Rupali 1977 - Newcastle's Curry Capital

Established in 1977, Rupali is one of those old school curry houses that validates why the cuisine is a long standing favourite for this nation. Situated in the heart of Newcastle the ever glamorous Bigg market of course, makes Rupali a regular venue for many of the city's patrons. They arrogantly boast a solid reputation holding various awards for their notorious 'curry hell'; numerous celebrity visits and even Gordon Ramsey's recommendation. And in all fairness, the food is very good. Authenticity and quality ingredients are well employed across all of their dishes, making every trip enjoyable. 

You can expect good service in their clean-cut, albeit rather small restaurant up the random flight of stairs near Bambu. And like the vast majority of Indian restaurants, they offer all of the expected 'classics' or rather generic dishes that you can rely on. They also offer a selection of more interesting speciality dishes, although these can be a little expensive given the portion size. Sadly, their special thali dishes (a steel platter of a variety of dishes, rices, bread and dessert - iconic of dining in thousands of India's cafes) has been stripped from the menu. Clearly they've focused on a more profitable à la carte style menu, which is a real shame.

That said, there isn't anything wrong with Rupali, their dishes are indeed very tasty. They've just lost some of their spice based magic. Unless of course you are hunting for heat... if you are particularly keen to tempt a Indian style bout of explosive visits to the toilet, then their naga chilli enriched 'curry hell' will leave you sweating in places you didn't think it were possible. And you haven't burnt most of your tongue off/a hole in your trousers and come to finish it you will get the meal for free. Bargain!....sort of. 80%

Dabbawal - Street Food Sensation

Unfortunately due to the grossly vast number of generic "Indian" restaurants that have populated this country since the 80's the majority of people think Indian cuisine is solely based on meat in sauce, dry old rice and a bit of limp bread. Wrong. Indian food is highly diverse and should be vibrant, fresh and certainly not just in the form of dog food like dishes. Thankfully there are a handful of properly Indian restaurant in Newcastle that are striving to smash this backward tradition. Rasa on the Quayside has covered Keralan cuisine like an absolute boss, whereas Dabbawal has taken a different approach and produced a perfectly mixed menu that encompasses the cuisine of various regions of India. India is all about real, none-pretencious food. And Dabbawal has used the street food theme to express how interesting and different the cuisine really can be. Food that can be both highly energetic in terms of flavours and spice as well as elegant and perfectly well balanced. Their menu depicts how they're also no scared of incorporating new elements into classic dishes such as their brilliant Duck Nilgiri and Punjabi Chicken Lollipops. But they haven't neglected true street food favourites like their chaats, Railway Lamb Curry and Gol Guppa. The restaurant is just as fresh and well presented as their menu and dishes. You can also expect friendly and knowledgeable service alongside a good wine menu. Indian food is all about brutally delicious flavours, if you don't like your spice then maybe you should stick to parmos and cheesy chips. The only downside to Dabbawal is that it's a little on the expensive side and portions sizes aren't massive. However if you're ready to hoy that feeble chicken tikka massala in the bin and try something that's both authentically Indian and hugely flavoursome, then Dabbawal have the spice sensations you need. Food quality is very good to, so don't worry about the heat smashing your back doors in/out. 89%

The Lock and Key Restaurant - A Steal!

Some restaurants tart themselves like many of the Bigg market's Saturday night clientele, serving very amateur and weak cuisine under the guise of a stylish modern restaurant. Playing the 'contemporary card' coupled with over zealous price tags can often fool many a restaurant goer. But you can roll a turd in truffle oil all you want, it's still going to smell of sh*t, even if it costs a lot. On the other hand, there are some restaurants that are quite the opposite....the relatively new Lock and Key Restaurant is a prime example. Situated in a shady and confused pub/bar hybrid near St James', this gastro-pub is likely to go unnoticed by the majority people. But their very fairly priced menu is surprisingly strong, offering some classic dishes delivered to a good standard. The Lock and Key is no Cafe 21, but with a decent wallet friendly menu, various cost-cutting set menus and 2-4-1 cocktail deals....you literally cannot go wrong! Interesting starters such as "Black pudding Magic"; very affordable Chateaubriand, shoulder of lamb and sea bass mains; as well as crème brûlée for a mere £3.50 all make the Fat Spoon very happy. OK, the menu makes about as much sense as the city centre's roads, but for what you are paying, a visit to The Lock and Key is sure to make for a very prosperous meal out. You will receive typical Geordie pub hospitality, which is charming of course....but don't expect anyone to ask if they can take your coat, unless you are hoping to never see it again. 75%

