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Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Emei Restaurant
Review
About
Since 2011, EMei has emerged as one of Philadelphia's premier dining destinations, celebrated for its authentic Chinese cuisine curated by Master Chef Zhao and a team of 6 wok chefs that born and trained in the Sichuan region of China. Boasting over 50 years of expertise in mastering Sichuan cuisine, Chef Zhao skillfully infuses dishes with bold chili oils, aromatic peppercorns, and expertly seasoned cuts of fish, meat, and produce. Situated conveniently in Chinatown, EMei diligently procures fresh ingredients daily. With a menu featuring 120 items, including house-made egg rolls and dumplings, we take pride in crafting everything in-house. This commitment not only ensures quality but also enables us to offer a wide selection of gluten-free and vegetarian options. EMei’s Recent Highlights： - 50 Best Restaurants by Philadelphia Magazine in 2023 & 24; - Philly's Best Szechuan Restaurant by Craig Laban & The Inquirer; - Featured in "Where to Eat in Philadelphia" by Food & Wine Magazine;
Features
CUISINES
Chinese, Asian, Szechuan
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Women-owned, Asian-owned
Accepts Credit Cards
Delivery
Family style
Free Wifi
Full Bar
Gift Cards Available
Non-smoking restaurants
Private Dining
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Street Parking
Table Service
Takeout
Wheelchair Accessible
Wine and Beer
Location
Street Parking
Does this place accept credit cards?
Reserve a table
Order delivery
Save this restaurant
Hours
Open until 10:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Contribute
4.7
36 reviews
Excellent
30
Very good
4
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
1
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Misha_again
Madrid13 contributions
Jan 2025 • couples
Excellent choice for us.
It was the precursor to an evening at the symphony. The food was tasty, it came out quickly and was worth every penny.
My inner child wanted rice and lo mein so badly, so that’s what we had. There were so many other choices and exotic dishes to try, but I wanted what I wanted.
We also had the pork dumplings.
Many ethnics were there that evening solidifying my confidence in the restaurant choice.
Written January 16, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EMei Restaurant
Thank you for your kind review! We're so glad to hear that you enjoyed your meal. It sounds like you made some delicious choices, and we're so glad to have earned your confidence. We hope to welcome you back soon for another great experience!
Written January 20, 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ray R
Newtown37 contributions
Aug 2024 • family
Visited with a big family (10+, more than half kids) before the lantern festival. Their experience (okay, mine too) with Chinese food is mostly what you can find in every suburban strip mall.
Food is mostly served family style, so I got to try a variety of dishes.
EVERYTHING was so good. I'm not saying that we went way out of our comfort zone (kids mostly stuck to noodles, none of the adults tried jellyfish head or frog) but every dish was just better than its equivalent anywhere else we've eaten. My particular favorite was the dry-fried green beans.
For a sit-down restaurant in Philly, in 2024, prices were quite reasonable.
Written August 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EMei Restaurant
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re glad that you and your family had such a positive experience with us. It’s great to hear that everyone enjoyed the dishes. We look forward to welcoming you all back soon!
Written September 3, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dinah M
Richmond18 contributions
Jul 2023 • solo
My server added to my great experience at EMei on July 15, 2023. She helped me pick 2 traditional dishes, spicy Dan Dan noodles with pork and a refreshing cucumber salad. They were perfect foils accompanied by Singha beer.
She told me how to pronounce EMei, the namesake of one of the highest mountains in Sichuan province of China.
There was a steady stream of diners for their authentic Szechuan food. if you are an adventurous eater, they have dishes such as jellyfish head, but less bold eaters like me have many, many options. EMei is a must if you are in Philly.
Written July 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Explorer48739917529
2 contributions
Jan 2025 • solo
I have no idea how this place has so many raving reviews. Be cautious—it seems like they’re far better at advertising than running a respectable business.
The food is merely passable, the wait is painfully long, and the front-desk staff are clueless about the wait times—totally unprofessional, horrible service, just glued to their phones. I even felt pressured to tip for take-out. I still tipped even though I didn’t want to. This is my third visit, solely because of the glowing reviews, but after this experience, I’m done. I won’t be coming back.
Written January 18, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EMei Restaurant
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re truly sorry to hear about your disappointing experience. Your concerns about service, wait times, and overall experience are important to us, and we sincerely apologize for not meeting your expectations.
We value your input and will review your feedback with our team to address these issues and improve. While we’ve received many positive reviews from our Sichuan customers, we remain humble and always welcome customer suggestions to help us improve further. If you're open to sharing more details, please don’t hesitate to contact us at hello@emei.restaurant—we’d appreciate the opportunity to make things right. Thank you for bringing this to our attention, and we hope to provide you with a better experience next time!
