Welcome to Imperial Express
Imperial Express, nestled in the heart of San Diego’s predominantly Latino neighborhood, has long been a cherished culinary gem. Established with a commitment to genuine flavor and community spirit, the restaurant embraces its roots by offering delicious Chinese cuisine served with warmth and hospitality. Reviewers often praise the crispy, flavorful orange chicken and generous portions, making it a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re savoring their fried fish on weekends or reminiscing over comforting takeout, Imperial Express remains a beacon of culinary tradition, fostering a familial atmosphere that keeps patrons returning year after year.
Imperial Express: Reviews & Ratings
I love this place I’ve been coming here for years and the lady, I think she’s is always so nice, it’s a predominantly Latino neighborhood so she speaks in Spanish and treats everyone like family. Of course the food is delicious and the place is always clean.
My family has been coming here since before I was even born. It warms my heart to see its survived all the gentrification. Great price for the amount of food you get. Panda express could never
5 stars I used to come to Imperial Express all the time after college, and after all these years, it’s still just as amazing—if not even better. The orange chicken is next level—crispy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. The service is always friendly and fast, just like I remembered. It’s a true hidden gem that stands the test of time. Bring cash, eat well, and leave happy. Highly recommend! Muy rico gracias!
I come all the way from LA to eat this Chinese food is so good. I’ve been coming here for 20 years.
This is one of my favorite Chinese food places, they always load up on tons of food and the quality is amazing. Just a heads up- they only take cash but there is an ATM nearby if you ever forget. My favorite thing to get is their fried fish but they only have it on weekends now.
Amazing customer service. My husband loves this place been coming here for years. They served big portions for the price.
Food is delicious, variety to choose from. The fish is good but they only have it on weekends. Staff service is always given with a smile great customer service.
Been getting food here for over 2 decades, food has always been great, portions have always been huge (the to go trays can barely close), the price is great, and the family and their employees running it have always been super friendly. It is always clean though it is a little small and parking can be tough, but those are a small price to pay for how good everything is, especially the orange chicken.
Location
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1879 Cesar E. Chavez Pkwy, San Diego, CA 92113, United States Hotline: +1 619-338-8388
Welcome to Imperial Express, a beloved gem nestled in the vibrant heart of San Diego at 1879 Cesar E. Chavez Pkwy. This remarkable eatery delights food lovers with its authentic Chinese cuisine, seamlessly blending quality and warmth that keeps patrons returning for years.
Imperial Express has established itself as an integral part of the local community. As Zitlaly Judith Alfaro enthusiastically notes, the welcoming atmosphere, marked by the owner’s friendly demeanor and fluent Spanish, creates a familial vibe that's hard to resist. It’s not just a meal here; it’s an experience steeped in genuine hospitality.
This standout restaurant has maintained a devoted customer base, as highlighted by Daniel Hermosa, who fondly recalls family visits even before his arrival. The affordability coupled with generous portions makes it a smart choice for anyone craving flavorful dishes without burning a hole in their wallet. Indeed, the value offered at Imperial Express is unmatched—Panda Express could never compete with this authentic charm.
Every dish tells a story, especially the renowned orange chicken. Johnathan B describes it perfectly: crispy, flavorful, and beautifully balanced, it exemplifies the skill and care put into every recipe. Just as strong is the sentiment echoed by Jonathan Cuevas, who travels all the way from LA specifically for the incredible flavors that have enchanted him for over 20 years.
Each visit promises a sumptuous experience, with patrons routinely praising the hearty portions and outstanding quality, as noted by Elsa Hanigan. While the delectable fried fish is a must-try set to a limited weekend availability, the entire menu tantalizes taste buds and encourages exploration of its offerings. However, remember to bring cash, as this local favorite operates on a cash-only policy, with an ATM conveniently located nearby.
At Imperial Express, the fusion of delicious food, friendly service, and a strong community presence combines to create a dining experience that warms the heart and satisfies the palate. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a shared moment, a familiar embrace, and a taste of home. Plan your visit and discover the richness of flavors that have made Imperial Express a cherished destination.