The Imperial in Chelmsford

This is no longer called the Imperial - and has reopened as Tao's oriental cuisine. Buffet was fresh and delicious, better than any takeaway chinese i have tried in chelmsford. Waiters genuinly interested to know if the food was nice. Only negative is that they did not accept card, i was told this is coming soon though..

I am unable to give -5 stars this is being rebanded as tas oriental. The food selection was horriable the food its self was cold bland and the soup tasted out of a can the prawn crackes were popadoms it was just a very very poor time and now me and the other half are not felling great customer service is shocking and there changing £3 for a pint of coke out of a bottle from the supermarket its 9.95 for a specail soft opening price then 1195 for dinner when they open on the 01/09/2018 i wouldent pay 9.95 let alone any more the place was drity dead flies around and uts the same tables and chairs and white walls for the last ten years both totilets where out of order leaving my pregnant other half having to go with out the totilet and finding somewhere else just not good will never been returning and advising ever one to miss it and pay the little extra for the san a much more injoyable place and the food is 400 times better there

Newly renovated! Delicious selection of food! Awesome price! Service with a smile and brilliant for a couple or a big group! Love this place! 😊

The imperial chinese buffett is a way of life for some in chelmsford (myself included), its average food in flavour and choice but its great nonetheless, the staff are amazing and this place never seems to shut so its great for a quick lunch or a sobering late dinner ! Not a place for a romantic dinner or a fancy eatery, but great for what it is !

Great value for money. No need to book for lunch usually. Food is superb and it's all you can eat. Have been coming here for nearly 20 years.

Choices a little limited compared to other all you can eat buffets but the quality is far better.Drinks prices are also pretty good as is the price of the buffet itself... Just under £10 each at the time of writing.It seemed pretty popular considering its only street presence is a doorway leading up a set of steps to the restaurant.

Another of our regular visits and not disappointed. Despite the set buffet menu being unchanged (I don't think it's changed in the 10+ years we've been coming) it was as ever lovely food, polite and helpful staff, and great value.

Cash only Chinese buffet. I only realized it was cash only after I had started chowing down on the chow mein! They graciously accepted to hold my Motorola Droid Turbo 1 while I went to the nearest cash point to withdraw some cash. The staff was pleasant enough.

Excellent value! Where else can you eat as much as you like for around a fiver at lunchtime? Ok so it is not a large selection but it is a good one and caters for fussy kids too! Free water - help yourself and scoop of ice cream too. Staff are polite and quick to tidy old plates away.If you are looking for more selection and/or nicer decor then I would highly recommend Izumi's in Maldon. It is slightly dearer but offers more choice and desserts too!

A very limited buffet with only one vegetarian option. On the night the mixed vegetable dish was empty and when I asked if they could make some more I was shocked when the waitress said 'no'! She went to check with her colleagues if more could be made and the response was still 'no'!! I was so surprised I think I laughed out loud!One of our party went and spoke to the manager and afterwards a small portion of mixed vegetables was added to the buffet. So I had a meal consisting mainly of spring rolls and noodles.I felt somewhat aggrieved until the bill came which was under £14 and had included 2 drinks. At other all-you-can-eat buffets I am often appalled by the amount of waste but the imperial encourage you to take only what you will eat and the limited selection helps in this regard. The sheer lack/absence of dishes suitable for vegetarians means I am unlikely to return but if you want to fill up for only a few quid it's a port in a storm.