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oChef » Eight Tables by George Chen – San Francisco
Eight Tables by George Chen - San Francisco
Photo from Eight Tables by George Chen
Eight Tables by George Chen at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$$
Price per Person $101+
mentioned by 20 of the guests
#1437 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#122 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
302
Reviews
69.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional Ambience
- Attentive Service
- Delicious Food
Frequently criticized
- High Price
- Long Waits
- Authenticity Doubts
The restaurant Eight Tables by George Chen invites you to an unparalleled Chinese dining experience in San Francisco’s vibrant North Beach neighborhood. You’ll discover a sophisticated atmosphere perfect for an intimate dinner, complete with the option of a private dining room for special occasions.
This establishment promises a memorable culinary journey, blending traditional flavors with modern elegance.
Overview: Introducting Eight Tables by George Chen
Eight Tables by George Chen offers a distinctive dining experience, often praised for its meticulous attention to detail in service and a truly memorable culinary journey. Guests frequently commend the delicious dishes, which showcase creative and expertly executed Chinese cuisine, setting a high bar for fine dining.
However, some diners have noted concerns regarding the overall value, finding it quite pricey. While the unique ambience, often described as a cozy room, contributes to the experience, occasional slow service has also been mentioned.
Good
7.2
out of 10
302
Reviews
69.2%
Satisfaction
74
negative
19
neutral
209
positive
Eight Tables by George Chen achieves a respectable Restaurant Score of 7.2, indicating a generally good dining experience. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 69.2%, which suggests a mixed but leaning positive reception.
With 209 positive and 74 negative opinions out of 302 total, there’s a solid base of positive feedback, though some areas clearly warrant attention. Diving deeper, the Food (7.5) and Service (7.4) are consistently rated as good, with many guests praising the culinary execution and attentive staff.
The Ambience (8.3) stands out as particularly strong, creating a memorable setting. However, Value (4.1) remains an average point, reflecting concerns about the cost relative to the overall experience for some diners.
What people like
- Exceptional Ambience
- Attentive, Detailed Service
- Creative, Delicious Food
What people don't like
- High Price Tag
- Extended Waiting Times
- Authenticity Concerns
With a Recommendation Score of 7.2, Eight Tables by George Chen offers a distinctive fine dining experience that many find rewarding. If you’re seeking an evening with exceptional ambience and attentive service, coupled with creative Chinese cuisine, it’s certainly worth considering for a special occasion.
However, be prepared for a significant investment, as the value proposition is a common point of contention. While the food is generally well-regarded, those prioritizing traditional authenticity or a quick meal might find it less suitable due to potential waiting times.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Eight Tables by George Chen
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are generally in for a treat! With a good score of 7.5 and 70% customer satisfaction, many found the culinary experience truly superb. Out of 150 opinions, 105 highlighted the unique dishes, elevated Chinese cuisine, and amazing flavors and textures that made every course a delight.
However, not everyone was completely wowed. About 31 opinions pointed to some inconsistencies, with desserts often falling flat and concerns about the overall food tastes & quality. Some felt the cooking technique wasn't always up to par, and a few even questioned the authenticity of the Chinese cuisine.
Food
150
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
31
negative
14
neutral
105
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Culinary experience
- Unique dishes
- Amazing flavors
What people don't like
- Inconsistent quality
- Disappointing desserts
- Lack of authenticity
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great service and good food. However, I found the food to be a bit too expensive.
- dishesThe food itself has very traditionally Chinese flavors.
- FoodFood:5
- wine pairingWe were expecting to sit in the dining room, but as a surprise, we were seated at the chef's table. The food was delicious and perfectly prepared, complemented by a wonderful wine pairing. Chef Chen even came by to explain many of the dishes.
- cocktailscocktails and desserts were exceptional
- mealMy experience at Eight Tables by George Chen was the best dinner of my life! My two daughters and I were incredibly fortunate to have enjoyed an amazingly fantastic meal. We were even more blessed to secure one of the few tables and to have the unique opportunity to eat inside the kitchen.
