Spice Empire in Sunderland

Booked this meal for a pre meal before seeing Wicked a couple of months in advance. Arrived at 5pm and only 2 other people in , by 6 restaurant was full. Reception on arrival was nice - we were seated no choice of table. No one discussed any specials but we managed to order from menu own choices. I would have liked someone to ask if our meal was ok and if we wanted any additional drinks but this never happened. Food was very nice - I did think a sauce with the tikka would have been nice then when server was clearing away noticed one on table - we weren’t informed what it was or that it was there so not touched. Pricing was reasonable 4 meals / sides and drinks came to just over £100 - they did put a service charge on of £9 without asking or stating it was going to added which is a shame as we always tip but don’t like enforcement. Ambiance was nice in restaurant and very close up the Empire (2 mins walk) and 5 mins walk from bridges car park.

It's been a while since we last ate at this restaurant. The staff were friendly and polite during our visit. No comments about the food that we were served. Will definitely be returning.

I attended with a friend who was visiting from London. The restaurant is very pleasantly furnished and the staff were attentive and friendly. I opted for the lamb biryani, which was plentiful, tasty and well presented. The omelette covering the main dish was a welcome addition. It was reasonably priced and I look forward to visiting again.

From start to finish everything was amazing, decor,atmosphere, fabulous staff, then we ate the best Indian meal we’ve ever had and we’ve been to India 3 times , definitely going back

We arrived at a very busy time, the welcome was incredible, spent some time in the bar area before being seated. We were difficult table with many requests which the service managed so patiently and well. Food arrived, absolutely fabulous, all made exactly by our requests. Very tasty, flavorsome and served at exactly the right temperatures. Very friendly service, there when we needed them, otherwise they allowed us our own space. Highly. recommended, we will be back.

Venue was brilliant, Staff so accommodating. Food was tremendous. 10/10 all round. From everyone that has gone on in the city over the past few days. We need to stand strong and together with the businesses that are in the city Thank you spice empire and the team.

My wife and I visited this restaurant before a trip to the very close by Sunderland Empire Theatre. I had a Sheekh Kebab starter and she had Onion Bhajis. For main course, we shared a mushroom pilau rice and a tandoori naan to go with a Chicken Mashur and a Chicken Kashmiri. The service was fantastic and the food was great. The pilau rice was on the small side, but together with the naan, we certainly had enough to eat. The Mashur sauce was a little on the salty side, but they were my only two very slight negatives. Overall, a really high standard curry house and we will be back next time we visit the theatre. Highly recommended.

We came today as a family to celebrate our nieces birthday and from the start we got fantastic service, the starters where amazing the garlic king prawn was out of this world and the main was one of the best every. Thank you for a lovely afternoon. Definitely will be back.

Chose to go here late evening at 10pm for meal after Empire show. Service was good, waiters were attentive. Prices are average for the location of the restaurant. However felt overpriced given how poor the quality and quantity of the food. Ordered onion bhajis, which were cold, dry, burnt, bland and no raita sauce or salad. Had to send them back and ask to be taken off bill. Garlic chilli naan bread was small, again bland overcooked and dry. Vegetarian side dish at over £8 was delicious sauce but came with 4 tiny overcooked slithers of paneer and very small with only 3 spoonfuls of the curry sauce, appalling for the price. Shame as dined here in the past and it was nice, but unsure if would go back now.

The food was ok but what really lets this restaurant down was the poor customer service. We were the only two customers in the restaurant along with two male staff who just stood behind the bar talking, whilst paying no attention to our needs. It seems they left all the work to the youngest female waitress who did eventually bring us our bill. We then waiting a further 5 minutes or more whilst they continued their conversation before we had to ask them to come over so we could pay. To add insult to injury a 10% service charge was added with no prior mention or warning of this. I paid it begrudgingly, hoping it goes to the waitress who was the only one deserved it.

Yet again amazing food from the team at spice empire never fail to deliver exceptional service, I would highly recommend this restaurant

Always go to Spice Empire for a curry, food very tasty and presentation of food perfect. This restaurant is in a lovely location.

The restaurant is modern with a beautiful ambience, staff are always so friendly and welcoming from you walking through the door. Service is so attentive, staff are happy to explain the menu and recommend choices based on what you like. I often request meals with slight changes from the menu - nothing is a problem for them. Food is superb, fresh and so tasty. Cocktails are amazing too! Overall highly recommend Spice Empire for couples and families - always a 5 star service!

