Empress Pavilion Restaurant
(213) 617-9898
988 N Hill St Ste 201
Los Angeles,
CA
90012
34.0666
-118.2375
Neighborhoods: Chinatown, Central LA
What People Are Saying About Empress Pavilion Restaurant
The Editor
Martha Burr
Citysearch
The Scene
In this cavernous banquet hall, a fleet of black-tie servers look after every table with eyes like hawks. Though they will readily offer thoughtful recommendations, they may steer ardent diners away from adventurous dishes, like duck feet, so insist gently.
The Food
Classical Chinese cuisine is haute here. The Peking duck is the best in town and the shark's fin soup, which must be ordered in advance, overwhelms with both its taste and its cost (often exceeding $20 per person). Sliced abalone and sea cucumber pair up luxuriously and dissolve on the tongue. The Peking duck comes in two courses: crispy skin sandwiched in a small bun alongside scallion stems and plum sauce, followed by a serving of rich, tender and succulent duck meat. Don't pass up dessert--the fresh melon tapioca blossoms with coconut, and at dinnertime, it's on the house.
User Reviews
Anonymous
February 08, 2009
Gone are the days of variety and plenty of dim sum carts. Early birds must wait longer for the popular dim sum dishes to roll out of the kitchen after 10. Patience is tested here on weekends. Waiters and bus boys do what they can to quench the patrons. If you have the time and want the convenience of a simple dim sum experience in Chinatown, Empress is still the place for authentic Chinese food.
read full review
kiercemartin
July 29, 2008
This is one of the best Chinese places I've ever been, and I know everyone is crazy about their Dim Sum, but their dinner is just as good. The Peking Duck is almost too good. By far the best Peking Duck, I've ever had. We're talking close-your-eyes, melt-in-your-mouth good. I was headed to a Dodger game when I stopped in and the duck was so good I decided to forego a Dodger Dog at the game. That might not sound that crazy, but it is. Great Chinese food, there's a reason this place has 5 stars.
read full review
cpevey
July 01, 2008
Brought my parents here for a weekend lunch. They're not much into dim sum like I am. We had the sizzling beef plate (very tender), the lemon chicken (best I've ever had), prawns (a little small, but delicious anyway) and chicken fried frice. We did pick some BBQ pork buns and mini custard tarts from the carts. Another weekend, my fiancee's aunt and uncle, and they're into dim sum. Shrimp har gow was excellent! Seaweed wrapped pork, rice noodles, chicken feet, all as good as anything in Monterey Park (or better!) Service was attentive. Parking is pocket change after a validation.
read full reviewThe Details on Empress Pavilion Restaurant
The Extras:
During dim sum service, the waitstaff wheels carts of delicacies like crisp-fried taro dumplings, roast duck and translucent har gow. To order, just flag one of the cart-pushing servers.
Know Before You Go:
Empress Pavilion is in the Bamboo Plaza, which has a garage with validated parking.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Family Style Dining, Group Dining
