Emperor's Kitchen in San Francisco, CA

4.0(101)San Francisco, CA
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Solid choice

Rated 4.0 stars based on 101 reviews.

  • Family-friendly
  • Budget-friendly
  • Quick service

Best for / Not ideal for

Best for

  • Budget dining
  • Quick meals
  • Families
  • Large groups

Not ideal for

  • Fine dining seekers

At a glance

San Francisco, CA • 4.0★
Emperor's Kitchen, a renowned Chinese buffet in San Francisco, California, offers an unparalleled dining experience in the heart of the Tenderloin neighborhood. With a 4-star rating and over 100 reviews, this Chinese Restaurant has become a trusted favorite among locals and visitors alike. All-you-can-eat enthusiasts will appreciate the generous portions and diverse menu options, making it an excellent choice for families, groups, and individuals alike. Whether you're in the mood for something quick and affordable or a satisfying meal, Emperor's Kitchen has got you covered. Easy Chinese takeout place with great value and really affordable prices, super fast service, and good taste, making it a life saver for the whole neighborhood. The general Tso's chicken was super crispy still even after sitting a bit - loved it. They offer ~$4 small togo boxes for entree items; it seems like a good price for the amount they pack into the box.
This family-friendly Chinese buffet welcomes diners of all ages. This buffet provides good value for money.
Address
418 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA, Tenderloin, San Francisco, California
Phone
(415) 922-0380
Today
10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Rating
4.0 (101 reviews)

What stands out

💰Great value for families

Generous portions at reasonable prices

🍽️Delicious food

Multiple reviewers praise the taste and flavor

✨Fresh, quality food

Multiple reviewers mention the freshness

⚡Quick service

No long waits

View reviews →

Before you go

🅿️Parking available

Convenient parking for customers

♿Wheelchair accessible

Accessible entrance and facilities

🥡Takeout available

Order to go

🚚Delivery available

Delivery service offered

Photos

10 photos

Hours & Location

Status: Hours available

Regular Hours

7 days
Monday
10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday
10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday
11:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday
Closed

Amenities & Services

Accessibility, service options, and dining details

Accessibility

Wheelchair, parking, and more
Wheelchair accessible entrance

Amenities

Available facilities and features
Good For KidsTV AvailableCurbside PickupDogs Allowed

Atmosphere

Ambiance and setting
CasualNoise: Noise level

Dining Options

Food and beverage choices
LunchDinnerCateringLunchDinnerSolo dining

Service Options

Dine-in, takeout, delivery
TakeoutDine-inDeliveryReservations

Takeout service is available. Delivery service is offered.

Parking

Parking availability
Parking

Parking is available for customers.

Payment Methods

Accepted payment types
Business Accepts Credit Cards

Highlights

Special features
Fast service

Food & Drink

Menu offerings
Comfort foodQuick bite

Reviews

101 reviews

Reviews

Customer reviews available

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common answers about this buffet

Is the food at Emperor's Kitchen affordable?

Yes, many reviewers find the food to be affordable and of great value, with prices around $10-$11 for a plate and $4 for small to-go boxes.

What are some popular dishes at Emperor's Kitchen?

Reviewers have mentioned enjoying the general Tso's chicken, orange chicken, and pork fried rice.

Is Emperor's Kitchen a good option for takeout?

Yes, many reviewers have praised the restaurant for its quick and convenient takeout service.

Is the food at Emperor's Kitchen fresh?

Many reviewers have praised the restaurant for its fresh food, with one reviewer mentioning that they have never gotten food sickness or food poisoning from eating there.

Can you dine-in at Emperor's Kitchen?

No, the restaurant is currently takeout only, with no dine-in option available.

Are the portions at Emperor's Kitchen generous?

Many reviewers have mentioned that the portions are generous, with one reviewer stating that they get a lot of food for the price.

Is Emperor's Kitchen a popular spot for locals?

Yes, many reviewers have mentioned that the restaurant is a favorite among locals, with one reviewer stating that it's a 'life saver' for the neighborhood.

How would you describe the service at Emperor's Kitchen?

Reviewers have mixed opinions about the service, with some describing it as friendly and patient, while others have experienced rudeness.