El Torero - Tapas Without the Nonsense

Unfortunately tapas - the Spanish concept of smaller plates to be served as light snacks or combined with other dishes to make a varied meal, was murdered by a confusingly popular restaurant franchise that shall be left unnamed. Thankfully, however, there are still a handful of restaurants in Newcastle that will deliver flavoursome Spanish cuisine without molesting the authenticity or by overpricing their worth. A strong example of such a restaurant is El Torero, which is quite well hidden, but well worth the find. El Torero trumps all of those generic second-rate Spanish restaurants by offering a large range of wholesome but interesting dishes. The classics are all there, but are elevated with a sound selection of paellas, pork with blue cheese, braised lamb and spicy black sausage dishes. Life is too short to spend your time in lazy restaurants that aren't daring enough to offer you more exotic and intriguing food. El torero doesn't disappoint in this avenue. The interior is dated but pleasant and the service is friendly and very Spanish. Spanish to the point where sign language and drawings might be more useful than verbal communication. But it is good service nonetheless. 77%

Santana's Jesmond - An Italian with Budget Brilliance!

Looking for authentic Italian food that doesn't cost the world? Then you needn't look elsewhere. Santana's is a proper Italian restaurant that delivers expertly cooked and substantial cuisine, but unlike most good Italian restaurants, they don't charge obscene prices. Although the menu isn't at all outlandish, there are a few interesting quirks as well as classics that are all worth sampling. If you are looking to splash the cash, they have a great selection of wines and some brilliant fillet steak, Sea-bass and king prawn dishes. The deep fried brie is a crucial starter to opt for. The level of service is good, although some of the younger waiting staff are a little untrained, they do offer friendly and welcoming service across the board. But where Santana's really hits its stride is the sheer mind-boggling value for money of their set menus. Even the stingiest of students can't complain at 3 course lunch for less than £4! A strongly recommended restaurant for anyone, regardless of their budget. 84%

Electric East - Fizzling Fusion Food

If you're looking for something interesting, fresh and vibrant, then Electric East is definitely where you need to be. The branding and décor are as exciting as their multi-national menu, offering a vast array of dishes from across Asia. The Fat Spoon loves variety and Electric East's tapas style menu really does satisfy this hunger for diversity. They pull this off exceptionally well, without compromising on quality of ingredients or standard of cooking. Although the dishes have been adapted for a western palate and aren't as hot as they should be, they still boast masses of flavour and aromaticity. Whether you opt for Pad Thai, the Legendary Shaking Beef, Tadka Dhal or Pork and Peanut Caramel Scallops, you will be extremely satisfied. The staff are as energetic and welcoming as the the atmosphere of the restaurant. Although the eatery is coupled with a decent 'trendy bar', coming here without sampling the cuisine would be sheer blasphemy. This Pan-Asian restaurant is certainly unique, get yourself along to experience 6 months worth of travelling across Asia on a plate... well several plates. 90%

Café Rouge - The French Response

With Newcastle being one of the few British cities that refuses to taste the effects of the recession, another franchise held in high esteem sees itself brought to the city. Café Rouge has over 120 installations across the country, and this is reflected by their well refined menu. It covers all bases with simple set menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as some classic French dishes on the set menu. Again although the food is tasty, well cooked and offers some high quality ingredients that you don't see every day, the menu is let down by lacking in something more exotic and interesting. Where is the Escargot?! That said, the level of service is great and the sharp decor give the restaurant a real continental feel. It may well be the best French restaurant in the city centre, but that's because it's the only French restaurant in the city centre. French food could certainly be better represented by a more authentic independent restaurant. 74%

Gusto Newcastle - A Classy Italian

Despite being an Italian franchise restaurant, Gustos does indeed manage to keep it's head above water amongst the big boys on Newcastle's Quayside. Although there isn't anything particularly outlandish on their menu, there is something for everyone and every dish is prepared with true Italian finesse. The starters, meat mains and fish dishes demonstrate their ability to deliver quality produce that tastes great, that really suits their well balanced wine menu. And their range of pasta, risotto and pizza are all also well prepared and give you good portions at relatively acceptable prices. The venue itself is well suited to their cuisine, with outdoor being perfect for a hot summers day, and the inside giving you a nice view of the Quayside on an evening. And of course the Italian's excel at desserts, the nutella and mascarpone calzone is a more essential choice than your underpants. The service is also excellent. All in all, a pretty good Italian restaurant considering it is a chain, just lacking on a few special touches in their menu (as a lot of chain restaurants often do!) 81%

