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Empero TasteA-Worth Trying

Name: Empero Taste
Address: 4052 Balboa St, San Francisco, CA 94121, San Francisco, United States
Rating: 4.4

4052 Balboa St, San Francisco, CA 94121 · Chinese restaurant, Restaurant · 4.4/5 Google (462 reviews)

Reservations · Takeout

Big-portioned Cantonese comfort food with standout seafood and pork chops; lively, loud room, fair prices, and occasional service/bathroom lapses.

Why it gets an A- for overall quality

Empero Taste delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional food quality anchored by signature Cantonese dishes and reliable service attentiveness, with outstanding value and generous portions that justify repeat visits. Consistency shows occasional variation and the basic dining room aesthetic prevents higher distinction, but strong loyalty and destination appeal for Cantonese seafood position it competitively among neighborhood favorites.

Restaurant Summary

The room feels loud and bustling in a way that makes big family tables feel right at home. Servers hustle, dishes land hot and fast, and portions are comically large. As one diner put it, you will take a box home. It is an older space and bathrooms need better upkeep, but most guests come for the food and leave satisfied with the value. The cooking leans classic Cantonese comfort: salt and pepper pork chops, honey walnut prawns, clams in black bean sauce, and lobster over E-fu noodles. The culinary approach leans traditional: produce-driven wok work and banquet-friendly seafood rather than trendy fusion. There are occasional misses (a flounder here, a thick sauce there), but the hit rate is high, especially for groups. Families do well here thanks to friendly prices and familiar dishes. Kids can share fried rice ($20-21), crispy chicken, chow fun, and mild tofu plates; lunch specials at $16.98 are forgiving on wallets. There is no explicit kids' menu, but the menu breadth means even cautious eaters find something simple, while adventurous orders can stay on the grown-ups' lazy Susan.

At a Glance

Huge portions and strong value, especially at lunch
Standout Cantonese seafood and pork chops
Very loud dining room during peak times
Bathroom cleanliness needs attention
Service can lag when the room is packed

What Sets It Apart

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What People Love

Feeling of classic Cantonese banquet dining
Massive, shareable platters that feed a crowd
Fast kitchen timing when dishes are ready
Reliable favorites like pork chops and lobster noodles

Points of Concern

Loud room; conversation can be tough at peak
Bathrooms reported as below par by some guests
Service slows during rush; refills and checks can lag
One-off food safety complaint contrasted by many positive visits

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$38-52 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Share 1-2 large seafood mains ($67-87) plus fried rice ($20-21) and a veg for 4; at lunch, choose three $16.98 specials for affordable variety.

Perfect For

Family-style celebrations with grandparents and kids
Seafood-focused group dinners
Casual weeknight Cantonese comfort cravings
Banquet menus for large parties

Location Insights

Area: Residential Outer Richmond corridor near Ocean Beach; casual, family-oriented, with many Chinese eateries.

Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; typical urban wear.

Nearby: Near Ocean Beach and Golden Gate Park; mix of small shops, bakeries, and markets on Balboa.

Outer RichmondThe dining scene is casual and community-oriented, with many Asian and seafood restaurants reflecting the diverse local population. The area is known for its relaxed vibe, safe streets, and accessibility to outdoor recreational spots, attracting residents who prefer a quieter urban experience.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–21:00 Tuesday11:00–21:00 Wednesday11:00–21:00 Thursday11:00–21:00 Friday11:00–21:00 Saturday11:00–21:00 Sunday11:00–21:00

Available: Reservations, Takeout

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