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oChef » Empero Taste – San Francisco
Empero Taste - San Francisco
Photo from Empero Taste
Empero Taste at a glance
San Francisco Outer Richmond
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 75 of the guests
#505 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#26 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
358
Reviews
83.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Generous portions
- Quality food
- Excellent value
Frequently criticized
- Loud atmosphere
- Parking difficulties
- Slow service
The restaurant, a delightful Chinese eatery in San Francisco’s Outer Richmond neighborhood, offers a welcoming experience for all. You’ll find Empero Taste to be a convenient spot, especially with its wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delicious meal.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full dinner, this casual spot has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Empero Taste
Empero Taste generally delivers on its culinary promise, with many finding the dishes quite satisfying and the generous portions a definite highlight. While some items might occasionally be described as a bit greasy, the overall sentiment points to a worthwhile meal, often praised for being very budget friendly.
However, the dining experience at Empero Taste isn’t without its challenges. Guests have sometimes noted slow service or longer waits, and the atmosphere can be a point of discussion.
Reports suggest it can get quite loud atmosphere during busy times, indicating a focus more on the food than the quiet dining experience.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
358
Reviews
83.5%
Satisfaction
36
negative
23
neutral
299
positive
Empero Taste earns a solid 8.1 overall, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is further supported by a strong 83.5% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most diners leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 358 customer observations, with 299 positive remarks outweighing the 36 negative ones, painting a clear picture of its appeal. Diving deeper, the Food (8.6) stands out as a clear strength, consistently receiving high praise.
Value (8.4) also performs exceptionally well, suggesting guests feel they get a lot for their money. While Service (7.8) is rated as good, the Ambience (6.3) is more of an average aspect, aligning with comments about its functional rather than luxurious setting.
What people like
- Generous portions
- Quality Chinese food
- Excellent value
What people don't like
- Loud atmosphere
- Parking difficulties
- Slow service
If you prioritize substantial, flavorful Chinese cuisine and excellent value over a quiet, refined setting, Empero Taste is certainly worth considering. With a strong 8.6 recommendation score, it clearly resonates with many who seek hearty meals without breaking the bank.
This spot is ideal for family-style dining or a quick, satisfying takeout. However, be prepared for a potentially lively atmosphere and plan your parking.
It’s a solid choice for those who value the plate more than the polish.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Empero Taste
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
Diving into the food, its clear diners are consistently impressed! With a strong score of 8.6 and an excellent 90.2% customer satisfaction, the culinary experience here shines. Based on 203 positive comments out of 225 total, guests rave about the authentic Hong Kong style seafood, generous portions, great taste, and an expansive menu that offers something for everyone.
However, a few of the 9 negative opinions mention sticky food and some greasy dishes. There were also comments about thick sauce and a need to manage salt consumption for some. While these are minor points, theyre worth noting for those with specific preferences.
Food
225
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
9
negative
13
neutral
203
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic flavors
- Generous portions
- Delicious dishes
What people don't like
- Sticky food
- Greasy dishes
- Thick sauce
Often praised
- foodBorn and raised in the City, many dishes were new to me, but all were tasty! The restaurant is short on ambiance but long on food, making it ideal for special occasions or just take-out. Empero Taste is the best.
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with some standout dishes. The portions were generous. While the beef over Chinese broccoli was just okay, the salt and pepper pork chops were absolutely fabulous, and the honey walnut prawns were very good as well.
- food qualityfood quality continues to be outstanding
- Chinese foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found the best Chinese food in the neighborhood. It was heartwarming to see so many older Chinese folks dining with their families, which created a cozy and authentic family Chinese restaurant atmosphere.
- dishesWe have had many family takeout orders, and all the dishes have been so good. Thank you!
- large portionsThis is a favorite location for seniors nearby, especially if you like inexpensive prices and large portions, according to my auntie. It is basically comfort food.
- portion sizesthe proportion sizes are hugeee!!
- leftoversthe leftovers were unbelievable as well.
- menuThe menu is large
- Cantonese foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be the best Cantonese food in San Francisco. You absolutely cannot go wrong with this place!
Frequently criticized
- clawsTwo day old claws do not reheat well
- dishesa bit greasy Cantonese Chinese dishes
- flounderskip the flounder, it might not be the best pick
- foodDon’t know what’s wrong with their food
- salt consumptionWe came to celebrate my birthday and pre-ordered the chicken stuffed with glutinous rice and the Peking duck, which are my two favorite dishes. I have cut down on my salt consumption and have to remind them each time to not use so much salt.
- set menusset menus have too many deep fried dishes
- sticky foodfood was so sticky that I felt like I had been squished
- thick saucethey sauce was thick
- utensilsDon’t know what’s wrong with their utensils
If you're seeking authentic Cantonese flavors with incredibly generous portions, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Be prepared for a bustling atmosphere and a menu that delivers on taste, though a few dishes might lean a bit rich for some palates.