This is my regular restaurant so thought it was time to leave a review. The service and food are quality and everyone is treat like a regular. I’d recommend the Mashur or chefs lamb special

Have been coming here for the last 18 months, food is always amazing!! All the Staff are always lovely and very welcoming. It really is a lovely place to eat out.

Me and my husband were going to Sunderland to see Aladdin at the theatre and were looking for somewhere to eat. We came across this restaurant which is straight opposite the empire theatre and the bridges shopping centre ( where you can park for the theatre/ restaurant) we had the Sunday special which was stater main rice. We hadn't pre booked just turned up and got seated no problem. Staff were nice welcoming and food was amazing

What a great and wonderful night. My wife and I called in and were lucky to get a table before our planned visit to Sunderland empire theater. It was very busy but the service was excellent and the staff were great. The beer was excellent and the food served well and really great tasting. Next time we're booking a table to ensure we can go before or after the show. If you're in the area give it a try. Looking forward to the next visit.

The Decor and atmosphere is sophisticated and relaxing. Everything is high quality. Service was excellent, and the food was 10/10. This is better and cheaper than any indian restaurant in my home country of Gibraltar. I will be coming here each time I visit Sunderland.

One of the best Indian restaurants we’ve been to. The best bhajis ever, lovely and crispy all the way through. Best masala fish. Will definitely come again if we’re in Sunderland

We were advised we would have a table in 20 minutes and we ended up waiting over half an hour to be overlooked when the restaurant staffs friends turned up and were seated before us. We left before we were able to be seated. I'm sure the food is lovely but the terrible customer service means we will never know

Food nice. Atmosphere nice (even though there was only 3 tables full on an early Saturday evening). Service as expected of a restaurant. Prices higher than other Indian restaurants we’ve visited in the North East. Sunderland city centre doesn’t seem to have many Indian restaurants so maybe the owners are capitalising on this. For example, £16.90 for a curry then add rice and/or chips and a naan or poppadom and the cost is a tad high for the portion size. No pepper or vinegar available which made the chips inedible for me as they were dry. Found out later on social media that on a Sunday night they do a three course special for £15.95. Much better price for the food served. But again, other Indian restaurants charge around the dame price for a 5 course menu.

What a great restaurant. Nice decor friendly staff and fantastic food. We had garlic prawns and onion bhajis to start. Without doubt the best bhajis ever. Crispy the whole way through and perfectly spiced. For mains we had chicken hariali, the green curry. Omg succulent pieces of chicken in a delicious green sauce of coriander mild chilli mint that was to die for. The other dish was spice empire sangam, assorted fish & prawns equally as good but totally different to the harialdi. A banging New Zealand Sauvignon blanc (turtle bay) went well with the food. We will definitely be back if we come to Sunderland again.

This must be the best place in Sunderland now for Indian food. The meal was faultless, tasty and well presented as well as reasonably priced and with great service. Definitely now my go to restaurant.

At the best Indian restaurant in Sunderland.....by far. Spice Empire is top notch in my opinion. Great meal again tonight. Top class service. Well looked after.

Walked into this restaurant and met with smiles. It was pretty quiet, but had a pleasant atmosphere. We went for the specials menu, good choice of food for less than £20. Food very tasty.

We ate here after a few pints and watched Sunderland batter Birmingham. The food and service were absolutely top class.

Reading the reviews I was expecting big things but overall thoroughly disappointing. I had a butter chicken and if you closed your eyes it could have been a korma, tikka Masala or any other bland curry… chicken looked it was sandwich chicken….thin strips rather than freshly cooked tikka. Onion bhaji was over cooked…. So still on the hunt for a good curry in Sunderland… at the moment I’d rather head up to Dawabawal in Jeanine Newcastle which beats anything in Sunderland hands down.

Best Indians I have ever been to in sudnerland... very welcoming...amazing atmosphere in here. Sizzling chicken tikka was amazing....highly recommended this restaurant.... definitely be returning.

This has got to be the nicest Indian restaurant we have visited. The food tasted amazing and the staff were lovely. Interior is modern and most importantly clean. Thank you Rafi for having us. :)

At the best Indian restaurant in the area...by far. Fab meal as always. Thanks to Imad and staff for fab everything...and a special personal thank you to Imad for my friend Alisons birthday surprise. Why go anywhere else?

