New Zealand Herald

Reviews for Empress Garden Restaurant

by Wayne B.
9th August 2011

This business is a MenuMania SponsorOne of the Business' Favourite Reviews

Had many recommendations to go to this restaurant to try their Peking Duck. My partner and I went there for lunch yesterday and found the Peking Duck and the service to be outstanding. We had the two course Peking Duck menu and it was absolutely delicious. Absolutely fantastic value at $70.00 and Christine who waited on us was very pleasant and friendly. We will definitely be back to try more of the menu.

by Gus
16th March 2013

The service is sketchy, the rest of the dishes on the menu are decent without hitting a high note. But go for the duck, it is glorious. Empress Garden have the best Peking Duck first course in Auckland, and the sang choi bao are also excellent

by Whitecat X.
23rd February 2013

Actually a little better than very good. I’ve ever tried Peking Duck in Beijing, Shang Hai and Hong Kong. Comparing with them Empress Garden serves not enough for those authentic Peking Duck but I still support them with their good $ performance, attentive service, and their generous BYO acceptance. You should go with a group of more than four people to enjoy their food. Don’t forget your own wine bottle (a little corkage fee) and order the two course dinner(Peking duck, stir-fried duck w/veges) and fried rice to finish up.
You’ll get 100% satisfied and surprised to see the reasonable charge.

by Jerry H.
16th October 2012

Had a wonderful evening – shared a number of dishes. Tasty and fresh. Restaurant was busy but did not mind waiting a bit.
Enjoyed the vegetarian options. Will return.

by Michelle L.
8th July 2012

Visited this fantastic restaurant for the second time this evening. The Peking Duck is delicious and great value! The service is excellent as well. Will definitely be back! We had kids with us this time and they loved it too.

by orca1
28th June 2012

This is my family restaurant where we have celebrated many, many G8 occasions be it with family or overseas whanua. Where everybody has raved bout the Peking Duck & other superb dishes, not to mention the awesum service by the Staff. So somewhat blown away by by David’s & another reader Claire’s comments – the Peking duck is literally to die for! So tender, melts in your mouth, the fresh cucumber slices & finely shredded spring onions alongside pancakes complements the whole dish superbly

If the Empress Garden Peking Duck wasn’t to rave for – the North & South magz wouldnt have it as TOP 10 restaurant conservative yrs running, David.

Yes, the restaurant runs a roaring trade & can get extremely busy at times, where waitress do get harried & orders may be slightly delayed, chinese tea may be slopped onto table without intent. BUT we have never experienced a routine of- come, gobble your food, go” kind of service…. Perhaps Claire, instead of rubbishing a restaurant on website… take it up with Management first? Because I don’t think Empress Garden would be in business if their offered the kind of experience u mentioned on a daily basis. AND this restaurant has survived the nz market incl. Recession & their have been around for a very long time.

by David
28th April 2012

This restaurant is known for its peking duck but I find their duck pretty average and too expensive. There are a number of chinese restaurant that serve better peking duck and charge nearly half that price. The environment and service was good though. The other dishes were above average though.

by Lillian K.
22nd August 2011

came here especially for the peking duck and it did not disappoint. We chose the peking duck 2 ways – first course is the compulsory with pancake and 2nd course we chose fried with Shanghai Noodle. SUPER YUMMY. We also ordered some fried dumplings but they were disappointing being soggy on top… Good atmosphere Chinese restaurant – go for the duck for sure!

by MistressOfSpices
10th September 2010

The Pecking Duck is A DEF MUST TRY

by Claire B.
20th March 2010

This has been one of our favorite restaurants for years however having to pre order things like duck is now not really necessary so it is irritating that you have to do this to get the great duck!
But the one thing that has really put us off this restaurant is the sittings you must be there at a set time and leave by a set time, this make money for the owners but doesn’t give a good dining out experience so do take aways best option, no hurrying or feeling like you are inconveniencing the staff by eating to slowly, get the food and enjoy at your pace at your place.

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