Business Details
33 Years
experience
Experience Authentic Indian Cuisine in London
The Empress has been serving authentic Indian cuisine in Whitechapel since 1993. Our reputation is built on over two decades of excellence in fine dining, takeaway, and catering services. Recognised as a five-time winner of Best Indian Restaurant, we combine traditional recipes with premium ingredients to create dishes that satisfy every palate. Our accolades include multiple awards from Archant London Food & Drink, Tower Hamlets, and Chef of the Year accolades. We offer an extensive menu featuring vegetarian and non-vegetarian specialties, complemented by an international wine selection.With consistent operating hours since our founding, we provide reliable home delivery within a 3-mile radius and cater to events of all sizes, from intimate dinners to large-scale celebrations. Our experienced team ensures every customer receives attentive service, whether dining in, ordering takeaway, or booking our catering services. We maintain strict hygiene standards in food preparation and delivery, using proven packaging solutions. Located on Leman Street, we remain committed to preserving our legacy as a trusted culinary destination.
Services
Fine Dining
Takeaway
Outdoor Catering
Vegetarian Dishes
Non-Vegetarian Dishes
Wine Selection
Home Delivery
Event Catering
Table Reservation
Seasonal Menus
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- Over 20 years serving authentic Indian cuisine in Whitechapel
- Awarded Best Indian Restaurant five times for consistent quality
- Fast home delivery within 3-mile radius in under 45 minutes
- Extensive menu featuring diverse vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes
- Experienced chefs with multiple industry awards including Chef of the Year
Services
Fine Dining
Our restaurant provides an immersive Indian culinary experience with elegant presentation and attentive service. Chefs prepare traditional dishes using premium ingredients in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Regular patrons appreciate the balance of authenticity and modern presentation.
Takeaway
Available across Whitechapel and surrounding areas, our takeaway service maintains food quality during transit using hygienic packaging. Customers order directly through our online platform or phone reservations.
Outdoor Catering
We provide custom catering for events ranging from small gatherings to large celebrations. Our team handles menu planning, preparation, and service at your chosen location with professional efficiency.
Wine Selection
An international wine list complements our menu, featuring carefully selected reds, whites, and ross from renowned vineyards. Sommeliers recommend pairings that enhance traditional Indian spices and flavours.
Seasonal Menus
We offer limited-time menus for occasions like Christmas and special festivals. These curated selections feature traditional dishes with contemporary presentation while maintaining authentic flavour profiles.
Questions
Does The Empress offer home delivery services?
Yes, we provide home delivery within a 3-mile radius and guarantee food arrives within 45 minutes in hygienic packaging.
What awards has The Empress won?
We have received multiple awards including Best Indian Restaurant five times, Chef of the Year awards in 2006 and 2010, and the Food for Health Award 2012.
Are large group reservations available?
We welcome large parties and business socials. Contact the restaurant directly to reserve tables or arrange dedicated event spaces.
Do you cater for special dietary requirements?
Our menu includes extensive vegetarian options alongside non-vegetarian dishes. Please notify us of specific dietary needs when ordering.
Is there a children's menu available?
We offer milder versions of our dishes suitable for children. High chairs are available for younger guests dining in.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Cole M.
Jan 17, 2022
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A bartender next door at the brown bear told me about this restaurant and it was by far the best restaurant with the most flavor i have gone to in london. i'm from houston texas and I know my Indian food but i gotta leave it here when i say 100% best Indian food i have ever had. If you haven't gone then ur missing out. It's a little hole in the wall for sure but you gotta try it. Staff was super friendly and broke down the menu with us to find out exactly what we wanted. Garlic naan was super good.
Eugenia M.
Jan 16, 2022
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The place keeps putting spam letters in my inbox every week at night. Have you got no respect for the local area residents?
Ive eaten there once before Covid it was the worst food I had. Very oily and definitely not restaurant quality. Not coming back
Ive eaten there once before Covid it was the worst food I had. Very oily and definitely not restaurant quality. Not coming back
My Deli
Jan 11, 2022
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STAY AWAY from The Empress at Leman street. half of our group had cought COVID there after we had dinner. Very poor hygiene, and on top of that some homeless looking guy with dirty smelling bag pack enter the restaurant and goes into the kitchen. No sanitary or hand wash. It is a terribly bad experience and these placeses should be shut.
Debs Crawshaw
Dec 27, 2021
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Wow what can I say!!! Thanks foz and the staff .
Went here with fianc to celebrate our engagement . The food was incredible. I mean the lamb fell apart and the food was fresh. No additives or colourings!!! This was first visit on a trip to London. Food so good I would like to use these guys to cater at my wedding !!! Family run and lovely setting. Small but not cramped. You feel so looked after as if you are special.
Foz ( owner) was lovely and a story teller x
Went here with fianc to celebrate our engagement . The food was incredible. I mean the lamb fell apart and the food was fresh. No additives or colourings!!! This was first visit on a trip to London. Food so good I would like to use these guys to cater at my wedding !!! Family run and lovely setting. Small but not cramped. You feel so looked after as if you are special.
Foz ( owner) was lovely and a story teller x
