Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
- Great tea selection
oChef » The Garden Court – San Francisco
The Garden Court - San Francisco
Photo from The Garden Court
The Garden Court at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $71–$80
mentioned by 85 of the guests
#2065 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#237 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
6.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
650
Reviews
58.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Grand ambience
- Attentive service
- Delicious breakfast
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Inconsistent food
- Maintenance issues
The restaurant The Garden Court in San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square neighborhood offers you an unforgettable dining experience. You’ll discover an upscale, historic atmosphere perfect for a romantic evening, where you can indulge in their renowned great desserts.
This establishment provides a full restaurant experience, inviting you to enjoy exceptional cuisine and a superb wine list.
Overview: Introducting The Garden Court
The Garden Court offers a truly stunning ambience, making it a memorable spot for a meal. Many guests appreciate the generally good food quality, though some experiences suggest inconsistencies that might temper expectations.
You’ll often find attentive staff contributing to a pleasant visit, creating a welcoming atmosphere. However, occasional reports of slow service and concerns about the overall price point are worth noting for potential diners.
Good
6.3
out of 10
650
Reviews
58.2%
Satisfaction
231
negative
41
neutral
378
positive
The Garden Court holds an overall score of 6.3, placing it in the average category, with customer satisfaction at 58.2%, indicating a mixed reception. This assessment comes from a substantial 650 customer remarks, showing a balance of 378 positive and 231 negative observations.
A standout feature is the exceptional Ambience (8.6), consistently praised by guests. The Food (6.1) generally receives an average rating, while Service (5.5) also falls into the average range.
The primary area for consideration is Value (3.7), which customers frequently find to be a significant drawback.
What people like
- Grand, beautiful ambience
- Attentive, warm service
- Delicious breakfast items
What people don't like
- Poor value proposition
- Inconsistent food quality
- Maintenance issues
If you’re seeking a visually stunning setting for a meal, The Garden Court certainly delivers. It’s a place where the ambience often elevates the experience, making it suitable for special occasions where the surroundings are paramount.
However, be prepared for a potentially uneven experience. With a recommendation score of 6.3, it suggests a visit might be worthwhile if you prioritize atmosphere over consistent culinary excellence or strict budgeting.
Consider it for a memorable setting, but manage expectations regarding value and certain aspects of the food.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Restaurant
9.4
out of 10
out of 10
283
98.6%
- $$
- Lower Nob Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.4
out of 10
out of 10
307
100%
- $$
- Saint Francis Wood
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
533
98.1%
- $$
- Marina District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
97
99%
- $$
- Telegraph Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
182
96.2%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
249
98.4%
- $$
- Cow Hollow
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on The Garden Court
Food (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
The food here receives an average score of 6.1, with 54.7% customer satisfaction, suggesting a mixed but generally appreciated experience. Many guests praise the Signature Tea service and breakfast buffet, often highlighting fresh foods and delicious sandwiches. With 146 positive remarks among 267 total, theres a notable appreciation for the variety and quality.
On the flip side, some diners expressed disappointment, citing "food quality" as a "letdown" and describing the "breakfast buffet" as mediocre. Specific concerns included "avocado toast" being inedible and "savory sandwiches" lacking flavor. With 91 negative comments, issues like "hair in food" and "overcooked egg white omelette" also contributed to a feeling that the "quality and taste of the food" didnt always meet expectations.
Food
267
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
91
negative
30
neutral
146
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent Afternoon Tea
- Varied Breakfast Buffet
- Accommodates Dietary Needs
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Food Quality
- Poor Hot Food
- Hygiene Issues
Often praised
- foodI also found the ambience to be nice, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Most importantly, the food was delicious, making for a truly enjoyable meal. Overall, it was a great experience.
- breakfast buffetGreat breakfast buffet in a gorgeous space
- dessertWe enjoyed our time as well as the dessert.
- teaThe food was pretty, but not super tasty. The tea was good.
- dessertsthe desserts were the best part
- pastriesselection of teas, pastries and finger sandwiches
- DishesPlats savoureux et copieux
- FoodFood:5
- avocado toastavocado toast for breakfast. It was delicious.
- buffetthe buffet that serve there is 10/10 excellent
Frequently criticized
- foodIt should be more enjoyable with a little background music. The food was pretty, but not super tasty. The tea was good.
- teaexpected the tea to be poured or presented at the table, which didn’t happen
- French toastFrench toast was not as soft as expected
- breadThree of us ordered avocado toast, and while most of the ingredients were fine, the toast itself was bordering on inedible. It was a thin, petrified piece of bread that was almost impossible to cut, so I mostly scraped the toppings off and ate those. In a city famous for its sourdough bread, it was surprising and disappointing that the restaurant couldn't do better with such a basic part of the meal.
