Emperor’s Garden in Oconomowoc offers a culinary experience that masterfully blends traditional Asian flavors with modern dining trends. Nestled in the heart of Wisconsin, this restaurant has become a local favorite for those seeking authentic and innovative dishes.
The menu is thoughtfully curated to cater to diverse palates, showcasing everything from classic Chinese staples to fresh sushi rolls and bold Thai spices. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, Emperor’s Garden provides an inviting atmosphere paired with a menu that promises to delight and satisfy.
With a focus on fresh ingredients and bold flavors, the restaurant prioritizes quality and presentation in every dish. Diners can expect an extensive selection of appetizers, soups, entrees, and desserts that highlight both comfort and creativity.
The menu is designed to encourage exploration, offering everything from familiar favorites to adventurous new tastes. Each section of the menu reflects a commitment to authenticity while embracing modern culinary influences.
The following sections provide a detailed look at Emperor’s Garden Oconomowoc menu, offering insight into the variety, style, and unique offerings that make it stand out in a competitive dining landscape.
Appetizers and Starters
The appetizer section at Emperor’s Garden is crafted to excite the palate and set the tone for the meal ahead. Featuring a mix of classic Asian starters and inventive creations, it caters to both traditionalists and those looking for something a bit different.
Popular choices include crispy spring rolls, potstickers, and crab rangoons, all prepared with fresh ingredients and served with signature dipping sauces. For those who prefer something lighter, the menu offers fresh edamame and seaweed salad, providing a refreshing start to any dining experience.
Highlights of the Starters
- Spring Rolls: Crispy, golden rolls filled with seasoned vegetables and served with a sweet chili sauce.
- Potstickers: Pan-fried dumplings stuffed with ground pork and cabbage, complemented by a tangy soy dipping sauce.
- Crab Rangoons: Creamy crab and cream cheese filling wrapped in delicate wonton skins, fried to perfection.
- Edamame: Steamed young soybeans lightly salted for a simple yet satisfying bite.
“The appetizers at Emperor’s Garden perfectly balance texture and flavor, making them an ideal introduction to the meal.” – Local Food Critic
Each appetizer is designed to be shared, encouraging diners to sample a variety of flavors before moving on to the main courses. The menu thoughtfully includes vegetarian options as well, making it accessible to all guests.
Soups and Salads
Emperor’s Garden offers a curated selection of soups and salads that combine wholesome ingredients with traditional Asian recipes. These dishes provide comforting warmth or refreshing crispness, depending on your preference.
The soups range from hearty and savory to light and aromatic, perfect for any season. Salads feature fresh greens and vibrant vegetables, often paired with flavorful dressings that bring a unique twist to familiar combinations.
Popular Soups
- Hot and Sour Soup: A spicy and tangy broth filled with tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots.
- Wonton Soup: Clear broth with tender pork-filled wontons and scallions.
- Miso Soup: Traditional Japanese soup with tofu, seaweed, and green onions in a rich miso broth.
Signature Salads
- Asian Chicken Salad: Mixed greens with grilled chicken, crunchy wonton strips, and sesame dressing.
- Seaweed Salad: A refreshing blend of seaweed varieties dressed in a light vinegar-based sauce.
- Spicy Cucumber Salad: Thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a chili-garlic dressing.
| Soup | Key Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
| Hot and Sour Soup | Tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, vinegar, chili | Spicy, tangy, savory |
| Wonton Soup | Pork wontons, chicken broth, scallions | Mild, comforting, savory |
| Miso Soup | Miso paste, tofu, seaweed, green onions | Umami-rich, light, earthy |
The soups and salads complement the meal by providing a balance of flavors, textures, and temperatures, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Sushi and Sashimi Selection
Emperor’s Garden boasts a sushi and sashimi menu that appeals to both sushi aficionados and newcomers alike. Freshness is paramount, with fish sourced daily to ensure premium quality and taste.
The sushi offerings range from classic rolls to inventive specialties, each crafted with precision and artistry. Sashimi options highlight the pure, delicate flavors of raw fish, served with minimal adornments to allow the quality to shine.
Signature Sushi Rolls
- California Roll: Crab, avocado, cucumber wrapped in rice and seaweed.
- Spicy Tuna Roll: Fresh tuna mixed with spicy mayo and scallions.
- Dragon Roll: Eel and cucumber topped with avocado and eel sauce.
- Vegetable Roll: Assorted fresh vegetables wrapped in rice and seaweed.
Fresh Sashimi Options
- Salmon Sashimi: Sliced fresh Atlantic salmon served with wasabi and soy sauce.
- Tuna Sashimi: Premium-grade tuna cut into delicate pieces.
- Yellowtail Sashimi: Light and buttery yellowtail slices.
“Every bite of Emperor’s Garden sushi showcases the chef’s commitment to freshness and detail.” – Sushi Enthusiast
For those new to sushi, the staff are happy to provide recommendations or customize rolls to suit personal tastes. The sushi bar also offers an interactive experience where diners can watch the chefs craft each piece with expert skill.
Main Entrees: Chinese and Thai Cuisine
The main entree section is the heart of the Emperor’s Garden menu, featuring a diverse array of Chinese and Thai dishes that highlight bold spices, rich sauces, and balanced flavors.
From classic stir-fries to aromatic curries, the entrees provide a flavorful journey through Asian cuisine. Many dishes are available in different spice levels, allowing diners to tailor their meals to their preferred heat intensity.
Chinese Main Dishes
- General Tso’s Chicken: Crispy chicken tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce.
- Beef and Broccoli: Tender beef slices sautéed with fresh broccoli in oyster sauce.
