3,880 reviews
#1 of 1,077 Restaurants in Newcastle upon Tyne$$ - $$$, Indian, Asian, Vegetarian friendly+44 7917 391319+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
5:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Tue
5:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Wed
5:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Thu
5:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Fri
5:30 PM - 11:30 PM
Sat
4:00 PM - 11:30 PM
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
Travelers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Indian, Asian, Contemporary, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Special occasions, Romantic, Large groups, Business meetings
Is this an Ethiopian restaurant?
Details
About
Stylish, high quality Indian cuisine in a cosy and relaxed atmosphere. Many will be familiar with the original Simla restaurant which has been within our family since 1981. Our cuisine reflects long established and fresh ways of preparing dishes without any pretence or gimmicks. Our menu is carefully crafted and reflects our deep appreciation of historically significant dishes from throughout the Indian subcontinent.
CUISINES
Indian, Asian, Contemporary
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Mastercard, Visa, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
Contribute
5.0
3,880 reviews
Excellent
3,644
Very good
168
Average
36
Poor
13
Terrible
23
gkgill
43 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
Chose Simla as our first restaurant to dine at after lockdown. It was unbelievable, 10/10. Firstly, the food was truly incredible, it wasn't heavy or too oily which you get quite often with indian food. The food was light, but flavoursome! I had the crispy pakoras to start (i got 3 large ones in my starter which was a big portion for the price), they were SO good and just the right amount of spice. As a vegetarian I ordered the bengali channa, which was a big portion too and was so lovely.
The atmosphere, even during the current situation, was friendly and buzzing - but we also felt safe in the restaurant. The waiters were excellent, they paid attention to everything and knew the food and drinks menu off by heart - even recommending and explaining the dishes.
It is the perfect date night restaurant, but also a great place to go for a family or occasion meal. I will 100% be going back in a few weeks because I can't get over how impeccable the food and service was!
The manager personally escorted us out the restaurant too, and was very friendly and attentive. Thank you SO much!
Written July 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William M
Santiago1 contribution
Jan 2020 • none
Down on the Quayside on a Wednesday evening in January The Simla Restaurant looked good through the window so two of us went inside and were quickly given a table and made welcome by Abdul and the staff. A Chicken Steamer Curry, some Aloo Matar Gobi, Bengali Channa and Palak Paneer together with a naan bread and basmati rice provided a carefully cooked and tasty meal at a good price. Abdul was also happy to indulge my efforts at conversational Hindi/Urdu as I am planning a trip to the sub-continent sometime soon. So it’s Shukriya ( thank you) from me and a rating of Bohut Achaa (very good) W.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Izai
8 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
This is my second time here after my boyfriend had highly recommended it. This is the best curry I’ve ever had! On my second visit I tried the lamb shank rogan josh which was incredible. Every meal I have had here has been like no other, the flavours are amazing and it’s not like generic curries you tend to find.
For the price you receive an incredibly high end meal, situated less than 5 minutes from the quayside.
Will always come back here and as always staff make us feel welcomed. The atmosphere is warm and friendly. I’d advise booking as it is popular but even so there are nearby places you can drink in if you have to wait for a table.
Highly recommend.
Written August 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maloha1
Leeds4 contributions
Sep 2020 • family
Took my mum out for her first post lockdown meal and what a fab experience it was. Emailed to make our reservation and got a very quick response back confirming the same. Full covid safety measures in place and most importantly exceptionally clean.
Abdul and other staff were highly attentive and took very good care of us. I would highly recommend the ‘sea king scallops’ and ‘achari paneer tikka’ for starters but our favourite by far was the ‘mango green salad’. The ‘mixed tarka dal’ was so tasty as was the ‘grilled masala fish’. We were even given a dish on the house to try! The menu is varied and had a good amount of vegetarian dishes as well as non-veg and fish.
For dessert we had ‘gulabjamun’ which was a good sized portion and lovely and warm along with ‘masala teas’ to end our evening. Abdul ensured we had our teas just right which we were very touched by. My mum is a huge spice fan and she was given a bag of green chillis to take home with her by one of the attentive members of staff.
Overall it was such a lovely experience as opposed to simply going for a nice meal - we’ve been to some Indian Michelin’s around the world and this place isn’t far from those experiences.
I would recommend making a reservation as the restaurant was very popular with passing people wanting a table. We definitely can’t wait to go back.
Written September 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin
North Shields4 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
I needed to have a quick tea after work but before a concert. I hadn't been to the Simla for a few years, so thought it about time I went back. I got in just in time because they were fully booked later on. Their fixed price early evening menu was good value and the food very tasty. I told them I needed to be quick and they were very responsive to my request. As I said to the manager, I had been going there off and on since the 80s, so he gave me a complimentary glass of wine, which was very nice!
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chrisgordas
Gateshead50 contributions
Aug 2020 • couples
My husband and I visited the restaurant on the Monday 3rd of August. The food, drinks and service were amazing. The offer eat out to help out was on and even though the prices were reasonable for what we had, getting £20 off our bill was a huge bonus. The front of house lady was very friendly and made us feel very welcome. Thankyou Simla we will be back.🙂
Written August 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LanceJones1
Glasgow127 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
I do love a good quality curry and while visiting Newcastle on business I noted all of the very good reviews for Simla's.
