without plates or forks nor had been asked for drinks. They then gave us what seemed to be free poppadoms without any plates. They were literally setting up tables around us and I kept politely trying to ask for some plates and cutlery and got a sharp reply from one of the staff. Why would you prioritise setting up other tables when people already sat down haven't even been set up correctly without plates or cutlery even more so now they have been served some food ? The staff member we had was very slow and someone else stepped in to sort it out. The lights cut out at one point as the staff was changing with the lights so was starting to become an unwelcome atmosphere especially surrounded by either tables getting set up or people sat down enjoying their meals. First impressions matter and within 30 minutes I was contemplating leaving. The menu is very poorly laid out - the prices are summarised in very small writing at the bottom of each page of a section and can be confusing to understand between starters and mains what costs what. It felt somewhat tactical. We were waiting a long time between finishing starters and mains to be served, to get our order to actually getting food. The food when it eventually arrived was great! Full of flavour,and we were all very impressed. However, you would expect more quantity for the price. When it came to paying, we had to get up and ask for it at reception as no one even realised we were wanting the bill and no one was coming to check on us after taking our plates which had already taken a long time. What really frustrates me here is that anywhere you normally go, the breakdown of the bill is clear and concise either through a machine so you know line by line what you have ordered - even indian restaurants. Here,  having someone tap it out on a calculator , write in illegible words on a note pad and tell me the drinks = £39.00 without any breakdown of what that was is really unclear and misleading. The staff looking too busy to even challenge it-You go away thinking what exactly have I paid for especially with it being so steep? Not just the case for the drinks but even the breakdown of food - is the price legit or are they inflating it with service or hidden costs I don't know about especially with such an unclear menu for prices. It not right and loses a lot of trust for me with the restaurant. Note we never complained throughout the night and the restaurant kindly offered us a drink on the house as we left , but again , because of the reasons above you never really sure if its on the house or just part of the inflation on my bill I've just paid, same applies to the poppadoms we didn't order that were placed on the table so I couldn't really appreciate it - were the free? I have no idea but for nearly £200 without starters it didn't feel like it. Foods great - service and atmosphere less so - not sure we will go back , maybe best for a takeaway?

Excellent food and service every time. Highly recommended.

Had a lovely meal tonight. Made to feel very welcome, some great recommendations on the food from the staff. 5 star food. Fantastic birthday meal. Thank you

We came on a Wed night with friends and were really impressed with the food and service. Menu has totally changed since last time we were here and it was a good change. Service was quick and professional and food was delicious. My crab starter was amazing 👏. More expensive but better quality. Staff were lovely and complimentary drink at the end well received 😀 only issue was not that warm in restaurant

Food was absolutely delicious. The presentation of the food was really nice too.

Disappointed put in a side room with no atmosphere at all,our friends come from Yorkshire once a year to eat here very disappointing

Had an amazing meal with friends at Sedgefield. Food and service is always second to none! Regularly go for a take away and can honestly say it’s true same high standard! Thank you Le Raaj and team

Very overpriced. No visible prices displayed, no itemised bill to check. Better places to eat out at. Won't be returning or recommending.

Went last night for a meal . Staff were excellent. Food was really nice . A lovely place to go to for Indian food . Thank you to all your staff . Will recommend.

Great quality food. I love the place. Always welcoming 😊

Used to be really good but now a total rip off. Lunch special was always small but for £8.95 it was adequate, now it has rocketed to £14.95 for even less. Also used to get a coffee or ice cream included, that is now gone. Better alternatives around the Durham area. Will not be back.

My husband and I went for a meal a couple of nights ago. We’ve been a few times before and it was expensive then considering (apart from the drinks) it’s pretty much the same food we’d get from our takeaway locally which would be half the cost. We decided to go for my husbands birthday and this time the cost was extortionate!! We both had starters (I had breadcrumbed king prawns - I only got two on the plate and that was £14.95!) my husband had kebab starter, we had mushroom pilau rice x2, korma, madras, garlic nan x1, Irish coffee, x2 lagers and x1 large coke = £99!!! They had new looking menus since last time we’d been and we couldn’t see any prices….until we spotted them written along the very bottom of each page; the words were only a few millimetres high, it was ridiculous. The food is nice but definitely not worth the prices they charge and we certainly didn’t eat food to that value. We were stunned at the bill and we both said we won’t go back. Yes prices have increased everywhere but not to that extent. Felt totally robbed.

