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Palette Tea House is praised for its innovative Cantonese cuisine, vibrant dim sum offerings, and stylish ambiance. Customers appreciate the friendly service and unique dishes, though some note higher prices and occasional service delays.

Discover Palette Tea House in San Francisco's Fort Mason District: A Modern Dim Sum Delight 

Nestled at 900 North Point Street in the vibrant Fort Mason neighborhood of San Francisco, Palette Tea House offers an exhilarating twist on traditional dim sum that captivates food lovers and travelers alike. Known for its expansive, modern locale, this restaurant brings the rich culinary heritage of Cantonese cuisine infused with contemporary flair, making it a must-visit spot for anyone seeking an authentic yet innovative dining experience.

A Culinary Experience That Excites the Senses

Palette Tea House stands out with its artfully crafted dishes, transforming classic dim sum into an elevated feast. Signature items like the Black Swan Taro Puff, with its delicate texture and visually stunning presentation, and the succulent Lobster Ha Gow dumplings have garnered enthusiastic praise. The menu skillfully balances traditional flavors with fresh, modern touches, including vegetarian delights such as Vegetarian Jade Dumplings and Mapo Tofu.

Bold flavors, fresh seafood, and artistic plating

 are the hallmarks of every meal here, making Palette Tea House a standout destination among San Francisco dim sum restaurants.

The restaurant’s spacious and contemporary interior, paired with comfortable seating and elegant lighting, creates an atmosphere that is both lively and inviting. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely brunch, a casual lunch, or a festive dinner, Palette Tea House accommodates groups and families with ease, offering amenities such as wheelchair accessibility and outdoor seating. While some diners have noted occasional service delays during peak hours, the overall experience remains warm and attentive.

Convenient parking options including paid lots, garages, and street parking, plus multiple payment methods including NFC, debit, and credit cards, make visiting hassle-free. The availability of takeout and delivery services further extends Palette Tea House’s reach beyond its Fort Mason location.

Does Palette Tea House accept reservations?

 Yes, reservations are accepted and recommended, especially on weekends.

Is there parking available at Palette Tea House?

 Parking is available in the Ghirardelli Square parking lot, with discounted rates for diners.

Are there vegetarian options on the menu?

 Yes, the menu includes vegetarian-friendly dishes such as Vegetarian Jade Dumplings and Mapo Tofu.

Does Palette Tea House offer takeout and delivery services?

 Yes, takeout and delivery services are available.

Is Palette Tea House wheelchair accessible?

 Yes, the restaurant is wheelchair accessible.

Palette Tea House enjoys a positive reputation among locals and visitors, celebrated for its inventive dim sum and vibrant ambiance. The artistic presentation and quality of dishes like the Black Swan Taro Puff and Lobster Ha Gow stand out as crowd favorites. Some patrons mention that prices lean toward the higher side, but many agree that the unique culinary experience and exceptional seafood justify the cost.

North America

United States

Palette Tea House San Francisco Overview 

 is a modern dim sum and Cantonese dining destination nestled in the vibrant Fort Mason neighborhood of San Francisco. This expansive eatery, brought to life by the renowned Koi Palace-Dragon Beaux family, offers a fresh twist on classic flavors in a stylish, spacious setting. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by an inviting atmosphere with tasteful lighting and comfortable seating, perfect for families, foodies, and groups seeking an elevated culinary experience near the waterfront.

Palette Tea House excels in delivering a refined dim sum experience with a menu that balances tradition and innovation. Among the standout dishes, the 

 is a succulent treat, praised for its delicate shell and rich seafood filling that melts in your mouth. Another favorite is the visually stunning 

, which combines a crispy, airy texture with a savory meat filling, offering a delightful contrast that is both beautiful and delicious. For dessert, the 

 provide a sweet, creamy finish to your meal.

 Its modern take on dim sum with standout seafood dishes like lobster dumplings and beautifully crafted taro puffs.

 To enjoy an upscale dim sum experience in a spacious, modern setting with a menu that caters to diverse tastes, including vegetarian options.

 Located in Fort Mason, guests can easily visit the waterfront, parks, and cultural venues that enrich San Francisco’s scenic northern shore.

