Award-winning

The Empress by Boon

Name: The Empress by Boon
Address: 838 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States, 94108-1738
Telephone: (415) 757-0728
Price range: $50 and over
Rating: 4.5

4.5

1173 Reviews

$50 and over

Chinese

Top Tags:

Empress by Boon is San Francisco’s newest, must-visit epicurean destination, offering a seasonal menu in modern Cantonese gastronomy. Michelin-starred Chef Ho Chee Boon applies traditional techniques to fresh, local ingredients to produce distinctive contemporary dishes infused with Cantonese flavors.

The spacious restaurant occupies the former location of Chinatown’s celebrated Empress of China with striking city views. Reimagined by Chef Boon and team, the Empress was brought back to its former glory by embracing modern design elements while incorporating restored original features, creating a welcoming atmosphere that pays homage to the history of the beloved location.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 1, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 21 times today

Experiences are available.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Chinese
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(415) 757-0728
Website
http://theempresssf.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Ho Chee Boon

Location
838 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108-1738
Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
Neighborhood
Chinatown
Cross street
Clay Street
Parking details
Public Parking available at Portsmouth Square Plaza Garage. Entrance at 733 Kearny Street.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Empress by Boon Prix Fixe Menu
$108.00 per person
Multiple dates available
We offer a prix fixe menu that showcases Chef Boon's focus on using only the freshest ingredients available, while offering unique taste combinations not seen in other Cantonese cooking. Our offerings change often to allow for a truly seasonal menu to be executed.
New Years Eve
$158.00 per person
Dec 31, 2023 only
Chef Boon is excited to create a celebratory menu to ring in the New Year! His international culinary expertise transforms any menu into a true epicurean experience. Chef Ho's traditional techniques combine fresh ingredients from local purveyors to produce dishes that are not only contemporary but have the essence of traditional Cantonese cuisine.

What 1,173 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.7Ambience
4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Francisco Bay Area
Chinese
San Francisco
Romantic
San Francisco
Great for scenic views

