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Empress Of India

Restaurant Indian restaurant Asian restaurant Halal restaurant North indian restaurant Modern indian restaurant

One of the Most Reviewed Indian restaurants in Waterloo


Address

34 King St S, Waterloo, ON N2J 2X5, Canada

Website

www.empressindia.ca

Contact

+1 519-883-1314

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.00 (916 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 11:30 am to 11 pm
  • Saturday: 11:30 am to 11 pm
  • Sunday: 11:30 am to 11 pm
  • Monday: 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 4:30 to 11 pm
  • Tuesday: 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 4:30 to 11 pm
  • Wednesday: 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 4:30 to 11 pm
  • Thursday: 11:30 am to 11 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Indian (18) good (18) restaurant (16) service (11) great (11) India (9) spot (9) ordered (9) Empress (8) dishes (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Jeet S. 2 years ago on Google
    Ordered food here for first and last time. Taste was average. But portions were too small for $16 compared to other places. And containers were literally half full. Never been there before so I don't know if it's always like this or they did it just because of the deal on uber eats buy one get one free. Seems like they just divided one portion into 2 and delivered the order. Won't order again because all other places give double the size of portion for $16.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lokesh g. 5 months ago on Google
    Empress of India is a cozy spot that serves up delicious Indian dishes. I visited this place and found the owner has changed. The owner and staff is super friendly and makes you feel at home. Top Picks: 1. Butter Chicken: Creamy and full of flavor, it’s a must-try. 2. Vegetable Biryani: A hearty mix of veggies and spices in fragrant rice – simply satisfying. 3. Garlic Naan: Soft, garlicky goodness that pairs perfectly with any main course. Don’t miss the Mango Lassi – it’s a refreshing delight. The place has a nice vibe which makes the dining experience special. Great spot for those wanting a taste of authentic Indian flavors in a Kitchener Waterloo.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 H G. 5 months ago on Google
    As someone from India who's lived in various regions there, I can definitely say this restaurant captures authentic Indian flavors. I had their mixed platter for starters where the shrimp and lamb kebab stood out, order the cauliflower wings for Veg it super crispy and yumm. For the main course, we ordered the Bhuna lamb, and Chicken Korma and it was really tasty. What surprised me was the complimentary bread or rice served with, that's a rarity coz other GTA restaurants where it's usually an extra charge. I learned that new management took over recently, which might explain the noticeable improvement in food quality. In my opinion, the 3.9 stars rating on google defo undervalues its offerings.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Preethi R. 3 years ago on Google
    Ordered a chicken fried rice . The chef and the owner understood the meaning of Hakka in a different way. Worst preparation ever. Either remove fried rice from your menu or change your restaurant name.....if you cannt make a simple fried rice good then wondering how the other dishes are....
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 IMRAN 5 months ago on Google
    Visiting since last 2years, excellent food, neat and clean. Fully professional and serving on time, budget friendly, parking on street, prime downtown location what else you need then!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ruchi P. 2 years ago on Google
    This restaurant serves authentic Indian food. I have tried vegetarian cuisine at many places, but I liked this place’s food better. They do have good options for vegetarians like me. Customer service is also great. The music adds the sparkle to the place. Will definitely recommend this place to anybody missing India for food.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anjali S. 5 months ago on Google
    I am a regular customer at Empress. When I saw their Instagram post announcing a change in management, I was curious to see if this had impacted the food's taste. To my delight, it was even better than before! I noticed the same servers, so I asked one of them about the change. They confirmed that everything, including the chefs, remained the same and only the management had undergone a revision. I can see that everything has improved, and the new owner always attends to the customers' needs attentively. I appreciate this personalized touch and will certainly continue my visits! I ordered shahi koftas and garlic naan, which never disappoint. Additionally, I am a fan of their Hakka noodles, and I make sure to order them extra spicy each time I visit. Their hot cauliflower wings were also delightful and are a must-try! I ended the meal with Rasmalai, and it was equally satisfying. The overall ambience and vibes are pleasing, consistently delivering a full fine-dining experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Japeesh K. 1 year ago on Google