Palette Tea House is the brainchild of the Koi Palace-Dragon Beaux family, celebrated for their mastery of Cantonese cuisine. This establishment elevates traditional dim sum by blending classic recipes with modern culinary techniques and presentation. The kitchen’s dedication to quality shines through in the phenomenal seafood offerings, such as the lobster and supreme crab dumplings, which are crafted with fresh, premium ingredients. The staff is attentive in accommodating dietary restrictions, offering dishes without MSG or yeast extract upon request, ensuring an inclusive dining experience.

This restaurant offers a variety of conveniences to enhance your visit, including dine-in, takeout, and delivery options. Outdoor seating is available for those who enjoy fresh air dining. The venue is family-friendly and accommodates groups, making it ideal for celebrations or casual meals alike. Payment is seamless with acceptance of credit, debit, and NFC payments. Parking options include paid lots and street parking nearby, easing access for visitors.

Does Palette Tea House serve vegetarian options?

 Yes, the menu includes vegetarian dishes that are thoughtfully prepared to satisfy diverse palates.

 Absolutely, it is good for children, though there is no dedicated kids’ menu.

Situated at 900 North Point Street in the Fort Mason district of San Francisco, Palette Tea House enjoys a prime location near the scenic northern waterfront. Guests can combine their dining experience with visits to nearby cultural landmarks, parks, and the bustling Marina District. The area offers paid parking garages as well as free street parking, making it accessible for both locals and tourists exploring the city’s culinary scene.

For those seeking a sophisticated yet approachable dim sum adventure in San Francisco, Palette Tea House offers a memorable blend of exquisite flavors, modern ambiance, and attentive service. Whether you’re craving the rich lobster dumplings, the crispy black swan taro puffs, or a refreshing chrysanthemum tea, this venue promises a culinary journey that delights the senses. Share your experience, bring your friends and family, and discover why Palette Tea House is a standout destination for Cantonese cuisine in the city by the bay.

Expansive, modern locale for dim sum & Cantonese dishes by the Koi Palace-Dragon Beaux family.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURQalBmTjNRRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ53HCdjCBhYARI-_VU7jZI-U/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURQalBmTjNRRRAB

The atmosphere of this place is great! Nice chairs and good lighting and surroundings. The swan taro puffs are not only delicious but beautiful too. Lots of places struggle with making them not too greasy but palette tea house nailed it!
The soup dumplings on the other hand were pretty boring and average in my opinion, though they were pretty. Not that soupy and a thick skin. Just alright
The seafood quality here is phenomenal though and I really liked the lobster and other dumplings that I had. Solid experience that wasn't exceptional.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNYOUlDQ3BBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ53HCdjCBhYARI-_VU7jZI-U/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNYOUlDQ3BBRRAB

This place was delicious, according to my family. Unfortunately, most of the dishes contain MSG and/or yeast extract. BUT ask and they can make a few things without. I thoroughly enjoyed the dishes I could have, and my family raved about the rest.

The duck, dumplings, pot stickers, green beans, won ton soup had MSG, but my family loved it.

I had the eggplant and tofu dish and the mushroom & truffle chow fun. They were delicious. The custard dumplings for dessert were amazing.

I appreciated that they could tell me right away which dishes were safe for me to eat. Having food sensitivities makes going out to eat challenging. But they made it easy so I could spend the time with my family having a wonderful meal.

The prices were expected for a tourist attraction in SF. I only gave 4 stars for service because we didn't get our drinks (tea for my dad and auntie and fountain drinks for my son and niece) until we were almost done with lunch and had to ask for water refills.  No one came to check on us to see if we needed refills.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM3N2ZUeVp3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ53HCdjCBhYARI-_VU7jZI-U/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM3N2ZUeVp3EAE

This place rocked! I thought the special of the day, the morel mushroom and shrimp dumpling, was probably the best tasting single bite of food I've had in the past year. The 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. Anyway, it was still great and the atmosphere was awesome. Would come again given the pricing.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURmeHVfQnBBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ53HCdjCBhYARI-_VU7jZI-U/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURmeHVfQnBBRRAB

One of the best dimsum experience I’ve ever had and I’ve tried a lot of the classic, top-rated spots across SF and NY. Everything was delicious and it wasn’t too crowded going on a Sunday at 5pm due to the huge space.

