"Empress by Boon is where you can go to see and be seen. The upscale Cantonese restaurant has an actual dress code (no t-shirts or shorts allowed), and the quiet door and elevator entrance has an air of exclusivity. You’ll emerge into one of the most gorgeous dining rooms in the city, with carved wood panels, a plush tea lounge, curved booths, a marble bar, and sweeping views of Coit Tower and the bay. The food on the eight-course prix fixe menu ($108) lives up to the luxurious setting. Delicate crispy sea prawn rolls, steam buns filled with jasmine-smoked short rib, and lobster in sweet chili sauce should all be paired with cocktails made with candy cap mushroom syrup, chrysanthemum, and more. " - julia chen 1, lani conway