Empire
Operated by the award-winning Big Night Entertainment Group, Empire is a 14,000-square-foot boutique Asian restaurant and lounge located in the Seaport area of Boston, just steps from the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. Empire offers a tantalizing menu, stylized interior and ethereal atmosphere that will transport guests to another world. With a capacity of 600 guests and three 40-seat private dining rooms that open up to one large private event space, Empire can accommodate groups of all sizes for receptions and seated dinners.
Private Dining
Book your next event with us
Safety precautions
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
Popular dishes
Inari Sushi
Vegetarian Stuffed Tofu Yuba, Seasoned Sushi Rice, Vegetables & Shiitake
27 reviews
Tuna
4 reviews
'Salt & Pepper' Calamari
Flash Fried in the Wok, Fried Garlic, Toasted Sambal Oelek, Green Papaya Pickles
5 reviews
This place fell off! Maybe it’s COVID haven’t been in about a year and don’t plan on going back.
Deeply disappointed. I had been waiting many years to try empire out and finally did on my partner’s birthday. Initially the service was great, jack was our server. When the people started sitting down, we were forgotten. We decided to get all you can eat sushi. The only one that tasted fresh and good was the yellow tail. My partner and I went in with bigger eyes than our stomachs, so we both filled up after 3 small rolls of sushi. We didn’t really use the all you can eat sushi to its max advantage. Nor did we abuse this deal. When we were checking out, we had about 5 tiny rolls of sushi that we were going to take home. Jack told us we couldn’t get take it home because of the all you can eat deal. I explained to him that we were abusing this system, but this food shouldn’t just be thrown away. Being in a pandemic or not, this disgusted him. I don’t like to see food go to waste. We didn’t even order $29 worth of sushi, which was the price of the deal and we were forced to trash this food that we didn’t take for granted. For that, I can only get this is a 1 star. I was really hoping to love my time at empire, I had always admired from outside for years.
My partner and I visited Boston and good friend recommended dining at Empire! The dress code made the night feel extra special and our waitress Nicole provided AMAZING service. She made the experience that much more special. The drinks were great and the food was amazing. I ordered the Korean rubbed steak and my partner ordered the steak and frites, both steaks came out perfectly cooked and were amazing! I would definitely dine at empire again!
We had the beat date night! It was soooo yummy! We had about 7 apps between the two of us because we just couldn’t decide! We ended up filling up on the apps and sushi but we will def be back to try all the mains! Our waiter was awesome! Can’t remember his name, (I blame the masks and the delicious spicy marg in a cantaloupe), he was direct, on top of our needs and wasn’t over bearing. There when we needed him, busy when we didn’t. Can’t wait to go back!
Used to be one of my favorite restaurants in Boston but no longer is. You can tell that the quality of food and menu change has gone down. They changed their menu to save money and you can tell. I ordered the kimchi fried rice and the quality of beef was awful. I also tried ordering the seared sliced ahi tuna crispy rice bites which they changed to a cold mayo based tuna and it was awful. The seared sliced ahi tuna crispy rice bites were the best thing on their menu and they no longer offer them. Such a disappointment.
Great place. Tad overpriced.
Great vibe, great food, great service
First- If Open table states no reservation - call them. They were very accommodating and got us in. Unfortunately we sat near the front door which does not have any protection from the outside air- maybe install some sort of curtain system. It was FREEZING!!! everyone in the little area near the door had winter coats on while having dinner- not cool when you are paying for high end.
Other than that the food is pretty good although you have to make sure you only order one thing at a time (apps/meal) as it ALL came out at the same time! we couldn't fit it on the table. The waitress was great, accommodating, polite etc..
Less cream cheese in the rolls :-) but some may like it that way.
Big place, great vibe. Portion sizes are relatively big so order accordingly. The decor is marvelous. You'll feel transported to a different place, a different time.
They got rid of the seared ahi tuna rice bites. Worst decision by far.
It wa great!
Woman at the next table reeked of marijuana so badly that even with 6' distancing it was unpleasant.
Our waiter was phenomenal. Unfortunately, I don’t remember his name but he was very knowledgeable in the menu. The sushi cupcakes are a must!