Between me and my mom we got:

- Black Swan Taro puff: This was my mom’s favorite dish - different texture from what she’s had before, thought it was beautiful, and she liked the meat filling. [8 of 10]
- Lobster dumpling: This was a standout for the both of us and my favorite. Recommended by the hostess and I could see why. Super succulent and delicious [9 of 10]
- Shrimp Hargow: I’m a huge Shrimp Hargow fan and this was great too but would order another Lobster dumpling over this next time because they had a similar shell and texture. [7 of 10]
- XLB sampler: This was also very delicious but would probably order something else next time so I can try more dishes and since I’ve had a lot of good XLB inside and outside of SF. [7 of 10]
- Abalone sticky rice: It was good but would order something else next time to try more dishes. [7 of 10]
- Peking Duck: Loved the crepe wrap and toppings. Duck was excellently cooked. I would order again next time but my mom thought it was pricey for what you got. [8 of 10]
- Supreme Crab dumpling: Delicious and pretty but would order another Lobster dumpling instead of ordering this next time since it was prepared in a similar way with added spice. [7.5 of 10]
- Salted Egg Lava Bun: I love a good lava bun and this was prepared beautifully. Would definitely order again. [8.5 of 10]

Also ordered 1 Chrysanthemum tea between the two of us as a palette cleanser and it was great.

Highly recommend this place!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNmMHR1b0lnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ53HCdjCBhYARI-_VU7jZI-U/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNmMHR1b0lnEAE

The food is diffrent from traditional dim sum in a good way. It's a little more modern and upscale.
A few highlights include squid ink fried rice, scallop shu mai,   salt pepper squid. Sticky rice in lotus leaf

Would avoid the honey walnut shrimp.
Service forgot much of our good including to put in the order for our Phoenix Family meal,  then forgot our noodles that we offered to finish the meal, and finally forgot our dessert.

Palette Tea House: Luxury Dim Sum in Fort Mason, SF

Opened in 2019, Palette Tea House is a modern Cantonese restaurant located in San Francisco's Ghirardelli Square, known for its innovative dim sum and stylish ambiance.

Palette Tea House history overview and timeline overview of Cantonese cuisine in San Francisco's Ghirardelli Square.

Nestled in the iconic Ghirardelli Square of San Francisco, Palette Tea House has swiftly become a celebrated destination for lovers of modern Cantonese cuisine. Since its opening in 2019, this vibrant restaurant has redefined the dim sum experience by blending traditional flavors with innovative techniques, creating a menu that captivates both locals and visitors alike.

When Palette Tea House opened its doors in 2019, it brought a fresh and creative approach to Cantonese cuisine right in the heart of San Francisco's renowned Ghirardelli Square. The restaurant quickly distinguished itself by offering vibrant dim sum selections, live seafood delicacies, and an expertly curated cocktail program, all served within a spacious and modern atmosphere that invites convivial dining experiences.

Just a year after its inception, Palette Tea House earned notable acclaim from the prestigious MICHELIN Guide in 2020, a testament to its culinary excellence and innovative menu offerings. This recognition reinforced the restaurant’s commitment to quality and the artful reinvention of classic Cantonese dishes, positioning it as a must-visit spot for dim sum enthusiasts and food connoisseurs exploring San Francisco.

Palette Tea House offers a refined yet approachable dining experience that highlights the rich traditions of Cantonese cooking, enhanced with contemporary flair. The restaurant's dedication to fresh live seafood and artfully crafted dim sum is complemented by its extensive cocktail selection, making it an ideal destination for social gatherings, family meals, or solo culinary adventures in San Francisco's vibrant food scene.

 Palette Tea House launched its innovative Cantonese dining experience at Ghirardelli Square.

 Earned praise from the MICHELIN Guide for outstanding culinary achievements.