- 10 course menuhad the usual 10 course menu
- A5 wagyuordered the extra dishes like the A5 wagyu
- A5 wagyu beefThe food was delicious, and we indulged in extra dishes like the A5 wagyu. Our meal included the usual 10-course menu, with added abalone and A5 wagyu beef and broccoli. We also enjoyed a great durian cocktail that was super delicious.
- Benusoooo much better than Benu in every way
Frequently criticized
- foodFood - not so good. Taste like average Chinese food
- food qualitythe quality and aromatic taste of the dishes decreased dramatically
- ALL FOODALL FOOD TASTE LIKE FAILURE
- Chines cuisineChines cuisine but no one speaks Chinese. This is just so weird
- Chinese cuisinehad better Chinese cuisine from my local hole in the wall
- Peking duckwish u get that Peking duck looking from China town taste a lot better
- Rice broth with iberico hama dish of Rice broth with iberico ham comes out to our VEGETARIAN table
- authentic dishesit's not authentic dishes
- caviardoctors food up with a dollop of cheap caviar
- cooking techniquenot too much cooking technique
If you're seeking an elevated and unique culinary adventure with creative Chinese flavors, this spot is definitely worth exploring. Just be prepared that while many dishes shine, there might be a few inconsistent notes, especially when it comes to desserts or traditional expectations.
Service (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a solid score of 7.4 and a customer satisfaction rate of 73.7%, both indicating a good experience. Based on 56 positive remarks out of 76 total, guests frequently praise the skilled staff and their impeccable attention to detail. Many highlight personalized interactions, especially with Chef George Chen and the knowledgeable sommelier, making for a truly memorable visit.
However, it's not all smooth sailing, with 20 negative comments pointing to some bumps. Issues like excessive waiting times between dishes and inconsistent waiter behavior occasionally crop up. Some diners also expressed frustration with perceived shoddy business practices, particularly concerning mandatory gratuity, which can detract from the overall experience.
Service
76
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
20
negative
0
neutral
56
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Skilled, attentive staff
- Personalized chef interactions
- Impeccable attention to detail
What people don't like
- Excessive waiting times
- Inconsistent waiter behavior
- Mandatory gratuity issues
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was overall very good. While there were a few fine dining mistakes, the great service and decent food made it a worthwhile visit. I would recommend this place.
- staffWe received a detailed explanation of every dish and how to eat it. The staff were helpful but knew when to let diners enjoy their dinner without unnecessary interruptions. The milk shots were fun and tasty.
- ServiceService:5
- attention to detailMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely superb, offering a true Chinese fine dining experience. The front-of-house staff provided an attention to detail that rivals the best, comparable to establishments like The French Laundry. I am eagerly anticipating seeing this restaurant receive Michelin stars, as it was significantly better than Benu in every aspect.
- sommelierThe staff and sommelier were a pleasure to deal with
- Chef George ChenChef George Chen visits every table to welcome his guests
- GeorgeGeorge came around a couple times to introduce the dishes. Nice guy!
- MiltonMilton was the best....
- amazing serviceTruly amazing service as well!!
- best servicethe best service
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was marked by a great attention to detail, but ultimately, the food was just okay and the service was slow. I was hoping the courses would implement all of the 9 tastes introduced in the first course, but was disappointed that my favorite sour bite was not a part of the following courses.
- waiting timeI would also like to add that our "experience" was almost 4 hours long. We had to wait sometimes 35 minutes in between dishes with nothing in front of us, while other tables that came the same time and got the same tasting course as us, finished hours before we did. Little to no table service other than the bare minimum of an hourly water refill and plate cleanup.
- business practicesshoddy business practices of a mandatory gratuity for 2 people
- cookcook is not George as advertising it is a young kid
- cutlerycutlery saying that they were made by pearl. Several minutes after they took them away
- locked outsidelocked outside the door for 10+mins
- love and pursuitcannot feel any of his love and pursuit of delicacies
- manager pacingHis pacing was distracting and took away from the experience
- narrativesPlain narratives. The waitress introduced each course by just naming ingredients
- ownerowner is just running a business for money
Overall, the service here is often a highlight, with many guests raving about attentive and skilled staff. However, be prepared for potential long waits and clarify gratuity policies to ensure a smooth experience. If you value personalized attention and dont mind a leisurely pace, its definitely worth a try.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this place truly shines! With a good score of 8.3 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 97.5%, its clear guests adore the vibe. Out of 40 customer remarks, 39 rave about the elegant surroundings, sophisticated interior design, and intimate atmosphere.
