After migrating from India's Punjab region nine years ago with a diploma of hospitality and experience at five-star restaurants in India under her belt, Manpreet Sekhon set to work at Geelong eateries to become familiar with the local scene before recently opening a restaurant of her own, Eastern Spice.

"I have drawn on my Punjabi heritage and lifelong love of cooking to create a short, regularly changing menu that's beyond endless curries," says Sekhon.

Her focus is on good quality fresh ingredients, with every dish having its own well-balanced flavour.

"Butter chicken and lamb rogan josh are my late mum's recipes while blue swimmer crab tikki, fresh scallop coconut curry and anjeer kofta, studded with fig and pomegranate, are all proving popular," she says.

"Mum always used a lot of betel leaf in desserts so I make my own paste for the paan kulfi [ice-cream], which we unmould at the table."

Dishes are plated with a contemporary edge, attentive staff decked out in black with vibrant multi-hued vests add a further touch of flair and the concise wine list, dotted with local and global offerings, has been designed to match the food.

Nestled beside parkland with panoramic views of Eastern Beach, the L-shaped dining room features a smart charcoal and cream fitout with comfortable seating and banquettes. Tables are dressed with crisp white linen and quality tableware.

Open Tue-Sun 5.30pm-10pm.

1 Bellerine Street, Geelong, 03 5221 9544, easternspice.com.au