Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Philadelphia / New Jersey Suburbs
  4. Philadelphia
  5. Chinatown
EMei, Philadelphia, PA

EMei

4.7
4.7
142 Reviews
$30 and under
Chinese (Sichuan)
Top Tags:
Since opening in 2011, EMei has become one of Philadelphia's most highly sought out restaurant destinations, renowned for our authentic Szechuan cuisine led by Master Chef Zhao. Chef Zhao has dedicated almost four decades to mastering Sichuan cuisine, and he incorporates heat-packed chili oils, aromatic peppercorns, and expertly seasoned cuts of fish, meat, and produce into our wide range of dishes.

At EMei, our customers come to indulge in our classical dishes with original spices and adventurous sensory flavors. Our menu stands up to the scrutiny of native palettes, earning EMei the reputation as the premier destination for Chinese locals seeking authentic and flavorful Sichuan cuisine.

EMei’s Recent Award Highlights：
#19 on Philadelphia Magazine's 50 Best Restaurants;
Listed on OpenTable's 22 Restaurants That Define Philadelphia Dining;
Named Philly's Best Szechuan Restaurant by Craig Laban & The Inquirer;
One of the Best Three Resta

Make a reservation

2 people
10:00 PM
Booked 37 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Chinese (Sichuan)
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (215) 627-2500
  • Website
    https://www.emeiphilly.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Owned/operated by
    Asian and Pacific Islander, Women
  • Executive chef
    YongCheng Zhao
  • Location
    915 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2404
  • Neighborhood
    Chinatown
  • Cross street
    at the right side of Arch street, between 9th and 10th St
  • Parking details
    There are many street parking at Chinatown, and there are two public parking lot right cross the street. There is also a garage parking lot at 45 N 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, which is very close and cost friendly.
  • Public transit
    Jefferson station is the stop for SEPTA trains.
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

What 142 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

142 Reviews

  1. ChadH

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a fantastic place. Clean with very attentive service. Food was amazing tons of variety. We will be back!

    Is this helpful?

  2. PamelaD

    Philadelphia

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    A thoroughly enjoyable experience. Delicious food, nice staff. A rarity these days. The noodles with pork sauce were yummy, as was the whole steamed fish with scallions and ginger.

    Is this helpful?

  3. hongpingt

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    They have really good food! Enjoy with family and friends.

    Is this helpful?

  4. CarolS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service was great. Good selection of gluten free items. My grandson who has Celiac disease, loved the food.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Fungroup

    Philadelphia

    15 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    the food was delicious and the portions were good. there was a little language barrier but we were given the option to order on our phones which was very helpful. overall a great experience and we will visit this restaurant again.

    Is this helpful?

  6. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I can’t wait to come back! The lamb chops were my favorite!

    Is this helpful?

  7. WilliamT

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 28, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Would have welcomed better advice on the portion size and spice level. Quality of food was excellent and very good value for money.

    Is this helpful?

  8. gxc5070

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience1
    The server was horrible. They dipped their fingers in the food... The waiter also did not understand what we were asking for and never gave us anything. We had to fetch our own napkins after asking multiple times.

    EMeiResponded on August 29, 2023

    Thank you very much for taking the time to provide us with feedback. Please rest assured that we greatly value our service and are willing to put in more effort. I have already escalated this matter to our manager, and we will conduct a thorough investigation and re-emphasize it to all service personnel. Would you please consider reaching out to us via email with any further comments or suggestions? We hope we can use this to improve in the future.

    Is this helpful?

  9. JerseyGirl

    New York Area

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was beautiful and delicious. The take-out robot was very entertaining!

    Is this helpful?

  10. EdS1

    Philadelphia

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience3
    Clearly worth a return visit, to explore the interesting menu more deeply. Service was attentive and helpful. Only negative worth noting was a sound level that increased past comfortable as the room filled.

    Is this helpful?

  11. EDDIE

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall3food5service1ambience5
    The service is annoying. I didn’t even finished my eating, but the waiter took my chopsticks away. They gave us the cheque and packing box even if we didn’t ask for. Feeling like chasing us away. There were not many people in the restaurant. Idk why they treated us like that.