    # Best food ever # absolutely delicious 😇🙃 One of the reasons that people enjoy coming to a great restaurant is that when an extraordinary meal is placed in front of them, they feel honored, respected, and even a little bit loved. EMPRESS OF INDIA, 34 king Street, Waterloo Best place to enjoy Indian delicacies ❤️😊
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Amber H. 1 year ago on Google
    The food was vary good. I've now tried several of their dishes and everything was vary nicely made and presented. My absolute favorite has to be the lamb korma! Unfortunately I didn't take a pic of that but these are 2 other dishes we had ordered and they were great as well. The staff were friendly but the issue I found was the service was vary slow, starting from just being noticed for seating. I've been twice now, once when it was much quieter and again when it was more busy and neither situation changed the speed to which the service was given.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marisa V. 1 year ago on Google
    A great place for Indian cuisine! Definitely come with friends as the portions are huge and definitely filling! There are lots of options to choose from. We got the vegetable samosa, royal butter chicken, Shahi kofta, rasmalai, and Gulab jamun. They were all so good and so flavourful! The atmosphere of the restaurant is nice and usually not that busy I find. The staff are also very friendly!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joseph T. 2 years ago on Google
    This spot is my favorite in the Waterloo region for South Asian food and culture. The dine in area is clean, appropriate lightening, excellent seating, and has a classy look to it. The employees there are easy going, caring, and nice folks. I tend to order Chicken Korma and Rasmalai for desert, hands down best in town. If your looking for a nice restaurant to go to on a date night or with family and friends while eating quality South Asia food, this is the spot.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vijay G. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the best Indian restaurants in Waterloo. The Hakka and vegetarian dishes are outstanding. Their service is excellent. Jyoti, who has worked there for many years, makes amazing cups of Indian Chai. I have been their customer for over 10 years and have never been disappointed. Highly recommended!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 EatIn O. 2 years ago on Google
    Recently, I was craving Indian food which is why I ordered lunch from Empress of India at 34 King Street S, Waterloo, ON, N2J 2X5. Located in Uptown Waterloo, this restaurant is known for its authentic Indian and Indo-Chinese dishes! Let’s get on with what I ordered! I ordered a plate of Chaat Papri and a bowl of Rasmalai. With a delicious combination of yoghurt, mint chutney, and tamarind chutney topping up the crisps and chickpeas, the Chaat Papri was full of flavour and delight! The Rasmalai was simply an addition to the perfection with the aromatic saffron and delicious pistachios bringing an end to the lunch! Ever since I moved to Waterloo, Empress of India has been my go-to when I miss home-cooked food. To hear about this review, follow us @eatinontario on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mugdha G. 2 years ago on Google
    I always ordered in from Empress of India, but this time I dined in and it was such a good experience. The food is great, as always, the service is really good and the cleanliness is also good. Overall a good experience and I’m surely going here again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shubham K. 1 year ago on Google
    They have variety of North Indian cuisines. Their tandoori chicken is a must have. We also tried shahi kofta and garlic naan and both were awesome. Paneer tikka was little bit dry. Overall it's nice Indian restaurant with good ambience and moderate service. A little bit pricier than the competition but still worth because of the amazing taste.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Anna C. 2 years ago on Google
    great taste! super authentic. but for portions, the price is WAY too high and you can go to other places that offer the same authentic taste at a lower price point. otherwise it’s great :)