1,173 Reviews

JS
JessicaS
New York Area
23 reviews
vip
4.0
23 reviews
Dined today
overall4food4service5ambience4
Was worried coming from NYC and reading mixed reviews. I'm was thankful that we had a great night. It was my birthday and every staff member wished me well. The food had great flavor (if not a bit too covered in their sauces.) The courses came at perfectly timed intervals, not too quick and not too slow. The staff was knowledgeable about the food and drinks. I think its well worth the price considering I can spend close to $100 per person at any given fancy restaurant. At least you get an experience. The music level was fine, we could here ourselves and it just such a beautifully decorated place. I highly recommend
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C
Chris
San Francisco
36 reviews
vip
3.0
36 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall3food3service3ambience5
Glamorous room with impressive views. Food is good, but not extraordinary —there were a couple of misses in our multi-course meal. Music in the bar area was too loud in the dining room.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great ambience and delicious food! The servers were super helpful too.
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B
Buddy
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went for our anniversary and had one of the most wonderful culinary nights of our lives. The staff was incredibly friendly & thoughtful, and the food was simply fantastic. I mentioned that my wife is a pescatarian and they adjusted the prix fixe menu to adapt to her needs. The wine pairing was undescribably excellent. Our table was by the window, so we had a nice view of Coit Tower. It was an utterly delightful experience, and I wouldn't hesitate for a moment in going back for another special occasion!
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TC
TCEats
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
I had the tasting menu with wine pairings. Presentation, balance of flavors and textures, portion size...all wonderful. For my palate, I would have liked a touch more saltiness for the squab and lobster courses, but those are very minor quibbles.
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TJ
TiffanyJ
Hawaii
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and wine pairing were perfect. Our server Sharon was very sweet and knowledgeable enhancing the already wonderful experience. The restaurant is beautiful with wonderful city views. Highly recommend.
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V
Vonganator
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
What an amazing dinner experience. Perfection with every bite. Absolutely loved the food.
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a
alices
San Francisco
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
I like the atmosphere of the place very comfortable not too noisy. The chef said they going to change the menu from tomorrow, I am glad because the first dish abalone came was dry and tasteless , the simple fry rice should be cook better, the rest of the food were good ,there were five of us in the party we added the roast duck dish just barely enough to eat.they should be a little more generous with the quantity of food. Desert is not included. I definitely would return to try their new menu ,I like the place and their staffs and wish they will do well.
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SJ
SeafoodJunkie
San Francisco
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved the new decor, very opulent and great views of the city. Serving staff were extremely efficient and friendly. Food was exceptional. We added the Peking Duck dish and the wine pairings so it was an expensive evening. Great for a special occasion. Will be back to have cocktails and bites in the lounge soon.
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AS
AmyS
San Francisco
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing staff, service and a tasty creative spin on Chinese dishes.
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JL
JoaquinL
Omaha
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on November 7, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Experiencia de comida Deliciosa. Trato y atenciones en primera, junto a una vista espectacular de la ciudad
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 5, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
The staff was kind and attentive. The space is chic with wonderful views of the city.
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D
Dominic
San Francisco
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on November 3, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Fun location, beautiful inside, and delicious food. Eating there really felt like we were stepping it up!
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SG
SuzannaG
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful and delicious food. Sexy ambiance. Outstanding.
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DF
DanielF
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Empress by Boon really made a special night out of our meal. A beautiful view overlooking Coit Tower, attentive service, and dishes so stunning that we couldn't decide which had been our favorite.
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LA
LAmodo
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing experience! The ambience was beautiful the pre fix menu was perfect. Everyone enjoyed their meal. Each dish was brought out elegantly and the wait staff was extremely nice and friendly. The chef did amazing! 10/10 would recommend!
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1
1of5
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food, ambiance, service, and view all 5 stars. Bit noisy from the revelers at the bar.
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J
Justin
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really enjoyed this spot. Very intimate with excellent and professional service. Was worried I would leave a bit hungry, but the portions were perfect for a fair price. Gorgeous view of SF, so would recommend dining before sunset.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Central Coast
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 19, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
We had our elopement reception with a small party of six. From the minute we arrived upstairs, we had a great experience. The welcome was very warm and friendly at coat-check. Colin, our server, was absolutely amazing! Such a joy to see him work, and what a lovely person who really made our experience special. Our sommelier was so stylish and fun. He was a joy as well. The dining experience was fun, and the time flew by. Thank you to everyone on the team. We had one of the best times with our loved ones for our micro-wedding.
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AS
AprilS
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 18, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Tasting menu is always wonderful with some classics that are always there and usually a new dish or two. Delicious, fresh, and flavor-packed adventure with seafood, seasonal veggies, beef, duck and more.
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SM
SusanM
San Francisco
2 reviews
vip
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 11, 2023
overall1food1service3ambience1
Very cold. Food was not great. Definitely not a high end experience. Very disappointed
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SF
SFTraveler
San Francisco
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on October 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I’ve eaten at Empress by Boon several times but this one seemed better. I just thought the food was slightly tastier this time. The service was excellent. The bill seemed like a lot though. I wasn’t unhappy as much as a bit surprised. All in all, I would definitely come back.
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K
