I've had the good fortune of enjoying Dim Sum since the 1960's when it was served at 2 restaurants in the Dundas and Bay Street vicinity and only on weekends. (there is a good chance my parents told me that to stop me asking for it) I remember those days well; Sui Mai and Har Gow. My uncles daring me to try the chicken's feet. And those steamed lotus leafs with rice and chinese sausage, wrapped up like little presents. What a wonderful memory. Fast forward 60 years. In mid March, we had a small family gathering at Casa Imperial and I found it memorable. I'll begin by saying the dim sum was very tasty. There was a "green coloured scallop and shrimp" offering that my wife raved about. My son and I enjoyed the curried squid. A bit spicier than normal with a grainier curry but thoughtfully prepared, i.e. easy to chew. The other dim sum we ordered, along with a noodle dish and a fried rice dish were quickly consumed, with no complaints. However, for me it is the decor that makes Casa Imperial memorable. As you walk up to the building you quickly realize that it is "not your typical asian restaurant". The hallway as you enter doubles as the waiting area and have dark wood panelling that evokes a slightly cramped feeling entering from the light of the outdoors. (though on that day, there were likely 15-20 people waiting in that area. I suppose covid protocols have made me so much more aware of crowds and crowding) When you are led to your table the decor and ambiance change noticeably. High ceilings, large and ornate chandeliers along with walls decorated with baroque style art. Your world opens! Though I didn't wander into the other seating areas, my son told me that the upstairs was equally elaborate. I imagine if Bach or Vivaldi decided on Dim Sum, they'd feel very comfortable dining here. The staff who served us, were efficient and Nancy (?) was quite personable. (I am trying to visualize her name tag, and think it's Nancy) All in all, a wonderful way to spend a rainy cold afternoon. I will go back. If you enjoy this type of novel dining experience, I suspect this is a "should try". I hope you find it memorable. A few logistical notes. Reservations; We reserved a table for 6 on a weekend at lunch time and I didn't think our wait was outrageous. Smaller parties seemed to be seated sooner. Parking On-site parking was a bit tight the day we visited. Remnants of the big January snowfall reduced the number of spots. Street parking is a short walk away. Final note. When my parents moved to north Scarborough the restaurant was on one of my father's daily walking routes. I remember him telling me about having dinner with my mother there and enjoying a well prepared Italian meal. I never had the chance to try the restaurant in that iteration, but I'm certain he would have loved having lunch with his sons, his daughter-in-law and his grandchildren in this unique setting. Miss you Dad.
Best dim sum and nice place for us every time in Toronto??
Full house (3 levels). Reservations recommended. Best tim sum ever. Great service. Tip incorporated into the bill. I judge how good a tim sum restaurant is by their basic dish...the siew mai. Quality ingredients throughout. Special dishes include the bird nest with abalone congee.
Beautiful setting in a large restaurant that looks like a mini castle. Went for dim sum on a Monday. Still very busy but didn't have to wait to get seated. Service was top notch, very clean and the food was also very good. Recommended and repeat customer.
Beautiful setting in a large restaurant that looks like a mini castle. Went for dim sum on a Monday. Still very busy but didn't have to wait to get seated. Service was top notch, very clean and the food was also very good. Recommended and repeat customer.
This review is Dim Sum only, and midweek. We went on a recommendation. Our Dim Sum experience includes eating in London, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong. This was one of the best. We chose a selection of classic Cantonese dishes, with one exception done in the usual way but better. Better quality ingredients and a higher standard. The Log Mai Kai was just different, not what we are used to. The staff were efficient and effective. Not once were we asked if we were enjoying our meal or how we were. What peaceful bliss! Can't comment on the evening menu, the wine list looked hopeless. For Dim Sum we drank tea anyway.
Never going back As a lover of dim sum and having tried really good dim sum, I was very disappointed in the dishes we tried. Some were average while many were quite fishy tasting.There are lots of much better and cheaper dim sum places around. It went from bad to worse when a different waiter came by, after our order went in, to ask if we’d like to try the fresh scallops. Thinking it was a freebie from the restaurant, we were happy to accept. We’d had this offer from other Dim Sum restaurants and why else would a waiter offer us something after our order went in. The scallops were covered in raw garlic and very old tasting. Then we got the bill for $36 for 3 scallops!!! I feel very taken advantage of and needless to say will never be back.
As a lover of Dim Sum i was extremely disappointed in the food. Some of the dishes were average while many were quite fishy tasting. There are much better dim sum places around. We had a particularly bad experience when a “waiter” (not our waitress) came around asking if we’d like to try some fresh scallops. Thinking that it was an Amuse Bouche we agreed. The scallops were covered in raw garlic and not fresh. Then we got the bill for $36 for 3 scallops!!! I feel very taken advantage of and needless to say, we’ll never be back.
It was awful.We went Saturday morning with kids. And they asked to wait 15 minutes. We wait More than 30 minutes. And saw customers came after us had been sitting. We asked how long will be. They said another 30 minutes. Until we found out they did not have our name on the list. End up left the place .never be back.Very rude reception.
A typical Chinese dim sum restaurant that is constructed in historical building. There is dine-in option as well as patio seating for eating in.The dine in area has barriers between each table for social distancing and there is also a In-N-Out lineup for entering the restaurant the service was relatively quick and the food was deliciousQuite a large parking lot for the vehicles so there should be no problem finding parking