With the influx of supper clubs in this city, the Empire seems to cover all bases. Executive Chef Adam Foley (Auberge du Pommier, Jump Café & Bar, Brant House and Brassai) is no stranger to the supper club environment, and will surely grace Empire with his culinary visions. Highlights on the menu include a tuna taco ($14) a rare blue fin tuna, cucumber jicama slaw with mango guacamole; a Kobe beef croquette ($14) served with taro frits and a wasabi pepper dipping sauce; a Thai Barbeque Marinated Quebec Duck Breast ($27) is served with truffle lentils, roasted onions, ginger infused jus.
Purely shallow but never dull, Empire wisely pushes the limits of celeb-luring absurdity to the extreme, making it easier to submit to its high-end camp. Take its’ spaciousness and slick design; the Empire might be just the place where “film royalty” might come to play. Affording plenty of room to shmooze and sidle up, the Empire is perfectly poised to be Yorkville’s next, less stodgy place to be and be seen, astoundingly clear in its intentions and seems to be a great addition to the Yorkville area. - F.S.
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 AT A GLANCE
Empire Restaurant and Lounge
50 Cumberland Street, Toronto, ON
416-840-8440
Eclectic
Yorkville
Venue:
Restaurant, Lounge
Hours:
Daily: 11:30am- 3:00pm 5:00pm - 2:00am
Price Range:
$$$$ (expensive)
Payment:
Master Card, Visa, American Express, Diners Club
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THE BUZZ
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IN THE AREA
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16 Reader Reviews | Showed up for dinner, the place was empty on a friday night. the food was gross and the service was horrible. after our server told us we would have to leave since they were removing the furniture out for the club, asked to speak to a manager. the manager came over was told us the same thing, however, he was rude and didn't really care. how does this place survive?
1. Natalia's Review :: August 07, 2008 Natalia's Rating: 1 Stars |
I'm sorry, my friends and I have to disagree with the 4 star review of the Empire Restaurant and Lounge. The chef must of had a bad day or it was his day off.
The restaurant's decor is very nice. The 2 waitresses we had were friendly and attentive. As for the food, besides taking a long time to reach our table it was a major disappointment. We picked Empire because they were participating in the City Dine event which was a fix menu. When we placed our order our waitress advised us that the side dishes were not available nor was the dessert. The seafood appetizer looked awesome but it was over done and very chewy. The main course which was just a piece of chicken was dry. Swiss Chalet has better chicken. The dessert was okay but our tarts seemed like they were store bought. Nevertheless, we will not be going back to try their regular menu...one bad experience was enough.
2. Anonymous's Review :: September 28, 2007 |
I'm sorry, my friends and I have to disagree with the 4 star review of the Empire Restaurant and Lounge. The chef must of had a bad day or it was his day off.
The restaurant's decor is very nice. The 2 waitresses we had were friendly and attentive. As for the food, besides taking a long time to reach our table it was a major disappointment. We picked Empire because they were participating in the City Dine event which was a fix menu. When we placed our order our waitress advised us that the side dishes were not available nor was the dessert. The seafood appetizer looked awesome but it was over done and very chewy. The main course which was just a piece of chicken was dry. Swiss Chalet has better chicken. The dessert was okay but our tarts seemed like they were store bought. Nevertheless, we will not be going back to try their regular menu...one bad experience was enough.
3. Joelle Lauren's Review :: September 28, 2007 Joelle Lauren's Rating: 1 Stars |
We had one of our worst dining experiences ever at Empire last night. Our main course took over an hour to arrive and as my boyfriend said "was like something his roommate would prepare" (this was not a compliment to his roommate.) The soda in my cocktail was flat when it arrived and when I asked for a replacement, suggesting that it was perhaps the 'soda' that was flat not a lack of soda, I was given a replica of the first flat drink along with a side of attitude from the bartender. This woman continued to be unpleasant to everyone she talked to and created a horrible atmosphere in the restaurant. The only bright spot was our server (who was continually bitched at by the woman behind the bar), she tried her hardest but couldn't make up for the pretend atmosphere and horrible food. Empire dresses itself up like a stylish joint, but it is all facade with no substance!