Food was lovely and the service was spot on, did not have to wait long at all. Such a nice restaurant and will be back.

Lovely restaurant, service was brilliant and fast, food was amazing! Lamb madras was perfect! Couldn’t fault anything we had!

Great food, lovely staff, lovely atmosphere! Always great service & food is always very good!! Go to the restaurant!

Fantastic service, staff were amazing, couldn't help enough, I asked for tharka dhal, which was made from scratch, absolutely perfect, beautiful food. Thank you

Never sat in but definitely don’t rate take out. Curries were bland, chicken was dry and nan bread was tough

Booked via their online system, hadn't had acknowledgement but we went and they apologised and fitted us in no problem Little gem of a place, the inside is just fabulous, staff very friendly, menu was great, served in good time and very tasty! Little one loved her desert - choc from chin to elbow! We will defo visit on our next theatre visit :-)

Absolutely awesome meal last night. Hottest Naga I've ever hat. Brilliant!! 100% recommended. Great service. Fantastic menu. Lovely ambience.

We came here after friends were up watching a Sunderland match at the stadium of light , we had prebooked with it being a Sat night and pleased we did as it was very busy , we got sat down straight away and drinks ordered whilst we looked at the menu , we ordered starters , mains and extras , the food came out quickly and we had a mixture of lamb , chicken and king prawn mains with rice's and naans , the food was excellent and we were all very happy with the choices , with drinks and food it came to £160 for 5 people so very reasonable, will definitely be coming again in the future

We regularly use this restaurant. However, due to the attitude of staff, poor quality of food and service we will not be visiting this restaurant again. When taking our order, one of the group mentioned having a nut allergy, bringing this to their attention. No action was received, and there was no comment from the member of staff. After four of the parties had poppadoms before their starter. After finishing these, the member of staff managed to move the tray of pickles, but the used side plates remained on the table throughout the meal. Our main meals arrived, and they were practically thrown onto the table as the waiter seemed to be in a hurry. The meals were very unsatisfactory and not up to the usual high standard of meals on our previous visits. After finishing our main, we decided that we would have coffee and desserts and waited at least fifteen minutes before the member of staff came to take our order. Then a member of staff came it inform us that we were only allocated an hour and a half for the use of the table with it been a Saturday night and that the table was booked at 6.30pm for other people. By the time we got ready to leave and pay the bill (nearly £140) it was 6.45 pm. There was no people near the bar waiting to be served. Due to this disappointing experience and lack of professionism by several members of staff, we will definitely not be back.

Can’t even begin to explain how unbelievable the food is here! The service is 10/10 the food is 100/10! Couldn’t recommend enough!

Massive THANK YOU to Raff, Imad and the rest of the gang for making my sisters birthday such a nice one, with a banging meal and fab service. There is nothing a bother, so accommodating, tasty grub, really appreciate you all. 🥰

In Sunderland on a Sunday and the Holiday Inn kitchen was closed. Found Spice Empire, the restaurant was busy which was very impressive as the other eateries I walked past had 2 to 4 customers. Takeaway was one of the best. Hope I have the...

Came to Sunderland as we were going to see the show at the Empire but unfortunately it was cancelled. Looked at where we could eat and we always end up with an Indian. Decided to pick Empire Spice and was not disappointed. We hadnt booked...

First visit, not be the last, welcomed in to a friendly atmosphere to be seated in reception until a table was ready, the lads at reception where chatting to us like friends. Got shown to our table where we where ready to order, our starters...

Excellent as always, lovely staff, amazing / quality food 👏👏.. handy for all the music/ theatres in Sunderland too..

10/10 for food drinks and staff! Will 100% be back. Absolutely delicious food. Came for a meal for work Xmas party. Chicken tikka korai was lush.

We had been to Empire for a show and was directed here after other places couldn't take us, felt like (Mary & Joseph), but so glad, even though they were busy and booked they squeezed us in, ambiance is great, you can see why they...

Omg the food in here is amazing. Been here several times and the good continues to be superb. Best restaurant in Sunderland. Staff are so attentive and friendly I can’t recommend a better place to go.

Amazing food and delightful staff! Service was good and we decided the pickle tray was the best we’d ever had. Perfect place to visit before going to The Empire.

