IT is National Curry Week so look no further if you want an excuse for a takeaway this weekend.

To celebrate the 'nation's favourite dish', we have taken to Tripadvisor to create a shortlist of the Indian restaurants in Warrington where the spice is right.

1. Bombay 8, Gemini

It is not the easiest curryhouse to get to but this restaurant comes second to naan. Its reputation precedes it with it often appearing in our Food and Drink Awards as well as it currently topping Tripadvisor.

More recently, reviewers have talked about the Indian's 'excellent' Covid-19 precautions.

One said: "Really lovely restaurant. Staff were great and the food was so tasty. As always ordered way too much but so glad we sampled so much. Curries were packed with flavour."

2. Lalkilla, Orford

People have been pouring back into the highly popular Lalkilla for post lockdown curries.

A reviewer said: "Great prices and Indian feast deals. Food is always hot and tasty. Massive potions so you could share with friends. The service is outstanding and Ron the owner is very friendly and welcoming.

"He chats with you plus serves you and nothing is to big or small for him. Highly recommend this Indian."

3. Eastern Revive, Stockton Heath

Eastern Revive – which also has restaurants in Knutsford and Wilmslow – is known for its meticulous standards.

A Tripadvisor writer said: "This really is a fantastic restaurant. Fabulous menu with some superb chef's specials.

"The garlic chilli lamb chops are incredible.

"The Darjeeling chicken is a favourite of mine and is always stunning. If you're after something a little hotter, check out the Eastern Revive Jalfrezi. The staff here are brilliant too."

4. Cardamon, Stockton Heath

Two in the top five are from Stockton Heath so curry fans are spoilt for choice when going for a meal or getting take out.

This year, Cardamon has celebrated receiving a Travellers' Choice award from Tripadvisor and a five-star rating for hygiene.

One visitor said: "Fantastic restaurant. The ambience created by the lovely decor is really welcoming and special. Attentive staff, very helpful in making choices and explaining the dishes.

"The quality of the food was superb. Quality ingredients are obviously used and great pride taken in preparation and presentation."

5. The Raj, Culcheth

The Raj has been serving traditional cuisine to Culcheth for 15 years.

One couple ordered a takeaway from the restaurant for their wedding anniversary during the lockdown.

The reviewer said: "The meal was superb, I do a lot of Indian cooking at home so I know a good Indian when I eat one.

"I had the paneer pakora and veg jalfrezi, my husband had the fish pakora and lamb pathia which he loved. Can't recommend highly enough and can't wait to go as a restaurant when the lockdown is over."

6. The Cottage, Church Street

A new waiter is making an impression at town centre favourite, The Cottage, a contemporary Indian in a Tudor building.

One guest said: "Food was delicious, atmosphere amazing and service even better. We were looked after by a new waiter and he was amazing.

"Very attentive and determined to make our meal a great experience."

Another added: "Best meal experience our taste buds have encountered. New waiter was attentive understanding and gave expert service. Will be back soon."

7. Cinnamon Lounge, Sankey Street

Another Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice award-winner which has been serving Warrington for 30 years.

A reviewer said: "Absolutely amazing food and service. The prices are so reasonable for the amazing quality of food. The staff are so helpful and polite. Great choice of starters and sides and mains.

"All of the food had great flavour and was delicious. Every person in our party was perfectly catered for and enjoyed their food. The atmosphere was intimate, the place was not loud – we could all have a lovely chat across the table and enjoy each other’s conversations."

8. Ozmi, Winwick Road

Adapting to the 'new normal', a recent reviewer talked about Ozmi's 'amazing' takeaway service.

She said: "Poppadoms, chicken chat, lamb chop starters, chicken dhansak, chef's special, lamb bhuna and chicken tikka masala with mushroom rice and naan bread. All delicious.

"Service was excellent. Arrived on time. Would definitely recommend and was also reasonably priced."

9. Spice of India, Cuerdley

Located in the former Cuerdley Cross pub, a reviewer described Spice of India as 'a little hidden place which nobody would expect'.

They added: "This place is one of the rare gems in Warrington. Having visited many Indian restaurants around the country, I know what a good curry is – and the Spice of India delivers.

"The flavours come through well. The naan bread is made fresh to order and cooked traditionally in a tandoor oven – how it should be."

10. Chennai, Glazebury

Formerly The Foresters Arms, Chennai is described as a stylish modern Indian restaurant.

A visitor said: "Faultless food and service. Brilliant choice throughout the whole menu. This will now be our go-to venue, I'm sure.

"Value for money and something for everyone even if you don't like it hot. We had a variety of main meals in regards to spice from zero up to three on the guide on the menu.

"All dishes had amazing layers of flavour and spice without it blowing your head off."