Spice Lounge in County Durham

To be fair the food is delicious but the customer service is shockingly bad. The staff are gruff and have a very take it or leave it attitude and the manager was positively rude. Takeaway is probably the only sensible way forward for anyone wanting to sample their food. We certainly shall not be giving them our business again.

I cannot praise this place enough. My son and I went for tea and I can honestly and truly say, I have never had such delicious food in my life. It was absolutely perfect. I had chicken madras and my son had lamb madras. The staff are very friendly and polite. We will definitely be back.

A late evening impulse, so was delighted to get a table without having reserved and to be served a beautifully presented and delicious subtly-spiced dish by the gracious & considerate waiters here. A very welcome surprise on a wet and windy autumn evening - thank you! I shall definitely dine here again whenever visiting Durham.

Best Indian food I’ve had in ages. Tikka liver starter, which was cooked just right not too chewy not too rare. The wife had a chef’s special kebab but I ate most of that. Chicken was very tender. Finished off the lamb kebab of my friend which was also full of flavour and not too dry. Main course I had a lamb tikka bhuna which is the benchmark of any good Indian in my opinion. I asked for it to be made slightly spicier and they did that no problem. Again the lamb was very tender, the flavour of the curry was very nice. Best I’ve had and I have had a LOT of lamb bhunas. I didn’t eat too much rice as it’s just a waste of belly space in my opinion. I had a garlic keema naan to go with the curry. Again very tasty. Nice chunks of meat in the bread and it had a nice sweet kick to it. I will definitely go back here.

Food ok but could have been hotter

My wife and I had a great meal experience in the Spice Lounge. We hadn't booked and were lucky to get a table. We notice how clean the restaurant was (including the menus) and the waiting staff were incredibly knowledgeable of their menu. The food quantity and quality was excellent, beautifully presented and well prepared. There are plenty of Indian restaurants in the area, but this has to be the best we have visited. Will definitely go again and highly recommend it.

Absolutely amazing experience beautiful food and a peacful environment waiters were lovely and all staff particularly a boy called Rahul lovely lad and always smiling would recommend this restraunt 100%

Omg the food is absolutely to die for. If in Durham and you like Indian you must eat here

Omg the food is absolutely to die for. If in Durham and you like Indian you must eat here

A bit disappointed with the food to be honest!! Always spoke highly from previous visits but wasn’t up to standard this time!! Asked for ours of 2 different choices to be spiced up but both very different dishes came out looking exactly the same!! Ridiculous amounts of red food colouring used!! Even in the poppadoms & pickles had to ask what the red pickle was?!! ‘Mango chutney’!! 😳 apart from that the service at atmosphere was amazing!

A bit disappointed with the food to be honest!! Always spoke highly from previous visits but wasn’t up to standard this time!! Asked for ours of 2 different choices to be spiced up but both very different dishes came out looking exactly the same!! Ridiculous amounts of red food colouring used!! Even in the poppadoms & pickles had to ask what the red pickle was?!! ‘Mango chutney’!! 😳 apart from that the service at atmosphere was amazing!

Lovely food- staff were really knowledgable about lactose free options and very attentive

Excellent food and service, easily the best in Durham.

Food was absolutely stunning and the atmosphere was very friendly. Service was top notch. Will definitely be back.

Just based on delivery, enormous portions and tangy food. Very much appreciate the liver starter and the exquisite chicken tikka. A bit greasy for my taste, but that's personal preference. Speedy preparation. The menu is a tome, so difficult to select or know what top dishes.

Very good , definitely going back.

Wonderful atmosphere, friendly staff

Don't know what but the tikka chicken and the tandoori chicken are absolutely brilliant lately

Lovely choice on menu. Quick service by friendly staff. The food was very good and a very high standard!

Excellent service and the food is delicious! One of my favourite places in Durham!

Very good choice of food. Veggie & meat dishes excellent. Lovely staff & good service. Enjoyed our meal . 2 nights later ordered a takeaway meal and also excellent. Thank you.