Fantastic meal. Didn’t book and were very lucky to be seated within a few minutes of getting our drinks. The place was packed yet we got served promptly and the food arrived well in time. Both the starters and the mains were delicious. We come...

If you like indian food this is the best restaurant in Sunderland. First class food, friendliness and service. Wouldnt go anywhere else. Directly opposite Sunderland Empire theatre. Great restaurant before or after show at the Empire Theatre or the Fire Station theatre next door. You...

Called in after the Empire Show, and although we had booked a table, we had arrived 20 minutes early. Managed to seat up straight away and were looked after well by all the friendly courteous staff. Will definitely be back

I would like to thank the staff for everything they have done to make our late unexpected arrival so special, thank you from the family for the warm welcome, lovely food, service and care.

Beautiful restaurant, great atmosphere, lovely attentive staff and of course the food was outstanding. Well presented and tasted amazing, my new favourite!

My wife and I go regularly to spice empire we take our family now and then they always look after us the food and staff are amazing

Unreal food! My favourite Indians in the north east tried absolutely every one and wouldn’t go anywhere else. fast service lovely staff and even better food. The very best there is ! Recommend the sabka maza and mix tandoori starter, and the pickle trays are...

Came to spice empire with a huge table of all our family and friends and they couldn’t of been more amazing. The food was absolutely beautiful and the service was so fast. Absolutely loved it for our birthdays Thankyou ro rafi and the team ❤️...

Unreal food! My favourite Indians in the north east tried absolutely every one and wouldn’t go anywhere else. Had a family meal of 20, fast service lovely staff and even better food. Couldn’t fault anything. Thanks to the restaurant for making my nans 60th extra...

We booked online and our only concern was that they didn't confirm the booking until ninety minutes before we were due to arrive. Having said that, the restaurant was nicely laid out and very comfortable. It was nice to see proper linen napkins. The menu...

We are very regular diners here when we are up for the football and spice empire never disappoints (unlike the football lol) fantastic food great Setting and excellent staff

Didn't think we'd get in without a booking but the restaurant was quiet when we went in and were seated quite quickly, restaurant filked up not long after. Service was excellent as was the food. Would highly reccommend and will be back !!

What a lovely meal, tried some new dishes and was pleasantly surprised. Atmosphere was good and service excellent. Only thing you really need to know is BOOK the amount of people they turned away was staggering could have filled the place twice.

We have eaten here many times over the years and it's always been lovely. But it's been a while, so we came here last night with a group of friends and I can honestly say it's the best indian food I've ever had. Way above...

We dined here on a Monday evening, pre-booked to ensure we were in a "quiet" corner as two of our group have hearing difficulties. The staff were friendly and welcoming. Nothing was too much trouble. The food was served very quickly and came to the...

My sister booked a table over 4 instead of 5 - after looking at the booking for the evening the members of staff found us a table to accommodate all of us. Once again food was of the highest quality and no complaints from any...

Fantastic meal once again went on the 18th December for my granddaughters 30th birthday could not fault a thing .carnot wait till next time.

We visited early evening on a wet and windy Thursday. They were busy but said if we waited 10 minutes we could have a table, waiting area was comfy and cosy. We ordered starters mains and drinks. Everything was just delicious!! Poppadums and dips were...

The busiest place on a cold Tuesday night. Great jalfrezi and korma, lovely nan. Iman made us very welcome. Mohammed our waiter’s English was a little unsure but he was a lovely young waiter and got everything we ordered correct. Tasty food and cosy restaurant...

Amazing traditional food in a modern restaurant nice little hidden gem in Sunderland, second visit after going with a friend and both times absolutely lovely ☺️

An amazing evening at Spice Empire, service was amazing Rafi and Mo made sure we had everything we needed. The food and atmosphere was unreal 10/10 would recommend!

The food was lovely at Spice Empire, we particularly enjoyed the mixed vegetable bhaji and Aloo Begun dishes. If you are vegetarian/vegan then the options here are particularly fantastic! We also had fantastic service from Danya who was very friendly and attentive, we're looking forward...

There were 15 of us meeting for a meal and although there was so many the service was 1sr class.the meal itself was just as it always is perfect. Look forward to our next visit.

My girlfriend and I visited spice empire last night after watching Derren Brown show at the empire. Food was absolutely fantastic , staff were so attentive and polite! Place was super clean and tidy. We will definitely visit again!

