Saracens Cafe, located in the heart of Nottingham, offers a unique dining experience blending Middle Eastern and Western cuisines. The menu features a variety of dishes, including signature items like Fully Loaded Lamb Karahi and Chicken Biryani. The restaurant is also known for its shisha offerings, providing a relaxing atmosphere for guests. Designed to cater to all, Saracens Cafe is open seven days a week, delivering an unforgettable dining and lounge experience that keeps guests coming back for more.
What each source says
- Google 4.9 5,413
- Tripadvisor 5.0 128
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Delicious and Varied Food Menu The restaurant offers a wide variety of freshly made traditional dishes and drinks, including halal options. Many reviewers rave about specific dishes like the sweet chilli chips, mixed grill platter, and lasagna.
- Excellent Shisha Experience Many customers praise the traditional shisha, describing it as one of the best in Nottingham. Specific staff members are often mentioned for providing excellent shisha recommendations and service.
- Exceptional Customer Service Numerous reviewers highlight the outstanding service, with staff going above and beyond to ensure a welcoming and memorable experience. Specific staff members are frequently mentioned for their attentiveness and friendliness.
- Good Value for Money Reviewers often note that the food portions are generous for the price. The provision of complimentary sauces also enhances the perceived value.
- Great Atmosphere and Vibes Saracens provides a great atmosphere, making it a suitable place for various occasions. The rooftop area provides good vibes for lunch dates or evenings out with friends or family.
Criticised
- Coleslaw Feedback One reviewer suggested reducing the amount of carrots and increasing the amount of cabbage in the coleslaw. This is a minor point, but indicates that the coleslaw recipe may not be universally appealing.
- Forced Food Changes One reviewer reported being advised to change food items on their order, with the caveat of receiving the original choice only if they didn't like the replacement. This seems like an unusual and potentially off-putting service practice.
- Inconsistent Food Quality One reviewer found the chicken cubes to be a bit dry. While most reviews are positive, this suggests that there may be some inconsistency in food preparation.
- Potential for Sweetness Overload Some reviewers found certain mocktails, like the peach mocktail, to be overly sweet. This might not appeal to customers who prefer less sweet drinks.
- Rooftop Access Restrictions Access to the rooftop terrace is limited to shisha smokers only. Non-smokers may find this restrictive if they wish to enjoy the rooftop atmosphere.
The longer read
Saracens Cafe in Nottingham receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with many customers highlighting the excellent service, delicious food, and inviting atmosphere. A significant number of reviewers specifically mention staff members by name (Attaullah, Zakir, Tauseef, Kasim, Mehdi, Habana, Uzzi, Hitch, Cali, A.Khan, HK, M, TK, and Zak) indicating a consistently high level of personalized attention. Many reviewers frequently visit and consider the staff like family. The service is described as friendly, welcoming, attentive, and accommodating, with staff going above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction. Several reviewers mention specific acts of kindness, such as birthday surprises, helpful recommendations, and adjusting menu items to suit individual preferences. The speed of service is generally noted as prompt, even during busy periods. The atmosphere is consistently described as having great vibes, and being relaxing, friendly, and suitable for various occasions, including casual brunch, evening outings with friends or family, and even solo visits for remote work. The rooftop area is particularly praised for its ambiance. The food is a major highlight, with many reviewers describing it as amazing and delicious. Several dishes are frequently mentioned, including the sweet chilli chips (described as the best chips ever), mixed grill platter (especially the Masala Fish), chicken baguette, lasagna, hot shot parmesan, BBQ ribs, and various desserts like the Saracens waffle and chocolate fudge cake. The portions are generally considered generous and the prices reasonable. The menu offers a diverse range of options, including halal food. The shisha is also popular, with reviewers praising the traditional preparation and variety of flavors. The mocktails, particularly the Strawberry Dream and peach mocktail, are also mentioned positively. Several reviewers compared Saracens favorably to other establishments, with some claiming it's the best shisha place in Nottingham, or even the best hookah and food experience they've ever had. Many reviewers express a strong intention to return, making it their go-to place in Nottingham and recommending it to others, including visitors from out of town and the US. The cleanliness of the restaurant is also noted. A small number of reviews mentioned that the roof terrace is only for shisha smokers, which could be useful information for some customers. Some people found the chicken cubes too dry. One reviewer noted the wifi as very fast.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 115 850 1850
- Website
- mysaracens.co.uk
| Mon | 17:00 - 0:00 |
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| Tue | 17:00 - 0:00 |
| Wed | 17:00 - 0:00 |
| Thu | 17:00 - 0:00 |
| Fri | 17:00 - 1:00 |
| Sat | 17:00 - 1:00 |
| Sun | 17:00 - 0:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.9 against a median of 4.5 across the 17 places to eat we hold for St Ann's, and the most-reviewed of them.
Still deciding?
- What is the atmosphere and view like on the rooftop terrace at Saracens Cafe?
- Which signature dishes, such as lamb karahi and chicken biryani, are most recommended at Saracens Cafe?
- Does Saracens Cafe offer a variety of mocktails and shisha options for non‑alcoholic guests?
- When is the optimal time of day or week to experience a relaxed dining environment at Saracens Cafe?
- Is Saracens Cafe suitable for families with children, considering its menu and seating arrangements?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.