Many highlight the unique Chefs Table experience, making for a truly memorable dining experience. However, its worth noting the single dissenting voice among the 40 comments, which points out the dingy alley entrance. While this might initially fool you, its quickly forgotten once you step inside, as the overall atmosphere and decor are consistently praised for creating a high-class and comfortable setting.
Ambience
40
Reviews
97%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
39
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Elegant surroundings
- Intimate atmosphere
- Chef's Table experience
What people don't like
- Unassuming entrance
Often praised
- atmosphereWe were asked about our dietary restrictions, assuming so that they could accommodate to our needs, but nothing was done to accommodate at all. We walk into an unassuming alleyway, up an elevator, and into a nice cozy room with the smell of nostalgic burning incense filling your nose. Seated with a warm damp towel and hot tea, you're reminded about the dietary restrictions YOU put in place for the table.
- ambiancecreated great ambiance and the restaurant itself continues the atmosphere
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambienceAmbience was good
- chef's tablesurprise they sat us at the chefs table
- environmentthe food and environment was amazing
- experienceThey even put a candle in the dessert when they found out it was my birthday! While it was very pricey, I believe it was definitely worth the experience.
- Chef’s TableChef’s Table gave us front row seats
- atmosphere and decorthe atmosphere and decor was pleasant
- attention to detailAttention to detail was great
Frequently criticized
- entranceDon’t let the dingy alley entrance fool you, this is the best meal in San Francisco. There is nothing close.
If youre looking for a dining experience where the setting is as impressive as the meal, this restaurants ambience is definitely worth checking out. Despite a slightly unassuming entrance, the elegant and intimate atmosphere promises a truly special occasion.
Value (4.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
For some, the Eight Tables experience truly delivers, making it feel worth every buck and worth digging deep for a memorable dinner. Based on 9 positive opinions, guests found genuine value for money here, especially if they were seeking that unique, high-end experience. However, the overall sentiment for value is quite mixed, with a score of 4.1 (average) and a poor customer satisfaction of just 25%.
A significant 22 negative opinions highlight concerns about the restaurant being overpriced and pricey, with many feeling the bill included inflated taxes and mandatory gratuity.
Value
36
Reviews
25%
Satisfaction
22
negative
5
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the experience
- Unique dining experience
What people don't like
- Too expensive
- Hidden fees
- Not worth cost
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was truly amazing and well worth the price. It's a must-visit if you find yourself in San Francisco.
- Eight Tables experienceIf you want the Eight Tables experience, go
- dinnerget a better dinner for 300-500 in Chinatown
- value for moneyMy experience at the restaurant was worth every cent, including a 25% tip and then some. I will always follow George Chen, ever since Shanghai 1930.
- worth digging deepworth digging deep into the pockets for
- worth every buckThis represents a new level of creative and expertly executed Chinese food in San Francisco. While it is pricey, the evening was so complete and the dining experience so delightful that it was worth every buck.
- worth itit definitely worth it
Frequently criticized
- pricetaste of+ quality of food for this price tag
- billWe were surprised to see on the bill that taxes were charged
- priceyDefinitely pricey
- affordabilitynot affordable by any means
- charging taxcharging tax on city fees and gratuity is borderline criminal
- cheap winecheap wine sell for 200+ a bottle
- experienceI'm happy for anyone who can pay $500 a person for the whole experience. I'd rather have McDonald's.
- fine diningfine dining can be corrupted by greed
- inflated taxesBeware of inflated taxes, fellow customers!
- mandatory $100 tipLittle to no table service other than the bare minimum of an hourly water refill and plate cleanup. The audacity to charge us a mandatory $100 tip after that awful experience. Biggest waste of $500 I've ever spent.
