penshaw tandoori in Sunderland

One of the tastiest curries I've ever had. The lamb chop dish is amazing and I would highly recommend it. We have had it a few times and have never been disappointed. Lovely staff and a really nice setting, worth a visit for sure.

This was my first and last time finishing this establishment and not even on the basis that the food was that bad. Granted, the portions could have slighter bigger, but for 13.95 for happy hour, you cannot really complain. However, the attitude of the young male waiter was nothing less that poor and slightly awkward. After I asked what was on draft, he simply replied saying ‘na’ while chewing gum like a horse eating apples. Following this, I turned round to see him and his colleague both starting and talking about me, which was rather strange and uncomfortable considering I am paying customer. Unfortunately, I will never return. Food wasn’t amazing, decor is tired and toilets were minging, just like that young waiters attitude.

This has to be the best Indian restaurant in the area the food is always hot and fresh tandoori chicken and rogan Josh special and onion rice and coconut nan bread had many meals from this restaurant and never had a bad meal the staff are very good and are very professional with good knowledge of all there meals try this restaurant you will not be disappointed 😋

This is one of the best indian restaurant and takeaway i have ever been to the stalk are amazing and very welcoming and the food is phenomenal. Will definitely be coming down again.

So I was at Penshaw tandoori on the January first and I was having a massive meal with my family (16 people). it was very busy and the staff still managed to give good service, no mistakes have been made with my family’s food order. I’ve ordered the balti bokra chilli and the mushroom pilau. The lamb chops was very nice and spicy and the mushroom pilau had decent amount of mushrooms in. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to everyone, the best quick and friendly service you will ever find in a restaurant.

Fabulous meal and totally authentic . Best tarka dhal outside of Asia I've ever had. Lovely people . Will be back. Excellent value.

I hadn’t been to this restaurant for a very long time ,I had forgotten how lovely it was . I would say one of the best Indian food in Sunderland . The attentive staff ,and the amazing food , it was very busy if anything the seatings rather close to other patrons highly recommend

Absolutely love this Indian restaurant , food ,service location all first class good menu range would definitely recommend a visit

Not the prettiest and hippest place, but the food is absolutely fantastic and they have genuinely good service. There is love and care in the cooking, you can tell. One of Sunderland's best kitchens, with very friendly staff delivering it.

Wednesday 1st Feb, 2023 I can categorically state that this was indeed the worst take out meal of any kind that I have ever experienced ! Prawns that could have doubled up as pencil rubbers and a sauce that appeared to have been made from watered down tomato ketchup with some added chilli powder. The cheapest possible supermarket curry would have been a hundred times better !!! pity there was not a category that was beyond terrible. Never again and advise best avoided

This restaurant is small inside but do not be put off. The staff are very inviting and the food is absolutely delicious. It was quite busy when we were there but food was served quickly

Having moved away from the area decided to return to the restaurant, and was pleasantly surprised that it was as good now as was 15 years ago, very nice meal , atmosphere and service Well done 👍🏼

Food was awesome would definitely come back. Rogan josh extra spicy was the immense. Very good service

My always go to whenever I need a good Indian. Amazing food as always, friendly staff, would definitely recommend.

Fantastic food and quick service would say one of the best indian around i would recommend everyone to have the balti dishes it's lovely and delicious.

Went out with my friends after lockdown. Ordered the chicken biryani with some naans and vindaloo. Was absolutely delicious!! Food was definitely 10/10 and I would go back for sure. Me and my friends loved everything and service was excellent. Really friendly staff!

Firstly this review is 100%genuine.I have passed this restaurant and never ventured in but I have recently had a takeaway and to be honest I am very disappointed.I had a byriani ........it just was not nice ....the dish was bland and even the chicken was tough and didnt taste fresh.I've had many a curry in my time and I know a good one when I get it.....and this wasnt it by a long way.For the price paid it was not good value so in future I will be driving past in future.I highly suggest you review and upgrade your meals simply to survive especially in the current climate.Please note this is only my opinion.

