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

Zuni Café

Californian restaurant · San Francisco

Charming and vibrant, this iconic bistro specializes in famed roast chicken and seasonal wood-fired delights, perfect for any occasion.

71 Postcards

Estela's Fresh Sandwiches

Sandwich shop · Lower Haight

Estela's is a cozy spot in the Lower Haight where you can build your own hefty sandwiches, savor fresh vegetarian options, and grab a delicious smoothie.

1 Postcard

Greens

Vegetarian restaurant · Fort Mason

Greens is a celebrated vegetarian haven that boasts stunning bay views and a menu bursting with creative, seasonal dishes in a serene setting.

23 Postcards

Birdsong

American restaurant · South of Market

Birdsong is a cozy yet upscale gem, serving a stunning chef's tasting menu that showcases the best of wood-fired cooking and Pacific Northwest flavors.

30 Postcards

The Salad Place & Rotisserie

Restaurant · Cayuga Terrace

Humble fixture whipping up breakfast bites, salads, sandwiches & wraps, plus coffee & smoothies.

1 Postcard

Novela

Cocktail bar · South of Market

Novela is a chic literary-themed bar in San Francisco, where book-lined walls set the scene for creative cocktails named after iconic characters and refreshing punch on tap.

10 Postcards

Thorough Bread & Pastry

Bakery · Mission Dolores

At the intersection of the Castro and Mission, this charming bakery with exposed brick and a cozy back patio is renowned for its flaky croissants and artisanal breads, all crafted with a touch of French flair.

14 Postcards

Nakama Sushi

Sushi restaurant · Civic Center

A petite destination that serves sushi, sashimi & Japanese bites in simple, woodsy surrounds.

1 Postcard

Bar Crenn

Bar · Union Street

Discover Bar Crenn, a chic Japanese-inspired gem where craft cocktails and stunning dishes come together in an enchanting ambiance—perfect for a special night out.

47 Postcards

Rintaro

Izakaya restaurant · Mission

Step into this hip Japanese izakaya, where cozy vibes meet a menu of shareable delights—perfect for a night of flavorful exploration.

40 Postcards