If youre seeking a unique, high-end experience and are prepared for a significant splurge, some find the value worth it. However, be aware that many guests felt it was "overpriced" with unexpected charges, so it might disappoint if youre looking for straightforward affordability.
How are the prices at Eight Tables by George Chen?
On average, youll spend around 173 per person, based on 20 guests. That places this Chinese Restaurant firmly in the $101+ category. For its type, thats a higher-end experience!
The data shows all 20 diners spent in this premium bracket, indicating a consistent upscale offering rather than a mix of cheap and expensive options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 20 reviews.
A comparison of this restaurant’s value for money against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Chinese restaurant, 173 per person is a significant investment. Wed say its priced for a special occasion or a truly elevated dining experience, rather than an everyday meal. If you’re looking for a premium Chinese culinary journey, this could be it!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Eight Tables by George Chen
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Biggest Waste of Money
My experience at this restaurant was a huge disappointment. I was shocked by the taste and quality of the food for the price, which I found completely unjustifiable. It felt like a prime example of fine dining corrupted by greed.
The food was described as terrible and awful, leading to a strong recommendation not to waste money here. The only redeeming qualities were the cool ambience and good service, which were the sole reasons for the two-star rating.
- ambience4
- service4
- food quality1
- price1
- fine dining1
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Elevated Chinese Cuisine Experience
My experience at this restaurant was a great time. Everything was executed very well, especially the "nine essential flavors" dish, which stood out for its creativity and presentation. While I would have loved a few more bites of some flavors, overall it was a great way to pamper ourselves with some elevated Chinese cuisine.
- nine essential flavors dish10
- flavors6
- elevated Chinese cuisine8
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Absolutely Blown Away!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. I was absolutely blown away by the food, service, and the interior design, which all together elevated the entire experience. I’m definitely coming back!
- food10
- service10
- interior design10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Eight Tables: A Worthwhile SF Experience
My experience at Eight Tables was a good pick. The restaurant offers something for everyone, catering to different palates. The food was excellent, with several highlights, though the dumpling was just 'mid'.
The spicy soy milk dish was amazing. While the price point in SF in 2024, including base meal, gratuity, tip, and tax, is high, the Eight Tables experience is recommended if you're looking for that specific experience. It was worth it, sure.
The service, atmosphere, and food all received a 5/5 rating.
- food9
- dumpling5
- spicy in soy milk10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Exceptional Service and Unique Dishes
My experience at this restaurant was truly special, thanks to the absolutely excellent staff. The kitchen showcased a lot of time and thought into creating really unique dishes. While it was definitely pricey, the service and the unique dishes were well worth the cost.
- staff10
- dishes9
- kitchen9
- pricey4
What Eight Tables by George Chen offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed
FAQs
What dining options and services does Eight Tables by George Chen provide?
At Eight Tables by George Chen, you can enjoy a full dine-in experience with table service for dinner and dessert, or opt for convenient takeout. For exclusive gatherings, a private dining room is available, ensuring a personalized and intimate setting for your meal.
What accessibility features and amenities can you expect at Eight Tables by George Chen?
Eight Tables by George Chen ensures accessibility with a wheelchair-accessible entrance. You’ll find a bar onsite, gender-neutral restrooms, and free Wi-Fi. Plus, you can even bring your dog along to this welcoming establishment.
How does Eight Tables by George Chen generally perform?
The restaurant holds a good overall score of 7.2, with Food (7.5), Service (7.4), and Ambience (8.3) receiving strong marks. However, Value (4.1) is an average point of concern for some diners.
What makes the dining experience at Eight Tables by George Chen stand out?
Guests frequently praise the restaurant’s exceptional ambience, often described as a cozy and well-decorated setting. The attentive and detailed service, including visits from Chef George Chen, also contributes significantly to a memorable evening.
Are there any common drawbacks to dining at Eight Tables by George Chen?
The primary concern for many is the high price point, leading to mixed opinions on value. Some diners also reported extended waiting times between courses and questions regarding the authenticity of certain dishes.