The Imperial Treasure宝藏: Dim Sum & Authentic Chinese Cuisine Ballantyne — Restaurant in Charlotte

Update: went back on Monday 6/16 and this time it was great. They were out of a couple dim sum items we wanted to try, but we had the usuals - duck dumpling, pork soup dumpling, pan fried pork bun, west lake soup, braised tofu, beef fried rice, and sautéed Shanghai bokchoy. The braised tofu was great, and my daughter finished all the tofu. The fried rice was much better this time, and I was contemplating on ordering one to go. We also tried Chiu Chou Dumplings, cumin beef and string bean beef. The chiu chou dumpling was ok. Not my favorite. The cumin beef was decent. The string bean beef was disappointing. Most likely won’t order that again. I would say I enjoyed everything minus the string bean beef.

This is one of the most authentic Chinese restaurants in Charlotte. Like any restaurants, there’s some inconsistencies in food quality. The fried rice was awesome the first time we came. It had “wok hei”, which is a smoky or char-like flavor that is the signature of a proper stir fry. The second time we came we got the exact same fried rice but there was no “wok hei” at all and not very good. Also , the tofu dish tasted a bit off. However, all the other dishes were very good. They are still in their soft opening phase and training new people. My server was brand new and there were some hiccups in sending out the right dishes. But it was not a big deal to us, and we still enjoyed the dinner. We have also been to the Matthews location. The decor and ambience is better at the Matthew’s, but I personally think the food is better at the Ballantyne location. All in all, this is one of my new favorite restaurants and will be in my...

Flavors Worth Returning For, Service That Gave Me Pause

Located 2nd Floor of the Ballantyne Village, Imperial Treasure offers a refined atmosphere and an expansive menu of authentic Chinese cuisine with a focus on handcrafted dim sum. I visited with quiet optimism, eager to explore the flavors this elegant setting promised.

The meal did not disappoint: the Beef Steamed Dumplings, Fish Siu Mai, and Duck Dumplings were expertly prepared—delicate yet satisfying, with clean, well-balanced flavors. The Eggplant in Garlic Sauce was a standout, silky and aromatic without being overly rich. The kitchen clearly takes its craft seriously.

Unfortunately, the service did not reflect the same care. My server, CeCe, was polite but largely absent throughout the meal. Her limited table presence left the experience feeling impersonal. I couldn’t help but notice another staff member, Liz, whose attentiveness and warm engagement with guests stood out. Her service style embodied the hospitality I had hoped to receive—gracious, observant, and present.

Additionally, the absence of a liquor license meant limited beverage options—no wine or sake to complement the meal, which felt like a missed opportunity in an otherwise elevated space. A classic Coca-Cola would have to suffice.

While the food deserves recognition, the overall experience felt unbalanced. With more consistent service and a complete beverage program, Imperial Treasure could be a standout in Charlotte’s Chinese dining scene. As it stands, the flavors invite a return—though I’d hope for a warmer welcome next time.

— A Quiet Observer with a...

I would have given five stars, but decided not to give now and revise after our next visit instead.

Dim sum is excellent, no doubt. Ambience is fine. Service at the table was excellent, shout out to Liz, she was outstanding. Our water glasses were always full.

But the front desk needs to get their act together. When we walked in, there were 3 couples waiting. First we were told the wait is going to be about 10 minutes. Fine, we decided to wait as we were in mood for dim sum. In a minute another person comes and says the wait was going to be 20 minutes, then in another 2 minutes, another person comes and says it would be 30 minutes before we can be seated. All along, we could see empty uncleaned tables, enough of them to seat to all the people who were were waiting, four families in total we being the last to arrive. We decided to wait another 10 minutes max. Then in 5 minutes we are called to the table first among all 4 families waiting even though we came last, seemed like because we were family of 3 where as rest of them were of 2. It did not seem right and hope they correct it. Hopefully we will see more organized seating next and then revise the rating.

Dim sum is excellent for sure, it does take about 20 minutes to arrive, was worth the wait.

And no alcoholic beverages are served.

We would have liked a really hot chili in oil, what we got...