Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great tea selection
oChef » Palette Tea House – San Francisco
Palette Tea House - San Francisco
Photo from Palette Tea House
Palette Tea House at a glance
San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 150 of the guests
#1722 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#208 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
973
Reviews
65.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious dim sum
- Pleasing atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- High price
The restaurant, Palette Tea House, offers a delightful dining experience in San Francisco’s vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf. As a restaurant, you’ll discover a standout great tea selection, perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re seeking a casual meal or an upscale evening, this spot combines cozy and trendy atmospheres. It’s a place where you can unwind and savor exceptional beverages and small plates.
Overview: Introducting Palette Tea House
Palette Tea House offers a distinct dining experience, with many guests praising its delightful dim sum and creative flavors . The culinary offerings often stand out, providing memorable tastes.
However, some diners have noted concerns regarding service consistency and occasional issues with cleanliness , suggesting a varied experience. It appears to be a place with clear strengths and areas for improvement.
Good
6.9
out of 10
973
Reviews
65.2%
Satisfaction
277
negative
62
neutral
634
positive
Palette Tea House registers a 6.9 overall score, placing it in the good category, while customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 65.2%. This assessment is drawn from 973 customer observations, with 634 positive remarks and 277 negative ones.
The culinary offerings, particularly the Food (7.8), and the inviting Ambience (7.7) are clearly strong points, frequently earning praise from diners. These aspects contribute significantly to the restaurant’s appeal.
However, the experience is somewhat tempered by the Service (5.5), which often receives average marks, indicating room for improvement in attentiveness and efficiency. The perceived Value (4) also falls into the average range, suggesting that some guests feel the pricing doesn’t always align with the overall experience.
This creates a balanced picture of the establishment’s performance.
What people like
- Delicious dim sum
- Pleasing atmosphere
- Attentive initial service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Questionable cleanliness
- High price point
If you’re seeking a venue with appealing dim sum and a pleasant setting, Palette Tea House could be a suitable choice. The overall recommendation score of 7.3 suggests it holds appeal for many, especially if you prioritize the culinary experience and atmosphere.
It’s a place that shines in certain areas but has room for refinement in others. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and a price point that some find steep.
It offers a good, though not universally exceptional, dining experience. Consider your priorities before visiting; it might be worth trying for its food and ambiance, but manage expectations regarding service and cost.
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%
- $$
- Saint Francis Wood
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
97
99%
- $$
- 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
- Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
533
98.1%
- $$
- Marina District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Palette Tea House
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, you're in for a treat! With a good score of 7.8 and a good customer satisfaction of 75.7%, many diners rave about the creative dim sum and delectable food. Out of 523 total comments, 396 opinions highlight the fresh ingredients and depth of flavor in the dishes, making for a truly enjoyable meal.
However, not every dish hits the mark for everyone. Among the 89 negative comments, some found certain items too oily or lacked flavor. A few also mentioned small portions or an underwhelming experience with specific dishes, suggesting some inconsistency in the extensive menu.
Food
523
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
89
negative
38
neutral
396
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Creative dim sum
- Fresh, flavorful dishes
- Excellent presentation
What people don't like
- Some dishes oily
- Occasional blandness
- Portions can be small
Often praised
- foodThe service was great, and the food arrived quickly! We ordered the Peking duck, fried rice with shrimp, and a selection of guiozas, and everything was delicious! I had never eaten Peking duck before and really enjoyed it.
- dim sumMy experience at the restaurant was exceptional, particularly with the dim sum. I had the best dim sum I've ever eaten. The food was superb, from the bao with salted egg yolk to the shrimp and walnuts with honey, everything was delicious!
- dumplingswagyu chow fun and two types of dumplings and they were all great
- lobster dumplingsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I thoroughly enjoyed the Great Wyagu beef pot stickers, lobster dumplings, and the yang chow fried rice with iberico pork and fresh shrimp. Everything was absolutely awesome.
- soup dumplingsThe soup dumplings were all excellent
- FoodMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic, especially with the food. We tried the wagyu chow fun and two types of dumplings, and they were all great. The food quality was excellent, earning a perfect score.
- dishesmost of the dishes contain MSG and/or yeast extract. BUT ask and they can make a few things without.
- portionsThe location in Ghirardelli Square is fantastic. I was impressed by the wonderful service and the large portions of very good food. I will definitely return.
- flavorsEven the shishito peppers surprised me with a hidden gem of a sauce at the bottom, sweet, savory, and perfectly balanced. This is a must visit for anyone seeking exceptional flavors and genuine hospitality in San Francisco.
