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Palette Tea House

4.1 (2k reviews)
Open • 11:30 am - 7:30 pm
Updated 2 months ago

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PALETTE TEA HOUSE ATMOSPHERE

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Recommended Reviews - Palette Tea House

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Inside
Stephanie W.

I hate to leave such a low review but unfortunately my visit did leave me with a poor perception. I made a res for myself at their opening time (11:30a) and came early (around 11:10a) to wait since I was in a bit of a hurry and wanted to be in/out within 45 mins, ideally not longer than an hour. The check in process was a little chaotic but moved fast and I did get seated right away. I was planning to order as soon as I was seated, but oddly, no server ever came after that. Someone did come pour me water about 10 mins after being seated, but that was it as far as staffing. About 5 min after the water I figured out that you can order with the QR code on the table -- i ended up putting in an order for just the truffle duck fried rice ($34) which sounded good. I waited another 15min or so (now about 30 min after being seated), and still no one had come talk to me and the food hadn't come. By that point, other people who came in after me had been seated and were already eating, so I flagged a passing waiter to confirm I could order that way, and they said I could. I waited another 10 min (by now it's been like 40 mins since I was seated; everyone around me has been served and some people are finishing/leaving). I flagged someone to ask about the status of my order. She said she'd check. I waited another 5-7 min before I flagged another waiter to ask again, and he said he would check. Shortly after, the first staff member I'd asked came back to tell me "there was a bit of a delay, it would be about 10 more minutes." I didn't get an explanation for it beyond that, or any other acknowledgement of it. The food did in fact come about 10 min later - a whopping 50 mins after I initially came into the restaurant. I ate fast and was full within about 5 minutes. No one checked in to ask how the food was or if I needed anything else in that time, but I flagged someone to ask for a to go container and for the bill. When I received the bill, I flagged someone again to request the "5% included surcharge" be removed, because at this point I still have no idea who is supposed to be my server, or what additional service I'm being charged for. She said she'd ask her manager, but they did take it off. Ended up walking out at 12:50pm after that. All in all - it was the strangest and least attentive staffing experience I've ever had in a restaurant. I left the place wishing I'd eaten at home because I didn't feel very cared for (or even noticed?) as a customer. I'm seeing other reviews that the staff was great, so I'm wondering if there was something unusual going on that day. That said, the place is pretty inside and has nice/clean bathrooms, and the food was pretty good with a decent portion size. The rice bowl was $37 including tax; for the portion size it isn't too bad. But I was just really off-put by the work flow.

Caili C.

We came to Palette for dinner as my friend was visiting and wanted to eat Peking Duck. I have been to the Palette in San Mateo a couple of times and enjoyed the food but I have to say this Ghirardelli Square location just wasn't as good. We got the half Peking duck, stir fried garlic pea tips and the XLB sampler to share and starting off the XLB lacked flavor. I could really taste the difference between pho, truffle, and tum yum pork and because the XLB was steamed in the serving spoons there was some water in the spoon which diluted the soup flavor. Pretty disappointing. The duck was tasty but like a lot of Peking ducks I wish there was more flavor in the meat itself. It was pretty bland so you really need the sweet bean sauce. I thought the pickled radish as a condiment was a bit odd and once I included it in the wrap, it was too sweet. I have to say the garlic pea sprout was my favorite dish. Super flavorful with a lot of garlic and with most vegetables, it's really done best when it's stir fried with a generous amount of oil, and this ended up being super tasty.

Bob K.

There are a surprising number of shops and eateries around Ghirardelli square that are more than just tourist traps. Palette has some kind of Michilan recognition, and it's not hard to see why. The interior is very stylish and clean - I love those ceiling decorations. I also love that the tables are close but not too close, to each other. We engaged with the customers on both sides of us. We were looking for vegetarian options, and they didn't disappoint. There's even a not that some meat dishes can be made vegetarian. We got the veggie spring rolls, somewhat spicy Impossible mapo tofu (one neighbor recommended) and one other vegetable dumpling that I can recall the name of. All were excellent. We also got a boba milk tea and a small bottle of sake. It was a somewhat pricey lunch, but not beyond expectations for the area.

Communal Seating Area
D. Reneé B.

Beautiful space, generous portions, and a tea selection that deserves its own spotlight. Came in with The Kid and one of her friends and had a great experience from start to finish. We had reservations, arrived a little early, and were seated right away. We ordered the XO Wagyu Beef Fried Rice, made with minced Wagyu, egg, XO sauce, and scallion, along with the Wagyu Beef Chow Fun, which comes with wok-seared Wagyu, flat rice noodles, and bean sprouts. We also had the Pork Soup Dumplings. Everything was flavorful, and the portions were generous--one order of the fried rice and chow fun was enough for the three of us to share and still take leftovers home. The tea selection was one of my favorite parts. I had the Iron Goddess, The Kid had the Milk Aroma Oolong, and her friend had the classic Oolong. All three were delicious and made the meal feel even more complete. I also tried one of their mocktails from the menu--the Lucky Red Horse- and it was a fun addition to the meal. Service was great, the space is beautiful, and the overall experience felt polished without being stuffy. Between the dim sum, noodle dishes, rice dishes, and tea selection, there's still so much left to try. Definitely looking forward to coming back again.

