Imperia Modern Asian Dining
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 472-6770
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- West Third Street
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 4pm-12am, Fri 4pm-1am, Sat 5:30pm-1am, Sun 5:30pm-12am
Editorial Review for Imperia Modern Asian Dining – by Joshua Hinsdale
The Scene
Complemented by elaborate chandeliers, provocative murals, onyx stone panels and a golden Buddha statue, the restaurant's deep reds and dark woods bring to mind the pomp and polish of an imagined Hong Kong supper club. But the warm and friendly staff is purely Austin. Despite excessively dark corners, pristine padded booths and high-backed leather chairs, the pretty staff dispels any notion of caste systems with their conversation and genuine enthusiasm for the menu, though service tends to lag during peak times.
The Food
Complex and flavorful dishes, such as firecracker shrimp and mussels with wasabi mashers, combine flavors popular in Southeast Asia, Japan, Thailand and other Pacific ports of call. The distinct flavors found in a single yuzu-crusted oyster, served in a nest of candied hijiki salad and wasabi crème on a soup spoon, are reason enough to visit. Entrees such as Chilean sea bass glazed in Miso (it melts on your tongue), lobster and shrimp pad Thai, and Korean rib-eye with chive blossoms are available for those seeking a full meal.
Hits: Plenty of seating in the bar and lounge to enjoy a drink while waiting for your table.
Misses: Compact space is jammed full of tables, causing diners to shuffle in their chairs frequently to let others pass. High ceiling makes dining room quite loud.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Look GoodAlthough Austin casual attire is welcomed, most guests will be more comfortable in upscale or stylish going-out clothes.
Know Before You GoWant to sample the atmosphere? Stop in for a cocktail, glass of wine or specialty beer at the modern bar and lounge.
The ExtrasChef Joe Tellus became known for his Asian menu creations at the popular Tao restaurants in New York and Las Vegas.
Fun FactImperia was created by Michael Girard, whose company also opened Cuba Libra and redesigned the rooftop deck at Speakeasy.
User Reviews for Imperia Modern Asian Dining
05/12/2008 Posted by dorian_doppelganger
I was not planning on writing a review of Imperia, but the poster immediately preceding this one made me feel the need to stick up for one of my favorite restaurants. I've been in a few times, and usually rely on my server for recommendations, because the menu has a few less-than-stellar items. That said, the seabass in either form (dim sum or entree) is delicious-- a decadent texture and a nuanced flavor. Other items that I've enjoyed include the dragon rib (a giant braised beef short rib), the Peking duck (for which one doesn't have to call ahead; a rarity), the chicken dumplings, the samosas, the eggplant, the jade salad, and several others that I'm forgetting. I agree with the aforementioned poster that the chicken satay is forgettable, though I really haven't found a decent chicken satay in Austin. I'd add that there are a couple of other dishes that I wouldn't order again-- namely the Korean ribeye and the wok lobster, but the number of items I've enjoyed vastly outnumber those that I wouldn't return for. One last note-- I can't think of an Asian restaurant that serves bread. The comment (found in the review below) begs the question: Have you seen Garden State? Also, I like the service at Imperia, although that's probably aided by the fact that I would label servers as people before I would label them as servers. Imperia is a great restaurant that's completely worth visiting. The food, atmosphere, and service are generally exceptional, and I'll gladly keep returning.
Pros: posh atmosphere, wonderful food
Cons: typical warehouse district crowd, can be noisy
05/07/2008 Posted by jaybird255
Dry dry dry food. Even the lemons for the iced tea were dry. One prior reviewer talked about the "imperceptible peanut sauce" on the chicken satay, and I am envious of his/her vocabulary, because that is so descriptive. The chicken satay was dry, and the 'sauce" was less exhilirating than Campbell's Tomato Soup }: The molten chocolate cake was the only appealing piece of an otherwise arid night. The rotund server seemed to have a supercilious air, and I just can't ever tolerate that--after all, she is, when all is said and done, A SERVER. Also, there is no table bread. I am just so glad this dinner was free to me, or I would have complained from the word "go."
Pros: Dry Dry Food!!! Absolutely Tasteless As Well!
Cons: pretty restaurant
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