4. Anonymous's Review :: September 16, 2007 |
We had one of our worst dining experiences ever at Empire last night. Our main course took over an hour to arrive and as my boyfriend said "was like something his roommate would prepare" (this was not a compliment to his roommate.) The soda in my cocktail was flat when it arrived and when I asked for a replacement, suggesting that it was perhaps the 'soda' that was flat not a lack of soda, I was given a replica of the first flat drink along with a side of attitude from the bartender. This woman continued to be unpleasant to everyone she talked to and created a horrible atmosphere in the restaurant. The only bright spot was our server (who was continually bitched at by the woman behind the bar), she tried her hardest but couldn't make up for the pretend atmosphere and horrible food. Empire dresses itself up like a stylish joint, but it is all facade with no substance!
5. Gillian's Review :: September 15, 2007 Gillian's Rating: 1 Stars |
I was pleastly surprised by my experience at empire as I have read mixed reviews,Food was great,beautiful room, one of Toronto's good secrets, as most people I mentioned it to did not know its whereabouts I guess it is on the wrong side of bay st.
6. Anon's Review :: February 26, 2007 Anon's Rating: 4 Stars |
Well, here's the thing about the service: The issue is NOT with the staff. They're great. They're very attentive and friendly, and have made an effort to remember you when you walk in the door.
The Vibe of the place is very cool. The music selection, in my mind, is spot-on.
The food, though a tad artsy, is not unreasonably overpriced. You do get what you pay for and fresh ingredients are what make the meals memorable.
So why the non-satisfactory rating?
The management and their "policies". After being a frequent-er since their opening in 2005, I've been noticing little rules that have come into play recently that seem to be put into place for the sake of nickel-and-diming more than anything else. If you deal with anyone above server level, the service drops drastically, yet service charges are automatically entered onto the bill!
One policy doesn't allow you to call in a take-out order. So I had to come in, order, and wait. While waiting, my bill was quickly handed to me for immediate payment. No offer to sit while I wait, no offers for a glass of water (or a drink I'd be willing to pay for) while I wait, and the bill had included a service charge of 16% (a service charge for what?) which is rather new to me. Had they delivered my meal or offered some form of "service", I wouldn't have a gripe. But I know most places offer a *discount* for pick-up orders.
Their explanation was that this was the "policy". That's it. Nothing elaborated. The person who served me, I later found out, was the bar manager!
A complaint letter also went unanswered.
Sad to see a promising place fall prey to the "Gotta show attitude and gouge our patrons to survive in Yorkville" virus.
7. Mick's Review :: September 22, 2006 Mick's Rating: 2 Stars |
Our recent dining experience could not have been more enjoyable or memorable.
The menu is innovative, offers a splendid variety of selections, and is accompanied by an excellent wine list.
When it came to dining, the appetizer was scrumptous, our fish entrees were absolutely delicious and supurbly moist, and dessert was sinfully delicious. All were exquisitely presented - perfect visual introductions to a thoroughly delicious culinary experience.
The china and crystal patterns have been most thoughtfully selected and serve as perfect settings for the exquisitely presented menu selections. On top of that we appreciated the very comfortable seating.
From our arrival until our departure, we were most graciously and conscientiously looked after.
We have only one regret: the Empire Restaurant and Lounge is in Toronto and we live in Ottawa. We envy Toronto residents having this splendid addition in their midst.
Without question, we look forward to returning whenever we are in Toronto.
Thank you for a very memorable evening and dining experience.