Written January 20, 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bluejeanfood
Philadelphia860 contributions
Mar 2023 • couples
This restaurant is flat out great, wonderful, fantastic, awesome, etc. Whatever word you want to describe them would be correct if the theme of the thought is a place you must eat at. I had a really nice experience and dining here in person is a highlight. From the robot server, hot pot flame on the table, to ordering completely on your phone is part of the charm. Everything was VERY delicious and would order the same thing again over and over. I had fried pork dumplings, fish fillet in a hot and spicy pot, shredded pork with garlic sauce, and salted spicy pork. Highly recommend a visit here!
Written April 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
YY_Xie
Singapore366 contributions
Dec 2023 • friends
I've often treated Chinese food in the West with suspicion, but the food at Emei was surprisingly authentic. While the spiciness level of some dishes were slightly toned down, the flavours were very Szechuan. I was also impressed that the waiter made the effort to speak some Mandarin. Prices were also pretty reasonable.
Written December 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ronald K
Berwyn215 contributions
Dec 2023 • solo
I didn't go, but ordered out, and the bok choy was sodden, worthlessly overcooked . I can't recommend this place to anyone with taste.
The soup was good, so was the tofu, and so were the mushrooms picked out of the bok choy. Perhaps the fault was with doordash delivery, but I think the bok choy was fiercely overcooked, and they didn't care when they sent it.
Written December 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EMei Restaurant
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We apologize for the disappointment with the bok choy in your order. We appreciate your mention of the positive aspects like the soup, tofu, and mushrooms. We understand there might be differences in texture due to delivery.We'll look into the issue and strive to improve. We looking forward to having you taste our freshly cooked dishes at the restaurant, which we believe will provide a better overall experience.
Written December 11, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jan_klincewicz
Bala Cynwyd133 contributions
Jul 2021 • solo
I've been so tired of lackluster Dan Dan noodles living on the Main Line. These were not just "la" but "mala." The Szechuan peppercorns were numbing allowing the extreme heat from the peppers to easily slide through the lips. Not TOO oily (people need to understand chili oil is essential to this cuisine.) The shredded beef with long peppers was brilliantly "feathered" with cornstarch making the tough but flavorful round tender with the classic texture only the Chinese seem to be able to achieve. Portions were enormous, especially for the price. Dan Dans would easily serve three as an app. I took 2/3 home, as I'm stuffed. Waitstaff spoke fluent English (which was lucky, as they didn't understand a word of my less-than-fluent Mandarin. Masks/shields worn by staff (and many Asian customers.) It was quite crowded at 7:30 on this July 4th. They were very nice accommodating me as a single.
Written July 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
T Del Monico
New York70 contributions
Dec 2022 • couples
Awesome dinner experience at Emei! Super creative spins on authentic Szechuan preparations with the perfect balance of heat/flavor. Staff very helpful with suggestions. Our server, who is from Malaysia, made it even better by being so nice. Highly recommend - can’t wait to return next time we’re in Philly!
Written December 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
S-Man283
Philadelphia138 contributions
Nov 2022 • couples
Philly has good Szechuan options and Emei is the best I’ve tried. Lots of great options for the adventurous, those who like spicy, and even those just seeking great Chinese-American cuisine. Great for eating both in and for delivery.
Written December 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nancy L
Orlando7095 contributions
Jul 2024 • family
This one is really good. Beware of gf steak skewers. They are so spicy even for a spice lover. The green beans were so good. Walnut shrimp was yummy. Loved the onion pancakes. Service is excellent.
Written July 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EMei Restaurant
Thank you for your review! We're glad to hear that you enjoyed our dishes. It's wonderful to know that you found our service excellent. We look forward to serving you again at EMei soon!
Written July 9, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The_Egyptian_Couple
Karen430 contributions
Jul 2021 • family
We went there for late lunch and we really enjoyed it! The place offers some authentic Chinese food that challenges your taste buds. We had the super spicy chicken and the amazingly spicy frogs. Try it and you won't regret it.
Written July 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Milena A
Milan88 contributions
Aug 2024 • family
Great Chinese restaurant, coming from someone who doesn't eat Chinese!
Friendly staff, fast service, nice local and good food, especially the orange chicken.
Also good the onion pancake and dumplings.
Good price.
Recommendation, located in ChinaTown neighborhood
Automatically translated
Written August 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EMei Restaurant
Thank you for the wonderful feedback! We’re delighted that you enjoyed the food. It’s great to hear that you had a positive experience with our service and atmosphere. We appreciate your support and look forward to serving you again soon!
Written August 28, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Adventurer311129
29 contributions
Nov 2024 • couples
This restaurant was fabulous, from service to the excellent food. Portions were massive too!
A great find and not to be missed while visiting Pennsylvania!
Written November 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EMei Restaurant
Thank you for the wonderful review! We're so happy to hear you enjoyed the food and service. We appreciate your kind words and are glad you had a great experience. We look forward to serving you again!
Written December 4, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cathy
Stamford3 contributions
Jun 2023 • friends
Excellent, varied menu, delicious food (generous portions!, attentive, cheerful service. We’d definitely make a return trip the next time we’re in Philly!
Written June 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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