This has been my one of my favourites for 30 years apart from motiraj. Went back after a while. Read all the poor reviews but didn't believe them. Ordered lamb Madras it was basically spicy tomato soup with 6 small pieces of lamb in it. Honestly this is not the place it used to be.absolutely terrible. All these people putting good reviews in need to go to the motiraj for a real Indian meal. Then tell me I'm lying . Will never go back here it's a crying shame because this used to be the gold standard.

Visited as part of the eat out deal. Booked in for 6 when it opened only to find the place already crowded. No social distance measures in place, tables packed in together. We had a bit of a wait for food but expected considering there wasn't an empty table in the place. Food was tasty and hot. Would vicissitudes again but when its not as busy as I found it a little concerning that we were all sat so close together. Seem to be more interested in getting as many customers in as possible without and thought of safety. First place we have visited where no one took our contact details either

Visited with my husband for our wedding anniversary, it was pretty busy. We often visit here for date nights or for takeaway. It is always lovely food and service is great!

We had a takeaway as we were collecting one for our isolating in law's who love this restaurant. Tonight's food was tasteless and to be honest that's the 3rd one in recent months that have been like this. Shame as this used to do great food. Will go back to Le Raaj - it's as good as Penshaw Tandoori is poor now.

We phoned up to see if it was wheelchair accessible and the person on the other end just NO then put the phone down, not very good customer service I wouldn’t recommend after that

6 of us went for a birthday. We all had different meals and everyone enjoyed them thoroughly.The service was very good ,the waiters were attentive and dealt with us in a friendly manner.Food excellent.

Favourite Indian Restaurant. Yey another quality meal and super friendly staff. Will be back soon. Keep up the good work.

My wife and I dropped in on spec as it is quite some time since we were there. Have to say we were not disappointed, as beautiful as ever. I have to agree, whilst the specials on Thursdsy and Sunday are very nice the portions on the other days are crammed full of meat, prawns or whatever is ordered.We will return.

Recently telephoned asking for a couple of starters and odds and ends which I had volunteered to pick up from the restaurant and was told I could only pick up if I also ordered a main course. Can't understand why the chef (who should be there to cook whatever the costomer needs) could not rustle up a couple of starters. It's a very long time since I was last in this particular eatery and after it's showing of complete inflexibility towards me it will now definitely be my last. Surely in today's economic climate "a sale is a sale" should be everyones mantra, but who knows maybe Penshaw tandoori is making too much money!

Had the most amazing meal last night we got the meal for 4 which was beautiful popodoms first with dips than a plate full of goodies with half a melen than the currys there was more than enough for all of us you get wine as well you must go really nice inside lovely white table cloths thanks for a fab meal

We eat here quite often. They have a special night on Sunday and Thursday, but we always go on other nights as it is a bit more expensive but the portions are bigger. The food is excellent and the staff are very friendly and welcoming

So this is my local indian Restaurant / Takeaway. I've always had takeaway from here. About 9years so far.Until this evening. The staff are always polite and helpful. They have had the same chef for 29years.The food is always fantastic. I hope to be still eating here in another 9years.

We are very lucky to live in the area that this great establishment has residence. Whether you want a takeaway or dine in the quality of food is always first class. We have been guests here many times and have always had first class service from this marvellous family ran business. Great menu great value for money great food great service. We are forever customers.

We ate from the sunday night special menu but regardless of what day of the week it is, this restaurant is always busy. Drinks order taken quickly and soon after that our food order. Food is always nicely presented (we've eaten here many times), however the portions are not huge. Staff are friendly and you never feel rushed. Would definitely recommend.

Arrived as a group of 10 and 3 children for a family birthday. We were told by an oldish man I presumed to be either owner or manager that They do not supply high chairs. His manner was rather brusque. We had a lovely table set in a private alcove and the waiters were very efficient but not friendly. Food was delicious and fairly priced.

By far, best Indians in Sunderland area! Tasty food with outstanding customer service. We will return! Oh, and very reasonable priced.

We’ve wanted to try this place for a long time, so looked forward to our visit last night when we finally got a night off and were able to go.

