Curry Leaf is the kind of neighbourhood Indian restaurant people bookmark and return to. Set at 8 Susans Road, Eastbourne BN21 3HA, it blends comforting classics with well-executed house specials, warm service, and reliable delivery. Guests consistently mention attentive staff who greet at the door, food that arrives hot, and thoughtful touches like complimentary poppadoms with mango pickle and yogurt. Whether someone is craving a rich Balti, a bright and tangy Dhansak, or a sizzling Tandoori Grill, this kitchen focuses on freshness, generous portions, and balanced spice. For locals and visitors alike, it’s a go-to for dine-in, takeaway, or an easy phone order after a long day by the seafront.
Services
• Dine-in with friendly, attentive table service (chef often checks on guests).
• Takeaway and delivery across Eastbourne; meals arrive hot and well-packaged.
• Phone ordering with helpful staff; discounts and extras offered at times.
• Wide vegetarian selection; vegan-friendly options on request.
• Freshly made breads (naan, including keema) and rice sides (mushroom rice is popular).
• Ideal for casual dinners, family outings, and repeat weeknight orders.
• Authentic atmosphere with a comfortable, relaxed dining room.
Menu
Starters
• Onion Bhajis: crisp and well-fried, the classic way to start.
• Mixed Kebabs: tandoori-spiced bites that showcase smokiness from the clay oven.
• Samosas and Pakoras: light, crunchy, and perfect for sharing.
• Mint Sauce & Salads: refreshing, with fresh salad served alongside.
Tandoori & Grills
• Tandoori Grill Platter: a favourite for variety and charred flavour.
• Chicken Tikka: tender pieces marinated in spices and roasted to juicy perfection.
Curries & House Specials
• King Prawn Balti: butterfly-cut prawns in a mild, moreish sauce—often called “top shelf”.
• Chicken Tikka Dupiaza: aromatic onions and spices with melt-in-the-mouth chicken.
• Dhansak: the benchmark dish—sweet, sour, and gently hot, with plenty of sauce.
• Korai: sizzling and fragrant, with a robust pepper-tomato profile.
• Tikka Masala: creamy and mildly spiced; a dependable choice for comfort seekers.
Sides & Breads
• Naan Breads (plain, garlic, keema): soft, squishy, and perfect for scooping sauces.
• Mushroom Rice & Pilau Rice: well-cooked grains that complement any curry.
• Bombay Potatoes: tender, fully cooked, and lightly spiced.
Pros
• Consistently hot delivery and generous portions that feel like value.
• Warm, cheerful team; staff often remember regulars’ usual orders.
• Freshly cooked dishes with balanced spice rather than overpowering heat.
• Excellent tandoori and grill items for those who love smoky flavours.
• Central Eastbourne location, easy to reach before or after a seafront stroll.
Reviews
• “Lovely customer service” — A caller praised the kind, cheerful phone manner, a timely discount, and a delivery that arrived hot; they would “definitely recommend”.
• “Best King Prawn Balti” — A diner on a diet skipped bread and rice but still raved about juicy, butterfly-cut prawns and a mild, addictive sauce; staff were “very attentive” and the room felt authentic.
• “Fresh and satisfying” — Guests highlighted squishy naan, standout Korai and Dhansak, tender chicken in every dish, and perfectly cooked rice; mint sauce was thinner than expected, but overall they were very happy.
• “Chef’s touch matters” — One regular loved that the chef came out to chat; Chicken Tikka Dupiaza with mushroom rice impressed, and they wouldn’t go anywhere else for a curry fix.
• “Reliable every trip” — Frequent visitors to Eastbourne said food and service remain fantastic; the Tandoori Grill was a delicious addition to their usual picks, and free extras with delivery were a welcome surprise.
If someone is searching for an Indian restaurant in Eastbourne that blends friendly service with reliably tasty classics—think Dhansak done right, a standout Balti, and soft naan—Curry Leaf earns its reputation. Book a table for a relaxed dine-in, or call ahead for a hot delivery night in; either way, it’s a dependable, flavour-forward choice on Susans Road.