Went here several times been ripped of most times charging extra on the bill £3 for tap water and soda water. Portions are very small none of us are big eaters but left hungry. We gave it a few chances but won’t be going back. Far to greedy.

Went out for an anniversary meal. Very disappointed. £72 for a lunch meal is very over priced. My partner had a coke and ordered off the lunch time special menu £14.95 (used to be £8.95 not so long ago plus you got coffee or ice cream, not anymore) I ordered a pint of lager priced at £7. My starter of lamb 2 ways was very disappointing. Hardly any meat and priced at £9.95. My curry was ok. Nice and spicy but when I got the bill I was very disappointed. £72 for a lunch that I wasn’t even that full. We queried the bill and we’re very shocked at the prices( no prices on the menu for some reason???) We both agreed that we would never return there again

Rip off , overpriced food . Partner got the lamb 2 ways for starter was a complete joke . £9.95 for a price of meatless bone with a thimble potion of chicken . No prices on the menu . £7 a pint of beer . I had the special which has increased by £6 . No heating on had to sit with coats on . Waiter rocked Uk with a bill of £72 I had one coke . We questioned the bill but got ripped off . Won’t return disappointed big time

We cannot fault Le Raaj, interesting menu, helpful staff, beautiful decoration and amazing food. Wish we lived nearer so we could go again.

Another visit to Le Raaj. Never fails us. Fabulous food with a wide choice. Professional and very attentive (as well as handsome) staff. Luxurious surrounding always immaculate. Always feels like a special night out. Can't rate it highly enough. Thanks guys.

Absolutely fantastic restaurant Easily in.my top 5 Staff are fantastic Food is amazing Bill was very reasonable Lovely decor feels clean and fresh 10 out of 10 from me and my wife agrees

Not the usual high standard we are used to from Le Raaj. Tatty paper menus, off brand alcohol free lager, tiny portions on the lunch specials.

Culinary course was excellent! Thanks so much. Chef Suliman was very helpful and I’ve learnt some great new cooking skills.

We were first timers Le Raaj last night.The surroundings are pleasant,restaurant and toilets very clean and the service and advice provided (especially by Masum) was exemplary. The food was as good as we have had anywhere (Indian wise) and the meal was finished off with a complementary drink for my wife and myself. Spot on on all counts,i couldn't recommend it enough.

We've been to Le Raaj on a number of occasions that's why we keep returning, we had an amazing meal 10/10/23, staff can't do any more to help, they are so friendly and attentive. The menu is very varied with an excellent choice, will definitely be returning soon!

Had lunch, very nice. Great service

No prices on menu, bill quite a shock, won't return.

Fabulous service FABULOUS food been twice cant wait to go again reasonably price the restaurant was beautiful and the way they prepared and presented food was exceptional

Recent visit for myself and husband. Very busy carpark and inside. Restaurant was bouncing and so was the Ibiza dance music. Far too loud for conversation, although they did turn it down when asked, noted a previous review mentioned this also. New menu this week - all singing all dancing font/book - however NO PRICES showing.!! We were naive enough to think things had not changed much since last visit and did not think to ask - also seems embarrassing to ask, as if you cannot afford to be there! We ordered very similar items to previous visits and therefore asked about the onion bhaji starter which used to consist of two substantial round bhajis- We always share this as is too much for one person/ husband on his own. Now a double decker but no substance and very dry and crispy, more like onion crisps. Disintegrates upon putting a knife to it. Not great - required all of the surrounding sauce and raita to eat it/ hold it together. Mains were very nice, not a huge quantity of chicken in mine but certainly adequate for myself. Shared a lovely pillowy plain naan and also a rice between us. Had poppodoms with pickles to start. Cost over £70 pounds for food which was not itemised on bill and husband embarrasingly had to go and ask about prices at till rather than have to ask staff at the table. The couple next to us looked like they had also been through the same process as front of house manager at their table also. Front of house manager tried to explain to husband prices had increased due to cost of living - no problem with this at all but just make it TRANSPARENT. Cost not a problem, hidden prices were! Such a shame as they try very hard to please, just feel they are not doing themselves any favours. Won't be back - M & S curry ready meal or local takeaway for us!

Haven’t eaten here for a while and thought we’d try it again. Friendly staff - super polite. Had to search the huge menu for prices dotted along the bottom. Food was disappointing- bland. The bill was just a scribbled piece of paper with price clearly written. I thought legally a restaurant bill had to be itemised.

This is an amazing restaurant, took a course today with the chef, was blown away with the course content, ingredients and knowledge. Would recommend this course to anyone.