Came in for a table for one. Really chilled vibe and the food was excellent. Highly recommend the chilli rice. Great atmosphere too.

Great food and fish was next level and friendly and accommodating staff.

You have to find somewhere to park which is always at least a 5-10 minute walk away. However, the food is excellent and the staff very helpful. Only downside is we had to wait over 45 minutes for our coffee... Apart from that, would certainly recommend.

Every time we go food amazing total must lamb chops unreal , totally busy for a Thursday night good sign , wine extra cold , we been over 5 times every one outstanding

Run of the mill food. Nothing more.

We held a business meal at the Spice Lounge for a group of 9 people. The staff were very helpful in guiding our selection of dishes, and the food was excellent. Thoroughly recommend a visit if you are in Durham.

Please do not expect good desi food here. The staff and owners are very nice so it pains me to have to write the rest of this review, please accept my apologies in advance. From purely a managerial sense you seem to run an amazing restaurant. Let me preface this by saying my standards are not high, and I assure you I am quite happy eating those tescos indian microwave meals. I have been to spice lounge around 12-13 times for various socials and events and I must say very few dishes here are even remotely passable. Expect bland, over sweetened, and often very strange flavours. I keep going here again and again after reading the reviews and assuming something is wrong with me. Why cant I enjoy these dishes? The service is very nice, attentive, and honestly I have no complaints, the wait staff employed here at the moment are very good. the restaurant and ambience are also quite frankly better than a few few places in durham and the location is excellent. I just cannot recommend the food. Here are a list of items I have ordered over the years which I have had multiple times and would steer clear of: - Starters: Onion Bhaji ,Samosa, Paneer Tikka Starter, Hariali Chicken Tikka. Chicken Tikka Starter - Mains : Makhani, Madras, Dupiaza, Pasanda, Bhuna, Rogan Josh (In chicken, chicken tikka, lamb, lamb tikka) Biryanis : Chicken and Chicken Tikka Biryani Grills: All. Dishes you should/can order: - Naan (the naans are not bad, they are a little thick, I wouldnt go just for naan but its no worse than other places)

Excellent food and service, meals were delicious we were there for our anniversary really enjoyed the atmosphere and staff were lovely.

Too much Tumeric powder in the food chef does not know how to use the ingredients Staff said it’s normal you are the one only complain. Do you know why I’m the one only know

We decided to return to Spice lounge after not been there in ages. Friday night 18.15pm We were given a table straight away. The waiter gave us time to choose drinks and food Husband ordered 2 cobras Then Poppadom followed by Seekh kebab and I had Onion bhaji We had mains of Masala Chicken and Masala Chilli chicken With Mushroom Pilau and 1 naan bread Food was really lovely to taste and very filling In my bowl there was too much sauce My husband said the same which is a waste for the chef We paid the bill and went to leave the man sitting behind me had his chair close to mine. So I was unable to move my chair to leave table. I slid along the chair to stand up. On doing so I twisted my left knee and was unable to walk. The waiters were standing next to exit and not one asked if I was alright. As it has turned out I am on my 4th day laid up with walking problems. After a lovely meal out with my husband this has put a damper on our experience

Excellent food great choice and attentive polite staff well worth a visit. Reasonable prices and very well presented.

Great food, but poor service and atmosphere. Long wait despite booking a table. One of our starters was forgotten about and we had to ask multiple times for the bill. Whole restaurant feels too cramped with every table on top of each other and waiters struggling to get around.

Had an evening meal here recently and it was lovely.The service was excellent and the draught cobra was beautiful. I would book before going as its not very big.

Had a meal here on an evening with a bunch of workmates.The food was lovely as we all had maindishes with rice washed down with pints of cobra. The service was excellent as well good food and drink. Highly recommend a visit.

Visited three times this week while working in Durham. It’s not a big place and parties are advised to book but they did their best to accommodate a solo diner which was good. I had a couple of lamb based special dishes which come complete with a potato side and rice. The lamb chop version was particularly good but prepare to get in a mess. Well worth it. Tandoori cookery is precise and my chicken tikka starter was moist as it should be and spot on for spicing. I’ve enjoyed Alishaan in the past but this is much better value and my go to place next time in Durham.