- Kung Pao Shrimp: Spicy shrimp stir-fried with peanuts, peppers, and chili.
Thai Main Dishes
- Green Curry Chicken: Creamy coconut curry with green chilies, bamboo shoots, and basil.
- Pad Thai: Stir-fried rice noodles with egg, tofu, peanuts, and tamarind sauce.
- Tom Yum Soup: Hot and sour Thai soup with shrimp, mushrooms, and lemongrass.
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Spice Level |
| General Tso’s Chicken | Chicken, garlic, ginger, chili sauce | Medium |
| Green Curry Chicken | Chicken, coconut milk, green chilies, basil | Medium-High |
| Pad Thai | Rice noodles, tofu, peanuts, egg, tamarind | Mild |
Each entree is served with steamed rice or noodles, and customization options are available, such as substituting protein or adjusting spice levels. This flexibility ensures a personalized dining experience for every guest.
Noodle and Rice Dishes
Noodles and rice form the foundation of many Asian meals, and Emperor’s Garden excels in offering a wide variety of these comforting staples. These dishes are hearty, flavorful, and perfect as a main or a substantial side.
The menu features traditional preparations alongside fusion-inspired options, ensuring there is something to satisfy every craving. From stir-fried lo mein to fragrant fried rice, each dish is prepared with care and fresh ingredients.
Popular Noodle Dishes
- Lo Mein: Soft egg noodles stir-fried with vegetables and your choice of protein.
- Drunken Noodles: Spicy Thai stir-fried noodles with basil, chili, and garlic.
- Singapore Noodles: Thin rice noodles with curry powder, shrimp, and vegetables.
Classic Rice Dishes
- Fried Rice: Wok-tossed rice with egg, peas, carrots, and your choice of meat.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: Aromatic and fluffy, perfect as a side.
- Clay Pot Rice: Traditional rice cooked with savory meats and vegetables for a smoky flavor.
“The noodles and rice dishes at Emperor’s Garden offer comforting textures and layers of flavor that keep guests coming back.” – Regular Patron
These dishes are often customized with protein options such as chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu, or pork. Vegetarian versions are also available, ensuring inclusivity for all dietary preferences.
Desserts and Beverages
To round out the meal, Emperor’s Garden presents a selection of traditional and contemporary desserts alongside a diverse beverage menu. These sweet treats and drinks provide the perfect end to an exquisite dining experience.
Desserts are crafted with care, balancing sweetness without overwhelming the palate. The beverage list includes classic Asian teas, creative cocktails, and non-alcoholic options tailored to complement the meal’s flavors.
Signature Desserts
- Mochi Ice Cream: Soft rice cake filled with rich ice cream in various flavors.
- Fried Banana: Crispy battered bananas drizzled with honey or chocolate sauce.
- Green Tea Cheesecake: A fusion dessert combining creamy cheesecake with matcha flavor.
Beverage Highlights
- Jasmine Green Tea: Fragrant and soothing hot or iced tea.
- Sake: Traditional Japanese rice wine, available hot or cold.
- Thai Iced Tea: Sweet and creamy black tea with spices, served chilled.
| Dessert | Main Ingredients | Taste Profile |
| Mochi Ice Cream | Rice flour, ice cream (various flavors) | Sweet, chewy, creamy |
| Fried Banana | Banana, batter, honey/chocolate | Crispy, sweet, warm |
| Green Tea Cheesecake | Cream cheese, matcha powder, sugar | Rich, earthy, sweet |
These desserts and beverages are the perfect conclusion to a meal at Emperor’s Garden, offering a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
Dietary Options and Customization
Emperor’s Garden is committed to accommodating a variety of dietary needs and preferences. The menu clearly identifies vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, ensuring diners can make informed choices.
Customization is encouraged, with many dishes available for modification to reduce spice, change proteins, or exclude allergens. The staff is knowledgeable and attentive, ready to assist with special requests.
Key Dietary Features
- Vegetarian Options: Numerous dishes made without meat or animal products.
- Gluten-Free Choices: Identified and prepared with care to avoid cross-contamination.
- Spice Level Adjustments: Flexible heat intensity tailored to customer preference.
- Allergen Awareness: Staff trained to handle common allergens and dietary restrictions.
“The ability to customize dishes at Emperor’s Garden ensures every guest leaves satisfied and comfortable.” – Health-Conscious Diner
This focus on inclusivity enhances the dining experience, making Emperor’s Garden a welcoming destination for all, whether dining solo, with family, or in large groups.
Conclusion
Emperor’s Garden in Oconomowoc offers a thoughtfully curated menu that balances tradition and innovation, appealing to a wide spectrum of tastes and dietary needs. From appetizers that tease the palate to rich entrees and delicate desserts, each dish reflects a commitment to quality and authenticity.
The restaurant’s emphasis on fresh ingredients, customizable options, and attentive service creates a dining experience that is both satisfying and memorable.
The diverse menu showcases the richness of Asian cuisine, including Chinese, Thai, and Japanese influences, all presented with a modern twist. Whether you crave a comforting bowl of hot and sour soup or fresh, expertly rolled sushi, Emperor’s Garden delivers with consistency and flair.
The inclusion of vegetarian and gluten-free options further underlines their dedication to inclusivity and guest satisfaction.
For those seeking a place that combines flavorful dishes, warm ambiance, and excellent service, Emperor’s Garden stands out as a premier choice in Oconomowoc. With a menu designed to delight and inspire, it’s a destination that invites guests to explore the vibrant world of Asian cuisine with every visit.