    EMeiResponded on August 21, 2023

    We sincerely apologize for the unpleasant experience you had, and we appreciate you taking the time to provide feedback. Please rest assured that I have forwarded this to our manager. Customer service is a crucial aspect for us, and we are committed to conducting further staff training. Thank you once again for your feedback, and EMei welcomes you to visit us again!

    Is this helpful?

  12. Allen

    Exclusive

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    Food was great and the portions were great! Service could be improved with clearing off the table as dishes were completed.

    EMeiResponded on August 23, 2023

    We sincerely appreciate your fondness for our cuisine. I have promptly shared your feedback with our manager. Rest assured, our commitment to enhancing our services is unwavering. Simultaneously, we are actively recruiting to address any staffing gaps. Delivering an exceptional experience to our customers is our utmost priority. We value your input once again, EMei will always be ready to welcome you back with open arms!

    Is this helpful?

  13. LEVIK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was super authentic. Highly recommend. Don’t order American Chinese food, try the real thing..

    Is this helpful?

  14. StevenC

    New York Area

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was excellent, fresh and light. Serving sizes very generous.

    Is this helpful?

  15. MarkAllenStuart

    Philadelphia

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service is friendly and helpful. The variety is amazing and the food quality simply the best. The value is the best in the city. We drive 45 minutes from Valley Forge just for lunch here!

    Is this helpful?

  16. EEEric

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fresh and amazing. I don't like ordering from my phone with the QR code, but whatever. Will be back.

    Is this helpful?

  17. DavidP

    Philadelphia

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Novel mobile phone ordering. All dishes very good. Pricing with drinks very reasonable. Would definitely go back again!

    Is this helpful?

  18. MarkAllenStuart

    Philadelphia

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time visiting this icon in Chinatown. Helpful service, nice atmosphere, and the food - sublime. We started with the hot and sour soup then had the cumin lamb and cold spicy noodles. Best ever!

    Is this helpful?

  19. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and great service! First time at this restaurant and i can’t wait to return

    Is this helpful?

  20. JoelH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food. Efficient phone based ordering system. Reasonably priced. Top notch service

    Is this helpful?

  21. johnp

    Philadelphia

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Truly authentic Chinese cuisine which never disappoints

    Is this helpful?

  22. SueC

    New Orleans

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Terrific experience. The drinks, food and staff were all wonderful. The service is incredible. You order from your phone and your server brings your food. This allowed us to time our courses ourselves. Would return again.

    Is this helpful?

  23. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love this place. Always can count on a good meal, authentic, good value and delicious

    Is this helpful?

  24. kbisme

    Philadelphia

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on July 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    it was so yummy at Emei and we loved everything we got definitely want to go back and try more of their selections our waiter was great!!!

    Is this helpful?

  25. MichaelH

    Philadelphia

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    This is the best Szichuan restaurant in Philadelphia! Many of the best, and especially the signature dishes, are decidedly spicy, even fiery, but with great, and sometimes unusual spice combinations. If you are just looking for Chinese menu standards, this is not the place, although they have many of the standards, like fried Rice and General Tso's chicken. I have been to Emei several times now, and the food is consistently excellent. The Dan Dan Noodles are the best I have ever had, and I cannot get enough of the Cumin Lamb. Their fish dishes are also wonderful. The staff is very friendly and attentive. The decor is nothing special, but it it comfortable, clean, and pleasant. My partner and I have suggested Emei to several friends and visitors, and no one has been disappointed.

    Is this helpful?

  26. JohnB

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best food in the city, bar none! Can't wait to go back!

    Is this helpful?

  27. ElizabethD

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience1
    Loved the food but not a fan of ordering system at all. Lots of confusion - we got other people’s food etc. noise level was so loud we couldn’t speak to each other.

    EMeiResponded on July 31, 2023

    We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused. To ensure everyone's convenience, we also provide paper menus, please don't hesitate to ask the waiter for one. Your feedback will be shared with our manager to improve our services. EMei eagerly anticipates your next visit!

    Is this helpful?

  28. OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 7, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great variety of dishes, fish is delish, recommended.

    Is this helpful?