Show 4 more questions

Have there been any issues with food quality or safety at Emperor's Kitchen?

Some reviewers have mentioned issues with food quality or safety, including finding a rock in their food and experiencing food sickness.

Do they have vegetarian options?

Some reviewers have mentioned vegetables being fresh and of good quality, but there is no explicit mention of vegetarian options.

Can you get a combo plate at Emperor's Kitchen?

Yes, some reviewers have mentioned getting a combo plate, which comes with a variety of dishes.

Do they offer special items at Emperor's Kitchen?

Yes, some reviewers have mentioned that they offer special items, such as salt and pepper fried fish.

Nearby Places

Local services, shops, and points of interest

100 places nearby (arts & culture, finance, food, government, healthcare)

Museums & galleries

Little Saigon: 2 lions

Artwork

~620 ft
Little Saigon: 2 lions

Artwork

~620 ft
Double L Excentric Gyratory

Artwork

~910 ft
Simon Bolivar

Artwork

~940 ft
Artwork

Artwork

~950 ft
Artwork

Artwork

~980 ft

Libraries & archives

William E Colby Memorial Library

Library

~940 ft

Banking

Wells Fargo

Atm

~120 ft
Golden 1 Credit Union

Bank

500 Golden Gate Avenue

~580 ft
Golden 1 Credit Union

Atm

~620 ft

Money services

MexExpress

Money Lender

149 Hyde Street

~420 ft
Western Union

Money Transfer

~620 ft

Restaurants

Emperor's Kitchen

Fast Food

418 Larkin Street

unknown distance
Outta Sight Pizza

Fast Food

422 Larkin Street

~20 ft
Hello!

Fast Food

426 Larkin Street

~40 ft
Golden Kim Tar Restaurant

Restaurant

434 Larkin Street

~70 ft
+1 415 3468889
Burke & Black

Restaurant

380 Golden Gate Avenue

~90 ftTu-Fr 11:00-17:00; Sa 11:00-15:00; Su,Mo off
Website
Spice of India

Restaurant

448 Larkin Street

~110 ft
+1 415-658-7720Website
Taqueria El Castillo

Restaurant

370 Golden Gate Avenue

~130 ftMo-Sa 08:00-20:00; Su off
Jin Mi Korean Cuisine

Restaurant

366 Golden Gate Avenue

~140 ftMo-Fr,Su 11:00-20:00; Sa off
+1 415 8345007Website
Subway

Fast Food

376 Larkin Street

~170 ftMo-Fr 09:00-21:00; Sa-Su 10:00-20:00
+1 415-241-9022Website
Golden Era Vegan Restaurant

Restaurant

395 Golden Gate Avenue

~190 ft11:00-19:30
+1-415-487-8687Website
Fast food restaurant

Fast Food

~280 ft
Estrellita's Snacks

Restaurant

~330 ft

Cafes & Coffee

Philz Coffee

Cafe

390 Golden Gate Avenue

~80 ftMo-Su 06:00-17:00
DeliShack

Cafe

455 Larkin Street

~120 ftMo-Fr 07:00-21:00; Sa-Su 09:00-20:00
Philz Coffee

Cafe

~170 ftMo-Fr 06:30-18:00; Sa,Su 07:00-18:00
The Coffee Smith

Cafe

401 Golden Gate Avenue

~190 ftMo-Fr 06:15-15:15
Website
Fluid Cooperative Cafe

Cafe

~310 ftMo-Fr 8:00-14:30
Website
Cafe 450 Eurest Dining

Cafe

450 Golden Gate Avenue

~450 ft
+1 415 621 0874
Unexpected Era Cafe

Cafe

614 Polk Street

~570 ft
SPRO

Cafe

525 Golden Gate Avenue

~630 ftMo-Fr 07:00-17:00
+1-415-844-0650Website
Lafayette Coffee Shop

Cafe

611 Larkin Street

~660 ft
Asian Art Museum Cafe

Cafe

~700 ft
Sing Sing

Cafe

309 Hyde Street

~790 ft
Mom's Soul Groove

Cafe

~880 ft

Bars & Pubs

Shovels Bar

Pub

460 Larkin Street

~180 ft
+1 415 8298979Website
Emperor Norton's Boozeland

Bar

510 Larkin Street

~320 ft
Whitechapel

Bar

600 Polk Street

~550 ftMo,Tu,Su off; We,Th 17:00-22:00; Fr,Sa 17:00-24:00
Website
Secret Bar & Lounge

