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Empire EmpireAMust Try

Name: Empire Empire
Address: 16 All Saints Rd, London W11 1HH, London, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.6

16 All Saints Rd, London W11 1HH · Indian restaurant · 4.6/5 Google (344 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout

Inventive Punjabi-leaning Indian with standout butter chicken, biryanis, and warm service in a compact, lively room—excellent food, premium pricing, and tight seating.

Why it gets an A for overall quality

Empire Empire stands among the region's finest dining establishments through exceptional food quality—particularly the signature butter chicken and lamb shank biryani—paired with outstanding service warmth and attentiveness. Consistent execution across repeat visits reinforces its reputation as a neighborhood staple worth a special trip. Tight seating and premium pricing are minor trade-offs for genuinely personal hospitality and ingredient-led modern Punjabi cooking that exemplifies what makes Notting Hill dining exceptional.

Restaurant Summary

The room feels warm and bustling with a playful Bollywood disco thread, compact tables, and staff who seem genuinely delighted to host. Guests describe service as personal and attentive, with servers steering diners to the right spice level and surprising birthday touches. One diner put it simply: "Food that sings, delivered with relaxed polish." Seating can feel tight, but the vibe leans neighborhood gem over formal destination. The cooking leans modern Punjabi with thoughtful twists: comforting classics elevated rather than bells-and-whistles showmanship. The butter chicken is the star with its lush tomato-fenugreek depth; lamb shank dum biryani, kale chaat, and prawn pakoras round out the greatest hits. A few reviews mention dry biryani or muted spice, but most praise focused seasoning and ingredient-led balance. Prices reflect a chef-driven kitchen and Notting Hill address; pair mains with rice and bread for a satisfying spread. For families, this is kid-manageable thanks to mild dishes like butter chicken, naan, rice, and even masala chips that children enjoy. There is no formal kids menu on the current list, but staff are helpful with allergies and clear allergen cards. If your child prefers very plain food, plan to anchor the order with the gentler classics and avoid the spicier curries.

At a Glance

Standout butter chicken, lamb biryani, prawn pakoras, and kale chaat
Genuinely warm, personal service with smart recommendations
Tight tables and lively noise; some feel rushed during timed seatings
Pricing is premium; portions read modest to some diners
Good allergy handling with an allergen card and staff guidance

What Sets It Apart

signature_butter_chicken
chef_led_biryanis
bollywood_disco_vibe_in_small_space

What People Love

Rich, balanced butter chicken that feels special
Playful starters like kale chaat and prawn pakoras
Warm, attentive servers who tailor spice and dishes
A lively, cozy vibe that still feels personal
Creative desserts that end the meal on a high note

Points of Concern

Space is tight; tables are close and can feel cramped during busy services
Some report timed seatings and feeling rushed at peak hours
Portion sizes and sides pricing can surprise; add bread and rice to round out
Occasional inconsistency—isolated dry biryani or muted spice reports

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost£44-60 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Pair a main (e.g., Butter Chicken £18) with Jeera Saffron Pulao (£4.5) and Garlic Naan (£4.75) for balance.
Start with Prawn Pakoras (£10) or Kale Chaat (£9) to preview the kitchen style.
Dessert share: Gulab Jamun Cheesecake (£7) to split after rich curries.

Perfect For

Date night with shared plates and a cocktail
Small celebrations and birthdays with friendly touches
Neighborhood dinner when you want elevated Indian classics
Visitors seeking a modern take on Punjabi flavors

Location Insights

Area: Trendy West London enclave with boutiques, market energy, and affluent residential streets; draws both locals and destination diners.

Safety: Generally safe and well-trafficked; typical busy evenings around bars and restaurants.

Nearby: Near Portobello Road Market; mix of neighborhood regulars and visitors; nightlife and retail nearby.

Notting HillA trendy and eclectic neighborhood famous for its colorful townhouses, boutique shops, high-end dining, and the renowned Portobello Road Market. The area blends historic charm with contemporary urban sophistication.

Westbourne GroveA stylish sub-area within Notting Hill known for designer boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and a chic, cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday Tuesday12:00–15:00, 17:30–22:00 Wednesday12:00–15:00, 17:30–22:00 Thursday12:00–15:00, 17:30–22:00 Friday12:00–15:00, 17:30–22:00 Saturday12:00–22:00 Sunday12:00–21:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout

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