- breakfastthe bland breakfast would not me
- breakfast buffetI don’t recommend breakfast buffet
- buffetTheir buffet was very normal nothing special at all
- coffeeI only wish that coffee were served extra hot. It's lukewarm.
- dessertsThe desserts were not good
- qualityHowever, the food was absolutely forgettable. The meal cost approximately $412 AUD ($260 USD), which is significantly more than we would pay back home for food of far superior quality, around $170. This place genuinely needs new chefs.
If youre considering this spot, especially for their afternoon tea or a varied breakfast, you might find some delightful options. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in food quality and presentation, as some dishes might not live up to expectations. Its a bit of a mixed bag, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Service (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests have highlighted the attentive service and friendly service from the staff, with some even praising great recommendations and attention to detail. With 72 positive remarks out of 149 total, theres a clear appreciation for the effort, contributing to a 48.3% customer satisfaction rating, which is a mixed bag. However, the service isnt without its challenges.
There are 75 negative comments, frequently mentioning slow service, excessive waiting time, and even some instances of horrible service or a general lack of attention. The overall score for service stands at 5.5, placing it squarely in the average category, indicating room for improvement.
Service
149
Reviews
48%
Satisfaction
75
negative
2
neutral
72
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Great recommendations
- Excellent customer service
What people don't like
- Slow, poor service
- Long waiting times
- Lack of attention
Often praised
- serviceThey offer an American-style English Tea on Saturdays, which was a delightful experience. While it was a bit pricey, the good service and overall ambiance made it worthwhile. The restaurant is also very kid-friendly, as we observed several princess celebrations with special tea menus for children, complete with tiaras.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The entire staff were exceptionally warm and attentive, and the venue itself is breathtaking. However, I was disappointed that they did not have dim sum available under the pricier buffet option.
- ServiceService was great too
- waiterOur waiter, born in Nepal, now an American citizen was attentive, friendly
- attentive staffGregg Kelly and the attentive staff made sure everything ran smoothly
- experienceI had an attentive, friendly, and top-notch experience at this restaurant. For breakfast, I opted for the "grab and go" option, which included a banana, croissant, and yogurt for $9.
- waiter Omarour waiter Omar was wonderful!
- attention to detailHer professionalism, attention to detail, and support
- attentive serviceGreat attentive service
- coffee cupNever had an empty coffee cup
Frequently criticized
- serviceDespite having enjoyed numerous afternoon teas globally, this one, at $100 per person, was exceptionally poor. The service was very slow, and we were denied our preferred seating, even though the restaurant was nearly empty, ultimately being placed near the kitchen. Despite having a reservation, we waited 20 minutes just to be acknowledged by a server.
- serverHowever, the service did not align with its surroundings; it was pretty flat and not what I would expect. There was only one server, and the server assistant didn't seem to speak or understand English. The menu was extremely limited, offering only two desserts, which was surprising.
- staffstaff placed the tea set on the table but didn’t really take the time to explain
- waterThe floors were very dirty, even though we were the first reservation at 12: 00 pm on a Saturday. The chairs were peeling, and we had to request water. The service was very slow and, in my opinion, not very good.
- billask multiple times for the bill
- hostesshostess in the garden court reception - we were not greeted properly and she was unwelcoming
- managerthe manager came to our table and "kindly" asked us to leave
- reservationsshould not have accepted reservations if they had no staff
- waiting timeOur server was ignoring our table and never offered a refill on drinks. After waiting over twenty minutes after finishing our food, we had to flag down another server to get our check. Our server dropped the bill at the table without saying a word, and it was the wrong bill.
- afternoon tea experienceprefer a more interactive and guided afternoon tea experience
So, should you go? The service here seems to be a real mixed bag. While you might encounter incredibly attentive and friendly staff, be prepared for the possibility of slow service and longer waits.
It's a bit of a gamble, so manage your expectations.
Ambience (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 86% of the guests
Stepping into this place, youre in for a treat! The ambience here truly shines, with a fantastic score of 8.6 and an excellent customer satisfaction rating of 90.1%. Guests are consistently blown away by the grandeur, the stunning glass ceiling, and the magical atmosphere, often enhanced by live piano or harp music.
With 146 positive remarks out of 162 total, its clear the historic hotel setting and ornate beauty create an unforgettable experience. However, a few of the 14 negative comments mention some less-than-ideal aspects. There were occasional concerns about an unpleasant smell, some traffic and noise, and even reports of dirty tables or an outdated spot.
While these are isolated incidents, they suggest that not every visit is perfectly pristine, hinting at minor inconsistencies in upkeep.
