Cardamom Black @ The Old Empire Theatre
Experience Pan South Asian cuisine in a dramatic, opulent former theatre, offering award-winning food and exquisite cocktails.
Highlights
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Cardamom Black @ The Old Empire Theatre
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Pan South Asian cuisine in a dramatic, opulent former theatre, offering award-winning food and exquisite cocktails.
Communicate for Special Occasions
Clearly state your preferences for special events or large groups to ensure a smooth and memorable dining experience.
Consider the Vegan Menu
Explore unique and flavorful options with their dedicated vegan menu.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Pan South Asian / Indian
Price
$$$
Phone
+44 1423 313136
Address
Cheltenham Parade, Harrogate, HG1 1BX, United Kingdom
Website
cardamomblack.co.uk/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dramatic Theatre Ambiance
Dine in a former theatre with opulent decor, ornate arches, and glittering chandeliers, creating a unique and glamorous atmosphere.
Award-Winning Pan South Asian Cuisine
Savor well-spiced dishes with excellent flavors, from flavorful starters to rich main courses, all crafted by an experienced culinary team.
Creative Cocktails and Drinks
Enjoy exquisite cocktails and a well-curated drink menu that complements the flavorful Pan South Asian cuisine.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Communicate for Special Occasions
Clearly state your preferences for special events or large groups to ensure a smooth and memorable dining experience.
Consider the Vegan Menu
Explore unique and flavorful options with their dedicated vegan menu.
Dine Off-Peak
Visit during quieter times for potentially improved service and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Starters Shine
Some diners suggest the starters, like cheese steak tacos, are a highlight.
Tips
from all over the internet
Communicate for Special Occasions
Clearly state your preferences for special events or large groups to ensure a smooth and memorable dining experience.
Consider the Vegan Menu
Explore unique and flavorful options with their dedicated vegan menu.
Dine Off-Peak
Visit during quieter times for potentially improved service and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Starters Shine
Some diners suggest the starters, like cheese steak tacos, are a highlight.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cardamom Black is celebrated for its stunning, theatrical ambiance and well-spiced, flavorful Pan South Asian cuisine, with many praising the friendly and attentive staff. However, some diners have experienced slow service and found certain dishes to be bland, with one review noting significant issues with food preparation and service during a large group event.
"We can't sing the praises of this wonderful discovery as high as they deserve. An elegant, modern and sophisticated decor with extremely competent , friendly and attentive staff. The food is excellent and copious. Love this place. Our new home from home."
Martin Hendy
"Food was amazing and very flavorful. Service was spot on, and we were treated like family. Will come here again, our favorite Indian food in Harrogate. My wife had the vegetarian thali with vegetarian tacos. I ordered the garlic lamb and chicken sizzler. It was so all so delicious."
Shelan Shah
"Service was attentive at first but tailed off. Although all waiting staff were busy, there didn’t seem to be enough for the number of diners in on a Saturday night.
The restaurant is stunning inside, and there’s a wide variety on the menu to choose from.
The meal was most promising at the beginning, with delicious starters which were beautifully presented. Time taken for starters and mains to appear was just right.
Sadly, just before our mains arrived, two couples (dining separately on the tables next to ours) started discussing loudly how disappointed they were with the food, called for taxis and walked out. This was not noticed/dealt with by staff. This rather ruined the atmosphere, not least because the abandoned food took a while to be cleared away.
My special biryani was disappointing. Had to complain about the totally overcooked poached egg on top which was replaced (I declined to have the whole dish recooked). The dish’s ingredients were listed as king prawn, freshwater prawn, lamb, chicken and mushroom. King prawn was hidden and in the singular. Only about 4 other small prawns. Lamb was the main ingredient. The monkfish and king prawn saag was better.
We were given a discount when we came to pay and the manager appeared concerned to hear about the egg."
Janette Gaunt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The restaurant boasts a dramatic and opulent interior, set within a former theatre, featuring ornate ironwork, chandeliers, and a unique stage-dining area.
Cardamom Black serves creative Pan South Asian cuisine, with a focus on well-spiced dishes and Indian flavors.
Yes, Cardamom Black offers a dedicated vegan menu with unique options.
Absolutely. Its glamorous setting makes it ideal for celebrations, but it's recommended to communicate preferences for large groups.
Yes, Cardamom Black is also a cocktail bar, serving exquisite cocktails that complement the food.
While specific dishes vary, diners often praise starters like cheese steak tacos, and main courses like Korma and various curries.
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Harrogate's Top Independent Eats
To call the interior of Cardamom Black theatrical would be an understatement. Crossing the threshold of this Pan South Asian restaurant is like entering a lavish palace; some dining tables sit atop the stage of what was, up until 1930, Harrogate’s Empire Theatre, an ornate ironwork proscenium arch rising above them. Others dine high above on the balcony, surrounded by rhinestone-adorned walls, eye to eye with glittering chandeliers.
The Best Restaurants and Cafes in Harrogate
2–6 Cheltenham Parade, Harrogate HG1 1DD 01423 313136cardamomblack.comHoused in the iconic Old Empire Theatre, Cardamom Black’s striking interior is the perfect setting to enjoy a drink and browse the extensive menu of Asian dishes. Choose from curries, barbecue dishes cooked over charcoal, seafood and street food options, and make sure you check out their cocktails too.
Best Indian Takeaways in Harrogate: The Top 12
At the helm of Cardamom Black Restaurant is head chef Dilu, who has a team of five chefs. Between them, they have more than 100 years of combined experience. It is an award-winning restaurant with a stunning red and black interior, and there is the option to order a takeaway if you do not want to dine in the restaurant.
Food and Drink Offers Discount Categories
Bring your taste buds to life with the wonderful spices at the award-winning Cardamom Black Pan South Asian Restaurant and Cocktail Bar on Cheltenham Parade in Harrogate. Set in the stunning former Empire Theatre, Cardamom Black offers the finest Indian cuisine set in the most glamorous restaurant in the North.
Theatres and Halls in Harrogate, North Yorkshire
The Empire Theatre, Harrogate was originally built as a Methodist Chappel in 1872 but was converted into a Theatre in 1910. The Theatre was renamed the Gaiety in 1930 but closed in 1931. The building's history after this was very untheatrical.
Restaurants in Harrogate - Harrogateholidays.co.uk
Asian fine dining and bespoke cocktails in a dramatic theatre setting. We can't think of a more romantic setting in #Harrogate for Valentine's Day than our gorgeous restaurant 🌹. Have you booked your table?
A Day Out in Harrogate and the surrounding areas, see the details
Experience a unique Asian dining at Cardamom Black with a striking interior. Head Chef Dilu and the team, with over 100 years of combined experience, offer a diverse menu of cocktails and exquisite dishes.
Family Friendly Restaurants Harrogate
Corner restaurant with dramatic red and black interior serving creative Pan South Asian cuisine. Cheltenham Parade, Harrogate HG1 1BX. Report an error with this post
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