Dine In

Takeout

Delivery

Restroom

Outdoor Seating

Good for Groups

Good for Children

Serves Breakfast

Serves Lunch

Serves Dinner

Serves Dessert

Serves Vegetarian Food

Curbside Pickup

Palette Tea House is an expansive, modern locale for dim sum and Cantonese dishes located in Fort Mason, San Francisco. It offers a unique blend of traditional and innovative tea-infused dishes, making it a must-visit dining experience.

Palette Tea House

A modern take on Cantonese cuisine, featuring vibrant dim sum, live seafood, and Pacific-inspired cocktails.

Palette Xiao Long Bao (XLB)

Jumbo Scallop Siu Mai

XO Shrimp Dumpling

Original Pork Soup Dumpling (XLB)

Classic Shrimp Dumpling (Ha Gow)

Chicken & Mushroom Siu Mai

Pork, Shrimp, Mushroom Siu Mai

Wagyu Beef Pot Stickers

Lobster Ha Gow with Butter Sauce

Pan Seared Black Pepper Beef Bao

Vegetarian Dumpling

Abalone Siu Mai

Chicken Soup Dumpling (XLB)

Peking Pork and Chives Dumpling

Steamed BBQ Pork Bao (Cha Siu Bao)

Sichuan Seafood Dumpling

Pan Seared Sticky Rice Dumpling

Seared Radish Cakes with XO Sauce

Black Swan Taro Puff

Vegetarian Spring Rolls

Garlic Pea Tendrils

Garlic Broccoli

Wagyu Beef Chow Fun

Olive Oil Supreme Soy Stir-Fried Noodle

Roasted Iberico Pork 'Cha Siu'

Hot and Sour Soup

XO Wagyu Fried Rice

Honey Walnut Prawns

Typhoon Chicken Wings

Palette Tea House Menu

Palette Tea House Menu Overview - San Francisco Cantonese Cuisine Delight 

Nestled in Fort Mason, San Francisco, Palette Tea House delivers a contemporary twist on classic Cantonese flavors. This vibrant spot is perfect for food lovers seeking innovative dim sum alongside live seafood and expertly crafted drinks. The menu is thoughtfully crafted, offering a diverse array of dishes from delicate starters to satisfying mains and sweet desserts, complemented by a refined beverage selection.

The appetizer selection at Palette Tea House showcases a refined dim sum experience. Highlights include the classic Ha Gow, featuring tender shrimp wrapped in delicate dumpling skin, and the indulgent Lobster Ha Gow that layers luscious lobster with shrimp for a succulent bite. Pork & Shrimp Siu Mai offers a traditional savory blend, while the Scallop Siu Mai adds a luxurious seafood touch. For crunchy texture and a burst of flavor, the Typhoon Crispy Ha Gow combines shrimp and crispy garlic. Beef Siu Mai and Lobster Siu Mai elevate the dumpling repertoire with rich meats and seafood. Adventurous diners will appreciate the Sichuan Seafood Dumpling spiced with a vibrant Sichuan sauce, and the Pork & Cabbage Potsticker delivers a satisfying savory balance.

Palette Tea House impresses with a diverse range of mains that blend tradition with modern flair. The Squid Ink Sakura Shrimp Fried Rice dazzles with its striking color and delicate seafood flavors, while the Black Truffle Wagyu with Mushroom offers a luxurious combination of premium wagyu beef and earthy truffles. The Wagyu Steak Stir-Fry and Wagyu Beef Chow Fun are must-tries for beef lovers, pairing tender meat with fresh vegetables and savory sauces. Noodle enthusiasts will appreciate the Olive Oil Supreme Soy Stir-Fried Noodle's silky texture and subtle seasoning, alongside the crispy delight of Seafood Crispy Noodle.

Dungeness Crab Glass Noodle – a delicate seafood dish showcasing tender crab and glass noodles in a flavorful sauce.

Dong Po Pork with Mantou – succulent pork paired with steamed buns and a rich sauce, perfect comfort food.

Iberico Cha Siu – tender Iberico pork glazed with traditional char siu sauce for a sweet and savory finish.

Lobster in Steamed Silken Egg – a delicate, silky egg dish enriched with fresh lobster, showcasing elegant Cantonese cooking.

