# Palette Tea Garden & Dim Sum 彩苑

**Dim Sum Restaurant** - San Mateo

Google: 4.1/5 (1355 reviews)

## Gather, Celebrate, and Eat Dim Sum Worth Coming Back For

Whether you're marking a special occasion or simply craving something memorable, Palette Tea Garden brings elevated dim sum and genuine hospitality to every table.

## Why customers choose us

### Elevated Dim Sum Worth Exploring
Customers choose Palette when they want dim sum that goes beyond the familiar — dishes with inventive ingredients and techniques that justify the trip. The menu rewards curiosity with combinations and presentations not found at typical dim sum restaurants.
> "I love that they take authentic dim sum and add fun and new element to their dishes!"

### Celebrating with Guaranteed Impressions
Diners return repeatedly for celebrations and group gatherings because the restaurant consistently delivers a wow factor for guests. The combination of a large, beautifully presented menu and attentive service makes it a reliable choice when the occasion matters.
> "We keep coming back here for celebrations and bringing friends, and every single time people are blown away."

### A Relaxed Break from the Day
Customers hire Palette as a satisfying escape — a warm, cozy space with a full food, tea, and drinks menu where they can slow down and enjoy a proper sit-down meal. The atmosphere and attentive staff make the experience feel like genuine time well spent.
> "Couple Hours Sat down Meal From Busy Traffic Commute! Great place for Sport TV Gathering!"

## What customers praise

- **Colorful XLB with inventive fillings** - "their colorful XLB are soo good (my favorites are the orange crab roe and the black truffle)"
- **Black vinegar pearls served alongside XLB** - "Their black vinegar pearls paired with the XLB that melt into the XLB are just tooo good!"
- **Crispy unagi rice crepe — a standout dish** - "The best dishes were the crispy unagi rice crepe and crab butter dumpling. Both had a unique taste and texture."
- **Durian duck puffs in swan shape** - "durian duck puffs (adorable swan shape and surprisingly amazing)"
- **Warm, attentive servers who make guests feel at home** - "Special shout out to Victoria for making us feel at home - one of the best servers out there, she is one of our favorites! She is incredibly friendly, warm, and genuinely such a kind soul"
- **High-end ambiance with a cozy, welcoming vibe** - "Food , Tea, Wine Dinning in Warm Asian Highend Cozy Vibed High Ceilings Restaurant!"
- **A broad menu spanning dim sum, Wagyu, seafood, Peking duck and more** - "Simple small Menu With Dim Sum ( good all day) Chef's Specialties With categories of Peking Duck , Wagyu Beef ( Excellent Beef) ,Fish, Chicken, Crab , Maine Loster , Soup, Fried Rice & Noodles"
- **A go-to venue for celebrations and group gatherings** - "We keep coming back here for celebrations and bringing friends, and every single time people are blown away."

## Highlights

- **Crab Butter Dumplings Worth Seeking Out** - "The best dishes were the crispy unagi rice crepe and crab butter dumpling. Both had a unique taste and texture."
- **Easy Reservations and Prompt Seating** - "We got reservations the day before and were quick to get seated."
- **Impressive Cocktail, Wine, and Tea Selection** - "The drink menu is also impressive, from cocktails and wine to a great tea selection."
- **Stir-Fried Fish That Earns Five Stars on Its Own** - "I Ordered Stir-Fried Sliced Grass Carp (Sliced Fish-- I rated 5 Stars ) Garlic Pea Tendrils, Stir-Fried Yu Choy ,White Rice!"
- **Crab Roe Rice — A Dish Guests Return For** - "I will definitely be ordering the crab roe rice, peking duck, and har gow again in the future!"

## Special touches

- **Thoughtful Plate Design**: Plates arrive with dedicated sections for multiple dipping sauces, giving diners a built-in tasting experience rather than a single condiment on the side.
- **Signature Sauces Paired to Dishes**: Specific sauces are matched to particular dishes — such as the slightly sweet soy sauce served alongside the Sichuan seafood dumplings — showing attention to how each flavour combination lands at the table.
- **Warm, Personalised Service**: Servers go beyond efficiency to make guests feel genuinely welcomed. Staff are noted for being friendly and warm in a way that leaves diners feeling cared for long after the meal.
- **Whimsical Presentation Details**: Dishes are shaped and styled with visual charm — the durian duck puffs, for instance, are crafted into an adorable swan shape, turning a single menu item into a small moment of delight.
- **Black Vinegar Pearls as a Finishing Touch**: The colourful XLB are accompanied by black vinegar pearls that melt directly into the dumpling, adding a considered flavour detail that elevates a classic dish rather than simply serving it as-is.
- **Easy Reservations Process**: Guests can secure a table the day before and be seated promptly on arrival, reducing the friction that often comes with popular dim sum dining.
- **A Drinks Programme That Matches the Food Ambition**: Alongside tea and soft options, the restaurant offers cocktails, wine, and beer — with staff ready to suggest pairings — so the beverage experience feels as considered as the food menu.
- **A Space Designed for Lingering**: High ceilings, a cosy atmosphere, and sport TV create a setting where guests feel comfortable settling in for a long, relaxed meal rather than being rushed through their visit.

## Tips for visitors

- 📅 **Book Reservations Ahead**: Securing a reservation the day before helps you get seated quickly without a long wait.
- 🍽️ **Order the Standout Dishes**: First-timers should prioritize dishes unique to Palette, like the crispy unagi rice crepe, crab butter dumpling, and colorful XLB with black vinegar pearls.
- 📖 **Explore the Full Menu**: Beyond dim sum, the menu spans Peking duck, wagyu beef, fresh fish, and chef's specialties — worth exploring across multiple visits.
- 🍵 **Pair Your Meal With Tea**: The tea selection, including Jasmine Jade, complements the dim sum beautifully and elevates the overall dining experience.
- 🎉 **Come Ready to Celebrate**: The restaurant is particularly well-suited for group celebrations and special occasions, with attentive service and a cozy, high-ceilinged atmosphere.
- 🍷 **Check the Drink Menu**: Alongside an impressive tea selection, Palette offers cocktails, wine, and beer — making it a satisfying spot for a full sit-down meal.

## Contact

Website: http://paletteteagarden.com/
Phone: (650) 769-8888

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