Raval Indian Brasserie & Bar | Newcastle Gateshead

You're crossing the river to Gateshead for this one, tucked on Church Street with views that matter. Raval takes Indian food seriously without the theatrical nonsense—the kind of place where they've thought about spice levels and proper technique rather than just cranking up the chilli. The brasserie setup means you get proper cocktails alongside your biryani, which is the sort of sensible thinking that makes a Friday night actually work. It's become a proper neighbourhood favourite, the sort of spot where locals book tables and actually return.