Food very bland wife’s food tasted like tomato soup Sunday night but ordered off main menu 2nd time in 3 visits very disappointed very quiet staff when we said abt the food not interested just put the bill £38 for 2 in front of us said would speak to the chef but no response !!!! Never again and we love 750 yds from the restaurant moti raj gos and Mumbai silk far far superior even drums take away 100^ better never return to penshaw tandoori

I have used this restaurant since it opened circa early 1990’s I have never had a bad meal from this restaurant. The food is always first class the staff are friendly and welcoming. I shall continue to visit this restaurant usually 2 to 3 time a month

We are regulars probably best tandoori in North East. Food service is excellent. Always busy and also does great takeaway as well.5 stars.

This is our go-to Indian restaurant. The food is always consistently great and the service is brilliant. The Rogan is delicious - I’d highly recommend it.

Popped in on a Tuesday night with my partner. The food was absolutely gorgeous. The starter was so tasty, and the chicken madras perfectly spiced and full of flavour . Although coconut rice didn’t appear on the menu it wasn’t a problem for the chef to make this for me . Will definitely be back ! Great friendly service too

I have been to the Penshaw Tandoori several times and the food is always excellent. It's tastefully decorated and the service is good too.

Popular local Indian restaurant. Never had a bad meal here, always very nice and staff friendly. Prices responsible. There is a special Thursday & Sunday

I love to eat at the Penshaw Tandoori. It's one of my most favourite places to eat. The food is superb and the service is excellent.

I have been 2nd time with my friend we had 2 different starters tandoori mix kebab and king prawn bhaji on puree main course lamb Lanka piaza and chicken shashlik and

Excellent, good, well-cooked food. High quality of both commodities and waiters who were very helpful. Really worth going a bit from town considering the good food.

Ordered a takeaway tonight it was absolutly gorgeous in fact the best indian meal ive had in a long while.Great quality meat very tasty we will definately be recomending to friends and family.See you again soon thank you.

Waiting quite a while as I was taking it away, but I had not pre ordered it. The food was rather bland but ok. I've had much better.

When its good it is really good, but it does have it's off days. Been for all kinds of different menus over the last year and we keep going back.

Visited twice in a few weeks, has to be the best curry we've had, and we frequently visit Indian restaurants being from Bradford. The whole meal was excellent and value for money. Staff very friendly and helpful, definitely the best.

Second time here. First time was lovely so we took my Dad tonight for his birthday celebration. It was clear we were celebrating but no congratulations was given.

Visited Penshaw tandoori with my wife and cousin and partner. Been a while since we were in but have to say the food is still absolutely delicious. We went on a Thursday special night, yes the portions are smaller but thoroughly enjoyed what we had. The service was first class and extremely friendly. We have been previously on different nights and the portions are substantially larger but for a cheap and cheerful night out Thursdays and Sundays are just right. All 4 with starters, mains naans, poppadoms with pickles and several drinks the bill came to £63.

Nice enough setting, attentive staff and interesting looking menu. The restaurant smelled good - spices frying etc however our overall experience was very poor. The onion bhajis (always a good test) were small, hard and tasteless. The Balti was so oily and bland, the Sri Lanka had no flavour or heat whatsoever despite requesting it should be extra spicy. There were very few king prawns in my dish. The dansak was ordinary, tasted like an Asda curry. Very dull. The rice was, well, rice. The roti breads were good but otherwise the whole meal was disappointing and very bland. No flavour. A real shame. Either this place was having an off night or the people leaving positive reviews don’t know what good curry is.

Great service, great food, fresh ingredients and no processed sauces! Definitely will be back! highly recommend.

This well established restaurant us typically Induan, starched white table cloths and very attentive waiters.Food is always good and the menu contains old favourites as well as new options. It also does excellent takeaway service.

14 of us visited for a birthday meal. The seats were a little tight especially if you needed to visit the loo but it kept us in a separate area which was nice for a celebration. The food was excellent. Everyone said that what they ordered was spot on and couldn’t be faulted. The staff were attentive but not obtrusive. We all had a couple of drinks, a starter and a main meal and some had ice cream or coffee. We were amazed to find that the bill was only £20 per head and that included a generous tip. Would certainly recommend a visit and I can say that I would be there a few times a week if my partner would let me. They do takeaway too so win win !