  29. RobertS

    Charlotte

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time at EMEI. We would definitely go back. Service was great and the food was even better. Portions were perfect. Definitely a must if you are in Philly.

    Is this helpful?

  30. Bobo

    Philadelphia

    45 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on June 15, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Menu was very extensive with many unique items. I wanted to try them all. Food we got was so tattily prepared and beautifully presented that it put all other Chinese restaurants in a class below them. I still crave some of the exquisite flavors from our meal. Loved it!

    Is this helpful?

  31. Darren

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent experience. Delicious food and outstanding service. A very good value.

    Is this helpful?

  32. BeachDiner

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 11, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We loved the ambiance and the green tea to start. Egg rolls and fried rice were delicious. My lo mein tasted excellent but arrived cold. I still ate it but it was definitely cold. The restaurant was very clean and the atmosphere was great. It’s definitely a great value for the amount and quality of delicious food.

    Is this helpful?

  33. KevinV

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 11, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Great overall - but general statement on food is absolutely delicious - surpassing even the best strip mall restaurant I have ever had - but food was not hot, so by the time I was not even half thru eating (and I am fast) it was actually cold - goes for the soup, dumplings and lo mein.

    Is this helpful?

  34. JMcComas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 9, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    This could be my go to restaurant if it were in my town. The food was fresh, flavorful, and in perfect quantity for sharing. The service was prompt, friendly, and helpful. I came with a group of 7 people with a variety of dietary needs ( gluten free & vegetarian) and varying levels of comfort with spicy foods. We all found delicious dishes to enjoy and share. The spicy beef jerky, mixed vegetables, pot stickers, and Dan Dan Noodles were our favorites.

    Is this helpful?

  35. NicM

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    It's hard to find better food at this price point anywhere in the city. And with portions that leave you with leftovers to spare. Our server Mark was great, knew the menu and was friendly and attentive.

    Is this helpful?

  36. OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience3
    Authentic Sichuan food in china town. Certainly worth a visit.

    Is this helpful?

  37. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing authentic schezwan cuisine. Each ingredient is truly respected and treated with care - master chefs par excellence. Knowledgeable and helpful staff. We are definitely returning for more!

    Is this helpful?

  38. PhillyTransplant

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food is always great. The Spicy Lamb chops is my fave along with the sautéed beans. Yum. The servers are friendly for the most part. Only had issues with one, a year ago, who decided to take his tip out before closing my tab.

    Is this helpful?

  39. BiasedReviewer

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 23, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    The food was good, but I disliked that they offered free beers for reviews.

    EMeiResponded on May 25, 2023

    Thank you for your comment. We greatly value the feedback we receive from our customers. We have a few thousands happy dine-in customers every week, but rarely someone would leave a review only when something exceptionally negative occurs. We offer the beer to customers that are willing to take the time to give us genuine feedback, as a gesture of appreciation and respect for the time they spent. Leaving a review is entirely optional. Thank you once again for your valuable feedback.

    Is this helpful?

  40. TanyaA

    Western NC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 23, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience4
    Everything we ate was flavorful and of excellent quality. The steamed pork belly just melts in your mouth with intense flavor marinated through. The cold noodle with sesame oil bursted with taste. The Dan Dan with pork noodle was so delicious. The staff was friendly and available as needed. Price overall was definitely reasonable. Can’t wait to try new dishes.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available

  • Physical distancing

    • Distancing maintained in common areas

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated
    • Staff temperature check required

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from EMei using the Order Online button. EMei also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (215) 627-2500.

EMei is rated 4.7 stars by 142 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
10:00 PM
Booked 37 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for EMei

915 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2404

Additional information

  • Cross street
    at the right side of Arch street, between 9th and 10th St
  • Neighborhood
    Chinatown
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–10:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Chinese (Sichuan)
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    There are many street parking at Chinatown, and there are two public parking lot right cross the street. There is also a garage parking lot at 45 N 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, which is very close and cost friendly.
  • Public transit
    Jefferson station is the stop for SEPTA trains.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Owned/operated by
    Asian and Pacific Islander, Women
  • Executive chef
    YongCheng Zhao
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo