Tucked into suburban Merewether, Sapphire Indian Restaurant has been a local favourite since its establishment on Glebe Road nearly eight years ago.

The restaurant’s loyal customers have been coming back to this suburban gem, drawn in by Sapphire’s exceptional food and service.

Sapphire wouldn’t be the beloved restaurant it is today without owner Saurabh Prabhakar. Originally from North India, he started Sapphire with a simple motivation.

“I am very passionate about food, especially Indian cuisine. I wanted the people of Newcastle to taste and experience authentic Indian dishes,” Saurabh said.

After becoming a chef in 2007 and moving to Newcastle in 2009, Saurabh eventually decided to combine his love of food and his new city when he opened Sapphire in 2015.

He was met with success, and even decided to renovate during the pandemic to meet growing demand.

“The restaurant became very popular. Even after doing two table seatings, we did not have enough tables for the customers as the demand was too high."

"So, we decided to increase the capacity of the restaurant, and the pandemic was the perfect time to do it.”

The renovations opened up the interior to create more space, and added a modern look to the restaurant’s exterior that distinguishes it further from the houses on the block.

The menu has plenty of customer favourites, and it packs a serious punch when it comes to flavour and variety. Whether you dine in or takeaway, it’s always an experience to remember.

“We offer traditional North Indian food. We are very popular for our Lamb Cutlets, Veg Manchurian, Nazuk Kofta and Goat Madras curry. All these dishes paired with Cheese Garlic Naan will take you to heaven,” Saurabh said.

The delicious dishes don’t stop there. Begin your meal with a more-ish starter like Chilli Paneer, Tandoori Chicken Wings or Garlic Prawns. 

There’s plenty of choice when it comes to your main dish, with extensive vegetable, chicken, goat, lamb, beef and seafood options available. Sample authentic flavours with Lamb Madras, Goan Fish Curry, Palak Paneer and Chicken Jalfrezi, among many other complex, freshly-spiced dishes.

Scoop up your curry with a bread like Roti or Butter Naan, and complement your dish with an assortment of sides and dips like Kashmiri Pulao (rice cooked with nuts and sultanas), Raita and Chilli Pickle. 

Are you dining with a bigger group? For groups of four people or more, Sapphire has three different banquet menus, so you can try a selection of their dishes, from starters to desserts.

Excitingly, plant-based diets are catered for at Sapphire. The restaurant has a vegan menu available upon request, all of which can be done takeaway too!

If you’re a Sapphire fan, you’ll be pleased to know that the team isn’t slowing down any time soon.

“I will continue to work hard in the restaurant. I want to serve our people quality, top-notch food,” Saurabh said.

Sapphire Indian Restaurant is an ideal choice for the nights both your tummy and soul need warming with a big bowl of rice and curry.