Arrived at 21.00 having allowed plenty of time before their closing time (hours) to be told they had switched off all their kitchen equipment as it was quiet, this is midweek in Cathedral City in the UK. It was far from quiet, struggled to book any hotels or taxis! Having eaten here previously this used to be a very well run Indian with excellent customer service, things have very clearly changed. I suggest you steer well clear when in Durham.

Vegetarian option was not good which i guess its mostly because ita a nonveg heavy restaurant, but still put some spices in veg curries thats all. Non veg was liked by my friends.

12 to 13 years as guests. Amazing place with top class food and service and where we visit as often as possible. Quality food top class service and very reasonable prices. Highly recommended.

Food was fantastic, very tasty and very well presented, staff couldn't do enough and made our experience a one to remember, thanks guys.

BANGIN prawn curry and great staff. The restaurant made sure we had the best experience with the best quality food ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Great service. Really tasty have nothing else to say apart from wish this was my evening meal every night. Would love them to be on just eat so we can order

The food was extremely good and the waiters were really great hosts! Loved it and had a good evening! The prawn chilli masala was the best

Staff are friendly, However the pallet needs to be considered beyond the local demographic. I feel they are a good establishment but can be much better with a few tweeks to dishes. Definatly potential but review of different authentic tastes is needed ,as a asian i feel they can represent our cusine much better. Over all a nice place and lovely atmosphere

Top service. Top food. Very good spot for food Would definitely come back again when I’m in durham Really reallly tasty curry

The restaurant was packed when we arrived, but we were lucky enough to get a table. The food, service, atmosphere was outstanding. Everything came in a timely manner, and was piping hot. The menu is extensive, we we're spoilt for choice. We'll be back on our next visit to Durham.

Cosy, hidden away curry house that serves classic great curries with good service. Flavours were good, environment is more traditional than modern minimalist which I like. It was clean, well looked after and not a bit tired. This would be a classic curry haunt for bigger groups and would be a regular haunt if it was our local. There aren’t that many tables so probably advisable to book to ensure you get in. On a Sunday night before 7pm it was over half full and the tables were refilling soon after they emptied which for me is a sign of a great place.

Went for a meal with two mates, moment we got there got friendly service, drinks on the table pretty much as we sat down! Very good starters and the mains were great too. We all had something different, some much spicier than others , but all good. Great attentive service too, will be going back for sure!

Lovely cozy restaurant with attentive and friendly staff. Food was absolutely delicious and flavourful. The best lamb bhuna.

Both main dishes we had very incredibly bland and flavourless, naan bread was good. Staff were alright but not incredibly friendly.

Best Indian food around. Always packed in the restaurant. Great service.

The food was wonderful, will visit again soon

Lovely polite staff.Food was delicious well worth a visit

Twice I’ve been here now. Once was a couple of year back and it was an outstanding visit. But I hadn’t returned again until this evening, as it isn’t a local restaurant for me. Tonight’s meal surpassed previous expectations. It was divine. A really delicious, authentic BIR curry. All of my friends were satisfied. Highly recommend the Chef Special - Molee Chicken Tilka, Keema rice, and peshwari naan. I will definitely return in the future when visiting Durham

Really great curry and they were great with gluten free. Didn’t feel like I was a hassle at all

Went there last night about 12 of us as one of the lads knows the staff well. Absolutely first class food and service. Staff go above and beyond in everyway. Food is immense and such a large diverse menu. Highly recommended and will be going back again and again. Cheers lads for a great night.

Amazing food staff so friendly you won't be disappointed

We really enjoyed our night out at the spice lounge in Durham. Really nice staff and the food was delicious. Absolutely lovely

Have an excellent team, very friendly. Great food, thali vegetarian was absolutely brilliant, tasty and flavourful. This is my second visit. Highly recommend!!!