The Stand - Food That isn't a Joke

The Stand's primary function may be to provide Newcastle with a wide and diverse range of comedy acts, but it's "Box Office Bistro" restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Amongst a very simple cafe/restaurant can be found an excellently executed contemporary lunch and dinner menu. A variety of bold but balanced dishes are to be had, with Japanese, Mediterranean and Moroccan influences that utilise local produce. With every dish presented superbly and brimming with taste and finesse you would expect a hefty price tag. But again The Stand surprises us by offering all of these great dishes as part of a fairly priced set menu. Excellent table service, a decent bar and having the option to see some great comedy acts for very reasonable prices all make for an excellent and alternative evening. Wednesday night showcases Newcastle's home-grown new and upcoming talent for a minuscule £2, although some of these acts are about as funny as a kick in the groin, some of the other acts are great. All in all, a great little restaurant that is worth a visit in it's own right. An absolute must for fans of comedy. 87%

Las Iguanas - Latin Lovin'

Despite being a relatively widespread franchise, Las Iguanas really does dish out an abundance of Latin passion. Every aspect of the restaurant, from menu, to drinks, to decor and music really create a radiant Hispanic feel that will leave feeling like you've just walked into Latin America. They offer a wide range of classic fajitas, enchiladas and tacos as well as a plethora of more interesting and exotic Brazilian dishes and Barbacoa. The cuisine is consistently good, rich in tantalising flavours that will leave you tingling with Latin spirit! Las Iguanas also doubles up as a great cocktail bar, that avoids the mundane usual classic cocktails and substitutes them with a range of sensual Latin American and Caribbean inspired cocktails and punches. The price tag on the food and drinks is fairly reasonable, but the experience delivered by the great food and pleasant staff will leave the vast majority of restaurant goers very content! 84%

Singh's Indian Restaurant-Affordably Authentic

The site itself my look like an abandoned warehouse at the edge of the Bronx, but once you've been welcomed inside you will be pleasantly surprised. As you step into the Punjabi banquet hall you will be met by an aura of a luxury, greeted by very friendly staff and mesmerised by the spice infused aroma of Indian cuisine. The menu is truly representative of Punjabi cuisine, right down to the home-made style classics such as saag paneer and tinda masala. The dishes are well prepared and accurately seasoned, but without the degree of fire that is customary to Punjabi food, although this may disappoint some. You won't find yourself drowning in grease like you would in some of Newcastle's more questionable Indian restaurants either. Best of all the pricing if the menu is extremely favourable, there are even discounts available for students and gourmet society card members too. Although Singh's isn't the calibre of some of the higher end Indian restaurants in Newcastle, it is an absolute must for those hunting for credible Punjabi cuisine for a fair price. 71%

The Butterfly Cabinet - High Calibre Big Breakfast

The great English breakfast just got serious. The Butterfly Cabinet certainly isn't the place for a hangover destroying grease fix, this is the place for an outstanding gourmet fry up. Turn up with a hangover and you will be annihilated. The sheer quality of locally sourced ingredients is guaranteed to blow any other greasy spoon out of the water. The staff are welcoming and will even accommodate you with a pint of beer at the right time of day.The menu exhibits finesse on new levels of breakfast excellence, but anyone keen to test their mettle should take on 'The Business'. A platter that accounts for every bit of high quality British based products that you would expect on a big English. Tackle it if you dare, but it has beaten champions. But not the Fat Spoon of course! 86%

Rasa - Keralan Cuisine at it's Finest

Unorthadox curry from India's southern most state, and completely unlike any other curry you've had before. Having travelled in Kerala the Fat Spoon can vouch that the food cooked up at Rasa is truly authentic. Expect a vast variety of dishes of more exotic flavours and styles than your usual curry house. Dosas are a speciality of the South and are a must try, as are the unusual poppadoms and most of the menu to be fair. The seafood and lamb dishes are particularly outstanding. And if you're man enough, take on the "Rasa Feast", its literally more food than you could ever possibly manage. But if your the kind of person that always seeks out the chicken tikka massala on a menu, don't bother...your not worthy of Rasa. A little pricey, but well worth the quality food and excellent service. Final verdict...If you haven't been there yet, throw your tea in the bin and go there now! 91%

The Silk Room Restaurant - Gourmet Excellence

This quayside gem offers an excellent range of expertly prepared contemporary dishes, at relatively fair prices. The set menu's are always well put together, with a dish to please every taste at a more affordable price range. Although the intimate and soothing décor is great. The range of ambrosial champagne and cocktails are outstanding if you want to splash the cash. And the soulful music really sets the mood...but for the Fat Spoon, its all about the food! Visually impressive and innovative dishes really make this place well worth a visit. Perfect for special occasions, and very happy to take on larger table reservations. The Silk room's customer service would rival Buckingham palace, always a bonus when you're eating out. Overall, a Pant-wettingly good little restaurant. 88%