Empress of China
Grandiose rooftop setting reels in out-of-towners for regional Chinese dishes.
(415) 655-1567
838 Grant Ave
(at Washington Street)
San Francisco,
CA
94108
37.7946
-122.4062
Neighborhoods: Chinatown, Northeast
What People Are Saying About Empress of China
The Owner
Empress of China
Owner
The Empress of China is lauded internationally as one of the world's most beautiful Oriental restaurants. Holiday Awards and virtually every award of merit that is bestowed upon restaurants of exceptional quality has been conferred on us.
The Empress features the distinctive cuisine of all China since the Age of the Five Emperors some 4,500 years ago. The elegant atmosphere reflects the classic beauty, color, and architectural form of the Han era (206 BC). Matchless city and bay views enhance leisurely dining.
The Editor
Gina Goff
Citysearch
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.
User Reviews
topher4408
June 25, 2009
When I first sat down I could not help to notice the very dirty un swept floors. The table settings were literally thrown on the table. At first I thought we had just sat at a table that had been set very quickly, but when I looked around I noticed that all of the settings were thrown on the table with no care. Upon being seated a stuck up SA was sent over with a very dirty kettle that we were actually expected to drink out of. The service from our waiter was decent just like the food. But when you're paying $15 for an order of curry chicken, decent doesn't cut it. When I was asked if I wanted rice with it I didn't really know how to respond. Later when I was glancing over the check, I noticed that they actually charge a $1.50 extra if you want rice with your CHINESE FOOD. Rice costs almost nothing. Who does that? We had come in just before the dinner around 5, and our stuck up little SA started tossing wine lists on the tables not caring where they landed. It was very loud and shook the settings but it was obvious he did not care about the restaraunt or his job. It was clear that they did not care if you came back. I can only speculate that the owners are distant and possibly inherited the restaurant somehow and have no interest in running it. The view was pleasent, but not worth it. Avoid the Empress of China restaurant.
read full reviewAnonymous
October 22, 2008
Chinese food in San Francisco, how can you go wrong. But if you want the cream of the crop go to Empress. Authentic and super tasty. Pricing is good, but if you really like chinese food like I do, price isn't the option, taste is! Come try them out and then write your own review.
read full reviewAnonymous
October 22, 2008
Great food. Nice atmosphere. The restaurants is clean and great service. Food is delivered hot not cold. I will go backj to eat here again. I recommend. ana armijo
read full reviewThe Details on Empress of China
What to Drink:
Skip the pedestrian wine list and opt for a TsingTao Chinese beer instead.
Save Money:
Three prix fixe dinner options are available for between $19 and $40 per person.
Where to Sit:
Call 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.
Category:
Chinese, Banquet Rooms, Restaurants
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Visa, MasterCard, Travelers Check
Restaurant Special Features:
Romantic Dining, View Dining, Family Style Dining, Group Dining, Prix Fixe Menu
Cuisine:
Message from Empress of China
- Perfect for private parties
- Bar and ballroom
- Authentic Chinese cuisine
The Empress of China is lauded internationally as one of the world's most beautiful Oriental restaurants. Holiday Awards and virtually every award of merit that is bestowed upon restaurants of exceptional quality has been conferred on us.
The Empress features the distinctive cuisine of all China since the Age of the Five Emperors some 4,500 years ago. The elegant atmosphere reflects the classic beauty, color, and architectural form of the Han era (206 BC). Matchless city and bay views enhance leisurely dining.