- Dim SumThe Dim Sum served here is delicious.
Frequently criticized
- food qualityeverything came out either rubbery, dry, unbalanced in flavor and texture, flavorless
- foodThe food was hand wavy for me.
- golden eyebrow teathe golden eyebrow tea is bad
- green beansgreen beans were atrocious, deep fried bean made it too over cooked
- Beef asparagusBeef asparagus taste wierd DO NOT Order this
- Boba milk teasize portion of the Boba milk tea as it came in a small glass
- Cantonese dim sumnot for you if you are looking for correctly priced good tasting Cantonese dim sum
- Dim Sum experienceMy experience at this restaurant was the worse Dim Sum experience ever. We booked through Google, as it was advertised as Michelin-rated, but it turned out to be a very disappointing experience, significantly worse than their San Mateo location.
- DumplingsDumplings without any special taste
- Ice teaIce tea, no refill
If you're looking for an elevated dim sum experience with creative and flavorful dishes, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be prepared that while most food is highly praised, a few items might not live up to the overall high standard.
Service (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
When it comes to service, it's a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.5 and customer satisfaction at 46.5%. Many guests praised the friendly service, attentive staff, and accommodating nature, with 120 positive remarks highlighting quick responses and helpfulness from the team, including managers and servers. However, there are also 126 negative comments indicating areas for improvement.
Some experiences mention slow service, inattentive staff, long wait times, and even rude waiters, suggesting that consistency can be an issue. Overall, with 258 total opinions, it seems service can be hit or miss.
Service
258
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
126
negative
12
neutral
120
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Accommodating service
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Long wait times
- Rude staff
Often praised
- serviceThe other standard menu items were great too, like the vegetable dumplings in chili oil or the pan fried black pepper beef bun. We came right when it opened and service was initially lighting fast. As it filled up, the service got slower and we ended up waiting 20 minutes for the dessert buns.
- staffThe ingredients are fresh, with mushrooms hand-picked locally and premium wagyu steak. The Jasmine tea was refined, and the calming ambience complemented the professional staff. The flavors were delectable.
- ServiceService was friendly and fast
- reservationThe restaurant itself is also beautiful. We made a reservation online earlier in the day, which allowed us to be taken straight to our table without waiting.
- serversThe servers were amazing
- communicationBoth were extremely thorough, great communicators
- friendly serviceVery friendly service
- hostessThe hostess was so helpful
- managersThe initial proposal and booking process with the amazing manager Mia was seamless. A tour of the dining room and planning session with the other amazing manager Yut further solidified my confidence. The service from the staff, led by Eddie and Santos, was warm, welcoming, professional, and incredibly helpful.
- wait timeWait time:No wait
Frequently criticized
- serviceWe booked through Google, as it was advertised as Michelin-rated, but it turned out to be a very disappointing experience, significantly worse than their San Mateo location. There was no service at all; everything had to be asked for. I even had to refill my own water cup.
- waiting timesat there for 30 minutes, never got anyone ever coming by
- orderAlthough the initial food was great, the service received from our waiter was terrible to the point we had to cancel the rest of the order and leave the restaurant. He was extremely rude, constantly ignoring us and messed up our order with no apology. We were so looking forward to have a nice experience, however the service was a massive let down.
- serverMy experience at Palette was extremely disappointing, marking our 5th and final visit. The service was poor from the start; after being shown to our table, our server failed to return to take our order. When we sought assistance from another staff member, we were told to wait for our "assigned staff.
- waiterAlthough the initial food was great, the service received from our waiter was terrible to the point we had to cancel the rest of the order and leave the restaurant. He was extremely rude, constantly ignoring us and messed up our order with no apology. We were so looking forward to have a nice experience, however the service was a massive let down.
- chopsticksonly provided one pair of chopsticks
- managerIt was clearly a gift that the customer accidentally left behind. However when I called back, the manager shouted at me for using "steal", despite the video evidence. It's very disappointing.
- reservationyou only get in (even with a reservation) if she approves
- server attentionnever had a server come to ask if anything was okay
- staffJust have to ask them for everything. Had to flag them down to order
If youre looking for a place with potentially great service and dont mind the risk of a slower experience, it might be worth a try. Just be prepared that the service can be inconsistent, so manage your expectations.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines, boasting a good score of 7.7 and a good customer satisfaction of 81.8%. With 108 positive remarks out of 132 total, guests frequently rave about the beautiful atmosphere, decor, and spaciousness. Many appreciate the outdoor seating options, great location, and stylish ambiance, making it a picture-worthy place perfect for various group sizes.
