THIS restaurant is just one of a handful of gastronomic treasures that could attract discerning diners from Southampton and Winchester to the streets of Eastleigh.

The plush eatery with its modern setting would not look out of place in the top curry districts of London and sits nicely in Leigh Road overlooking the park and the theatre.

The decor is stunning and boasts an open view kitchen.

Arriving early I had a few drinks in the comfortable sofa-lined entrance waiting for my companion to make her way to the 140-seater restaurant as I soaked up the atmosphere.

When she arrived I was relieved to find out that she was a fan of hot curries.

To start with we went through a few poppadoms and then I had my usual mixed kebab while she went for onion bhajis, both of which were perfectly cooked and served with yoghurt and salad.

For my main I picked naga chicken which is made with paste from this fierce chilli and served in a bhoona sauce.

This fiery dish is not for limp-wristed korma eaters but once you get past the heat it is delicious and full of flavour – a must try for madras lovers keen for something different.

My companion had a chicken jalfrezi, which is chicken tikka cooked with fried onions, peppers and green chillies.

This is a perfect dish for anyone who likes dry, hot Indian food.

Again this chicken was perfectly cooked and almost as hot as my order.

We split a chilli naan which was also extremely spicy and not too doughy as they sometimes can be.

This is one of a number of restaurants making Eastleigh an increasingly appealing place to come for a meal and would stand up favourably to any other eatery in the county.

After trying the restaurant menu, I have used the takeaway services several times and have found the chefs are equally proficient when it comes to cooking milder dishes.

51 Leigh Road, Eastleigh 023 8065 0819