  • 5/5 Regan 1 year ago on Google
    Consistently delicious! I have visited a few times and have had amazing food every time. The staff are very friendly and efficient and the restaurant itself has a nice atmosphere.

  • 5/5 Mark C. 2 years ago on Google
    First rate Indian food, with lots of choice. The seafood is especially great. Generous portions and perfect seasoning. Staff is amazing and courteous. If you dine in, you are treated to a current Indian music video channel.A real treat.

  • 5/5 Nancy H. 5 months ago on Google
    This place is amazing! Super lovely decor and the food is spectacular! The butter chicken and Naan was my ultimate favorite! Service was super fast and friendly! Definitely recommend trying this place!

  • 5/5 Nisha P. 4 months ago on Google
    A Culinary delight at Empress of India My recent visit to Empress of India was a delight from start to finish. I visited this restaurant 3 days ago. One of my friends suggested me this so I had to visit from Vaughan as I live in Vaughan. I ordered multiple dishes. The standout Manchurian set the tone with its perfect blend of spices. The mango shake and lassi were refreshing and impeccably presented—so good, I ordered the lassi three times! The cauliflower wings were an irresistible vegetarian revelation, and the butter paneer a true masterpiece in rich, satisfying curry. The menu's authenticity showcased the chef's expertise, making every dish a flavorful journey. The attentive service and cozy atmosphere enhanced the experience. Empress of India is now a favorite, offering Indo-Chinese delights, creamy lassis, and innovative vegetarian options. Can't wait to return for more culinary treasures!

  • 1/5 james f. 2 years ago on Google
    Worst service I’ve ever experienced. Only one other group in the entire restaurant and they seated us directly beside them, not even 2 feet away. We asked to move. They moved us, then a new group was seated directly beside us when there were countless other tables they could’ve been seated at. When we expressed to the waitress that someone in our group is at risk and we can’t have people seated so close, the waitress mumbled and walked away and did not acknowledge our request. Decent food though.

  • 4/5 Anirban B. 2 years ago on Google
    Liked their Tandoori Chicken and the Hakka Noodles most. Chilli Chicken dry was good too. Overall, a good Indian restaurant with good flavors.

  • 5/5 Vaibhav S. 4 months ago on Google
    Today,I went here with my family for dinner.We tried Hot and garlic cauliflower wings ,Paneer Tikka ,Garlic Naan, Tandoori roti,Mango shake ,Pista kulfi.Taste was up to the expectations. I loved the mango shake so much that I could not stop myself ordering for the second time. We ended our dinner with delicious Kulfi and I would recommend Pista kulfi. Overall nice staff and good service.Will visit again for sure.

  • 5/5 Cindy H. 4 months ago on Google
    One of the best Indian restaurants I’ve been to by far! The tandoori chicken and samosas were my favourite. Chicken was not at all dry and a large portion. The sever was wonderful and attentive and the decor is beautiful. Will definitely be going back!

  • 5/5 Angie O. 8 months ago on Google
    My daughter celebrated her 16th bday there with 9 of her friends. Upon placing their orders, the manager told them they didn’t order enough food and brought them TWO more dishes on the house. Such hospitality along with their delicious food.

  • 5/5 Charlotte R. 8 months ago on Google
    Was shown this place by a friend for my birthday and I was very happy. The food was very good, the service was quick, our server was very friendly, and the atmosphere is great. I love listening to the music they play, and I love how cozy it feels. 10/10 would recommend and will definitely go again!

  • 5/5 sangita .. 9 months ago on Google
    The lamb biriyani is spicy but great flavors and good portion size. The naan and malai kofta is as good as it gets.

  • 1/5 Sanjay P. 2 years ago on Google
    For food delivery drivers, This restaurant doesn’t have their dedicated parking spot and haven’t disclosed it in their delivery app. App has a description for drivers to park across the street in public parking spot. If you can’t find spot there you have to drive around looking for a spot. If you end up calling the restaurant, staff member will instruct you to do the same. If you like to waste time finding spot around half a kilometre area and walk to pick up food, accept their delivery orders. In my opinion, Delivery platform should have restrictions over such restaurant and remove them from their platform due to accessibility issue.

  • 5/5 Arvinder S. 1 year ago on Google
    Best Restaurant for Indian food in whole GTA. go there and enjoy indian food with no compromise on quality and quantity. Lovely owner and staff. Don't forgot the Mango and Avocado shakes that go well with food.

  • 5/5 Larry G. 1 year ago on Google
    Their lamb korma was good, service too. UPD: One of a few Indian restaurants still serving real korma with powdered cashews in the sauce. Service is great as well as drinks. Attached: anarosh One answer I got in another restaurant serving a regular brown colour curry instead of creamy nutty korma was they were afraid of allergies but in reality it could be any reason from saving on ingredients to recipe differences depending on region.


Call +1 519-883-1314 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Paid parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
    • ✓️ Free of charge street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Halal food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Organic dishes
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
    • ✓️ Counter service
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ No-contact delivery

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