What an experience this place is!

Decided to order from here for a change and glad we did. The food was lovely , fresh and tasty, the lamb melt in the mouth and a good range of menu choices. Doesn't deliver so had to go into the restaurant to pick up my order I'd forgotten what a nice place this is and right on our doorstep, now planning to book a table for our next Indian meal.

Have been coming here for more years than i like to admit.Always goog value but more important excellent food and service.

We were out for a walk around Herrington country park so worked up quite an appetite so both fancied a Indian curry.the Penshaw tandoori is only a few minutes walk from the park so was nice and handy.The food is allways good here & on a Thursday & Sunday they do special rates . We had our favourites chicken madras & chicken rogan josh with onion bhagies & poppadoms with fried rice & chips ,all cooked to perfection as usual.this place is only a short walk from our house so is nice & handy for us.we would highly recommend this restaurant & the takeaway service is just as good.keep up the good work.

Superb traditional Tandoori, quality service and food. Very good and varied menu. Situated to left of the base of Penshaw...

Used to get take-aways from here when visiting friends in the area - so when I got to move closer seemed like a perfect place to eat.

Having visited this restaurant several times over the years, and never benn dissapointed we decided to give it another try as it has been quite some time since we were last there, on the doorstep does help too. Well once again I have to say that the service and the meals were first class. I had bhuna prawn on puri and my wife had onion bhaji, both were gorgeous. For the mains my wife went for the chicken rogan while i opted for the Balti chicken tikka garlic special, OMG, absolutely divine. Add to this a Vodka, pint of beer and a caraffe of white wine, all for £42, value and quality rolled into one. The place was crammed when we arrived, always a good sign.

Always look forward to visiting,. Staff always friendly and meals perfect. Will definitely be visiting again in the near future

We have ordered takeaway here a few times and it's alway ok but nothing really special. There are greater places for takeaway, staff are always friendly

Amazing tasty food, friendly attentive and knowledgeable staff. Now one of our top places to eat. I am gluten free and they were more than happy to advise and suggest. Will return for sure

boring meal, could have got the same at local take away and spent less , wont be returning again , decor needs updating

Although we live more than 10 miles from this restaurant, it is still the place we go to get takeaways all the time. There are 5 Indian Restaurants I could walk to but I'd always travel here! The food is always great!I've eaten here several times, but use it all the time for takeaways. The Rogan is great as is the onion rice.

We have been calling into Penshaw Tandoori for many years and only ever had one problem which was sorted immediately. Great value and excellent food!

Busy restaurant with a good atmosphere and although we hadn't booked we were seated within ten minutes. The food is really good and the service excellent. We couldn't believe how reasonably priced it was for such good quality. We recommend and we will be back!

Been here about 12 months ago on a Sunday night with the girls and was trying to think of somewhere to go tonight with my partner. Now I remember why I've not rushed back. Inside the decor could do with a face lift but didn't put us off. Ordered Sunday night special Bhuna prawn on puri and onion bhaji to start. Both nice enough but had better. Mains we ordered chicken Sri Lanka and chicken tikka masala, mushroom rice, chips and garlic and keema naan. Not very much chicken in either dish or prawns in starter is this cos it's special night? Maybe? But other places still get decent amount. Again it was alright just not the best Indians we've had and if venture into Sunderland far better to be had. Would we go back? Probably not in a hurry. It was nice enough for what we paid though.

Ordered a takeaway for collection, was told it would be ready at 8:30pm but when I collected it it was cold. The nan bread had blue ink on it so we couldn't eat it. It was like it had been resting against blue packaging which had transferred to the bread. When I phoned to complain the man I spoke to was very rude even after I said I could take a photo and send him he just said he would tell the chef and didn't even apologise or offer to change it. Used to order here regularly, will never order here again.

Don't let the building exterior put you off ...very good staff...and very good food ...looks to get busy evening an early Thursday, which is always a good sign! We will look forward to our return !