The staff were absolutely lovely. Very hard working, efficient and polite. However, the menu is ridiculously long. Do we really need so much choice? We were both completely overwhelmed by the choices. I think it’d be much better if reduced. Next, only one white wine by the glass. What is it please? Dry white. I think nowadays people are more discerning re wine and want to choose which wine to drink. Even a choice of 3 whites would be good. Then the food. Prawn curry was very bright red but didn’t really have that much taste. Lentil Dahl again, very bland. Rice and naan bread were good. The lamb was very tough, dry and stringy. We’d specifically asked if it was slow cooked in the sauce and thus tender. Answer was yes but it really was not tender and again, despite the bright green sauce and the fancy decoration, had very little taste. We usually travel to Dosa Kitchen in Newcastle which is authentic and absolutely delicious and I’m afraid we’ll be going back there. Oh and the Ibiza chill out music was very loud and annoying. Call me old fashioned but I love to hear some nice soft Indian music in a restaurant ;)

First time here, and the food was amazing the best I've had in a very long time.

The food wasn’t great, the popadoms were soft not crispy. The prawn dish had 3 prawns!! The staff weren’t interested…used to be great not anymore. Please rediscover what made you brilliant before…it’s gone but can be rediscovered I’m sure!

Lovely place. Great food. Staff are so helpful and there's ample car parking. The restaurant is really lovely with a very happy atmosphere.

Went here for lunch today and all we can say is it has to be the best Indian food we have tasted. We were going to have the lunchtime special but looking at the main menu we decided to go with that and we weren't...

I visited this restaurant on 5th September. The food is delicious however the restaurant have recently changed their lunch time offer. Before you used to get three tiny courses for just over £8. This was a great deal. Unfortunately this has now changed and for...

It was only by chance we ate here as we were staying nearby and saw it on the way. We’re so glad we did. The service was excellent, friendly, professional and accommodating. I say accommodating as we arrived very late. The food was really tasty...

We arrived early for dinner and were the first diners, but within half an hour it was nearly full and buzzing with life and happy diners. The menu was interesting and inventive, including old favourites and new things to try. The staff were delightful, very...

Great service, BBQ box ordered and ready within 20mins. Fantastic quality, great tasting food with a good selection in the box. Really enjoyed a fantastic BBQ

Just called in for a takeaway. I got a chicken chat l, which was ok and a lamb vindaloo. I’ve got to say it was the most tasteless vindaloo I’ve ever had. It was bitter and unpleasant with heat. I know to expect heat with...

Very friendly staff excellent food very good service.comforterble restaurant.would highly recommend.

Beautiful quality food, excellent service, great atmosphere and comfortable surroundings. Top class restaurant for a curry!

Excellent night with family and friends. 18 catered for with ease.

We felt well looked after, completely relaxed, great food and service, lovely staff, immediate place and stylish too..Very welcoming.

Walked in on spec and we were seated straight away and given menus. After poppadoms and pickles I went for the Thali Gosht (3 small portions of lamb bhuna, chicken tikka masala and chicken jalfrizi, served with saffron rice and keema nann). Partner ordered the...

We originally used to go for the fantastic 3 course lunch deal. But when we went today the 8.95 menu has been withdrawn and been replaced by a 14.95 2 course meal. Portions are smaller(2 small pieces of chicken for starter, and 4 small pieces...

Amazing food one of the best if not the best Indian restaurants I've tried.

Birthday treat, lunch, Saturday seems that the lunch special menu has been withdrawn, or is just because it is Saturday? There is a board outside advertising the lunch special at £8.95 3 course,the waiter told us and other customers that the menu is no longer...

Excellent food, atmosphere and service

Great food, great service. Everything is wonderful ✨️ I recommend you try the wonderful experience. I believe you will not be disappointed.

Great atmosphere, waiters are patient and great with suggestions. Food was amazing, couldn’t ask for anything else ! #LeRaajSoGood

We've been to Le Raaj dozens of times over the past few years. We travel 15 miles each way from Newcastle as the service is impeccable and the best we've ever received. Massoom and Shaka are the most personable, welcoming and engaging hosts and are...

This is an absolutely beautiful restaurant. The staff are so attentive and friendly. Food is absolutely beautiful it's the best Indian restaurant I've been to. Only thing i would change is the music on in the background didn't quite match the decor and cuisine.... It would be nice to have some traditional Indian music playing to complete the experience. We will definitely be regulars from now on.