Ambience
162
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
14
negative
2
neutral
146
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stunning architecture
- Magical atmosphere
- Live music
What people don't like
- Unpleasant smells
- Dirty conditions
- Outdated decor
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was for a buffet breakfast. The atmosphere is undeniably the most beautiful place to eat in San Francisco. However, this stunning setting didn't entirely compensate for some hits and misses with the food quality.
- ambienceservice and ambience you’re really paying for
- ambiancethe ambiance and service were top notch, just amazing
- venuethe sheer beauty of the venue is a sight to behold
- interiorthe interior is very well worth the visit
- roomMy experience was a grand High Tea, complete with a harpist. I was not disappointed, as the room's grandeur lived up to the photos I'd seen from an early 1900's National Geographic. I'm so looking forward to a return visit.
- settingThe setting at The Palace Hotel is undeniably beautiful and elegant
- architecturefor the architecture of the building
- locationa wonderful location right in the middle of the city
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
Frequently criticized
- Christmas TeaThe Christmas Tea is a madhouse of too many people
- background musicThe place is so dreamy! It should be more enjoyable with a little background music. The food was pretty, but not super tasty.
- chairsthe chairs were peeling
- cloth napkinsreplace ripped cloth napkins
- cutleryhas necessary cutlery
- floorsthe floors were very dirty
- food service areayou have a nasty food service area
- kitchen hygienevery few people are wearing hair covering in the kitchen
- loungeWhen I finally asked one of the waiters for a menu, they pointed me to a different server, who was walking away and avoided eye contact. My fiancé finally asked the host of the restaurant (adjacent to the lounge), who told us that the lounge wasn’t open yet. But somehow the couple next to us got drinks and snacks.
- outdated spotyou end up with an outdated spot.
If you're looking for a truly breathtaking and grand setting for a special occasion, this place is absolutely worth experiencing. The stunning architecture and magical atmosphere are a huge draw, making it an Instagram heaven. Just be aware that a few minor details might occasionally fall short of perfection.
Value (3.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
When it comes to value, opinions are quite divided, though leaning heavily towards the negative. Some diners appreciate the occasional price-fix meal or finding a genuine bargain, noting that certain options like fixed-price menus or high tea can offer decent value for money. A few even felt it was worth the experience despite the cost, especially when comparing to other high-end establishments.
However, the overall sentiment for value is quite poor, with a score of just 3.7 and customer satisfaction at a low 19.4%, based on 72 total opinions (14 positive vs. 51 negative). Many customers felt they were fraudulently charged or overcharged, describing the experience as expensive and feeling completely ripped off. The consensus is that the price point often doesn't match the quality or the overall experience.
Value
72
Reviews
19%
Satisfaction
51
negative
7
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Price-fix meal
- Worth the experience
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Fraudulently charged
- Overpriced
- Felt ripped off
Often praised
- priceprice was cheaper than continental breakfast buffet
- bargainIt is a bargain
- experiencedefinitely worth the experience despite the high cost
- fixed-price menus or à la carteavons également apprécié la liberté de choisir les formules prix fixes ou à la carte
- high ends restaurantscomparing to other high ends restaurants
- high teaprices for prefix lunch and high tea are reasonable
- prefix lunchprices for prefix lunch and high tea are reasonable
- price-fix mealIt is a price-fix meal with plenty of food
- pricesreasonable prices
- something specialyou get something special for your money
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a beautiful space and great ambience, which certainly contributed to the overall experience. However, the price was a significant factor, and I felt it was probably not worth the price. The food was largely good, but not extraordinary.
- price pointat the price point ($120 pp) is a waste
- fraudulently chargeddebit card was FRAUDULENTLY charged an additional $125.00
- PricesPrices been going up
- amountfor the amount you guys charge , we expect a whole lot more
- bill$90 for that!? Robbery
- breakfastBreakfast is probably more than you want to pay
- buyers remorsemassive buyers remorse on a meal.
- costHowever, I was disappointed that they did not have dim sum available under the pricier buffet option. The food, specifically the hot and cold bars, felt extremely lacking for the setting and the cost.
- detailed billI was never presented with a detailed bill
If you're considering a visit, be very cautious about the cost, as many find it to be quite expensive with little value. While some specific fixed-price options might offer a decent deal, the general consensus is that you might feel ripped off, so proceed with care.
How are the prices at The Garden Court?
On average, you’ll spend around 73 per person here, based on what 85 guests reported. That places it squarely in the $71–$80 price bracket. For a Restaurant in San Francisco, this leans towards a higher-end experience.
