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

empressofchinasf.c…

Hours:

Daily 11:30am-10:30pm

Make a reservation

View the menu

Price:

$$$

Last updated 7.02.09

Empress of China

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.

Read more from the owner

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.

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.

Anonymous

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.

Anonymous

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

The 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.

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.

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Empress of China

838 Grant Ave (at Washington Street)
San Francisco, CA 94108

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