North East Pride as Raval Named Fine Dining Indian Restaurant of the Year

Newcastle–Gateshead restaurant brings Indian dining honour home and dedicates recognition to its team, guests and “the great people of the North East”

A Newcastle–Gateshead restaurant is celebrating after being named Fine Dining Indian Restaurant of the Year at the Indian Restaurant Summit & Honours 2026 – Regional Edition.

Raval Indian Brasserie & Bar, overlooking the Newcastle skyline beside the iconic Tyne Bridge, received the recognition at The Edwardian Manchester on Monday, 21 September.

The honour was presented as part of Restaurant India's regional gathering of leading restaurateurs, chefs, hospitality entrepreneurs and industry figures.

The Manchester event follows the Indian Restaurant Congress & Awards Global Edition held in London earlier this year, as the long-running Restaurant India platform expands its international and regional presence in the UK.

The Regional Edition brought together prominent figures from Indian dining and the wider hospitality industry, with Michelin-starred culinary expertise represented among the event's speakers and judging panel.

For the team at Raval, however, the recognition is about much more than bringing an award back to the North East.

Nas Islam, General Manager of Raval Indian Brasserie & Bar, said:

“We are incredibly proud and genuinely humbled. This is a very special moment for the whole Raval family.

“This recognition belongs to our fantastic team. Behind every plate that leaves our kitchen and every guest we welcome through our doors are passionate people who care deeply about what they do. Their skill, commitment and teamwork make Raval what it is, and I couldn't be prouder of them.

“Most importantly, we want to thank the wonderful people of Newcastle, Gateshead and across the North East. The support we receive from this region is something we never take for granted.

“People choose to dine with us, celebrate important moments with us, bring their families and friends, recommend us and come back to see us. That loyalty means more than any award ever could.

“We are enormously proud to call the North East our home and proud to represent this great region.

“This one is for our team, our guests and the great people of the North East. From the whole Raval family — thank you.”

A journey through India from the banks of the Tyne

Raval's approach to contemporary Indian dining explores the diverse regional and coastal cuisines of India, with cooking over fire, charcoal and the tandoor playing a central role in the kitchen.

Its menus combine carefully selected British produce with Indian spices and traditional techniques, while its six-course Chef's Tasting Experience takes diners on a culinary journey through different regions of India.

The tasting experience travels from Bombay, with Lobster & Mango, to Kerala with Injii Lamb Cutlets; Tamil Nadu with King Prawn Sukkah; Delhi with Maska Chicken Tikka Masala; and Goa with Salmon Kodi, before finishing with a North Indian-inspired dessert.

The food is served from Raval's distinctive location beside the Tyne Bridge, overlooking the Newcastle skyline, where the restaurant welcomes diners from Newcastle, Gateshead and across the North East alongside visitors to the area's hotels, businesses, music and cultural venues.

For Raval, fine dining extends beyond what arrives on the plate to encompass the complete guest experience — from the welcome at the door to the cooking, service and atmosphere throughout the evening.

A wider stage for Indian dining

Restaurant India's Indian Restaurant Congress and awards platform has developed over more than a decade, bringing together restaurant operators, chefs, hospitality leaders and businesses from across the food and beverage industry.

Its 2026 programme expanded internationally with a Global Edition in London before moving north to Manchester for the Regional Edition.

The Manchester Summit & Honours combined industry discussion, networking and recognition, with its judging panel drawn from culinary, restaurant and media backgrounds. The event's official programme identifies EY as Official Tabulator.

The Fine Dining Indian Restaurant of the Year category recognises restaurants demonstrating high standards across culinary craftsmanship, service, ambience and the overall guest experience.

For Raval, bringing that recognition back across the Pennines made the occasion particularly meaningful.

Nas added:

“Bringing this recognition home to the North East makes it particularly special.

“There are some fantastic restaurants and incredibly talented hospitality people across our region. We are proud to be part of that community and proud whenever Newcastle and Gateshead are recognised on a wider stage.”

For the Raval team, the focus remains on what matters most — welcoming guests through the doors and continuing to develop its approach to modern Indian hospitality.

“Awards are wonderful moments for the team, but what matters every day is the experience we give the person sitting at the table in front of us,” Nas said.

“That is what keeps us moving forward.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

Raval Indian Brasserie & Bar is located on Church Street, Gateshead, beside the iconic Tyne Bridge and overlooking the Newcastle skyline.

Raval specialises in regional and coastal Indian cuisine, with fire, charcoal and tandoor cooking central to its culinary approach.

The Indian Restaurant Summit & Honours 2026 – Regional Edition took place at The Edwardian Manchester on 21 September 2026. The Manchester gathering forms part of Restaurant India's wider Congress, Summit and Honours platform.

High-resolution photographs of the Raval team, the award and the restaurant are available for publication.

Media enquiries:
Sarah Smith
Marketing Manager at Raval
Sarah@ravalrestaurant.com