Interestingly, while the average sits at 73, the actual spending is quite varied! We see a good number of diners enjoying meals in the $41–$50 range, but theres also a significant crowd opting for premium experiences well over 101 $. This tells us theres a mix of offerings, from solid mid-range options to truly special, higher-priced choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 85 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the diverse spending patterns, we feel the pricing offers a good range of experiences. If youre seeking a memorable, higher-end meal in San Francisco, the pricing seems fair for whats likely on offer. For those looking for a more accessible option, it’s worth exploring if their menu has choices that bring the cost down.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Garden Court
Price per Person
- $100+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
6
Beautiful Setting, Underwhelming Tea Experience
My experience at The Palace Hotel for afternoon tea was marked by a beautiful and elegant setting, making it a lovely spot. However, the overall experience felt a bit underwhelming compared to my previous afternoon teas in Paris. The service was hands-off; staff placed the tea set without explaining the pastries, sandwiches, or tea selections.
I also missed the expected table-side pouring or presentation of the tea. While the arrangement was nice, I personally prefer a more interactive and guided afternoon tea where one can learn about the offerings.
- setting8
- tea selections6
- experience4
- service2
- staff2
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Special Occasion Gem with Excellent Service
My experience at this restaurant was truly special, fitting for a special occasion. The atmosphere was magnificent, with chandeliers, marble columns, and white tablecloths, creating a beautiful setting. I could have spent the entire time just admiring the beautiful ceiling.
The service was excellent, and the food was quite good. While it is expensive, the value received for the money spent is exceptional, especially when compared to generic restaurants in San Francisco. You definitely get something special for your money.
- atmosphere10
- beautiful ceiling10
- service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
An Unexpectedly Wonderful Breakfast Buffet!
My experience at the restaurant was a delightful surprise, especially for breakfast. The buffet offered an impressive variety, including dim sum, smoked fish, charcuterie, fresh veggies, fruits, and an array of pastries. The chicken sausage and applewood bacon were superb, and the scrambled eggs were perfectly light, fluffy, and creamy.
I highly recommend getting some freshly squeezed orange juice. My only regret was not having a bigger stomach to enjoy more! I would have shared photos, but I ate it all.
- dim sum9
- smoked fish9
- charcuterie9
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
8
Beautiful Restaurant, Great Food, Lukewarm Coffee
I made a reservation for a Friday brunch to celebrate a milestone birthday. The Palace Court is probably the most beautiful restaurant one will ever see! Our waiter, born in Nepal and now an American citizen, was attentive and friendly, adding a lot to our experience.
I ordered an omelet full of fresh vegetables, which was outstanding. My friends were just as happy. My only wish is that coffee were served extra hot; it's lukewarm.
They need special coffee servers who attend only to coffee maniacs like myself. On our way out, we chatted with a very cool couple who travel once a year to the Palace Hotel to commemorate their marriage, parenthood, and joy in San Francisco. Even though they are no longer married, they keep this tradition.
Hats off to them!
- Palace Court10
- waiter10
- omelet10
- coffee3
Price per Person
- $100+
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Magical Birthday Dinner with Exceptional Service
My experience at this restaurant yesterday was truly magical! The atmosphere was enchanting, enhanced by a live harpist playing beautiful music. The service was outstanding, with our server, Min, being the kindest and sweetest person.
They even brought a small dessert for my birthday, and the harpist played 'Happy Birthday, ' which was a lovely touch. The food was also excellent, contributing to a wonderful time.
- atmosphere10
- live harpist10
- service10
What The Garden Court offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Onsite services
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Upscale
- Historic
- Cozy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at The Garden Court?
You’ll find The Garden Court offers a romantic, upscale, historic, and cozy atmosphere. You can enjoy diverse dining options, including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, all with table service and delightful desserts.
What accessibility features does The Garden Court provide for its guests?
The Garden Court is committed to accessibility for your comfort. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, a dedicated wheelchair accessible parking lot, wheelchair accessible seating, and a wheelchair accessible restroom available.
What is the overall verdict for The Garden Court?
The Garden Court holds an overall score of 6.3 with 58.2% customer satisfaction, indicating a mixed experience. While its Ambience (8.6) is highly praised, Food (6.1) and Service (5.5) are average, and Value (3.7) is a notable concern.
What makes The Garden Court stand out?
The restaurant is widely celebrated for its stunning **ambience** and grand setting, often described as a beautiful and elegant place to dine. Many find the interior and architecture to be a significant draw for a special experience.
Should I be concerned about the cost at The Garden Court?
Yes, **Value** (3.7) is frequently cited as a drawback. While some find the experience worth the cost, many customers feel the **price** point is high for the overall offering, particularly concerning food quality and service consistency.