Cafe Empress

When I first drove by I thought it was Cafe Express and never really cared about it until a friend of mine told me that there is this wonderful restaurant on 249 and gessner. I went to meet him up and then realized that it was not a cafe express but cafe empress. I went inside and was amazed. From the outside it looked as if it were some type of joe bloe place, but as I walked in I was very surprised. Beautiful contempary design and awesome lookin bar. Sat down and then had one of the best meals I've had in a long time. These guys need to advertise more. I looked on the wall and saw that they one some national awards as well. To my surprise this place wasnt corporate. Anyways Loved it. more

Still the best Asia fusion food in town - one of our favorites. We are definitely regulars to this restaurant and after trying out the restaurants around the area (Taipei, PF Changs, Hido, etc.) I wish they were located closer to town so more of our friends could try it out. Everytime we go in, we order something different...someimtes I'm in the sushi mood, sometimes steak/wine mood, sometimes Chinese food mood, but most of the time I go, I order their Chilean sea bass and get amaretto chocolate souffle to finish it up. Great ambiance - always guaranteed a great dining experience. Pros: FOOD, ambiance more

Scott Chen has brought back all the favorites that made Empress one of the best Fusion Chinese Restarant in Houston. The Hot and Sour Soup is as good I remember from the previous incarnation and the Fillet Mignon cubed is to die for. The service is friendly and accomidating. more

Everything I ordered from the Sushi Bar was, while fresh, VERY BORING. I ordered a roll named after the restaurant and found it to be overpriced and unimaginative. I think they are going for a different taste, as most rolls are topped with sweet teriyaki sauce, which I thought was a mistake. The sushi chef was either taking his lunch or had other tasks to perform in the kitchen. Each time I ordered a roll he would appear again from behind closed doors. Clearly this restaurant does not make ends meet by way of tips from the sushi bar. I dont know why the Willowbrook area restaurants serve this pseudo sushi. They should at least own up to it and ask a pseudo price for their efforts. Pros: fresh fish Cons: lackluster rolls, Inattentive chef, poor sushi selection more

After an abrupt closure last year, Empress is back! My favorite dishes from the old location are still on the menu and as good as ever. Shrimp with honey coated walnuts, Beef a la Scott, and Hot Sour Soup among others. There is a sushi bar at this new location with many unique rolls and very fresh sashimi. The service is friendly. The atmosphere is casual. I can't wait to go back! more