Beautiful food / service excellent staff very helpful and polite. Definitely worth a visit. Very well priced

Booked plenty of time ahead for 4 of us but we were crammed onto a table which was clearly meant for a maximum of 3 people. It was a challenge to get all the food on the table, and this was despite the fact that...

Do not go for lunch. Very, very small portions and very expensive drinks. Staff turn unfriendly when you complain.

This is a lovely restaurant with a friendly helpful staff. The food is superb with a big menu and generous portions. The food is reasonably priced.

Local gem. This is my fourth / fifth visit to Le Raaj and I would recommend it to anyone. Food is lovely, service is quality and totally consistent every time.

Top class service, lovely and clean place with a great atmosphere. The food was authentic and delicious. Friendly and helpful staff. Will definitely be back!

Was better than expected, price not too bad, food was great, drinks were a little slow and naan breads on the small side but minor points to pick on.

We came here as a birthday treat for my mother. The restaurant was very busy but the staff were always available. The food arrived very promptly, yet we never felt rushed. And each of us had a delicious meal. Towards the end of the meal my wife let it be known that it was mother's birthday. The next we knew the lights were dimmed and Happy Birthday was playing over the sound system. My mum received an ice cream with a sparkler in it - she was embarrassed but very pleased. The staff were excellent and we had a most enjoyable evening.

First and last time for us. In our opinion it is extremely overpriced and too pretentious. We went for lunch on a Sunday ordered a PINT of Cobra and a glass of red wine. The drinks came and no way was that a pint and my wife's wine looked and tasted watered down. We firstly ordered two poppadoms and pickles which were slightly soft and very small portions of pickles. We the ordered a Chicken tikka Shashlik, a Lamb saag, veg pilau, garlic naan and a side of saag paneer all of which came very quickly. My saag was ok but my wife's shashlik was basically chicken tikka with some onions and peppers not like we've had any where else no Shashlik taste. So the two dinks alone was over £15 and the whole bill just shy of £60. We feel there's much better tasting and better value Indians not too far away so will be using them from now on.

Food amazing has to be one of the best Indian restaurants in UK nevermind the north east. Lamb shank gosht bloody lovely.

Food was good. Starter I had was very small which isn't really a negative for me but some may like a bigger starter. Service was spot on, was there with a large group and we were very well looked after. Not the cheapest around.

Always great food and service here.

My wife and I went to le Raaj tonight for our anniversary and to be honest we were extremely impressed with everything about the experience. The staff were exemplary in all aspects, friendly, caring and went above and beyond for us. The appearance of the...

Absolutely smashing and delicious I really recommend the naan bread so much flavour

First time being here. Came for our daughters 21st birthday. The food was first class, could not fault anything. The staff are all so friendly and welcoming. We asked if we could bring a 21st balloon for the table and a birthday cake to be...

First time visit, would suggest checking menu out before hand as it’s huge and varied. Impossible to recommend anything specific but I’m sure everyone should find their favourite on the menu and be well pleased with the result.

Brilliant night. Good service, excellent food and fabulous staff

Great Indian food great atmosphere great interior great helpfull staff a fantastic night out for our aniversary

Both the food and service is outstanding here, we came for my partners birthday meal and had a brilliant night, the staff were super friendly and food was all fantastic. Thank you to Rez and the team for a great evening!

We visited for the first time for my partners birthday meal after countless recommendations from friends and family. Indian cuisine is my favourite so I had high hopes for our evening and our expectations were exceeded. The atmosphere of the restaurant was beautiful and everything...

I’ve been visiting Le Raaj for several years. I’ve never had anything less than a five star experience. The staff are friendly, efficient and professional. Always welcoming. Food? Amazing. Simply amazing. Everything is freshly prepared and the care taken with it’s preparation is obvious. So...

The best BIR food I have ever had and I've had them from all over the UK. Very highly recommended

We went for my dad's 60th and had a faultless experience. Staff were incredibly attententive. I had a peanut allergy and they made me feel at ease. To top it off Masum's personal touches in his waiting was incredible. Thank you!

Superb food, excellent customer service, great value for money. Will definitely go again 👍😁👍

Fabulous takeaway. Complex flavours. Succulent fish. Staff were so welcoming and helpful. Will definitely be back to dine in.

Lovely lunch set menu, portions sensible size for the price. But the wine! £8 each for a SMALL house glass! So £24 for 3 glasses, virtually the same price as a full bottle! Really lets the place down. Shame

2nd time visiting le raaj food was amazing service was amazing and even got a free bottle rose with it being my girlfriend’s birthday