However, it's not all perfect, with 20 negative comments highlighting a few areas for improvement. Some guests reported issues with cleanliness, specifically concerning bathrooms and even a baby cockroach, raising concerns about hygiene protocols. Other points of contention included loud music, uncomfortable tables, and poor lighting in certain side rooms, which occasionally impacted the overall experience.
Ambience
132
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
20
negative
4
neutral
108
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful atmosphere
- Stylish decor
- Great location
What people don't like
- Cleanliness issues
- Uncomfortable seating
- Loud noise levels
Often praised
- atmosphereAs it filled up, the service got slower and we ended up waiting 20 minutes for the dessert buns. Anyway, it was still great and the atmosphere was awesome. Would come again given the pricing.
- ambianceThe staff was attentive and friendly, but they were also quick to turn over tables. Overall, Pallet Tea House is a good option for those looking for a nice Chinese food experience with a bit of upscale service and ambiance.
- locationThe location was perfect to watch the planes flying over
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeThe servings are small (3 pieces per dumpling), so there's plenty of room to try before committing to a dish. Be sure to get a reservation online ahead of time because this place fills up fast. We got the 11: 30 am slot, and people were lined up to get in way before opening time!
- ambienceThe ingredients are fresh, with mushrooms hand-picked locally and premium wagyu steak. The Jasmine tea was refined, and the calming ambience complemented the professional staff. The flavors were delectable.
- decorWe like the decor
- experienceService from Andy was flawless. While it's expensive, you will enjoy the experience, and I'd come back in a heartbeat.
- great placeI ordered the duck & Wagyu beef chow fun. Great food, great place! 5 stars.
- interiorwith a very cute interior.
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere wasn’t quite all there. There were some fruit flies
- baby cockroacha baby cockroach floating in the service water
- bathroomsthe bathrooms were disgusting
- ceiling leakceiling leak (it was raining that day) causing wet floor
- cleanlinessgrave concerns regarding the restaurant’s cleanliness
- dirty platestable being filled w dirty plates
- exitslocked many of the exits while we were still inside
- hygiene protocolsgrave concerns regarding the restaurant’s hygiene protocols
- lightingThe side room we dined in had terrible lighting
- musicfound the music a bit too loud
Overall, if you're looking for a visually appealing spot with a great vibe and stylish decor, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that while the atmosphere is generally praised, there have been occasional concerns regarding cleanliness and comfort in specific areas.
Value (4 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has a few bright spots, with 10 positive remarks out of 60 total opinions. Some diners found the affordability and happy hour dimsum price to be a definite bang for buck, noting that pricing was sometimes quite reasonable, especially for larger groups or specific packages. While the overall customer satisfaction for value sits at a low 16.7%, there are moments where guests feel they get their money's worth.
However, the sentiment around value is largely challenging, reflected in an average score of 4 and a significant 42 negative comments. Many found the experience to be quite pricey and expensive, often feeling overpriced for what they received. The numerous additional charges, like the service charge, SF mandate fee, and even a charge for ice, were major points of contention, leading to disappointment.
Value
60
Reviews
16%
Satisfaction
42
negative
8
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Happy hour value
- Affordable group packages
- Good bang for buck
What people don't like
- Overpriced food portions
- Mandatory service charge
- Unexpected extra fees
Often praised
- Bigger packagesBigger packages are more worth it..
- affordabilitybest balance in terms of tastiness of the food, ambiance, and affordability
- bang for buckdefinitely bang for buck
- happy hour dimsum pricethe happy hour dimsum price was too good to pass
- higher priceHigher price is justified.
- larger groupif you’re in a larger group give it a go!
- price pointPrice point maybe higher the average but we'll worth it
- pricesceny sÄ… bardzo rozsÄ…dne
- pricingPricing was reasonable
- value for the priceThe dining room's ambiance truly elevated the vibes of the event. I also found it to be an excellent value for the price. Thank you to the entire Palette Tea House team!
Frequently criticized
- priceI would have expected the food to be twice as good for the price. It definitely seems more expensive relative to other dim sum places, likely due to its location. The entire meal felt like we were being rushed through our 4 prix-fixe courses, and then unfortunately, we were forgotten about by the servers at the end.
- billafter looking at the bill, they made us pay for the credit card transaction fee
- expensiveExpensive and has little to no flavor
- service chargeMy experience at this restaurant was largely defined by pathetic service and a forced service charge. While the food was palatable, it was still very oily despite my request for less oil.
