Empress Restaurant

Empress Restaurant in Burnside, Adelaide, takes a contemporary approach to traditional Chinese cuisine. Its menu reflects the personal heritage of the family behind the restaurant, described as a south-east Asian Chinese family, while balancing familiar traditions with newer interpretations.

Yum cha is served daily at lunch, with selections prepared fresh on site each day. On weekends, the yum cha offering is expanded with specially prepared items that are not listed on the regular menu. The à la carte menu moves between traditional Chinese dishes and more modern takes, with the chef introducing fresh approaches and changing off-menu offerings each week.

The restaurant’s story is closely tied to its family ownership and long hospitality background. The family brings more than 30 years of restaurant experience to Empress after a 10-year break, giving the venue a sense of continuity while allowing room for a new direction. With lunch and dinner service, it can suit diners looking for yum cha, a broader à la carte meal or a Chinese dining option in Toorak Gardens. Reservations are available, and the restaurant advises checking its Facebook page for updates.