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Explore Cathay Imperial: A Chinese Restaurant in Metairie, LA
  1. Chinese Food
  2. Chinese Restaurant
  3. Louisiana
  4. Jefferson Parish
  5. Metairie
  6. Chinese Restaurant in Airline Drive
  7. Cathay Imperial

Cathay Imperial

289 reviews

Cathay Imperial Photos

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Hours

Monday, Closed
Tuesday, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday, 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Saturday, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday, Closed

About Cathay Imperial

Welcome to Cathay Imperial, a Chinese Restaurant situated at 6501 Airline Dr in Metairie, Louisiana. As a local establishment in the Chinese Restaurant category, we aim to provide a diverse selection of Chinese cuisine for our patrons. You can reach us at (504) 733-8415 or +1 504-733-8415 for inquiries or to place an order.

Based on customer feedback, Cathay Imperial offers a dining atmosphere that some find lovely. The ambiance of the restaurant has been noted as a positive aspect of the dining experience. However, it's worth mentioning that some patrons have suggested improvements in the friendliness of the service.

One particular dish that has garnered attention is the Shrimp with Lobster Sauce. According to a recent review, this dish stands out for its exceptional flavor when compared to similar offerings from other Asian restaurants in the area. While the flavor profile has been highly praised, it was also noted that the portion size and the size of the shrimp might be smaller than what some other establishments offer. For customers who prioritize the quantity and size of shrimp in their dishes, this is something to consider. The same reviewer also mentioned the presence of tiny shrimp in the rice and a pink coloration of the rice, which were not preferred.

Another notable feature of Cathay Imperial, as highlighted in a customer experience, is the presence of an aquarium within the dining area. This aquarium has been a point of discussion due to its current configuration. Previously, all the fish resided together, but a recent observation noted that the aquarium was separated into approximately an 80/20 split. The larger fish was isolated on the smaller side, while five other fish were on the larger side. The customer who noted this change expressed concern for the larger fish, suggesting it lacked adequate space and appeared lonely. Upon inquiring with the waitress, the explanation given was that the larger fish was a bully. The reviewer suggested either rehoming the fish or providing a larger or separate aquarium to improve its living conditions. This observation significantly impacted the reviewer's dining experience, leading to a decision not to return.

It is important to consider these varying perspectives when deciding to dine at Cathay Imperial. While some aspects, such as the flavor of specific dishes like the Shrimp with Lobster Sauce and the general atmosphere, have been positively mentioned, other areas, including service friendliness, portion sizes, and the condition of the aquarium, have been points of concern for some customers.

As a Chinese Restaurant in Metairie, Cathay Imperial offers a range of dishes typical of Chinese cuisine. While the specific menu items and their preparation styles are not detailed in the provided reviews, customers can likely expect a variety of familiar options. Given the mention of Shrimp with Lobster Sauce, it can be inferred that seafood dishes are part of their offerings. The presence of rice as a side dish is also indicated.

The service at Cathay Imperial appears to be primarily dine-in, although takeout options are generally common for Chinese restaurants. The reviews do not explicitly mention delivery services. Customers interested in takeout should inquire directly with the restaurant via the provided phone numbers.

In summary, Cathay Imperial offers a Chinese dining experience in Metairie, LA. While the flavor of some dishes, like the Shrimp with Lobster Sauce, has been commended, potential customers should be aware of feedback regarding portion sizes, service friendliness, and the conditions of the aquarium. We encourage those interested to visit Cathay Imperial and form their own opinions based on their personal experience.

For any specific inquiries about the menu, current promotions, or to place an order for takeout, please contact Cathay Imperial directly at (504) 733-8415 or +1 504-733-8415. We are located at 6501 Airline Dr, Metairie, LA 70003, USA.

Cathay Imperial Location

6501 Airline Dr, Metairie, LA 70003, USA

Customer Reviews

4.0
289 reviews
M
Melissa Williams
Jan 02, 2025

We have dined here multiple times in the past. However today when we went we noticed that the aquarium was separated by like 80/20. On the small side was the biggest fish by itself. On the other side were 5 additional fish. It was not always like this because you cannot miss a big fish without enough room to turn around as you try and eat. I asked the waitress about this and she told me that the bigger fish was a bully. If that’s the case give it away or buy an additional aquarium so the poor fish can move around. It must be very lonely because it used to be with all the other fish. Seeing this ruined my appetite and I will never be back here.

J
Julie Butera
Dec 21, 2019

You don’t get as much food on your plate as some Asian restaurants but it was very good . Lately , we’ve been comparing shrimp with lobster sauce around town at different Asian restaurants . This number 1 for flavor so far , however not number one in the amount or size of shrimp they give you . Personally , I’m into the size , amount , and quality of shrimp on my plate , Very tasty , however . (Didn’t care for the tiny shrimp in my rice or the pink color on my rice. )Atmosphere was lovely but could have been friendlier . Also , feed your fish so it doesn’t want to eat my hair . I asked the name of the fish , the girl said he didn’t have a name . They call it red devil . Gee, how nice . Name your fish for God’s sake . How rude .

S
Susan Gordon
Jun 19, 2024

Cathay Imperial has been 1 of my favorite Chinese restaurants for DECADES for both its lovely environment & its great food. I have lived out of state for about the last 4 years & hadn't been back there until recently. On my recent visit-I was very disappointed in just how much it has changed. Firstly, I realize that most everywhere: portions have become smaller while the prices have gone up & this has happened at Cathay Imperial. But my favorite lunch special which is now priced at $11.50 was the size of a child's meal & the food was overcooked, bland & greasy. I had sweet & sour shrimp which did not come w/the customary savory vegetables like sliced onion, carrots or bell peppers-it was just shrimp & sauce. The sauce portion was placed underneath the shrimp & was so skimpy that it was not enough to cover the shrimp. When I asked for more sauce, the waitress was rude & looked offended but eventually brought me some. My waitress continued w/her bad attitude & she was neither personable nor helpful & ignored me for most of my lunch. The majority of my fried shrimp were as hard as a rock & inedible. So I don't know what happened to this once great restaurant but it was a terrible dining experience & I will not be returning.

A
Anna M
Mar 05, 2025

The food is consistently good. The prices are very fair and the waitresses are very attentive.

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MARC NAPOLEON
Jan 29, 2025

I have eaten here many times. I have never had a bad meal. The staff is ALWAYS friendly.

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