Supreme crab dumplings
Donna X.

We hosted our Chinese tea ceremony and wedding banquet at Palette Tea House, and it was a 10 out of 10 experience. We researched/toured/did tastings at several different restaurants in the area but ultimately picked Palette since they had the best food and ambiance, and we are so glad that we did. The food on the day of our event was amazing. Even better than the tasting that we did. All our guests raved about the food, even my relatives from China who are difficult to impress and one guest who had a different menu due to allergies. (We did select the highest tier of their banquet menu options, with a few modifications.) Service was impeccable - attentive, efficient, smooth. We loved working with the Palette team - from Mia who helped plan our event to all the day of staff. We also loved the ambiance of Palette. Even though the location is touristy, which makes parking difficult (the Ghirardelli garage is something like $20/hr), it's honestly much nicer than many other parts of town. Palette's banquet room was also very nice - spacious for our 50 guests, airy, lots of natural light. I really like the ceiling lights and decor that they have normally, and they added some extra hanging decor for our event. Again, 10 out of 10 experience. Highly recommend Palette Tea House for private events!

Horrible experience
Andrew D.

Oh WOW. Not good. Super dirty. They made me taste the orange juice to check if it was orange juice.... Bizarre. Bartender totally butchered ordered. I cant even explain how bizarre this experience was. It was just really dirty and def a disregard to hospitality.

A04 Classic "Ha Gow" Shrimp Dumpling (3)
Eliko S.

We came in at 7 pm and the kitchen closes at 7:30, but no problem. We ordered some wine and our various dumplings. The mango kissed Seafood crispy came out first & it was so delicious & it really set the tone for a positive & flavorful dining experience My favorites were the classic Ha Gow Shrimp Dumplings & the Chicken Soup Dumplings "XLB", but everything we ordered was very good. Service was attentive and kind. The dining area is colorful, bright & upbeat. This location is also in Ghirardelli Square, so it is a fun, bustling area with lots to see and do before or after your meal. If you'd like a more authentic dim sum meal, perhaps you may enjoy heading to Chinatown to experience a more traditional set of dim sum offerings, but for our purposes today, this was more than adequate. Peace!

D04 Peking Duck Set has really tough skin and is served cold
Aichi L.

Came to Palette tea house on a weekday night around 7pm. Turns out they closes at 7:30pm which seems really early for dinner. Food 2.5/5: the best thing is the fried rice there. We also got the cucumber salad, Peking duck set, and lava buns. The cucumber salad was med, marinate tasted like balsamic and not too much flavor like the usual kind you get in other Chinese restaurants. The Peking duck was the most disappointing, we had such high hope for how it looked and how nicely it was setup. However the duck was cold and the skin had zero crisp. Some pieces of skin was basically inedible, very tough and impossible to chew through almost like leather or plastic. Don't know how they managed that. (See video) Ambiance 5/5: the ambiance and decoration of the restaurant was beautiful though. You get a view of the Ghirardelli Square and the inside is nicely decorated with fun ceiling lights. Service 4/5: pretty efficient. You don't get a dedicated waiter and we had to try to flag down someone if we needed anything. However they are generally friendly and efficient when you get them.

Palette dim sum at Ghirardelli

Made reservations for Mother's Day and it was a fun visit. Delicious dim sum in the perfect location for shopping and sundaes after!

D08 ShanDong Chicken Wings
Shay B.

My friends took me for my birthday as they knew that I haven't been there. The place was packed! We ordered six dishes (photos shown) and all of them were delicious but my favorite was the string beans. I enjoyed my first experience but it was too loud to hold any conversation. If you're in Ghirardelli Square, worth trying.

Ethel R.

Out to a new place for dinner with family. Palette Tea House Server - Westley, was so good in helping us pick the best dishes and drinks. Jordan Chardonnay, 2022 Russian River CA Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon, 2023 Alexander Valley, CA Fort Point Villager IPA Dinner Chinese Olive Fried Rice Cumin Spicy Lamb "Longevity" Noodle Palette Soup Dumpling "XLB" Sampler (5 Pieces) Chicken Soup Dumpling "XLB" (3 Pieces) Black Swan Tara Puff (2 Pieces) Lotus Wrap Abaline Sticky Rice Wok Fried Gai LAN and Shitake Mushroom Desert Steamed Custard Dumpling Durian Custard Bao Wow, I could not say which one was my favorite dish. Every dish was great. In addition to the deserts. The deco was real nice and colorful. The had Peking Ducks all set for roasting on display. Must visit.

