Business Details
37 Years
experience
Authentic Indian Dining in Cardiff
We are proud to be Cardiff's longest-established Indian restaurant, serving authentic cuisine for over 35 years. Our commitment to quality has earned us Investors in People accreditation, a prestigious national benchmark of business excellence. Through decades of culinary expertise, we blend traditional Indian techniques with contemporary presentation, delivered in stylish surroundings by attentive staff. Recognised as Asian Restaurant of the Year (South Wales) 2025, we maintain our reputation through consistent quality across both dining and takeaway services.Our extensive menu features classic dishes alongside modern creations, all prepared with carefully sourced ingredients. With over 113 positive reviews and 21,206 dishes served, we continue to provide exceptional value without compromising on taste or service standards. Sami and our experienced team remain dedicated to creating memorable dining experiences that keep customers returning year after year.
Services
Indian Dining
Takeaway Service
Private Bookings
Contemporary Indian Cuisine
Award-Winning Dishes
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- Established in Cardiff for over 35 years with proven culinary expertise
- Maintain Investors in People accreditation for staff development excellence
- Award-winning menu combining traditional and contemporary Indian cuisine
- Consistently rated among South Wales' top Indian restaurants
- Dedicated team led by experienced restaurateur Sami
Associations and certifications
- Investors in People
What people say
Excellent service
Delicious food
Lovely staff
Reasonable prices
Enjoyable evening
Services
Indian Dining
Our restaurant offers traditional Indian dining with contemporary presentation. Guests enjoy expertly prepared dishes in stylish surroundings, served by attentive staff committed to creating memorable experiences. The menu features regional specialities alongside modern interpretations.
Takeaway Service
Order authentic Indian cuisine for collection with guaranteed freshness and temperature control. Our takeaway service maintains the same quality standards as dining in, with over 10 years of loyal customers returning weekly for hot, fresh meals.
Private Bookings
Host special occasions in our dedicated dining space with tailored menus and service. We accommodate groups of all sizes with flexible seating arrangements and personalised attention to dietary requirements and preferences.
Contemporary Indian Cuisine
Our chefs create innovative dishes that blend traditional techniques with modern presentation. Each plate combines authentic spices with contemporary plating, offering familiar favourites with exciting new interpretations that surprise and delight diners.
Award-Winning Service
Recognised as Asian Restaurant of the Year 2025 for South Wales, our service standards match our culinary excellence. Staff receive regular training to maintain Investors in People accreditation, ensuring consistently high levels of customer care.
People
Sami
Owner
With over 35 years in the hospitality industry, Sami established Cardiff's first Indian restaurant to critical acclaim. His leadership maintains Investors in People accreditation while ensuring menu innovation and service excellence.
Questions
What type of cuisine do you serve?
We specialise in authentic Indian cuisine with both traditional and contemporary dishes, using regional spices and cooking techniques perfected over 35 years.
Do you offer takeaway services?
Yes, our popular takeaway service provides hot, fresh Indian meals for collection, maintaining the same quality standards as our restaurant dishes.
Are private bookings available?
We offer private dining options for groups with tailored menus and dedicated service, accommodating special requirements and event needs.
What awards have you won?
We received the Asian Restaurant of the Year 2025 award for South Wales, reflecting our consistent quality across food, service and customer experience.
What are your opening hours?
We serve dinner Sunday-Thursday 5:30pm-11pm, Friday-Saturday 5:30pm-midnight, with Saturday lunch service 12pm-2pm.
Reviews (6)
Nigel Sutton
Dec 14, 2021
Report
Fantastic food full of taste and more than enough. Excellent value. Great team serving too. 100% recommended.
Phil West
Nov 09, 2021
Report
The food was some of the best Indian we have ever had and the staff were so friendly - even allowing us to have a photo with the chef. We really enjoyed the entire experience and would not hesitate to come back in the future, if we were ever in the area!
Khimpi Dutta
Oct 26, 2021
Report
I have been to this restaurant twice. First time, in 2020. Food was excellent and service was good. I remember that we especially loved the Peshawari naan. It had a good filling and was just so tasty. We also took our friends there, who loved the naan very much. After after dinner, both me and my husband got a upset stomach. This time we went a week ago, (after having tried a lot of Indian food takeaway in a year), I was a little bit disappointed with the quantity of the food but it was still delicious. We went with our same friends who loved it last time. But this time around the naan was not
Sheema S.
Aug 29, 2021
Report
Visited Empire during our break in Wales, and the hospitality, service and food were all faultless. The staff were so lovely and personable and the food was some of the best Indian food Ive had! Will definitely visit next time in Cardiff!
Amreen Mussa
Aug 24, 2021
Report
First time in Wales. The restaurant exceeded expectations. The staff were lovely and polite. The food was amazing and not too expensive. I would definitely visit again and recommend this place to everyone!
Claire Louise
Aug 21, 2021
Report
First time at Empire this evening. Friendly warm welcome from all the staff. Food was outstanding! Fresh and full of flavour! I had the tikka Bhuna special which was so tasty. Hubby had a lamb jalfrezi which he said was outstanding. We will be back.