It was honestly amazing. All the waiters were very helpful and there manager taher who took our order was very helpful and he made sure we had a nice experience. This is also 100 percent halal food and it is very tasty. If you want to go anywhere in Durham you have to come here. 💯 percent recommend. This is the place to go.

We really enjoyed this place. The food was amazing, especially the lamb dishes. The lamb chops are particularly good. We were greeted by Tahir the manager who was very warm and welcoming. Will definitely be coming here many more times in the future

The best Indian/Bangladeshi food in Durham. The place is amazing from every aspect. The food is delicious, we had the Rogan Josh with Mutton, some chicken curry, and some Dal. Everything was great no complaints at all. But what made the experience that much better was Taher, giving out great recommendations and being very friendly. The atmosphere here is very cozy and homelike. Will definitely visit every time I'm in Durham.

What a lovely restaurant great food and atmosphere. My wife doesn't like hot food, and is a korma girl,so she asked the lads advice and she wasn't disappointed got a lovely new flavoured dish. We will be back. Top notch place staff are excellent 👌

One of our favourite Indian restaurants,and we visit alot around the country. Be sure to book or you run the risk of not getting a table. Food is great and staff are very friendly.

Delicious food, excellent service and a wide range of food and drinks. We would definitely recommend.

Absolutely in the top 5 Indian meals I've had in my lifetime! I had the Thali non veg which for those who have never tried Thali is a selection of different meat curries in individual pots also rice and nan served like a platter. The food here is stunning, particularly the chicken tikka massala part of the dish. Located down an alley way off the market square in the corner, I urge you to seek this place out. By the way my partner had the lamb Bhuna and caramelised onion special rice which she said was incredible..100 percent recommended!!! Thumbs up if you visit and agree.

We normally have takeaways from the Spice Lounge and they are always very good. Last night we decided to go and use the restaurant and sit in. We were not disappointed. Everything was excellent from the friendly staff excellent service and delicious food. Highly recommended.

We went to Spice Lounge for an evening meal at 6 o'clock and it was delicious. The staff were very friendly and service was quick. Both the starters and mains were excellent. Highly recommended.

We called in on a Saturday evening on the off chance of a table. We had a busy day so just called in for " tea". We didn't order starters we had a lamb biryani and a special chicken shandar, pilau rice and peshwari nans...

If you need real authentic Indian Taste, this is a must visit place. Awesome tasty food, very welcoming staff ... And just too perfectly cooked food. My salute to the Chef..

Went one Wednesday evening with some friends and we all loved it, food was incredible and the service was amazing Akki and his team made us feel welcomed. Portion sizes were great value for money as well, there was enough to take home. Easy to see why the place has won awards.

Superb Indian reataurant in the main square in Durham - really pleasant staff, great authentic food and all reasonably priced - highly recemmended

Absolutely fantastic food! Amazing staff. I recommend the chicken korma

Wow, this place is amazing. Me and my friends came i had the chicken biryani and just wow. What sets a good Chicken Biryani apart is the balance of flavors. The spices were well-balanced, not overpowering, allowing the essence of the chicken and rice to...

Brilliant service and beautiful food

Came here because it was recommended by work colleagues and had won an award. We had chicken biryani and malai kofta. The latter was passable but nothing about the biryani was biryani. My friend with me thought I ordered sweet and sour fried rice, complete with a flat egg on top. Not too terrible if you called it something else but it didn't taste Indian by any standard of the word, more East Asian. I don't know how it's the best Indian restaurant in the north east if it isn't even the best in town. The service was excellent though, they kept making sure we were comfortable.

Another visit here and once again food was absolutely stunning Fantastic friendly welcome and staff can't do enough for you We only had a main course and arrived quickly and tasted divine Popodoms and pickles also hit the spot If you're ever in Durham make...

Very tasty food. Really helpful staff. I had a small issue with my order (these things happen) amazed by the service they showed to put it right. Top class!

Tucked away at the side of the market place, The Spice Lounge delivers quality food and a friendly service. We would suggest booking in advance as it probably fills up at peak times. The food was well made and authentic in taste. The chefs have...