Lucky knot
Jo P.

Cute place near the water. Drinks were good and food was well portioned and they didn't skimp. Service was friendly and fast but we did go on a weekday in the afternoon.

A1. Palette Soup Dumplings (XLB)
Crystal T.

Haven't been here in years so this spot deserves an update. Location is in Ghirardelli Square, a huge tourist spot, and surprisingly, it wasn't busy. I originally booked a reservation assuming that it was going to be extra busy given that the Chinese New Year parade festivities were going on, which also means, everybody was out and about, especially tourists. Anyway, we were seated immediately and our waiter attended to us as soon as we sat down. Aside from that, the interior decor didn't change much at all, but I think the menu did. Great service as usual and good food. We ordered the Wagyu beef fried rice, wagyu pot stickers, wagyu beef with veggies, pork soup dumplings, lobster, and the swan shaped dumplings. Everything was tasty, except my man didn't like the swan shaped ones. Overall, great place to eat dinner. Prices were reasonable considering the location.

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Palette Tea House Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Palette Tea House

Saw fixed price lunch and dinner menus among Yelp pictures? Are there prix-fixe options every day,…

There is meal set for 2 guests, and 5 guests for both lunch and dinner that are always available. There is also special prix-fixe menu for banquets and special events

Do they still provide 2 hour parking validation in the building parking lot?

Yes

Is the patio pet friendly? Dog is well behaved, 20 pounds. We have a 12:30 reservation for Saturday…

yes! dogs can also get a water bowl

Is all of the outdoor seating covered by plastic walls? Is there any outdoor seating available that is more ventilated?

All outdoor seating is covered by plastic walls which I believe maybe opened.

How far in advanced do you accept reservations? I will be there with my husband in late July.

You can always contact us by e-mail to set up reservation for a later date: sf@paletteteahouse.com

Gluten free options?

Yes!

Does this location in san francisco also have this same whole peking duck with local Dungeness crab set deal for $200 as mateo?

No, not available in SF location, but different sets are available

Is it Pet friendly?

There were at least 3 dogs inside. They closed their outdoor but they still let all the dog owners in! Very kind.

Hi all. Is the food ordered through checklists or via steam carts? Thank you.

Ordering is done through a checklist:)

Is the full dim sum menu available at 11:30?

Yes

Can you show picture of your vaccination card? Or do you have to bring your actual card?

We showed a picture and were fine!

Is your menu for lunch and dinner the same? Basically do you have dim sum for dinner time?

Went there for dinner, they definitely have full dim sum menu. So good! Get the duck fried rice too.

Is it still dog-friendly?

I was just there and there were dogs on the patio area!!! The place is so good. Review coming soon!!!

Do you have gluten free dim sum?

I think they probably do have some but I would ask them first before ordering.

Do you have gluten free dim sum?!?

Many of the dim sum are made with wheat starch, which is considered gluten free by FDA, but not suitable for celiac disease. Many other gluten free items, such as fried rice, fresh seafood, stir fried vegetables...

I'm not yet eligible for the COVID booster. Do I need a negative test or can I still dine in with my vaccine card?

Open to all. No vaccine card or booster required as of May 2022. Servers still wear masks and gloves. Not recommended if you feel ill.

Do you accept a negative covid test instead of a vaccine card?

vaccination card is required for the time being (for dine in). There's a beautiful courtyard at Ghirardelli Square, and we can provide provide togo with disposable utensils for guests without vacination

If you catch a fish, will they cook it for you?

Doubtful, it's mostly a dim sum place- dumplings and such

Is a party of 6 the largest they can accommodate outdoors?

They can probably just push the tables together. Im sure they can accommodate if you notify them early enough.

Kid friendly? Reservations required for Saturdays?

It is kid friendly! I highly recommend getting a reservation since it does get quite busy throughout the day!

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The Lucky Spot

The Lucky Spot

4.6(17 reviews)
0.9 mi•North Beach/Telegraph Hill, Russian Hill

LOVE THIS SPOT! From the cleanliness, location, ambience,…read moreand overall customer experience - this is now my go-to spot for watching sports, date night, night out with friends, and even a solo hang. I feel right at home when I step into this bar. Plenty of space and a huge bonus: dogs are allowed! Do yourself a favor and go visit one of the best bartenders in town, Ali. If it's your first time, it won't be your last.

