Little hidden gem, we sat in the courtyard after a walk around houghall woods and enjoyed scones and even a puppachino for our dog! They were lovely and was a gorgeous place to sit and enjoy the sunshine! It's very small indoors though but still nice! Food was lovely and staff really friendly, prices are reasonable aswell!

Very polite service. I had Leek Soup which was really tasty. The coffee was nice too. (In the Cafe) The room itself was getting rather stuffy though. Will definitely visit again though and sample something else from the menu

I’m not normally a fan of Indians but this place has changed my view on the food, there is sooo much to choose from it was hard to pick a main course, the staff were lovely and friendly, the owner was very generous, gave my dad and his girlfriends kids more than £12 worth of ice cream in those penguin figures for free! For anyone reading this, I definitely recommend going, the whole experience was amazing, everything from the design to the food.

Had never been before so took a punt. Very very glad we did! The hariyali chicken was absolutely fantastic and all the accompanying rices and side dishes were delicious. Service was excellent. Friendly staff with a sense of humour. We shall definitely return and highly recommend this resturant.

We've been wanting to go here for sometime so I booked for my birthday and was very disappointed. There are many things I was not happy with but if I concentrate on the food. I ordered the lamb bhuna which is my favourite dish,which I have ordered at numerous restaurants.Although the lamb was tender the meal was lacking in the spices and the taste iwould expect from a Bhuna and was very peppery tasting.This was by far the worst Bhuna I have ever had,and the other food ordered wasn't upto scratch either.Needless to say we will not be returning based on the food alone and not taking into account the other issues.

I love coming here. The staff are always very welcoming and friendly. The ambience is perfect. The food is always perfect in every way. The presentation of the staff, the restaurant and the food is high. The quality of the meals is always consistent. The lamb and chicken melt in your mouth. I can't fault this restaurant at all.

Lovely meal, quality of food excellent, friendly staff.

We were a group of 5 booked for Saturday night. We were shown to our table and served drinks. We waited 25 minutes for papadums, they arrived one short! We were then asked to move tables so they could squeeze in a party of six next to us! We had to move ourselves! Waited another 20 minutes for some to even take our order. Ordered 4 starters, 5 arrived! We asked three times for more drinks, eventually we went to the bar ourselves. The food was nice but not up to their usual standard. The prices have risen considerably too. All in all, the service was very poor. We have been there numerous times but it will be a long time before we go back. Such a shame, we thought we’d found a little gem.

Exceptional experience on the outskirts of Durham. Went at Sunday lunchtime, but opted out of the great lunchtime (albeit limited) deal as it was our first visit and wanted to sample more of the menu. Both went for the Thali trays (tandoori and vegetable, respectively) along with a fish momo starter and additional vegetable side (mushroom bhaji). The Thali choice was a perfect introduction to what Amaani have to offer. Both the meat and vegetable trays offered 4 different tikka or curry dishes each as good and flavourful as the last. My partner informs me that the tikka masala was a true standout compared to other restaurants we've tried. Thali portion for money is also exceptional, considering you get to sample four curries, small starter portion, rice and bread - you can't really go wrong. Our only reservation is that the dishes lacked heat spice wise, which albeit we probably could have asked for spicier of we'd thought about it! Will recommend, and will go again!

Only reason 5 star because it is expensive for students. Vegetarian options a bit unclear. Can you have a Vegetarian masala for example? It just has a few options that are mostly side dishes and 'Vegetable curry'. However, the food is absolutely delicious. The sag paneer was the nicest I've had yet. The garlic naan was less stodgy than usual. I really enjoyed it. Service impeccable. My partner greatly enjoyed his chicken korma and keema naan. Thank you so much. We will be back!

Fantastic little coffee/tea room with some excellent cakes on offer. They also offer dogs puppuccinos too! Great and friendly staff will definitely be coming back!

Review for the cafe part only . Always friendly and quick service, Vegetarian offerings are meagre, just cheese as is the norm, so nothing special there, but they do have milk alternatives for coffee, lovely food tho and nice outside seating area. Lovely place to sit in the sun, and have a walk by the river afterwards.

Amazing night to celebrate my mam’s 70th birthday, the staff are so good. Food amazing too! Give it a try…

Wow what a find. The most amazing Indian food I have ever tasted. A fantastic choice to suit any palette. The service and ambience all helped to make it the most wonderful evening. We live down on the Kent coast but will be sure to visit again when next in the area.