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a good score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction sitting pretty at a strong 81.6%, most diners rave about the experience. Based on 40 positive remarks, you can expect friendly staff, quick food delivery, and attentive waitstaff, making for a smooth and enjoyable meal.
However, out of 49 total comments, a handful (7, to be precise) did mention some minor bumps. A few folks noted the service could be kind of slow or that the waitstaff seemed overwhelmed, leading to longer wait times for things like refills or the check. It seems like a minor issue, but worth noting.
Service
49
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
7
negative
2
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick food delivery
- Attentive service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long wait times
- Overwhelmed staff
Often praised
- serviceThe portions were big, and the food was good. Additionally, the service was on point. I will definitely be coming back.
- ServiceService was good.
- customer serviceThe customer service was awesome
- staffThe food portions were outstanding and very tasty. All the staff were friendly and very accommodating. I will definitely come back, as it's hard to find good Chinese food with such generous portions.
- waitstaffThe waitstaff were kind, accommodating and made us feel at ease.
- foodthe food came out in a timely manner
- food came out quickMy experience at this restaurant for dinner was decent. The service was good and the food came out quick. We ordered walnut shrimp, Mongolian beef, garlic setting beans, chicken corn soup, prawn fried rice, prawn fried noodle, and chicken wings.
- food service speedfood is served fairly quick
- people and staffVery good people and staffs here.
- reservation for tenreservation for ten - a must
Frequently criticized
- servicenor would it impress with service
- servicesServices is a bit slow
- single RRa single RR
- wait timePortions are huge—you’ll get your money’s worth and likely leave with a takeout box. The staff were polite but seemed slightly overwhelmed, so we had to wait longer than expected for refills and the check. Nothing terrible, just not as smooth as the food deserved.
- waitressone of the waitress tends to be forgetful
Overall, if youre looking for a place where the service is generally friendly and efficient, youre in good hands. While there might be an occasional slow moment, especially during peak times, it's usually a minor blip in an otherwise positive dining experience.
Ambience (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, Empero Taste offers a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction hovering around 53.6%. Many guests, based on 30 positive remarks out of 56 total, appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and the feel of a true family Chinese restaurant. They often highlight the convenience of easy parking options and how well the place accommodates large groups.
However, the experience isn't always perfect, reflected in an average score of 6.3. Some of the 20 negative comments point to a noisy environment, especially during busy times, and concerns about ventilation or temperature. Finding parking can also be a hassle for some, and the restaurant can feel quite crowded.
Ambience
56
Reviews
53%
Satisfaction
20
negative
6
neutral
30
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great for groups
- Family-style atmosphere
- Convenient parking options
What people don't like
- Can be very noisy
- Parking can be tough
- Ventilation/cold issues
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely delicious! The food quality continues to be outstanding, and I really enjoyed the family-style atmosphere. The service was also good.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeGood place to go to get a bite.
- Parking optionsParking options:Free street parking
- Street parkingStreet parking isn't too bad
- customer baseFrequented mostly by Chinese customers
- easy parkingIf you're entertaining a group, I can't think of a better place than Empero Taste. The easy parking and the necessity of making a reservation for ten set the stage. We gathered outside until our reservation time and then were seated for a feast.
- environmentOveral environment is 8/10
- family Chinese restaurantnice to feel like a family Chinese restaurant
- family style dinnersGreat place for family style dinners
Frequently criticized
- ambianceThis gamble paid off. There are some ridiculous complaints about ambiance. Western expectations could only be met by doubling the prices.
- parkingNo parking
- Parking spaceParking space:Somewhat difficult to find parking
- Street parkingStreet parking a hassle
- busy timesgets really loud during busy times
- come here aloneKinda tough if you come here alone
- crowdedCrowded
- dining roomdining room is very loud
- jacketBring your jacket...you'll need it
- noiseplace can be very noise
If youre heading out with a large group and dont mind a lively, bustling atmosphere, Empero Taste could be a great fit, especially with its family-style vibe and decent parking. However, if you're seeking a quiet, intimate dinner or are sensitive to noise and temperature fluctuations, you might want to consider other options.
Value (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic customer satisfaction rating of 92.9% and a solid score of 8.4, its clear guests feel theyre getting a great deal. Out of 28 total opinions, a whopping 26 rave about the budget-friendly and reasonable price options, often highlighting large portions and great value for the price.
What's truly impressive is the complete absence of any negative feedback regarding value. There were zero negative opinions, suggesting that every penny spent here feels justified and customers consistently find the pricing fair and the portions generous.
Value
28
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
0
negative
2
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Large portions
- Reasonable prices
- Great value
What people don't like
Often praised
- priceThe vegetables were young and fresh. It's a solid Chinese place with big portions and a low price! For lunch on 1/13/23, the selection was okay, but the food was still really solid Chinese food!
