San Francisco: Palette Tea House; restaurant review

San Francisco

Palette Tea House  

Situated up and back, deep in the Square in the Mustard Building, this full-service Chinese restaurant takes an artistic approach to dim sum. Fresh seafood is a menu highlight at Palette Tea House, and many visible fish tanks hold live specimens. 

exterior of Palette Tea House in San Francisco, California

interior of Palette Tea House in San Francisco, California

Dishes are in general attractive and colorful, but dim sum is what wows the cameras. Diners are presented with a plate that mimics an artist’s palette, with small round indentations across the top that are perfect for holding condiments. One of the most artful menu items is the spectacular black swan taro puff, which is served on a rustic handmade plate strewn with colorful flower petals. The empty plate left behind is like a piece of art itself. I only wish I had ordered a second portion. Additional particularly vibrant and tasty dim sum include the very green Crystal Jade Vegetarian Dumpling and the orangey-red XO & Shrimp Dumpling. Also, the Palette Soup Dumpling “XLB” Sampler features five colorful bites--a relatively boring white with original filling, a yellow with crab and pork, a red with beet and beef, a green with kale and pork, and a black with truffle and pork. 

black swan taro puff dim sum at Palette Tea House in San Francisco, California

empty plate of black swan taro puff dim sum at Palette Tea House in San Francisco, California

crystal jade vegetarian dim sum at Palette Tea House in San Francisco, California

XO & shrimp dumpling dim sum at Palette Tea House in San Francisco, California

In addition the menu offers delicious classic soups, entrees, and noodles. A don’t-miss dessert is the colorful Mango Pudding Supreme made with fresh mango, coconut sauce, and popping boba--a grape-like, unchewy fruit. Though a cup of hot tea is the drink of choice at lunch, creative cocktails are popular in the evening. Set menus and daily specials are also offered.

mango pudding supreme at Palette Tea House in San Francisco, California

More restaurants in San Francisco.

Way more things to do in San Francisco. 

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images c2024 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

San Francisco: The Marker San Francisco + Tratto; hotel + restaurant review

San Francisco

The Marker San Francisco 

501 Geary St./Taylor St., 2 blks. from Union Square. 7 stories; 208 rooms. Fitness room. Restaurant. Valet parking. Pets ok. Destination fee.

entrance to The Marker San Francisco and Tratto restaurant in San Francisco, California

Built in 1910, this landmark American beaux-arts building features a dramatic spacious, high-ceilinged lobby and lounge, with domes and chandeliers and a two-floor high inglenook fireplace that is the focal point.  

inglenook fireplace lounge at The Marker San Francisco in San Francisco, California

A second lounge offers another fireplace and adjoining library area with a large selection of books to borrow. A grand staircase with the original bronze filigree railing and marble steps is the perfect background for a selfie.

library lounge at The Marker San Francisco in San Francisco, California

The interior design is a blend of vintage and contemporary. Guest rooms feature a medley of styles, with striped wallpaper, heavy-framed mirrors, and white plantation shutters. Bedding is contemporary all-white. All bathrooms (except ADAs) have combination bathtub-showers, tile floors, and Italian granite counters.

It is claimed that with 42 suites in total, this hotel has more suites than any comparable hotels in the market.


Located just off the lobby, Tratto offers a friendly, neighborhood bar experience as well as a comfortable open dining room. It is popular with locals as well as with guests and business gatherings. Many people stop in for the prix fixe pre-theatre menu. House-made items include focaccia, pastas (the pappardelle with tomatoes is divine), and wood-fired, thin-crust pizza. A tasty arugula salad with lemon vinagrette is served in an edible Parmesan cup. For a special treat to end your meal, try a housemade flight of cellos, which includes lemon, grapefruit, orange, and blood orange. Italian cocktails with a twist and house-made Italian sodas are also on the menu. For hotel guests, complimentary coffee and tea are available from the bar here each morning.

bar at Tratto in The Marker San Francisco in San Francisco, California

focaccia and olives at Tratto in The Marker San Francisco in San Francisco, California

cello flight at Tratto in The Marker San Francisco in San Francisco, California

More hotels in San Francisco.

Way more things to do in San Francisco. 

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images c2024 Carole Terwilliger Meyers