Had takeaway , I arrived 10 minutes early than it was supposed to be ready , got home 1 mile away meal was cold onion bahji was tiny like meat ball size and greasy and cold . The whole meal was cold , I won't return sorry .

It was my first visit to the restaurant and overall the experience was good. The restaurant itself is very comfortable and cosy, the fish tank is a great feature also and I enjoyed watching the fish swimming about as I had my meal. The only downsides were the spirit we were served seemed a little watered down and both of our curries tasted the same though we ordered completely different dishes. However I would go back because the staff and service were great and it has a pleasant atmosphere for a relaxing meal.

We have been a number times and we always get excellent service and very very good food at a fair price. you can order a take away as well if that suits your needs better.

I am writing this review because I cannot believe some of the comments made by some customers. My husband and I go regularly on a Friday about 5.30. The staff are fantastic friendly and chatty. They even know what we drink. The service is fantastic and the food is outstanding. My husband has the lamb balti bochra which is melt in the mouth delicious. The portion sizes are good and yes you do have to wait but all the food is freshly prepared and cooked really well.We have tried loads of Indian restaurants both locally and abroad but we always look forward to having our meal at Penshaw.To the reviewer who was asked to leave you must have been very rude because I really do not think any of the staff would be rude or obstructive to any of their valued customers.We LOVE Penshaw and look forward to going every time . We'll done and up the good work.

I've been visiting this restaurant for years, the food is always good and staff are very friendly. the parking is very easy located outside of the restaurant and opposite in the car park.They do special meals on a Thursday which are good.

Very bad and horrible service from the staff and the manager himself. Not at all helpful forced to order 8 main courses. Did not help with parking. No greeting. Had to to walk out of the restaurant as they said go and eat some where else.Never go there useless restaurant.

Nothing to write home about. Food ok. I'd recommend having a takeaway as we waited quite a while as the staff seemed over rushed.

i got a take away for my 65th for 12 people i must say it was the best i ever had and every one has commented how tasty it was many thanks gerry

The best Indian food! Great service, very attentive! Reasonably priced. Beef rogan josh and king prawn madras are the best I would highly recommend!

I ordered a Take a Way last night. A Padina Chicken and a King Prawn Pathia. The Pathia was a disgrace. 5 prawns which were hardly King and a basic spicy tomato sauce. The Padina was only slightly better, again the sauce was tasteless. Never again.

Thursday night menus are excellent value, there is a wide choices the food is great and really good service,. Plenty of parking too.

Visited with a large family party on 24th July, most of us chose the set menu which, if you chose tikka dishes cost £11.95 otherwise three courses cost £9.95.I had Bhuna prawn on puri which was good and a decent size.I followed this with a tikka chicken Sri Lankan curry which was also good but sadly lacking in meat and accompanied by a woefully small portion of rice.My wife had tikka chicken vindaloo which consisted of three pieces of chicken and a piece of potato. Whilst clearing dishes one of the waiters dipped his thumb in curry sauce and then wiped it across the tablecloth in front of me! I was not impressed at all and to top this another then openly ordered two of my nieces ro pass him empty plates! Totally ignoring quips of " I didn't realise we were supposed to be working here".I didn't get the third course which I had ordered and we decided to leave.what we had was nice but I wouldn't rush back.

If you're looking for Indian food in the north east, this is a great choice. Great food, take out or eat in.

Not going to write much because this is s short review but all the family throughly enjoyed our meal. My tandoori mixed kebab starter was spot on and my chicken madras with vegetable pilau rice was equally spot on with the madras not too hot but certainly not timid. Have visited this venue both as a sit down and for a takeaway and will continue to do so. For the eat in the surroundings are smart and comfortable with plenty of elbow room. There is lager and bitter on draught with bottles of cider or Cobra. Would certainly recommend a cost.

Absolutely lovely this restaurant. The staff are so friendly including over the phone and are willing to help with anything. This place serves great balti. It's quite far from my home but i always seem to come because of how great it is. Only decent tandoori I know of these days

Great little restaurant with a fantastic atmosphere. The food is beautiful, 10 out of 10 every time. We've visited this Indians many many times and the food is always Great quality!