I would recommend booking a table in advance as the place was absolutely jumping when I went (admittedly a Saturday night) whilst it isnt the biggest in terms of size, tables, etc.
The staff were all excellent, well mannered, humourous and polite throughout our time here and the courses were served up in good time as well.
Both of our curries were sensational, as was our garlic chilli chicken starter and the price was reasonable as well for what you got.
I'd definitely recommend Simla's to anyone that likes a good curry.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sukifish
Wickersley54 contributions
Oct 2020 • family
Came here yesterday (13th October 2020) with my husband and son (dropping him off at uni) so we're not local but wanted to treat him to a nice Indian meal before we left him. I cannot praise this place enough, from start to finish everything was spot on.
We were warmly greeted and shown to our table, the waiter gave us the menus and pointed out their special set menu £14 for a starter, curry and 1 side (rice or naan) we opted for this and wasn't disappointed. Chicken Tikka and Pakoras chosen for staters and 2 lamb bhuna & 1 chicken tikka masala curries. Waiter suggested 2 naan and maybe 1 rice (& maybe another rice if hungry) we were! All the food was delicious, hot and fresh. We all said it was one of the best Indians we've had in a long time. This set menu is such fantastic value. I'd definitely recommend it. Made all the more special by the surrounding & service.
I can honestly say this is the best service I have ever received in a restaurant, so friendly and attentive without being overbearing, genuinely kind and interested in our stay.
I can't wait until we can return for a repeat visit. Top marks 10/10
Written October 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dexter Cheung
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • none
My partner and I went for dinner the other night and we ordered the lamb masala and chicken tikka. They don't specify it on the menu but the lamb masala was something else, would highly recommend it. We had some peshwari naan to go with the curry and it was great as well. The waiters were generally very nice, and the food was served quickly. We even got a glass of wine at the end for free cause I guess we were new customers. While the price is on the high side, I'd say it's definitely worth it for the quality of the food.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jo T
York19 contributions
Jan 2020 • family
Visited with my daughter on her return to university. Food was delicious! We loved the pineapple and carrot chutney which came with our poppadoms and, on complimenting it, were given an extra portion which was a nice touch. With our mains we were not sure which dishes we wanted so we were recommended to try four side portions instead of going for two main portions for a wider variety. Excellent piece of advice; we opted for four vegetarian dishes and were definitely spoilt with all the delicious flavours. Our peshwari naan has to be one of the nicest we have ever tasted.
Service was also excellent with our waiter taking the time to interact with us, even offering us a further dish to try on the house! Can not fault anything and will definitely return.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MistaGee
Crewe162 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Eating out on a Saturday night anywhere in Newcastle will require booking (or a long wait) so booking here is highly recommended. This is a very popular restaurant so will be busy during peak time.
Food is excellent, great tasting dishes and presented well. You won't get massive portions of muck here. Just the best quality served by excellent staff who are very accommodating.
I'd highly recommend
Written March 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather M
7 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
We had the most fantastic end to our trip in Newcastle thanks to Abdul and the other fab staff at Simla. We both had one of the best meals of our lives, and I have to point out how well I was treated and catered for as a vegan.
Most of the veggie dishes are or can be made vegan friendly and the Dal tarka I had last night is honestly one of the best meals I've ever had - such delicate and well balanced flavours. Abdul took extra trouble to reassure me that everything had been cooked and prepared to be vegan friendly.
They are really passionate about catering to the vegan community so I would highly recommend it to any veggies and vegans out there. My fiance also loved his lamb shank Rogan Josh - it was lovely to eat together somewhere that catered so well for both of us. Thank you so much. Next time we are in Newcastle we will be back - this place really is a little hidden gem!
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jasmine B
Durham1 contribution
Feb 2020 • couples
Went on a Tuesday evening and had such a lovely time. Mentioned I was vegan and the gentleman serving us was so nice and accommodating, saying he would ensure everything used for my food would be cleaned beforehand. We had poppadoms, four of the vegetarian dishes in the smaller size, some rice and some chapatti and it was all so delicious. Staff were so lovely throughout. Will definitely be returning and recommending to my vegan friends.
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charlie Pattison
Newcastle upon Tyne1 contribution
Feb 2020 • family
Absolutely wonderful restaurant especially as I have an allergy to dairy and eggs and they were more than capable to cater for both despite not having an allergens menu. I talked the waiter through my order and my food was altered so it was suitable for both allergies, I was even offered a chapatti which wasn't on the menu to cater for my allergies (which was delicious). The food was absolutely amazing along with the service, and I was even given a whiskey at the end of the meal on the house. All in all a fantastic visit and I will absolutely be visiting again.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maria B
Wallsend87 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
Fabulous restaurant with a great atmosphere, the food is freshly prepared and delicious, we opted for chicken saag and chingri malai curries with saffron rice and a peshwari nan bread and every bite was a joy. Let’s get back to eating out and supporting our local restaurants.
They have hands free sanitiser points as you enter/exit and have the space to distance if you have concerns re covid.
Written July 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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