Lemon Cornish Chicken – tender chicken brightened with a refreshing lemon sauce.

Vegetarian and vegetable-forward options include the Chili Soy Grilled Eggplant, Mapo Tofu with a spicy Sichuan kick, Sichuan String Beans, Black Bean Roasted Brussel Sprouts, and the Seasonal Mushroom Stir Fry. Fresh salads like Tossed Lo Hei, Spring Lo Hei, Roasted Duck Lo Hei, and Seafood Lo Hei provide vibrant, crisp textures and bold flavors.

For a sweet finale, the menu features standout dessert items such as the Salted Egg Lava Bun, praised for its beautifully prepared molten center, and the Custard Dumplings which offer a creamy, satisfying treat to round out your meal.

Palette Tea House offers a curated beverage selection that complements each dish perfectly. Choose from an extensive assortment of aromatic teas including Jasmine Jade Dew, Chrysanthemum, Organic Rose Black, various Oolong varieties like Iron Goddess and Da Hong Pao, and pungent Puerh blends. For those preferring non-tea options, classic sodas such as Coca Cola, Sprite, Diet Coke, and Ginger Beer are available. Coffee lovers will find freshly brewed options, and cocktail enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of expertly mixed drinks alongside a selection of beers and wines.

Savor exquisite flavors at Palette Tea House in Fort Mason, San Francisco. Experience captivating tea innovations today!

Palette Tea House - Fort Mason, SF's Unique Dining

San Francisco County

Offers catering for events such as birthdays, corporate functions, and weddings.

Catering Services

Allows customers to book tables online for a seamless dining experience.

Online Reservations

Provides options for takeout and delivery through platforms like Uber Eats.

Takeout and Delivery

Palette Tea House in San Francisco: A Modern Dim Sum Experience at Fort Mason District 

Nestled in the vibrant Fort Mason neighborhood of San Francisco, Palette Tea House offers an expansive and modern locale perfect for dim sum lovers and enthusiasts of Cantonese cuisine alike. This trendy spot combines traditional flavors with innovative culinary twists, crafting an elevated dining experience that appeals to foodies, digital nomads, and travelers seeking authentic yet contemporary Asian fare.

At Palette Tea House, dim sum is the star of the show. The menu features a variety of traditional and innovative dim sum dishes including beautifully crafted dumplings, buns, and rice crepes. Signature items like the Black Swan Taro Puff captivate diners with their delicate texture and flavorful meat filling, while the Lobster Dumplings stand out as succulent highlights praised by many guests. Fans of classic dim sum can also enjoy dishes such as Shrimp Hargow and Peking Duck crepes, illustrating the kitchen’s skillful blend of tradition and modern flair.

Exceptional Live Seafood and Cantonese Wok Dishes

For seafood aficionados, Palette Tea House impresses with fresh live seafood prepared in delectable styles. Standouts include Typhoon Soft Shell Crab and Lobster in Steamed Silken Egg, offering a delightful range of textures and flavors that elevate the dining experience. Complementing the seafood are authentic Cantonese wok dishes like Wagyu Beef Chow Fun and XO Beef Fried Rice, celebrated for their bold, savory tastes and expertly balanced seasonings.

Palette Tea House also caters to vegetarian guests with an enticing selection of meat-free dishes. Highlights include Vegetarian Jade Dumplings and the aromatic Mapo Tofu, both delivering rich flavors without compromising authenticity. To complement the food, a curated cocktail menu features both classic drinks and house specials, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed brunch, lunch, or dinner with friends or family.

 with large seating areas perfect for groups and families.

 from dim sum classics to vegetarian dishes and fresh seafood.

 including dine-in, takeout, delivery, curbside pickup, and ample parking options.

 with menu options suitable for children and accommodating staff.

Whether you crave traditional dim sum, crave fresh live seafood, or want to explore vibrant Cantonese wok dishes, Palette Tea House provides an exceptional and welcoming setting in San Francisco's Fort Mason district. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner, it’s a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in some of the city’s finest Asian cuisine with a contemporary twist.

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