The food is very nice but we had to wait quite a while as it was busy and very few staff were working, The food was very good though so in the end it was worth the wait.

I have been coming here for over 30 years and have never been disappointed. As staff got to know me they even laughed that I always had the same thing. Following that I asked for advice and have tried most things on the menu. I love all of them from the poppadums to the exquisite coffee and cream done in the old fashioned way with lots of cream. Worst thing, the wine. Stick to beer or soft drinks by the pint.

I have used this restaurant since it first opened , and it never fails to impress,whether a sit down meal or just a take away ,we have never been dissapointed

This well known Indian eaterie has been here for absolutely ages and it's a long time since I was here. Got a warm welcome from the staff after booking a table earlier in the day and a cosy table for two. It was busy as expected, and following a long look at the varied menu we chose a fish starter and mixed kebab followed by a fish curry with mushroom rice and tikka chicken balti with plain naan.Starters arrived after fifteen minutes and were as expected, lamb and tikka chicken with a sheesh kebab, and fish balls in a light batter - delicate flavours which went well with the dip.The wait for our mains was much longer than expected however, and I think I may know why...There was a steady procession of takeaway orders coming from the kitchen to the front desk - there was more food coming out in carrier bags than there was on plates. The cynic in me would guess that they are hoping to sell more drinks to the waiting punters at the tables, but in my opinion, your seated diners really should take precedence over takeaway customers. We waited half an hour for our mains, too long in my opinion for such a simple order. The fish curry was nice, the balti however was uninspired to say the least. Flavourless, no hint of heat, no chunky onion, two bits of tomato, one bit of red and green pepper and a watery mince sauce. Naan was the smallest I've ever had - on the whole, a disappointing curry. The Penshaw Tandoori has a lovely cosy feel to it and a regular clientele, as well as a niche position in that there is no competition locally. It must be doing something right to have had such longevity - but it simply didn't hit the spot for me tonight.

This is a good Indian Restaurant based in Penshaw, staff are very friendly and respond to your needs with ease, food is of a good standard, with great value offers on a Thursday and Sunday. Always able to accommodate you if you haven't booked, my favourite is the lamb balti!

Have had food from here on several occassions and haven't been disappointed. Always tasty and hot. A shame you have to collect as they don't do delivery.

Always a favourite with us and so glad it's local. Food, service, ambiance, location and friendly staff. Take Away tastes the same as sit in food...quality. Can't go anywhere else now but shame they don't deliver.

My family have used this restaurant for a number of years now ,we use both the restaurant facilities and the take away service .The staff are very very friendly and the owner very very accomadating

I visited Penshaw Tandoori a few days ago for the first time. I usually order in from a local takeaway but decided on going out for a meal. After looking at prices for Indian restaurants we decided here would be the best option for price and reviews. From the moment of walking in the staff seated us at our table took our drinks order straight away and soon followed with our meal order. I ordered the Lamb Vindaloo. I love spicy food and this was the nicest Vindaloo I had tasted. The Tikka Chicken starter was lovely and it came with a nice sauce. My partner had the Dall Soup and the Chicken Balti which he really enjoyed. The price of food and drinks was great. I would definitely return here. The staff are welcoming and the food is fabulous.

Another visit to our favourite Indian restaurant group of 8 friends, food and service first class as it always is, never once have we had any reason to complain it's a little gem of a place with very friendly staff who can't do enough for you. Looking forward to the next visit

Dined here numerous times, perhaps once a month on average, always very good, service is very quick, staff friendly, portion sizes are great, however I ordered from the normal menu, and my wife from the Thursday special, and yes there is a marked difference in the size, however, £35 for 4 popodoms, 2 starters, 2 rice, 2 nahn breads, 2 main meals, and a couple of drinks, no complaints, will be back as always next month.

This little place is fabulous , its been going years and is still very popular so that says it all really...they do a special on a sunday and thursday evening for a set price of around £9.00 which is great value...If you havnt been yet , you dont know what you are missing

Good value traditional indian restaurant. Friendly staff and good food well worth a visit we will be back. J