Empire Restaurant — Restaurant in Karnataka

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Empire Restaurant, and overall, it was a delightful experience. From the moment I walked in, the ambience set the tone for a relaxed and enjoyable meal. The decor is tasteful and inviting, with soft lighting and comfortable seating that creates a perfect setting for both casual meals and special occasions. Whether you're coming with friends, family, or dining solo, the space feels warm and welcoming.

One of the standout aspects of Empire Restaurant is their excellent service. The staff were attentive, courteous, and well-informed about the menu. Our server was prompt and made sure our table was always clean, water was refilled on time, and food was served with care and attention to detail. Even though the restaurant was fairly busy during my visit, the team managed everything with professionalism and a smile.

Now on to the food—which is, of course, the star of any dining experience. I tried a few items during my visit: the biryani, chicken wings, and alfahm.

The biryani was absolutely delicious. Fragrant, perfectly spiced, and cooked to perfection, it struck the right balance between flavor and aroma. The rice was fluffy and well-layered with tender pieces of meat that melted in the mouth. It’s definitely a must-try and something I’d happily return for.

The chicken wings were another highlight. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a flavorful sauce that packed a punch without being overpowering. They were clearly prepared fresh and served hot. A perfect appetizer to kick off the meal.

The only letdown of the evening was the alfahm. While it looked appetizing and came in a generous portion, the taste didn’t quite live up to expectations. The meat was a bit dry and lacked the depth of flavor you typically hope for with alfahm. It wasn't inedible, but compared to the other items I tried, it felt like it was missing that signature marinade or cooking finesse that makes this dish shine. Hopefully, this is just a one-off issue, and with a few tweaks, it could match the high standard set by the rest of the menu.

Despite the alfahm falling short, the overall experience at Empire Restaurant was very satisfying. The combination of a welcoming atmosphere, top-notch service, and mostly excellent food makes it a place I’d recommend to anyone looking to enjoy a hearty meal in a pleasant setting.

I’ll definitely be back to try more from their menu—and hopefully give the alfahm another shot if they’ve worked on...

Empire Restaurant exceeded all of my expectations and delivered an incredibly memorable dining experience. From the elegant ambiance to the impeccable service and delectable dishes, this restaurant left an indelible impression on me.

Upon entering Empire Restaurant, I was immediately taken aback by its sophisticated and stylish decor. The dim lighting created an intimate atmosphere, perfect for a romantic dinner or an evening with friends. The attention to detail in the design truly showcased the restaurant's commitment to creating a remarkable dining experience.

The staff at Empire Restaurant proved to be outstanding in every aspect. From the moment My Family walked in, we were greeted warmly and promptly seated. Our server, James, was attentive, knowledgeable, and had a genuine passion for the menu offerings. He guided us through the extensive menu and wine list, making fantastic recommendations that perfectly complemented our meal.

Now, let's talk about the food. Empire Restaurant truly shines in its culinary creations. The menu boasts a wide range of options, catering to various preferences and dietary restrictions. Each dish we ordered was exquisitely presented, showcasing the chef's dedication to both aesthetics and flavor.

The appetizers were a treat for the senses. The crispy calamari, immersed in a tangy and perfectly balanced marinara sauce, was a true pleasure to devour. The unique flavor combinations of the artisanal cheese board had my taste buds dancing with delight. Every bite was a revelation of new tastes and textures.

For the main course, the pan-seared sea bass was a definite standout. The fish was cooked to perfection, with a crispy skin and a tender, juicy interior that melted in my mouth. The accompanying sautéed spinach and lemon caper sauce elevated the dish to new heights. The menu also showcased a variety of other options, including vegetarian and plant-based dishes, ensuring a diverse range of choices for all guests.

In summary, Empire Restaurant sets itself apart as a premier dining establishment. The combination of elegant ambiance, exceptional service, and outstanding cuisine creates an unforgettable experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a memorable meal, Empire Restaurant is the place to be. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a truly extraordinary...

A Shadow of Its Former Self – HORRIBLE Experience at Empire

Visited with high expectations, hoping to relive the charm of the old Empire that was once an icon on Residency Road in the 1980s. Sadly, this visit proved that those glory days are long gone.

On the captain’s recommendation, I ordered the mutton varuval to go with my partner’s Kerala parotta. I specifically asked if the mutton would be soft—he assured me it would be. We also ordered a half plate of their so-called “Empire Special Chicken Kebab” and two rotis.

The green salad arrived first—without a salt shaker on the table. I had to ask the captain, who finally brought one after an unreasonable delay, citing he was “still filling it up.” That should’ve been done before service hours, not during.

When the salt shaker did arrive, it was jammed and unusable. I had to call him again, only for a steward to bring another. Meanwhile, the mutton varuval and parotta arrived—without the rotis or the kebab. Those came later, with the kebab quite literally dripping in oil, thanks to an overly thin batter. Shockingly, the portion even included a wing piece with barely any meat. Appalling.

As for the mutton varuval—it was anything but. The gravy was suspiciously thickened with cornflour, and the three pieces of “mutton” were mostly bone. I showed the bones to the captain, Mr. Raj Madre, and clearly stated, “We’re paying for mutton, not bones.” Any restaurant with an ounce of integrity would’ve waived the charge for what was essentially a plate of bones.

The bill? ₹700. For subpar food, poor service, and a team of suited managers who seemed more interested in strutting around than actually serving customers.

Empire is now all FLUFF, completely disconnected from the legacy it once held. I will never return and strongly suggest you...