Empress of China
San Francisco, CA 94108
Phone: (415) 434-1345
Fax: (415) 986-1187
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- Washington Street
- Hours:
- Daily 11:30am-10:30pm
Message from Empress of China
Our roof garden retreat features cuisine from all over China.
- Perfect for private parties
- Bar and ballroom
- Authentic Chinese cuisine
Paid advertisement by Empress of China.
Editorial Review for Empress of China – by Gina Goff
The Scene
Perched on the eighth floor of a Chinatown high-rise, this restaurant offers ornate, if a bit dated, decor and spectacular views of Coit Tower and the eastern cityscape. Hostesses dressed in traditional cheongsam dresses greet diners as they step off the elevator and into the dim, garden-like foyer. The tuxedo-clad,all-male waitstaff proudly unveils dome-covered silver platters of steaming Chinese dishes to a much more casual, tourist-heavy crowd in their khakis and polo shirts. The small dining room is maximized by seating couples next to--rather than across from--one another.
The Food
Hospitable servers divvy up appetizers, like yolk-flavored wontons laced with shrimp, and straightforward, zestless entrees, such as cashew chicken. House specialties, like tender, spicy barbecued quail, pack more punch. In addition to the requisite fortune cookies, a brief dessert list is highlighted by flaming sweets, a sugary, gelatin-like fruit cake that's torched tableside.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Where to SitCall ahead to request a table next to the window; you'll enjoy an unobstructed view of the city and avoid the awkward side-by-side seating arrangement.
What to DrinkSkip the pedestrian wine list and opt for a TsingTao Chinese beer instead.
Save MoneyThree prix fixe dinner options are available for between $19 and $40 per person.
User Reviews for Empress of China
02/19/2008 Posted by hana2
I went there couple weeks ago. The service was terrible and food was also terrible. One of seafood dish, they used 100 years old frozen shrimps. I could see that they had some freeze burn and dried out. Everything was tasteless. The waiter simply ignored us. We could see there were no local people. only tourists.So, the service was terrible. They just didn't think any of us would come back anyway. They didn't bother to serve us better. When we complained about the poor quality food, the waiter said "I am not a cook. I am just a waiter" Terrible food. Terrible service. When we asked local people, this restaurant has very very bad reputation. We were so upset and hope nobody go there and get the same feeling.
Pros: None. everything was terrible
Cons: Everything. poor quality. poor service. Terrible taste of food. horrible place. I hated this place~!!!!!!
01/28/2008 Posted by justatourist
This is NOT Chinese food by any stretch of imagination - bland, overcooked and served lukewarm. The pseudo-elegance of the setting and service only adds to the disappointment. Avoid.
Pros: none
Cons: just bad pseudo Chinese food
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