Absolutely fantastic food throughout the meal. The servers were friendly, attentive and knew exactly what to recommend. I especially enjoyed the garlic king prawn starter.

Great tasting Indian food and exceptional service from Dania! Would recommend to anyone in Sunderland

Absolutely beautiful food. Service was amazing - very attentive without being too intrusive. Shoutout to our waitress (sorry I didn’t get her name - she had red and black hair) for a great service too. We will be back

Have been to spice empire a few times now and what fantastic food. Can definitely recommend the tandoori platter. Service is amazing. We had Dana serve us as she was very attentive. Food was served quickly. Can not fault we will go back

Really nice food, great service from everyone and especially Danya. They fit us in last minute on a very busy night so we were very grateful

We visited after a being at the theatre, late at night but we were seated quickly. We were served by Danya for the full evening who was attentive by offering re-fills and checking on us after each dish was served. It was our first time...

Food was amazing and waiters where lovely especially Dania . I would recommend the chicken tikka paneer it was fenomanal

I wish I lived in Sunderland so that this was on my doorstep. We visited on the final nighjt of a 10 night break to Scotland and the North East and we wanted an Indian meal. The Spice Empire was nly a 3 minute walk...

First and second visit were within weeks on works meals First time I was well impressed with the flavours Second time ,it became apparent half way through starters it was far too salty . When the main curry arrived it was gorgeous at first then...

Good food, traditional, expected and well presented cuisine. Fantastic service, extremely friendly and we will visit again.

Sunday night deal. Poppadoms were fine with 3 dips. Starters were also nice (Sheek kebab, onion bhaji, prawn puri and chicken tikka) - small portions but to be expected on a deal, all were tasty. Mains - nan was standard as was rice n chips....

Absolutely amazing food, brilliant service and just generally a really nice atmosphere in the restaurant. We will definitely be visiting here again soon.

We got a takeout from here and it just was very oily and didn't taste good at all. Not worth the money. Chicken momos were too salty and were like wraps not momos. Naan was okay.

We had a delicious late night curry here on a one night stay in Sunderland. It seemed to be one of the only places open for food after 9.30, but was worth the visit. Staff were lovely and friendly too :)

Went and had a nice curry with the wife. Pleasant surroundings nice staff. The place was OK and well worth a visit

Five Star starters, Onion Bhaji, Samosas, Poppadums, pickle tray, main course was CHicken Tikka , Nan Bread, Pilau Rice and a side dish veg. Excellent food.

I have been coming here for many years, and what keeps me coming back is the quality of the staff as well as the quality of the food which is unbelievable. I go most weeks for takeaway and often for sit in with work colleagues,...

Family of 5 and every one of our meals were delicious, we all had different, staff are helpful and attentive, will definitely go back

Absolutely beautiful food, decor and service. The staff are all fantastic too. We love coming with friends or family, or for date night!

Can’t recommend this place enough. Was our second visit but my parents go every few weeks. There were 8 of us across 2 tables ensuring covid rules were followed. Standards and service our second to none and the food is outstanding. We sampled all sorts...

Considering its location in the heart of the city, this really is a hidden gem. Upon entering the restaurant you're greeted with smiling faces and a well stocked bar for all ages and tastes. With romantic floral canopies, a statement VIP Neon flower booth and...

We’ve been dining at spice empire and enjoying their food for as long as they’ve been open. Quality and service never fails. Our most recent visit was bank holiday Sunday and although the restaurant was extremely busy the waiting staff were attentive, food was plentiful...

Went here on Saturday, was so looking forward to it as our first night out after covid and it didnt disappoint. Food was amazing, and staff were so friendly. Nothing was too much trouble. This is our new favourite restaurant. Cant wait til next time.

Been here a handful of times with my family and a few times with groups of friends and i can honestly say it’s all of our favourite restaurant! perfect area in Sunderland and has an amazing atmosphere when your in there. the servers can’t do...

First visit to Spice Empire and we were not disappointed great food and a brilliant service. Will 100% be back here.

Fantastic service and delicious food! Beautiful restaurant, cool modern decor, outstanding service, can’t wait to come back!

I have to say, I have never eaten food like this. The poppadom and pickles feature not one but two signature chilli blends that are outstanding. My main course was amazing. A symphony of flavours bursting through a delicately spiced sauce without making me break into a sweat. Reasonably priced and a courteous and helpful front of house.