Kccw
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 5, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience5
The receptionist by the first floor entrance was a little rude but the rest of the staff were polite and friendly. Foods were great but don’t worth the price tags and hype. 7/10 - I’d recommend my friends to go but I will not go back again.
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D
Donnad
Edmonton
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely view over San Francisco, sets the scene for a fabulous dining experience. Each course is as beautiful as it is delicious. The staff members have an incredible sense of timing and exist almost like shadows. They were helpful with choices and descriptive with servings. This is a real treat!
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JB
JacobB
New York Area
4 reviews
1.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 1, 2023
overall1food1service3ambience4
Food just not that good. Very good cocktails. Good scene. Duck was good as was the squab. Everything else ok to bad.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
London
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 29, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
We had a great evening here. We were lucky to get a window seat, with the best views. Food was excellent, although, as others have said, misses out by not finishing on a sweet note - even a small chocolate truffle would have sufficed in the fixed price menu. Service stuttered at the start with drinks arriving too slow, and again a small amuse bouche would have got things off to a better start. However, once we got going we thoroughly enjoyed the food we were served, although I'm not convinced this would have a Michelin star if it were in Europe, but that seems to be common in the US as other Michelin starred restaurants I've been to have also left us underwhelmed. Given the context, we thought 4/5.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on September 27, 2023
overall1food2service3ambience5
The food was not good. My girldfriend had a hair inside one of her items of food. They did nothing about it, didn’t provide a discount or even apologize or get her a new dish. Terrible meal for the price. Save ur money, don’t go here.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Antonio
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Sadly my wife became ill (not because of the food or restaurant) so we had to leave early but I cannot express how kind and accommodating the staff was. The food we had before leaving was amazing. I look forward to coming back
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XM
XinM
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Outstanding food and service. The squarb and Waygu beef were done perfectly! Great views too!
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AS
AndreaS
San Francisco
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful experience our waitress Natalie was very helpful and attentive. Chef Boon is unbelievable really amazing food.
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B
Benjamin
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went at 5:45 and it was quiet and intimate. Toward the end for dark and more crowded
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TT
TerryT
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful dinner last night. A lovely view, delicious food, good service and beautiful and charming company.
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c
californiafoodies
San Francisco
34 reviews
vip
5.0
34 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous dinner, service, ambience--everything. Good for business, first date, special occasion, or just a wonderful evening out. Can't wait to return.
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KG
KiranG
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience5
flavors of the prix menu were very underwhelming for the price. Only 1 out of the 6 courses was actually unique and stood out
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C
Chris
San Francisco
30 reviews
vip
4.0
30 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
The beef wagyu and the Caviar appetizer were great. Everything else was OK, but it should have been great for the price. We unfortunately left feeling hungry even though we are not big eaters. I think the portion size of the main entree and fried rice should be bigger. Or at least ask if everyone is satisfied and offer to bring out more food for those who are still hungry. Desert should be included in the prix fix.
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CG
CharlesG
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience4
Service was good. Ambiance was pretty great (probably even better on a less cloudy day). Drinks were lovely - complex and novel We had the prix fixe menu and the food was mixed. The early courses were, to me, good but not incredible. The Wagyu Mongolian beef preparation was really incredible . Overall, my biggest problem with the meal was 1. dessert wasn't included, which is odd to me, and 2. it felt like a *really* poor value overall, even for fine dining. Some of the 'courses' were *literally* a bite and not very special. Walked out the door for ~$375 2 people for prix fixe + 2 dessert + 2 drinks + tip, which felt really out of line with the overall quality of the experience.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Dallas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great experience. Really enjoyed the food and atmosphere. Get an empress martini!
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A
Aubz
New York Area
31 reviews
vip
4.0
31 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience3
Fantastic food. Service was super helpful and friendly,
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JB
JessicaBaby
San Francisco
88 reviews
vip
5.0
88 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was my 3rd time dining there. Love the ambience and the booths facing the window, which was very spacious for our party of 3. The courses were different every time with some similarities. Their duck plate not included in the tasting menu was worth paying extra. Parking at Portsmouth Square garage is convenient although they don’t provide validation. Our waitress was attentive. It’s a gem in SF Chinatown.
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JR
JudyR
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
So excited that Chef Boon came to our table and showed us the sparkling kitchen where 28 chefs were working👏🙏❤️
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

The Empress by Boon is rated 4.5 stars by 1173 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 1, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 21 times today

Experiences are available.

838 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108-1738

Dining areas

Additional information

Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
Cross street
Clay Street
Neighborhood
Chinatown
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Chinese
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Public Parking available at Portsmouth Square Plaza Garage. Entrance at 733 Kearny Street.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Ho Chee Boon
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://theempresssf.com/
Phone number
(415) 757-0728

The Empress by Boon

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information

Experiences

Empress by Boon Prix Fixe Menu

New Years Eve

Menu

Prix Fixe Menu

Crispy Pumpkin Puff

Scallop and Caviar Roll

Chilled Fresh Lily Bulb

Steamed Shrimp and Squid Dumplings

Braised Squab Breast

New England Lobster

Braised Kurobuta Pork Belly

Stir-Fried Matsutake Mushrooms & Green Beans

Kai Lan and Cauliflower Chicken Rice

What 1,173 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

FAQs

How is The Empress by Boon restaurant rated?

Is The Empress by Boon currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information