Imperia Modern Asian Dining

08/26/2008 Posted by dawall3230

Took a first date to Imperia Saturday night hoping to impress, and thanks to the great sushi and accomadating service, I did. Sat at the bar while waiting for my date and was helped by very nice blond who didn't get snippy when I didn't like the lily martini. Sat down at table (which is my only gripe- the tiny tables are too close togther). Our waitress, who I'd had one time before and both times put m date to shame (the bevy of beautiful blonds at this place is reason by it self to come back, especially her), was very patient and answered our sushi questions in depth. Everything she recommended was delicious, especially the chipotle sushi with lemon. When my high maintenance date wanted brown sugar for her tea, the waitress (lindsay?) even ran across the street to another restaurant to get it for her. Phenomenal service, unique and very tasty sushi will keep me coming back.

Pros: Staff and different-from-normal food

Cons: the waitress wouldn't give me her phone number

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

04/06/2008 Posted by LocalDining

Dinner was fantastic! We had the sugar cane duck kabob and was really good. We also had the dragon rib and the ribeye. The dragon rib was HUGE and enough for 2 people. The ribeye was a little more fatty than normal but still tasted amazing. I would have to say the best thing we tasted was the lobster mashed potatoes. It was so delicious we couldn't stop eating them. Dessert was just as good as the rest of the meal. The molten cake with coconut ice cream was the perfect ending to a delicious meal! I highly recommend this place. Portion's and flavor are well worth the price.

Pros: Great food and Great Service

Cons: Little loud.

02/03/2008 Posted by 10blond

For all you Austinites this is a wonderful and friendly place.Enjoy mouthwatering chinese AND MEET THE CHEF. Great wine selection and have returned many times just to have the duck kabobs and edamame! the phai thai is incredible! Highly recommend to everyone wanting to meet great fun people. valet parking is available.