8. Admiral & Mrs R L Hennessy's Review :: February 27, 2006 Admiral & Mrs R L Hennessy's Rating: 4 Stars |
What a way to throw away money! Sorry, Empire, you just don't make the cut. The food was odd, and not tasty. We did not enjoy one dish - not even the dessert. We were given the wrong wine and not told about it...even though we figured it out quite easily. And expensive! I don't mind spending on a meal, as long as it is enjoyed - and this one was not.
Sorry. Definitely one of the worst meals I have eaten...and I can't believe it was so costly to eat so badly...
9. SimpleLife's Review :: January 16, 2006 SimpleLife's Rating: 1 Stars |
I've been to the Empire a couple of times for dinner, and while wait service has been slow, it had usually been polite. HOWEVER, we were actually OFFENDED by the very rude and arrogant "you're bothering us and we couldn't care less about your business" reception which we received in our most recent experience at Empire. While the food is good, there are plenty of excellent restaurants in the city who are more than happy to have our business! Perhaps you should remind your staff what the difference a smile and an attitude adjustment might make to the people who contribute to their paycheck.
10. Karoline's Review :: December 09, 2005 Karoline's Rating: 2 Stars |
Well, I'm looking at all these bad things said about Empire as a "club". First thing you should all know is it's a restaurant first. I took my lady there for dinner and the food was spectacular. Great room, great service and a really good wine list. The club, which happens after 11pm is low key at first to not upset the diners but later it rocks. Great Music, great scene. I'll keep goin' back!
11. Gus's Review :: October 21, 2005 Gus's Rating: 4 Stars |
Overpriced. Overated. There is not a soul to be found in the club. Didn't enjoy it.
12. YesNo's Review :: October 19, 2005 YesNo's Rating: 1 Stars |
Don't know what 'Natasha' was talking about in her 'review' - I've eaten there several times - service was excellent - very attentive and up to speed about the food. Hmmmm... 'Natasha' seems to have a specific beef with management... perhaps a waitress herself who couldn't cut it? Probably. LOL. Get a life 'Natasha'.
Empire is super trendy and hip addition to the Yorkville scene. Try it yourself - food is excellent!
13. Kristine's Review :: October 16, 2005 Kristine's Rating: 3 Stars |
The service is a JOKE !!!!!
Been 3 times. Who is managing this place? The most inept service in the city. Cute is not enough. They should also know food, ingredients, and CARE about guests! No one knows what they are serving and no one is being trained. And the food is fabulous. Get a real manager who has actually LED a team. Spend some money on it, before you become a joke and a place everyone talks about and avoids. 3 times and 3 times they got it wrong. Where do the servers go hide? They are never around! Doesn't the manager SEE what's going on? No, he doesn't, we haven't seen him and because we are told he's too busy to see us. Unbelievable!
14. Natasha's Review :: October 05, 2005 Natasha's Rating: 2 Stars |
Great new venue! The food was wonderful - excellent presentation. Wait staff seemed to be trying to hurry us along, but I think it may have been that they were simply a little eager. For having only been open for a few weeks, I was sad to see that the bathrooms already need some repairs! All in all, great addition to Cumberland.
15. Jennifer's Review :: September 25, 2005 Jennifer's Rating: 4 Stars |
Just had lunch there on a rainy Friday afternoon. Sat out on the patio under the giant red canopy and dug into the delicious Friday special - Fish & Chips ($15). A new take on the pub classic - light fluffy fish with just the right amount of batter. Excellent tartar sauce. Refreshing cucumber slaw and perfect frites. Others had the delicious Club and the scrumptious Panino. Staff was appropriately attentive. Empire seems to still be getting there grove down - where's the salt on the table? The chairs look great, just don't lean back. The young lady at the front entrance was starring into space - she looked bored out of her mind. The room looks great and would be a welcome spot in the evening. Don't quite understand though the purpose of the TV's in the booths - why watch the tube when you should be focusing on your dinner guest(s).
All in all, four stars is a valid rating.
16. Neil Davis's Review :: September 16, 2005 Neil Davis's Rating: 4 Stars |
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 50 Cumberland Street, Toronto, ON |
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