Poor service and bland food. Photo of sink in the men’s toilets.

Great service and lovely food. Friendly and welcoming. Advise to book as was busy on our visit. If you can’t manage stairs there is access from the market place area beside the tourist information centre.

Honestly, one of the best curry i’ve had in Durham. Found ourselves a new restaurant to eat in every week! We came in with our friends greeted with a smile and drinks while we waited for the rest of our table, service and food was...

Food was great, staff where very friendly, however the one member of staff sat on the table next to the bar sounded like he had a cold as he was snorting every 20-30 seconds which unfortunately put us off our food. Other than that excellent...

Me and my partner were looking for somewhere to eat on a Sunday and we came across the little place, I am glad we didn't keep on walking. It was really nice inside and I felt a little under dressed haha. The food was amazing really tasty and looked amazing too. Really good portions and good selections of drinks, The staff were really nice and friendly and the price was good too. Will definitely go back there when we next go back up north.

Lovely food and attentive staff. The only thing that we could take issue with was the length of the menu! There is so much to choose from!

Ordered on Deliveroo due to the good reviews but left sadly disappointed. Ordered Spice Lounge Exclusive Lamb, Makhani kind prawn with peshwari naan and chips. Chips were cold in the middle, whole meal was warm not hot and it was bland and watery. Even the...

We visited the Spice Lounge Durham last night. Nothing was a bother for you, Akki and staff very helpful, thank you. Excellent service as was the food. Would highly recommend. We will be back very soon.

From the moment we stepped into this cosy restaurant, we knew it was gong to be absolutely amazing. We had booked a table, luckily, because every table on a Tuesday night was full! We walked through the restaurant and had a chance to take in all the mouth watering meals that everyone was tucking into!!! Decor- modern, smart, welcoming. Service- pleasant, polite & helpful. We waited a reasonable amount of time for our food - beautifully cooked, FRESH, honestly, the best Indian cuisine we have had for literally years. We took advise on house specials which were delicious! Very reasonably priced. Thank you for a wonderful evening team Spice Lounge!

Went along with local friends on recommendation. It has to be said that the food is very good. The service however wasn’t. Not because the waiters were unfriendly or inefficient, which they weren’t, it we were pushed and rushed from the start. We had literally...

The team here are always super friendly and the food is spot on. It's tucked away behind the Church in the Market Place but don't let that put you off because this is one of the best.

After attending the boat house with terrible service, me and my beautiful wife settled down here as we were approached by amazing staff and great service through out our night, not to mention the food was a bit tasteless but apart from that would recommend

Although we needed the help of Google maps to find it (There is a small alley in the market square next to the church) when we got there the welcome and food wad excellent. Well done Spice Lounge it was a pleasure to eat there.

Best dinner ever ,from poppodoms to lamb chop starter utterly amazing, well done loved everything ,service unreal wine extra cold

We are a curry club from our local pub who tour restaurants in the North East once a month, after looking forward to visiting the spice lounge in Durham we all left disappointed. We booked for 8pm and arrived at 7.50pm. Upon arrival the staff...

Best cussy I have ever had and I have eaten a LOT of curries. We had the special garlic chicken Balti and also a chicken Roghan . I had coriander pilau rice (which I have never seen anywhere) and it was fantastic.

We made a group booking for 20. We confirmed it 24 hours before by telephone. When we turned up, we were told they could not seat us as they had got behind. The people at our table were just beginning their starters. We were left...

Nice little restaurant gets busy ver quick, very tasty food the Special mix Grill is to die for yummy 😋 prices are fair with great service.

Booked a table for 4 at 7pm the place was absolutely buzzing we had to wait 30min! For the table but the manager was a good man explained what the situation was so we had drinks and waited. The best part was the wait was...

OK, I’ll accept some responsibility for ordering too much but I never complain if a waiter queries that I may have done so. The veg momo was more akin to a dosa than the Nepalese momo I expected but I should’ve asked. Much bigger than...

Fantastic food, great staff & lovely ambience. Will definitely go back.