Had reservations and was seated after people who came in later. Bar tender barely provided any service. Was charged for $36 dollars worth of drinks that I didn’t order. Only positive was the fact that the manager removed the extra drinks from tab.
Scallion pancakes and mai tais were awesome. Sat at the bar, 4 drinks total. Didn’t realize prices - wasn’t expecting about 100 tab for that but otherwise experience was enjoyable.
Great timo
It was a great time and great food!
Great vibe, a lot of energy in the place but it’s large enough so it’s still a place you can enjoy you’re meal and drinks with friends. Food and service are first rate.
Always amazing to be there !
Completely new menu and it was awful.
The food was amazing and my boyfriend had the steak. I enjoyed the flavorful Thai food and I love that they took extra precaution to be safe during covid .
It's an upscale place with in a loud and energetic environment. You can find better sushi somewhere else, but the appetizers were very good. The wait staff seemed to be rushing guests, and were not too particularly friendly.
We are big sushi fans and this place ranks highly in our view. Actually we like most/all of the Big Night offerings here in Boston. They always have cool, clean decors, excellent wait staff and of course the food comparatively speaking is outstanding. On this night it was slow/quiet which is not the norm but with Covid lurking we were ok with it. We sampled a half dozen apps, all excellent. The dumplings, meat sticks and spicy tuna were aces and the Sesame Beef and Alaskan Cod were both sublime! One last mai tai anyone?
Fantastic!!!
Restaurant was understaffed. Jake had too many tables but remained calm and composed throughout. Managers could have went on a wait or waited on tables themselves to ensure good service. Food was great. Drinks for comped for the long wait time. Appreciate that. Would go back again.
Food was delish. I had my 2 way rangoons it is a must when I visit, tried the scallion pancakes and they are amazing!!!. I had the spicy tuna and my friend had the red dragon roll, our usuals and amazing. We also had some of the Halloween drinks which were great as well
great time!
My group and I had a menu mix-up upon arrival where we were expecting one thing and the restaurant was serving another. The restaurant staff was SO kind and understanding, and went above and beyond to make our dinner outstanding. I can’t thank the manager, waiter, and kitchen staff enough for accommodating us on the misunderstanding.
We had fun night
Must make a reservation; this restaurant is always super busy. I haven't been here for dinner for a few years but it was still exactly what I remembered- fair to large portions, good drinks, and tasty. The House fried rice is my favorite.
Overall the venue and food were amazing. It was not clear when we made reservations for the bar/lounge that we would not be at a table, and we had planned to go with a group for dinner. We were able to resolve this but the staff was not super helpful in that. Once seated the foot and drinks were wonderful. I would go bac
Food and service good, music too loud
As always, everything about Empire was excellent. I asked for a quiet table since I was there with family and we were seated in one of the private rooms with very little noise, even after 10 on a Friday. All of the benefits of Empire without the energetic lounge atmosphere of the main room.
Enjoyed counter seating where we enjoyed watching the chefs prepare many courses. We inhaled multiple appetizers and chilled sake! Absolutely delicious!
This place is simply fantastic. Food is great and the atmosphere is incredible. Try the noodle with shrimp. Also the fried shumai.
I got an email saying I did not show up for my reservation when in fact I was there. Could this please be fixed. Thx
Great food poor service ..went there Saturday night with a friend great ambience but very poor service my food got lost took forever to come my second sushi ,told my waitress I was going to the bathroom on my way back to the table my food and drink was gone ..even got charged for it ..VERY POOR MANAGEMENT
While the Maki roll we ordered was fantastic, ordering any of the main dishes was like ordering the same Chinese food I get locally except paying ten times more for it.
Great food and atmosphere, service was slow
If you love sushi, this is the place for you. The sushi tastes really fresh. Our appetizers came out relatability quick (less than ten minutes) even though the place was crowded. Drinks were delicious. Service was great for a Valentine’s Day weekend.
FAQs
Empire offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (617) 295-0001.
Empire is rated 4.7 stars by 1425 OpenTable diners.
Empire does offer gift cards which you can purchase here http://bignight.com/giftcard.
Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable. Due to local restrictions, this restaurant may not be accepting reservations at the moment.