Jewel Balti, Chepstow Road, Newport. IN a town with a multitude of Indian restaurants, The Jewel Balti, on Chepstow Road, Newport, is a real diamond.

Boasting a promise to "see your meal freshly prepared in our open kitchen" and having recently been awarded a place in the Good Restaurant Guide, it had plenty of Eastern promise.

While the food was of the highest quality, the service was outstanding, with the waiters making you feel at home with a professional air.

There's plenty of choice on the menu, from the traditional dishes found at every Indian restaurant to a selection of specialities.

To start, we had a King Prawn Butterfly, cooked in a mild, spicy sauce, and a fish kebab, which was similar to typical kebabs.

But it was with the main courses that the restaurant really came into its own. We ordered chicken Jewel Balti Korrai, which was easily enough for two people, and a Chicken Tikka Dupiaza, both of which were of the highest standard.

Delicious as they were, the accompanying mushroom bhajee and peshwari naan bread we had ordered were really not needed, and we both left the restaurant well fed.

If the turkey sandwiches get too much over the festive season, the Jewel Balti comes with the highest recommendation.

At £35.80 for a two-course meal for two, plus three rounds of drinks, it won't blow the bank, and will make a welcome change over the Christmas holiday. Gemma Collins