Empress by Boon

Cantonese restaurant · Chinatown

29

@cntraveler

"To get into the dining room, you’ll find a nondescript entrance on Grant Avenue and ride the elevator up to the sixth floor. Once the doors open, it's like entering a private club only you (and your fellow diners) know about—hovering over the chic lounge is a striking 24-foot-diameter, carved-wood pergola that was part of the bygone Chinese restaurant Empress of China, the space's former tenant. Modern Cantonese is how chef Boon sums up his prix-fixe menu of nine courses, mostly served family-style. It changes seasonally, but you’ll find cult classics like the Iberico ham soup dumplings and roasted crispy chicken are always around. Hint: you can dine a la carte in the bar and lounge, and don't need a reservation. You'll find some of the same items found on prix-fixe menu, and a few other tasty surprises such as steamed vegetarian dim sum and a crispy prawn roll." - Kimberley Lovato, Jenna Scatena

The 27 Best Restaurants in San Francisco

838 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108 Get directions

theempresssf.com
@empressbyboon

29 Postcards

See full details

More Places For You

Lands End Lookout

Visitor center · Lincoln Park

Lands End offers a picturesque 3.5-mile hike with stunning ocean views, historical Sutro Baths ruins, and dreamy sunset spots along the rugged coastline.

4 Postcards

AltoVino

Italian restaurant · Nob Hill

Nestled near the cable car, AltoVino is a cozy bistro where you can savor exquisite Italian dishes and fine wines in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

13 Postcards

Outerlands

New American restaurant · Outer Sunset

Nestled in a charming neighborhood, Outerlands offers a cozy atmosphere with exquisite New American dishes and fresh housemade bread—perfect for brunch or dinner.

29 Postcards

Las Mestizas

Mexican restaurant · Marina District

Counter-serve option for Yucatan specialties such as cochinita pibil and panuchos, plus tacos.

2 Postcards

Noodle in a Haystack

Japanese restaurant · Inner Richmond

Nestled in the Inner Richmond, Noodle in a Haystack offers a hyper-intimate eight to ten-course ramen tasting menu that redefines the dish, complete with uniquely crafted noodles and delightful surprises, all orchestrated by the charming husband-and-wife duo, Clint and Yoko.

19 Postcards

The Riptide

Bar · Outer Sunset

Easygoing bar & lounge offering booze, karaoke, live bands & more just steps from the ocean.

7 Postcards

Norcina

Italian restaurant · Marina District

Discover this charming Marina eatery serving up Italian small plates like delectable pasta and wood-fired pizzas, all in a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere.

8 Postcards

COI

Fine dining restaurant · North Beach

Step into a trendy space where local ingredients shine in beautifully crafted Californian-French tasting menus that are a feast for the eyes and palate.

22 Postcards

Bar Iris

Cocktail bar · Polk Gulch

Bar Iris is an intimate Japanese cocktail haven in Russian Hill, merging inventive drinks and rare spirits with a chic, inviting vibe perfect for date nights.

17 Postcards

Mister Jiu's

Chinese restaurant · Chinatown

At Mister Jiu’s, chef Brandon Jew elevates traditional Cantonese cuisine with California flair in a stunning, historic Chinatown setting.

93 Postcards