Just popped into The Lucky Spot in North Beach with some buddies for drinks to watch Sunday night…read morefootball, and it quickly became our new favorite hangout spot! This place has that perfect North Beach neighborhood bar chill and welcoming vibe, like a classy dive where you can watch the game or just chat for hours. The cocktails are next level: tried a few that tasted like grown-up root beer floats and Orange Julius vibes, super creative and balanced without being too sweet. They've got solid classics too if you're not feeling adventurous. Walls are covered in cool local SF photos and art that make it feel proudly San Franciscan. Only street parking available but there's plenty of bus lines that drop you off in ths neighborhood & there's no food served onsite, but they brought in complimentary Golden Boy pizza for the game watch party which quickly went into my stomach after downing a few cocktails. Staff was friendly and on point, and it's great for locals or anyone wanting elevated drinks without the pretension. Perfect pre-dinner spot in North Beach or for a full night out.

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The Lucky Spot
The Lucky Spot
The Lucky Spot

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Petite Lil’s - Look for this sign.

Petite Lil’s

4.5(60 reviews)
0.7 mi•Russian Hill, North Beach/Telegraph Hill
•$$

Pub Crawl #2 Romantic, enigmatic, and undeniably sexy…read more No, I'm not talking about my man! Those were the exact words that came to mind as I glanced around upon walking in. This bar was our second stop after wandering around SF, a bit indecisive about where to go next. The dining room and bar were bustling with couples, but luckily, we snagged two seats at the bar. Honestly, this place feels like a top spot for Tinder (or any dating app) meetups. The friendly bartender quickly set out two glasses and poured us water, but to my surprise, he also brought over champagne glasses. As we waited, he offered us a taste of champagne--such a thoughtful, complimentary touch! I can't recall exactly what we ordered, but my man's drink had Mezcal, while mine was something sweet and fruity. We both thoroughly enjoyed our choices. After a long time without dinner, I was absolutely craving French fries. The crinkle-cut fries arrived perfectly golden and salty. We also ordered the bone marrow--rich, savory, and buttery. Spread over toast, it was pure bliss. We enjoyed our second pub crawl stop so much that we vowed to come back for a full dinner. Honestly, if couples don't end up getting laid after visiting Petit Lil's, they're definitely doing something wrong!

So warning- this place has two yelp pages- this is my review posted on Lilly Coit's page- which is…read morethe same bar and restaurant. This happened in the winter- "Owner" screamed at a woman for closing the door. It was a giant fuss on an absolute cold March night and the owner just seems to make a sport out of embarrassing patrons who were trying to keep warm. This has been consistent- he tends bar too and is rude to a lot of people. Stay away if you like to keep your dignity and not be mortified by a jerk who doesn't deserve your money.

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Petite Lil’s - Ambiance

Ambiance

Petite Lil’s - A talk about housing in SF.

A talk about housing in SF.

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Overall:4.87776 stars

Legacy North Beach Bar - Fortaleza Blanco w/ club soda ($18) + Ginger Beer ($6)

Legacy North Beach Bar

3.6(27 reviews)
0.9 mi•North Beach/Telegraph Hill

Came out here on a random Wednesday to have an awesome experience. DJ Kyle and our bartender Peter…read morewere great. Will be back due to how pristine the vibes were. Low lights, heavy bass, immaculate music selection and great drink prices

Apparently North Beach is the best 'hood in the city for nightlife...right now…read more IF I was still in my 20s, I would start the night off at Monroe for Battle of the Decades where drinks start at $1 at 5 pm and increase by $1 every hour until 10 pm. Nosh on zucchini fries at Original Joe's before bar hopping on Grant Ave. IF you like a diverse crowd with DJs spinning hip hop, a visit to Legacy is mandatory. We did a little weekend day drinking at Legacy and when we saw customers sporting their Frisco gear, we knew we were in the right place! Sorry but it's Frisco, The Sco, or The City, it's NEVER San Fran. For those who disagree, tell that to Mac Dre, Too $hort, and the Hells Angels. Plus, Herb Caen eventually took back his "Frisco" stance. Anyhow, after Legacy, I would move on to watch the midnight ballerinas on Broadway and end the night smashing faces with a Golden Boy! A slice of clam & garlic OFC. O T H E R N O T E S * Friendly staff. * Low-key, locals bar with lounge seating, vinyl lined walls, TVs, and projectors for game day. * No HH specials. * Crisp sound system with DJs spinning hip hop on Fridays and Saturdays. * Dog-friendly but obvs wouldn't bring my dogs here when it's crowded at night. * Clean restrooms. * Cc's accepted but there's a discount if you pay cash.

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Legacy North Beach Bar - Espresso martini with cacao nibs

Espresso martini with cacao nibs

Legacy North Beach Bar - Empress Gin and Tonic

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Palette Tea House - dimsum - Updated October 2026

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