Empress by Boon - Reviews

My experience at this restaurant was wonderful! We were the only customers, which made for a very quiet and easy-to-talk atmosphere. The great view and beautiful room were impressive. The delicious food was a highlight, and the restaurant was very accommodating regarding dietary restrictions and vegetarian options, which I highly recommend. Service was excellent, and there was no wait time. Parking on the street requires some care, but free street parking is available.

My experience at this restaurant was largely positive. The interior was amazing, offering nice views of the bay. The food was fresh and delicious, with the beef being the outstanding star of the show for me. The service was also great; they were organized and accommodated my dietary restrictions. The entire dinner lasted about 2. 5 hours.

After experiencing several Michelin-starred restaurants in Northern Spain, I finally encountered a truly Michelin-starred experience at Boon's The Empress restaurant. The atmosphere was beautiful, and the food was exceptional. The course presentation was delightful, varied, and very filling – we couldn't finish it all. The service was flawless. The pressed duck is a MUST. It is very expensive, but it is really worth it as a special experience.

My experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. The interior is very cozy, offering different seating areas. The food was more than delicious, making it one of the best Chinese restaurants I've visited. The service was more than perfect; even with two minors, we were accommodated at a table with full menu access, which was a very nice gesture. Dining here is a full experience, not just about the food.

I had a wonderful experience here. The food was Master Class. The atmosphere was refined casual. It's a tasting menu of modernized Cantonese cuisine. I highly recommend it if you have the time, as dinner was 3 hours.

My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The food felt like it was de-frozen, straight from the fridge, and definitely not worth the money. It was also excessively sweet. The atmosphere was not enjoyable, and the service was mediocre.

My experience at this restaurant was not worth the cost. For two people, the bill came to $461. The wine pairing was unavailable due to a lack of ingredients. Several of the dishes felt like something we could easily make at home. The service was not great, and we were given the wrong menu. There were also long waits, with each course taking more than 15 minutes between them.

My experience at this restaurant involved a slow start with a 20-minute wait before we could flag down a server. However, once service began, it was okay. The food was phenomenal, and the view was unbeatable. The bill included a 20% service charge and a 5% SF health fee.

My experience at Empress by Boon, located in San Francisco's Chinatown, was a delightful exploration of high-end Chinese cuisine with global influences. Opening during the challenging peak of COVID in 2021, this restaurant has completely reimagined the space formerly occupied by the historic Empress of China. The venue boasts soaring ceilings and picturesque skyline views, creating a stunning backdrop for their entirely new prix fixe menu. Chef Ho Chee Boon, with his training from Hakkasan and international experience, infuses Malaysian and Bangkok flavors into his Cantonese foundation. We were impressed by the creativity and flavors of many dishes. A standout moment was interacting with Chef Ho Chee Boon himself, who often visits tables, sharing insights into the challenges of opening during a pandemic and his passion for elevating Chinese cuisine. The steamed dumplings and the phenomenal braised pork belly were highlights. The add-on Peking duck, organically sourced and exclusive to Empress, was easily one of the best renditions I've had anywhere. The prix fixe menu is $118, with additional costs for certain items like the Peking duck and assorted desserts. Reservations are recommended for this indoor-dining-only establishment.

I've been to this restaurant multiple times, bringing three different groups of friends. NO ONE has been disappointed. The food, service, and atmosphere have all been consistently excellent, receiving a perfect 5/5 rating each time. The noise level is moderate, making it a comfortable dining experience.