The Emperor - Sutton

I am a little conflicted from last night. As a family we have been coming to The Emperor since the 80's, since I was a child myself. Last night was a special night for my mother as it was her birthday. I had booked a table for 8, but unfortunately, my niece and nephews all ended up sick with a virus. We ended up ordering from the buffet menu as we were pushed by the server to do so, the food itself was not as good as it normally is and it did not even look pleasing to the eye. The braised mushroom and bamboo shoot was disgusting. There was not enough pancakes for the duck and the duck was dry. The ribs were tasteless and so dry, I would say the meal was average as if it was not the same chef like before. Everytime we wanted to order more food, we were looked at as we shouldn't and are we sure we could eat that, even though it was a buffet menu. The service was slow, I expect they want to serve slow, so that you get full quickly and end up paying £32 regardless of what you order, which is really bad and very expensive for what they delivered and I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THE BUFFET MENU, ORDER YOUR OWN THINGS as you will not be eating £32 worth of food. There was food leftover and for the first time we asked for a doggie bag for my mum to take home, which every restaurant we go to provide happily if there is anything leftover so as to not waste it but I am assuming they keep it, reheat it and give it to another customer the next day. We were shocked to be told that is not possible, WHAT? Apparently people order lots so that they end up taking it home, so what? If are paying for the food, it is up to them if they want to take it home or not. I didn't want to make a big deal as it was my mother's birthday, but the restaurant had no right to refuse their customer request for something that we were going to pay and the bill was not cheap. This has put me off ever returning to that restaurant and even though before we left my mother did tell the server off, as a family we have decided not to return here again, being served on a timely manner and professionally is very important to us, would I recommend this restaurant, not anymore. Very disappointed and do not recommend not only because of this experience but the service was poor and the door was not that good, very bland!!!!!

We went here for my birthday and my nephews.Food was excellent and nothing was to much trouble for the staff. Service was great and friendly. You can eat as much as you want for £32. Is that a lot? You can take as long as you want so can space out the meal as we did. Spent around three hours there. As it was a Thursday didn't think it would be that busy but it was full. All the dishes looked well prepared and presented.

Great night out, food excellent, hot tasty, staff friendly helpful, we had not been for a few years so looked forward to returning enjoyed whole evening

My husband and I went to The Emperor last night to celebrate his birthday. We had an amazing eat as much as you like meal. The food was hot and fresh and extremely tasty. Just as I remember it in the old days. The last time we went was a couple of years ago and we weren’t impressed the food was not as good so we stayed away. We thought we’d give it another try in spite of the negative reviews and I’m so glad we went. The service was excellent and the staff really friendly. Yes the prices have gone up but everywhere has. We chose mainly seafood and definitely got our moneys worth. Will definitely be going back.

The food as always, was excellent. We have been lucky enough to call this our local for more than 10 years have ordered takeout from here regularly. Understandably the prices have risen every time we have ordered recently. No doubt due to new procedures...