Empire Garden Restaurant

Empire Garden Restaurant is a Chinese restaurant in Boston’s Chinatown, set inside the historic building that once housed the Globe Theatre. The dining room has a grand, eclectic character, with high ceilings, detailed woodwork and a decorative mix of French Renaissance influences and traditional Chinese elements. The setting gives a meal a sense of occasion while retaining the lively, informal energy associated with Chinatown dining.

Dim sum is served during the daytime, with dishes brought through the dining room on traditional rolling carts. The selection includes small steamed and filled specialties such as shrimp dumplings, pork buns and other bite-sized items. The cart service makes it possible to browse a range of dishes at the table, with the format suited to diners who enjoy sharing several portions rather than ordering a single main course.

The wider menu draws on familiar Chinese cooking and includes options beyond dim sum. Congee offers a warm rice porridge with savory accompaniments, while sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves provides a compact, filling dish. Steamed buns are available with fillings that can be savory or sweet, and steamed pork reflects the restaurant’s focus on seasoned, tender preparations. The menu also includes less common choices, including steamed shark served with a savory sauce.

Empire Garden’s appeal comes from the combination of food and setting. The former theatre interior provides architectural detail that is unusual for a Chinatown restaurant, while the rolling-cart service adds a traditional dim sum experience. The range of dishes gives mixed groups room to explore familiar Chinese favorites alongside more distinctive preparations.

The restaurant works well for daytime dim sum outings, shared meals and diners interested in a historic dining environment. Its Chinatown location also places it within easy reach of public transportation, with nearby discounted parking noted by the restaurant. Empire Garden offers a setting that connects Chinese food with the character of a preserved theatre interior.