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.

Had a lovely takeaway with my colleagues in April of 2021. Wasn’t allowed to talk about it until now but hey ho it’s out now. Lovely food, lovely beer and great company.

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.

This is a fantastic place to order from if you are on an election campaign and want to have a party when indoor gatherings are banned with your colleagues. The Chicken Karmer especially was delicious, and the beers really made me think it was a work event and not a party. Cheers for organising it all Sir Keir!

Great service with cosy environment & tasty food for reasonable prices :) would recommend 👍

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.

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.

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

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.

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 👌

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.

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.

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!

AMAZING. Just finished still sat at the table. Phenominal. What a superb little restaurant. You guys are exceptional

Was busy when we arrived first time and we hadn't booked so they couldn't seat use but kindly told is to come back in 30 minutes. So 30 minutes later we returned go seated straight away so happy days Service was friendly and efficient and food arrived quickly once the order had gone in and was all very tasty. All in all a great visit will definitely return.

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.

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

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

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.

Great tasting food with generous portion sizes. Also accommodating with time, when we got slightly lost finding the place.

Have visited a few times, and each time the food has been great, and the staff are very kind and accommodating. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.

What a hidden gem in Durham City!!! Have no idea how I have missed this Restaurant all these years. Service was efficient & attentive & food was by far the best I have experienced in Durham. We booked for a later time & rang to see if we could bring the time forward & it was not a problem. Thank you for a fabulous night with friends & see you again soon. You richly deserve your recent award.

The food was delicious just the right amount of spice and portion size generous. Service was good but felt rushed at the end and we were asked to move tables so they could seat a big group. Very busy and very small restaurant so they don’t want you hanging around. Also the alley outside is always covered in vomit and urine which does put you off slightly.

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..

It was very busy so decided to get a takeaway which was absolutely superb. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Our food was ready in 10mins which was really good considering how busy they were. Food quality was exceptional. Well recommended them.

Came across this little Gem on a one night stay in Durham. Food was absolutely incredible. Best meal out I’ve had in a long time.. highly recommend..

An amazing and authentic Indian restaurant with a varied menu. It is quite a small venue but this just means eating there is an intimate experience.

Went for a late valentines meal with my boyfriend - It gets very busy! The atmosphere is welcoming and the decor pleasant, although we were seated in a bit of an awkward spot so people did have to squeeze past sometimes (again, probably not an issue at quieter times!) The food was all excellent - I'm a big fan of hariyali (who doesn't love bright green foods!) and I would recommend it highly from here. The portions were big enough to fill us up and provide the next day's lunch as well, and the naan bread and vegetable pilau we ordered were also great! Overall; great food, be sure to book if you're going when it's likely to be busy - it can get a bit loud as well. I would go again!

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

Food and service outstanding, best in Durham by far would definitely recommend and always go back.

Amazing food, lovely atmosphere, friendly staff , 1st time I have been but will definately go back

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!

Lovely food and excellent staff. We came here on a stag do. 8 of us had a wide range of starters and mains. All were presented beautifully and tasted amazing. Venue is quite compact but doesn't feel busy. Slightly pricey but worth it for the food quality and friendly staff. Will be back. Soon hopefully.

Fantastic food, staff excellent. Been going here for a few years now, and will be for a few years to come, Quality!!

Eating out is more than just the food. It's about the experience. And that is why I am rating it a 5*. Right from the booking process to accommodating our requests through the night, it was throughout service with a smile. When a group of 20 students are celebrating a birthday, things can get chaotic but the staff let us be. Thankfully that night we weren't disturbing too many other patrons being a Monday night, but still their patience and polite demeanor needs to be appreciated. Thank you Aki and team! Best wishes.