The online menu seemed good enough, but no prices were offered, so you had to go there to find out how expensive the food was. My friends and I made a booking, but were not told at that time that every person had to pay a minimum of $35. As we sat down the manager came and asked us what drinks we would like. We were told that there was no 'hygienic' tap water (is the water in Australia dirty? How do you wash your hands, vegetables and plates?), and you can only order sparkling or mineral. We were then told that there was a minimum charge, and the 'average customer usually pays $60 each'. He said all of this in a really snobbish manner, and did not even bother showing us the menu at all. My friends and I (all 14 of us) felt that the service was poor, and the attitude of the staff was also not good. In short, only go if you're willing to pay around 50 bucks per person, and bring your own water!

I've only been to East Imperial for yum cha once but I'll definitely be going back again. This well-decorated restaurant provides such an elegant and comfortable atmosphere that is just way ahead of ordinary Chinese restaurants like those in Chinatown and Richmond. Straightaway you feel like you have stepped into a different age (dynasty?) behind those big wooden front doors. Common dim sum dishes can all be found, with some added special dishes such as Wasabi Prawns and Spicy Calamari Tentacles. Vegetarian dishes like Spinach Dumplings can also be found on the menu. Over 100 wine, including some rare ones, and a variety of Chinese beers are listed in their comprehensive wine list, which added some extra points over standard yum cha restaurants. Waitstaffs are friendly and helpful, and food price is reasonable, given that their dim sum are more well-made than the others. A thumb-up yum cha place that Chinese food lovers just can't miss.