0 Followers
Emperor's Choice Restaurant
Master Critic Review
Emperor's Choice Restaurant
8.0
Emperor's Choice is a multi-decade Chinatown dining room focused on Cantonese-American classics, roasted meats, and family-style platters. White tablecloths, big round tables, and a long menu make it a dependable choice for groups wanting roast duck, noodles, and old-school service in a slightly more formal setting than nearby cafés.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cantonese Roast Duck, Emperor's Egg Rolls, Salt and Pepper Shrimp
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Classic Chinatown dining room with Cantonese roast duck and family-style platters that have drawn regulars for decades.
Who should go: Families and groups craving traditional Cantonese dinners around a lazy Susan.
When to visit: Holiday evenings and weekends when the room is busy but still manageable.
What to order: Roast duck, Emperor's egg rolls, salt and pepper shrimp.
Insider tip: Reserve a round table in advance for larger parties and request roast duck when booking on peak holidays.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Wentworth and nearby side streets; availability tight during evenings and weekends, with several paid neighborhood lots within a short walk.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for family gatherings and celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak hours — conversation is possible at round tables, though it can get bustling on holidays and weekends.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer on major holidays.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait except during tour-group rushes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable dishes, tofu plates, and noodle/rice options can be prepared without meat.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable and tofu dishes may be made vegan on request, but many sauces include oyster or egg-based components.
Gluten-free options: Limited — many dishes use soy sauce or breading; staff can help identify simpler stir-fries and steamed seafood with minimal sauce.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for group or family dinners than an intimate first date — the room is lively and oriented around large round tables and shared platters.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes outside holidays, but larger parties and weekend dinners should reserve in advance — calling ahead for a round table helps avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — spacious seating, shareable dishes, and mild rice and noodle options make it comfortable for children and multi-generation dinners.
Best For
Better for: Traditional Cantonese roast meats, large round tables, and classic banquet-style group meals in a slightly more formal Chinatown dining room.
Skip if: You want modern takes on Chinese cuisine, small-plate dining, or a quiet, date-night atmosphere — a newer or more intimate spot may fit better.