- pricesThere are some ridiculous complaints about ambiance. Western expectations could only be met by doubling the prices. Lunch time dishes are all around $14.
- valueLargest portions so Best value in the city
- 3 dishes for $48 menuCheck out their 3 dishes for $48 menu
- 3 for $45.99I like the 3 for $45.99(?).
- Lunch time dishesWestern expectations could only be met by doubling the prices. Lunch time dishes are all around $14. YOU CAN'T PAY LESS THAN THAT for any meal.
- budget friendlyit’s very budget friendly
- budget-friendlybudget-friendly family style portions
- inexpensive priceslike inexpensive price
- lunch specialsLunch specials (46$ for 3 dishes off the list)
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a place where your money goes a long way, this is definitely it. Customers consistently praise the generous portions and fair pricing, making it a fantastic choice for a budget-friendly and satisfying meal. You can expect great value here!
How are the prices at Empero Taste?
You’re looking at roughly 33 per person – reported by 75 diners. That average places it in the $31–$40 category. For a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 33, the pricing actually shows a good spread. Most guests find options in the more budget-friendly $11–$20 and $21–$30 ranges. Yet, a significant number also choose to spend $101+, indicating a mix of experiences available.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 75 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
We think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a range of options, so you can choose between a more casual, budget-friendly meal or a more premium dining experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Empero Taste
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
8
Great Food, But Bathrooms Need Attention
If you’re seeking a Chinese restaurant with both flavor and generous portions, Empero Taste is a must-visit. Most dishes I’ve tried were packed with balanced seasoning that reminded me of Hong Kong. The House Special Pan Fried Noodles, Pepper Pork Spareribs, and Salted Fish and Chicken Fried Rice are my favorites.
Portions are huge—you’ll get your money’s worth and likely leave with a takeout box. The staff were polite but seemed slightly overwhelmed, so we had to wait longer than expected for refills and the check. Nothing terrible, just not as smooth as the food deserved.
The only real downside? The BATHROOMS! While functional, they were not clean— foul smell, and the floors were dirty.
Both the restroom and washing area would greatly benefit from more regular and thorough cleaning, or maybe a renovation? Overall, Empero Taste serves up outstanding food and generous portions that make it worth the visit. With a little attention to restroom upkeep, it could easily become a five-star experience.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
- balanced seasoning9
- House Special Pan Fried Noodles9
- Pepper Pork Spareribs9
- wait time4
- restroom cleanliness2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Fantastic food for family events!
My experience at this restaurant has been fantastic, especially for celebrating family events over several years. The food is excellent, earning a perfect score. While it's always crowded, the atmosphere is enjoyable, rated at 4.
I highly recommend this place.
- food10
- atmosphere8
- service8
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
1
Diarrhea after lunch, won't return
I had lunch here and experienced diarrhea shortly after. I'm unsure if the issue was with their food or utensils. It's surprising given the decent reviews.
I will not be returning.
- food1
- utensils1
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Great Food, Family Style Dining
My experience at Empero Taste was centered around the food, which was impressive in both quality and quantity. It's best to visit as a group to enjoy a more varied selection of dishes. They offer a special set menu that can be customized for party size and add-ons.
I observed families with multiple generations enjoying dinners family-style. Notable dishes include the Live fish, a specialty that can be enjoyed in three ways, and the pork chops, which are a hit with a huge portion size.
- food quality9
- food quantity9
- varied selection8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Huge Portions, Great Value!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was good, and the portion sizes were absolutely hugeee! It's a great place for family style dinners.
We had a group of 11, and it was perfect. We got a lot of food for a really good price. The atmosphere and service were both rated a 5 out of 5, and there was no wait time.
They also have a large vegetarian selection and are highly recommended for vegetarians.
- food7
- portion sizes10
- family style dinners9
What Empero Taste offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Empero Taste accessible and suitable for families?
Yes, Empero Taste is designed to be welcoming for everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. Plus, it’s considered good for kids and provides high chairs, making it a great choice for family dining in the Outer Richmond.
What dining options and parking facilities are available at Empero Taste?
At Empero Taste, you can enjoy lunch, dinner, or dessert with comfortable table service and seating. For your convenience, both dine-in and takeout options are available. While street parking can sometimes be a bit challenging, free street parking is usually an option nearby.
What is the overall rating for Empero Taste?
Empero Taste holds a strong overall score of 8.1. Its Food (8.6) and Value (8.4) are particularly well-regarded, while Service (7.8) is good and Ambience (6.3) is considered average.
Does Empero Taste offer good value for money?
Yes, customers frequently praise Empero Taste for its excellent value. Many opinions highlight its budget friendly prices and generous portions, making it a cost-effective option for a satisfying meal.
What should I expect regarding the atmosphere and service at Empero Taste?
While the food is a highlight, the atmosphere can be quite loud, especially during busy times, and parking difficulties are sometimes noted. Service, though generally friendly, can occasionally be slow.