The Best Indian Restaurants in Durham

A good curry is one of the North East's favourite nights out, and Durham does it well across the whole range, from white-tablecloth fine dining to a proper neighbourhood takeaway. Whether you want a special-occasion meal near the cathedral or a Madras delivered to your door, here is where to go for the best Indian food in and around the city.

The Capital

The Capital is the most ambitious Indian restaurant in the city, set in a striking Grade II listed former pumphouse on Farm Road. It pairs elegant English interiors with Indian design and an award-winning chef whose cooking leans towards presentation and finesse rather than the standard curry-house template. Expect refined, contemporary dishes and set menus alongside the a la carte.

This is a place for a celebration or a special dinner rather than a casual weeknight, and the prices sit at the higher end to match. It is a little way out from the immediate centre, so plan the journey and book ahead, especially at weekends.

Best for: Best for a special-occasion Indian meal with real polish.

Shaheen's Indian Bistro

Shaheen's Indian Bistro has been serving the historic North Bailey, in the shadow of the cathedral, for more than 30 years, which makes it one of the longest-established Indian restaurants in Durham. It has a loyal following for cooking dishes to order with a lighter, more careful hand than a typical curry house, in an intimate dining room that suits a proper sit-down meal.

The restaurant opens in the evenings, from around 5pm until late, and the small room fills quickly at weekends and in term time, so booking is strongly advised. It is an easy walk from Palace Green and the Bailey colleges.

Best for: Best for a characterful, sit-down dinner in the heart of the old city.

Spice Lounge

Spice Lounge occupies St Nicholas Cottage right on the Market Place, about as central as Durham gets. It serves a broad menu of Indian classics in a relaxed, contemporary dining room: the familiar Madras, jalfrezi, rogan josh and vindaloo alongside tandoori grills, biryanis and house specials such as butter chicken and lamb passanda, with plenty for vegetarians.

The award-winning kitchen has built a strong local reputation for consistency and value, and the Market Place setting makes it handy for a meal before or after a night out. It works both as a restaurant and for collection.

Best for: Best for a reliable, well-priced curry in the very centre of town.

Zeera Tandoori

For a curry at home, Zeera Tandoori on Front Street in Framwellgate Moor is a dependable choice on the northern edge of the city, handy for Newton Hall and Pity Me. It is a halal kitchen serving a broad menu of traditional curries, tandoori dishes and biryanis, with set meals and combination deals that make it easy to feed a household.

It works for both collection and delivery around the north-Durham neighbourhoods, opening in the evenings through the week. As with any takeaway, it is worth confirming the current delivery area, minimum order and opening hours when you order.

Best for: Best for a halal takeaway curry in north Durham.

Finding the right table

Durham's Indian restaurants cover the full spread, so it is worth matching the place to the occasion. The Capital is the one for a celebration; Shaheen's for an atmospheric evening near the cathedral; Spice Lounge for a central, good-value sit-down or takeaway; and Zeera Tandoori when you would rather eat at home. All of them get busy at weekends and in term time, so book ahead where you can.

Know a Durham curry house we have missed? Get in touch and we will take a look.