Imperial Cafe & Lounge — Restaurant in Richmond Hill

Food: 5 Stars Service: 5 Stars Ambience: 5 Stars Value: 5 Stars Sanitary: 5 Stars Overall: 5 Stars

Big thanks to our server Salin ❤️

I visited Imperial Café & Lounge for a late-night craving with my partner for fried food and dessert, and the experience was fantastic. The freshness and homemade quality of the dishes were evident from the first bite. We ordered the fried chicken and fries, and I was particularly impressed by the seasoning on the chicken, which was flavourful and well-balanced. The fries had a great texture, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, which complemented the chicken perfectly.

A highlight of our visit was the pistachio milkshake. Having tried similar shakes at specialized places like Pistachio Blend and Majoon Bar, I can confidently say that the one at Imperial Café & Lounge stands out. The taste was a genuine pistachio flavour in every sip, and for the price, it felt like an exceptional value. This milkshake truly set a new standard for me, surpassing even those from establishments known for their Persian milkshakes.

We also tried the faloodeh, which was another pleasant surprise. The dish was well-prepared, with each noodle distinct and delicious. It's clear that great care goes into preparing these traditional desserts, and it was among the best I've had. Also, note that they only offer bottled water, which is charged separately. You won't be served complimentary water upon arrival.

The atmosphere of the café has a strong Persian influence, which is reflected in both the decor and the music. There was a DJ playing Persian music, which added a lively and vibrant energy to the place. However, the volume was quite high, making it a bit challenging to have a conversation. This may not be ideal for everyone, especially if you're looking for a quieter dining experience. The interior is modern and clean, though the dark decor might not be everyone's cup of tea. Despite this, the staff's friendliness and attentiveness made us feel welcome.

Compared to the Gate Café across the street, Imperial Café & Lounge offers better value for money. We enjoyed a full meal with high-quality ingredients for around $60, including tax and tip, which is impressive considering the quality and portion sizes. In contrast, our experience at the Gate Café felt overpriced, with a similar order costing around $80 for less satisfying dishes.

Overall, Imperial Café & Lounge offers a wonderful combination of delicious food, vibrant atmosphere, and good value. It's more suited to an adult audience due to the lively music and ambiance. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a late-night spot with quality food and a unique experience. Definitely coming back to try other dishes and drinks here!

xx...

This was one of the worst dining experiences my family and I have ever had. We visited Imperial Cafe and Lounge expecting a pleasant evening, but it was anything but. Right from the start, the service was absolutely unacceptable. After seating us, the waitress didn’t provide us with menus. We waited a few minutes, only to finally notice a small QR code on the table that we had to scan to view the menu—no explanation or guidance at all. And to top it off, the prices were outrageously high, completely unjustifiable for a place of this calibre.

We then decided what we wanted, but waited for 15 minutes without anyone coming by to take our order. Two waitresses walked past us multiple times, not once acknowledging our presence or asking if we needed anything. They weren’t even busy the whole time, but still avoided checking in with us, which felt like being ignored on purpose.

The atmosphere wasn’t any better. The tables were so cramped together that we couldn’t even sit comfortably without bumping into the next table. There was absolutely no privacy, and we could hear every word of the conversations at the tables around us.

To sum up:

Terrible customer service: The staff was inattentive, rude, and completely indifferent to customers.

Untrained and disorganized: No communication, no sense of urgency, and zero professionalism.

Lack of privacy and cramped seating: Tables are way too close, leaving no room to relax or even enjoy a conversation without others overhearing.

Outrageous prices: We were truly shocked by the unreasonable cost of the items on the menu.

We left without ordering and will never return. If you’re looking for a good dining experience,...

I was searching for brunch, this is the spot I picked among several cafe lounge in the area. It was quite a memorable day!!! I was new to the area at the time so I was just trying to I absorb everything. Imperial Cafe & Lounge stood out as the most unique from the outside looking in. Located in a very busy part of Yonge St, it was hard to find a place to park. Upon my arrival, staffs are nice but reserved. They looked at me with questioning eyes when I asked for details of some dishes.

Food served beautifully! At this point, I gave them all the credits for presenting the food beyond my expectations. And the taste…it’s divine; I think the secret is in the ingredients. I stayed for coffee. I forgot the name but i think there are gold specks coffee. Because I asked the lady before ordering, she suggested it was good. During my stay, there were a birthday party hosted in the cafe. It was sort of fun & chill. Secondly a guy came in and started giving small cake or brownies for customers to try. I guess he’s one of the suppliers. I found it too endearing 😇 The owner seems to pay a lot of attention to the small details in decorations and design (cute & fancy looking plates & cutlery etc) I love how cozy this cafe is, but still high end looking. I just wish they are not uptight to people with different background & ethnicity. Because I could see staff were chatty with people in their group.

This is an ideal place to work or study individually or in group. Or hanging out...