India is a multicultural society and the Indian cuisine is as diverse as its culture, languages, religion and its people. This diversity has given birth to varied healthy, enticingly aromatic and abundantly flavorful dishes with herbal benefits. Indian food is fast becoming world's most devoured ethnic cuisine and Empress of India brings the best quality of authentic Indian food to your community.For unforgettable celebrations, let us bring our dazzling array of Indian delights to your next special event! 103 King Street North Waterloo, Ontario N2J 2X5 Phone: 519-883-1314 Fax: 519-883-1389 | Order Onlinemore...See more text
As we walked in the restaurant we were the first ones to arrive noticing the last couple items for the buffet were just coming out. Everything looked and smelt great. Our server was a male and he was very friendly and kind, he explained what was in the buffet very clearly and then we were able to start.
The Empress of India offers 14 items for their lunch buffet, 8 hot items and 6 cold. We were also happy to see they had a very good vegetarian selection. As we were eating we all talked about how much flavour the food had. However the food had a little bit spice to it, but nobody really minded since it was so good! The restaurant filled up after 15-20 minutes, but the server was able to contol it very well.
As we are not locals , We will still return to the Empress of India for it's very fine food.
Please do not be deterred by previous restaurant reviews as they do not do justice to this restaurant whatsoever. In response to food fiend: I've been going to empress of india in waterloo since they've opened. It is a family owned restaurant, owned and operated by a father and son. All recipes are a combination of their passionate chefs ideas, and owners wife (both born and raised in india.) I personally have met the chef on several occasions, he even gave me a tour of the kitchen as I am a regular customer at their restaurant and they are very enthusiastic and passionate about food and love to share. Anyone who has ever been to empress of india can tell you it is not too dark in there, they use natural daylight during the day with big windows and it creates a lovely simple atmosphere. It is always busy as they have flavourful and rich dishes with a delicious twist. The food is also very authentic but however appeals to white people as well. Spicy but doesn't burn your mouth. The food is always fresh and steaming hot, and i have never once been disappointed by service or the food. and yes white people do work there? I was unaware this was a crime. But they are just as passionate and educated about the food, and they are able to recommend personal favourites depending on customers personal preferences. and i'm sorry did he call the butter chicken bland? just go for yourself and you will too laugh at this, as it is far from such. Anyway please ignore those with hidden motives, I would not want you to miss out on a great dining experience.
100% the best indian food in the tri-cities. The food had so much flavour and looked so fresh. The atmosphere was modern and looked very nice inside. Our sever was very freindly and he was able to answer all our questions and give great reccomandations. The price may seem high to others but for a fine dining establishment i believe the prices are very fair. We have recommended this restaurant to many of our freinds and they have all agreed that the food is amazing and to die for.
I really don't understand why the one restaurant review was tearing empress of india apart. The restaurant was very busy and the servers were doing a great job of handling the place. Many of the other customers were also talking about how great the food was. I really do reccomend this place if you are trying to find some really good indian food in waterloo. By far the best place and will easily return.
Wonderful experience with wonderful food. We have been to many Indian restaurants over the years and this has to be one of the best. Friendly service not often seen these days in a clean, welcoming establishment. Would highly recommend to anyone.
Love the food and it's our usual Indian food place.
Was shocked getting take out that an order of butter chicken, daal, 2 naan and pampadum cost 42.00
Oh and the rice is no linger included when you order a main dish.
Live the food, great naan, but too pricy in a saturated market. I'll be frequenting places that are almost as good but much more affordable. Hopefully they will run some promotions in the coupon magazines to get me back. I dont mind driving farther if I feelnit is worth it for the quality. But prices like that will keep me away. Maybe a loyalty card?
I have gone here numerous times with my girlfriend and friends, and I just keep on coming back! Seriously one of the best restaurants in town if you are feeling like having Indian. We have always gone for the Lunch Buffett which will come out to under $15. The nan bread is a must for anyone visiting, it is simply delicious. The servers are very friendly, I always tip. The food is phenomenal, my favorite is the lamb curry. I definately reccomend it to anyone, it is a great place for anyone to go to, whether with that special someone, friends, or family. Go! =)
One of the best in town, go and give it a try. You gonna like it for sure...I have been several times for personal visits and professional parties as well...It is very good...some of the dishes are AWESOME....
I am an Indian and I recommend it to every non-indians and of course, indian too..
Small, nicely decorated restaurant tucked away off King. Large lunch buffet as advertised with Lamb Vindaloo, Chicken Masala, Chicken Tandoori and other classics. The spice flavors were good and not too hot. Cool off with raita, a yogurt and cucumber dish, in this hot weather. I hope they mix up the buffet and have different dishes on occassion.
We loved the restaurant that used to live at this location (it was our favourite place in the region), and were happy to see that someone had opened another Indian restaurant here, and that they too were using a Tandoori oven.
The atmosphere was more modern than what used to be here, but did not have any character. I missed the familiarity of the old cramped booths, and the same Indian music CD on repeat. Not to mention the old owners and staff.
The food was average Indian for the area. The Butter Chicken was not very flavorful and there was not much chicken. The Paneer Pakora, one of my favourite dishes at the previous restaurant, was awful: greasy, rubbery, too much batter, and definitely not worth what they're charging. However, the Naan was terrific, and saved the meal. We contemplated just ordering Naan in the future and getting our curry from somewhere else. The basmati rice that came with our curry was quite good, but we were a bit upset we couldn't forgo the rice and substitute the Naan, which other restaurants in this area do offer as an option. The Mango Lassi was quite good.
The service was slow, considering the number of people there, about 5 others in total. The Paneer, which we ordered as an appetizer was forgotten, and we had to remind the server once we could get her attention again, which was about halfway through the meal.
I don't think we'll be going back anytime soon, maybe a takeout order for Naan someday.
This was our first time here and we are so glad we chose it! AMAZING food! Probably the best indian food we have had in the Waterloo region! we had a great server, the pakora appie was a generous portion, the chicken tikka was perfect & fresh, and the lentil curry that our waitress recommended was rich & delicious. A perfect experience! We will most definitely come back!