Warm welcome and excellent food. Lovely people and we didn’t feel rushed which is very important

Had a takeaway this evening and I am absolutely appalled by the food we received. The Goan lamb was basically like dog food - no flavour, no spice and chewy meat. The paneer was so bland I’m speechless. I’m afraid that I will never frequent this dreadful restaurant ever again. Why are there so many awful ‘Indian’ restaurants in Durham ☹️

Great selection of Indian food. Very attentive staff and good service. Very interesting inside but didn't really have a buzz about the place.

Lovely cheesecake ❤️ (I don't usually like cheesecake but a friend went in and ordered us some hot drinks and cakes while I waited outside with a canine friend). I was pleasantly surprised to find a place where I'd eat cheesecake. I never ever like cheesecake from anywhere!!

I expected a lot from this restaurant, a was disappointed to say the least. We ordered 4 different Currys to share and fishburn takeaway beat every one on flavour and value for money. Wouldn't go back.

Very disappointing first visit. The restaurant wasn't very warm at all. The food was average and way overpriced. We don't mind paying for good food Lamb Tikka Marsala had little Lamb, mostly sauce. Portions small. Only good thing....plates were hot. We won't go back.

Coffee and Toasted Tea Cakes First the good points.....the coffee was nice, but.... It was a 15 minute wait for the coffee, despite only 3 other tables occupied. Once it arrived, I expected the teacakes to arrive at the same time, or shortly after....not so !!! I had to ask after a further 10 minutes if they had forgotten. They arrived shortly afterwards, but the coffee that we held back by this time was almost cold. The teacakes were miniscule...at £2.50 each !!!! I asked the waitress if it was too much to ask to expect the coffee & food at the same time. I got the standard explanation of" the kitchen is busy" ???????? Sorry Amaani, I've used you once before, and the service was equally as slow, but I gave you the benefit of the doubt ! It would appear that extended wait times, and poor service is the norm and only surpassed by your poor value of teacake. We will not be returning.

In a large party - 3 of us had to ask 4 times for some water. Finally arrived as we were finishing our mains. One of the party members asked for water and was handed a glass of wine instead! Never asked how the food was or if we needed more drinks. Staff also took a long time to take the food orders. This venue does not appear to cope well with large bookings.

Lovely restaurant and great staff but most pleasant of all very reasonable prices...we will definitely be back

Let me start by saying , my husband and I have eaten in many an Indian restaurant over the years , all over the world. And Amaani is second to none . The food in the Amaani is Excellent ! The staff are exceptional. polite, friendly , attentive, and are great with our children. If you have any dietary requirements have a word and they are happy to oblige ( I’m pescatarian) so can highly recommend on that basis. My family enjoy an Array of food and always enjoy there meal . And They have a lovely Desert menu .Best to book in advance at weekends as can get busy. But they will, if possible fit you in if they can. They also have an out side Area which we really enjoy in the summer evenings having our coffee or a glass of wine after our meal. Ample parking space . Which is amazing, as nothing worse then driving round for trying to find a park ! Never had this problem at Amaani even at weekends as such a big parking Area. They also have a Businessman’s lunch menu on certain days. And they have a takeaway service. There is a tea room during the day also, which I haven’t tried yet but can’t wait to try, as I’ve been told it’s Excellent. It’s a hidden gem of a restaurant. A family run business ( not a fan so much of chain restaurants) The fact that it’s a family run business shows , in the food ,the service etc .. They seem to really genuinely want to make your experience there a great one. They have a bar Area were you can enjoy a drink while ( if need be ) you wait for your table . They serve a good selection of drinks , cocktails, coffees ,beers , wines etc. Would give more then 5* if I could .

Went lastnight, food was amazing, didn't have to wait long for it, great price also. Staff were extremely polite and couldn't do enough for you. Definitely going back there soon

Always good meals and service but please take chips off the menu they are horrible, better not to offer them than have bad ones. Either that or pop over to the Rose Tree and ask them to show you how to make them

Lovely surroundings and an enjoyable lunch for 3 persons. Very reasonable with a friendly service. Would certainly go again.

I've been here quite a few times with friends and the food is spot on! You have many options in the menu and the food is fresh and tasty. Staff is really professional and friendly. I also like the atmosphere. I'm always happy to come back again.

Lovely friendly atmosphere, waiter great shame we didn’t get his name. Had a relaxing time food was excellent. Will be back.

Went for lunch Saturday very friendly and helpful stall. Lovely atmosphere and even better food. Will definitely be back