Bar

708 Polk Street

~820 ft
Serv-Well

Alcohol

~1000 ft

Grocery & Markets

Convenience store

Convenience

~200 ft

Waste management

Waste bin

Waste Basket

~160 ft
Waste bin

Waste Basket

~530 ft
Waste bin

Waste Basket

~540 ft
Waste bin

Waste Basket

~620 ft
Waste bin

Waste Basket

~740 ft
Waste bin

Waste Basket

~870 ft

Postal services

Federal Building San Francisco

Post Office

~290 ft
+1 415 487 8981
United States Postal Service

Post Box

~330 ft
United States Postal Service

Post Box

~470 ft
United States Postal Service

Post Box

~520 ft
United States Postal Service

Post Box

~570 ft
United States Postal Service

Post Box

~850 ft

Hospitals & clinics

North East Medical Services

Clinic

~660 ft
Tom Waddell Urban Health Clinic

Clinic

~790 ft

Rehabilitation & care

Hospice by the Bay

Hospice

180 Redwood Street

~920 ftMo-Fr 09:00-17:00
+1 415-626-5900Website

Other services

Cloud9 Gift Shop

Yes

116 Hyde Street

~480 ft
Hyde Street Studios

Studio

245 Hyde Street

~600 ft
Website
Best Travel

Yes

~810 ft
Rainbow Coin Laundromat

Laundry

~830 ft
Aspect Custom Framing

Framing

731 Polk Street

~940 ft
Speed Wash

Laundry

~960 ftMo-Su 07:00-20:00

Hair services

Haircut by Gloria

Hairdresser

616 Polk Street

~570 ft
Wendy's Salon

Hairdresser

~630 ft
YSA Barber

Hairdresser

~920 ft

Beauty & spa

Mayfair Beauty Salon

Beauty

~840 ft
+1 415 4744853
Shine Spa

Beauty

712 Polk Street

~860 ft
+1 415 409 3038
Little Saigon

Beauty

~940 ft
+1-415-776-1474

Professional services

Tenderloin Housing

Company

~290 ft

Real estate services

The Academe at 198

Property Management

198 McAllister Street

~640 ft
Website

Financial & accounting services

H&R Block

Tax Advisor

~830 ft

Parks & amenities

Bench

Bench

~110 ft
Bench

Bench

~110 ft
Bench

Bench

~110 ft
Bench

Bench

~120 ft
Bench

Bench

~120 ft
Bench

Bench

~120 ft

Other recreation & entertainment

Recreation & entertainment venue

Outdoor Seating

~360 ft

Places of worship

William Taylor Methodist Church

Place Of Worship

~900 ft

Specialty stores

Quoc Long Jewelry

Jewelry

639 Larkin Street

~800 ft
Tobacco & Market

Tobacco

~900 ft
Music Exchange

Musical Instrument

700 Van Ness Avenue

~950 ftMo-Sa 10:00-18:00 "by appointment only"; Su 12:00-17:00 "by appointment only"
+1 415-552-0445Website

General retail

Tuong Phong

Marketplace

~990 ft

Parking facilities

Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~140 ft
Parking entrance

Parking Entrance

~250 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~490 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~500 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~520 ft
UC Law San Francisco

Bicycle Parking

~550 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~560 ft
Civic Center Garage

Parking

355 McAllister Street

~560 ft
Website
Parking entrance

Parking Entrance

~580 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~700 ft

Vehicle rentals

Enterprise

Car Rental

~410 ft

Public transportation

Taxi Stand at San Francisco Superior Court (along Polk Street)

Taxi

407 Polk Street

~680 ftAll Hours

Travel agencies

Starlight Travel

Travel Agency

~390 ft

Fuel & charging stations

EVgo

Charging Station

~280 ft
EVgo

Charging Station

~280 ft

Other utilities

Vending machine

Vending Machine

355 McAllister Street

~640 ft