Alishaan Restaurant Durham

Alishaan Indian Restaurant is an award-winning establishment in Durham City that uniquely offers both fine and casual dining experiences. The restaurant serves authentic Indian cuisine from every corner of India, featuring traditional and classical favourites alongside original and innovative dishes. The menu incorporates eastern flavours with contemporary western twists, prepared by some of the finest and most authentic chefs who create dishes using traditional spices, herbs, textures and flavours. Located in a prominent position on North Road, Alishaan has become a Durham institution, known for its excellent service, friendly and welcoming staff, and consistently high-quality food. The restaurant has built a loyal following over many years, with customers praising both the dining experience and takeaway service.

Prices:

Alishaan Restaurant Durham operates a mid-range pricing structure with several discount options available. Customers ordering takeaway and collection receive a 20% discount on their orders. Students benefit from an enhanced 30% discount on takeaway and collection orders. Diners eating in the restaurant receive a 10% discount. The menu features an extensive range of dishes across various price points.

Starter dishes range from £3.95 for items like Onion Bhaji and Vegetable Pakora, up to £7.95 for Tandoori King Prawn. Mid-range starters, including Chicken Pakora, Sheek Kebab, and Samosa, are priced at £4.95. Speciality starters such as the Alishaan Platter and Alishaan Mixed Kebab are available at £6.45. The restaurant accepts orders through Uber Eats with a minimum order value of £10.

Facilities and Features:

Alishaan provides comprehensive dining facilities catering to various customer preferences. The restaurant offers both fine dining and casual dining environments within a spacious, beautifully decorated interior that reflects traditional Indian restaurant aesthetics with modern touches. The establishment features authentic tandoor ovens for traditional cooking methods. Table booking is available for customers planning to dine in, ensuring a guaranteed spot during busy periods. A full takeaway and collection service operates during all opening hours, with significant discounts available. Delivery service is provided through Uber Eats for customers preferring home delivery.

The extensive menu includes multiple sections: starters, mains, signature dishes, balti dishes, sides, rice dishes, and various naan breads, including Plain Naan and Stuffed Paratha. The kitchen prepares dishes from chicken, lamb, duck, fish, prawn, king prawn, and cheese (paneer). Vegetarian options are well-represented throughout the menu, with dedicated vegetarian dishes and gluten-free choices available. The restaurant specifically accommodates food allergies and special dietary requirements, with staff trained to assist customers with specific needs.

Customers are encouraged to inform the hospitality team of any allergies or dietary restrictions. Popular signature dishes include King Prawn specialities such as King Prawn Zalfrezi, King Prawn Biryani, and King Prawn Makhani. The restaurant maintains high standards of cleanliness, with customers frequently commenting on the spotless condition of the premises.

Accessibility Information:

Specific accessibility information regarding wheelchair access, disabled facilities, or other accessibility features was not available in the researched sources.

Parking or Transport Notes:

Alishaan benefits from an excellent location on North Road, positioned approximately two-thirds of the way up from Durham train station, making it highly accessible for visitors arriving by rail. The restaurant is easily located by anyone arriving in the historic city by train, with a straightforward walking route from the station. It is also conveniently situated near bus stations, providing good public transport links. For customers driving to the restaurant, free parking is available in the nearby area after 6:00 PM, coinciding with the restaurant’s opening hours. The central Durham location means the restaurant is within walking distance of the city centre and other local attractions.

Additional Information:

Alishaan holds a Food Hygiene Rating of 3, awarded following an inspection on 27 February 2025 by Durham County Council. The inspection found the restaurant “Generally satisfactory” across all three assessed areas: hygienic food handling, cleanliness and condition of facilities and building, and management of food safety. The restaurant maintains strong customer ratings across multiple platforms, including a 4.6-star rating on Uber Eats based on over 340 reviews. On TripAdvisor, Alishaan is recognised as a long-established Durham restaurant with many loyal customers.

Regular patrons report visiting for 8-9 years consistently, a testament to the restaurant’s sustained quality. Customer reviews consistently highlight several popular dishes: Chicken Tikka, various King Prawn specialities, tender Lamb Shank, and the aromatic Garlic Naan. The restaurant is frequently described as “the best Indian restaurant in Durham” by reviewers. The atmosphere is noted as vibrant and welcoming, with background music contributing to the dining ambience. Service standards receive particular praise, with staff described as professional, friendly, attentive, and making guests feel valued. The restaurant caters well to various occasions, from casual dinners to family celebrations and special events.