- price pointespecially considering the price point
- priceyFood is a bit pricey
- valuefor the value not worth it
- $3 offapology: $3 off!!
- SF employees mandateaparte del servicio y los taxes te cobran un 5% más por el SF employees mandate
- SF mandateIt was particularly frustrating to be charged an 18% service charge for parties of 4 or more, even though we were only two adults with an infant and a toddler. To add to the frustration, there was an additional 5% SF mandate. It felt like we were robbed.
If you're considering this place for value, be prepared for a mixed bag. While some find specific deals or packages worthwhile, the general consensus points to it being quite expensive with unexpected extra charges. Go in with your eyes open, especially regarding the bill, or you might find yourself paying more than anticipated.
How are the prices at Palette Tea House?
On average, you’ll spend around 56 $ per person – from 150 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $51–$60 category. For a Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While the average sits here, the pricing actually shows a wide spread. You’ll find a good mix of mid-range options, but also plenty of choices that lean towards a more premium experience, pulling the overall average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 150 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the diverse pricing options and the city, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers flexibility for different budgets while still providing premium choices.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Palette Tea House
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Fantastic Rehearsal Dinner Experience!
We ordered dinner for our rehearsal dinner downstairs and it was fantastic! Everyone loved the food. My personal favorites are the truffle duck fried rice and the beef baos.
The dim sum is also a must-try.
- food10
- truffle duck fried rice10
- beef baos10
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Amazing Birthday Celebration with Excellent Service!
We went on 10/25/25 to celebrate my friend's and my wife's birthday party and we had an amazing experience! The food came out on time and was delicious, and the service was excellent. Special thanks to Rafael and Ken.
They were both amazing! We would go back there just to see them again. We brought 2003 and 1990 wines and we didn't think anyone can open the 1990 wine bottle cork without breaking into pieces but Rafael was able to open the bottle with a regular wine opener!
We were very impressed! Thank you for making our birthday event extra special~ =)
- food10
- service10
- Rafael and Ken10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Exceptional Flavors and Hospitality
My experience at Palette Tea House was exceptional, largely due to the warm, kind, and gracious service provided by Yut and Rafael, who set the perfect tone for the entire dining experience. The pea tenderloins were a flawless start, served hot, delicious, and perfectly seasoned. The vegetarian and crab dumplings that followed were truly out of this world, beautifully presented and delightful in taste.
The real magic, however, lies in their signature sauces, a vibrant trio featuring cilantro, tamarind, and a bold hot mustard that elevate every bite. Even the shishito peppers surprised me with a hidden gem of a sauce at the bottom, sweet, savory, and perfectly balanced. This is a must visit for anyone seeking exceptional flavors and genuine hospitality in San Francisco.
- Yut and Rafael10
- pea tenderloins10
- vegetarian and crab dumplings10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
A GEM of a Restaurant!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a true GEM among all the places we visited, and we fell in love with this place the most. The staff was incredibly warm, as warm as our dumplings.
We also fell in love with the food. Thank you for a wonderful experience!
- staff10
- food10
- place10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Delicious Food, Beautiful Presentation, Great Service!
I loved my experience at Palette Tea House! The food was so delicious, fresh, and full of flavor. The presentation was beautiful — every dish looked like art.
Great service and a lovely atmosphere. Highly recommend!
- food10
- presentation10
- service10
What Palette Tea House 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
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at Palette Tea House?
At Palette Tea House, you can enjoy a range of dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner with both table and counter service. The atmosphere is a blend of casual, upscale, cozy, trendy, and romantic, making it suitable for various occasions. Reservations are accepted, with dinner and brunch reservations recommended.
Does Palette Tea House cater to specific dietary needs and offer accessibility features?
Yes, Palette Tea House provides vegetarian options and organic dishes. You’ll also find a great beer and tea selection, along with cocktails and hard liquor. The venue is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
How does Palette Tea House rate overall?
Palette Tea House holds an overall score of 6.9 with customer satisfaction at 65.2%. Its Food (7.8) and Ambience (7.7) are well-regarded, though Service (5.5) and Value (4) are considered average.
What are the culinary strengths at Palette Tea House?
Guests frequently commend the dim sum , dumplings , and Peking duck for their delicious flavors and quality. Many find the portions generous and the dishes well-prepared.
What are common concerns regarding Palette Tea House?
Some patrons have reported inconsistent service , with instances of slow attention or rudeness. Concerns about cleanliness and the overall price point being high for the perceived value are also noted.