Palette Tea Garden & Dim Sum 彩苑

Welcome to Palette Tea Garden & Dim Sum 彩苑, a Chinese restaurant located within the Hillsdale Mall at 48 Hillsdale Mall, San Mateo, CA 94403, USA. Operating under the Chinese Restaurant category, Palette Tea Garden aims to offer a potentially upscale dining experience with a focus on both traditional Chinese dishes and dim sum. Based on recent customer feedback, the restaurant presents a somewhat mixed picture regarding its food quality and service, which local users should consider.

According to one reviewer who has visited multiple times, Palette Tea Garden & Dim Sum 彩苑 is perceived as the "most stable and upscale Chinese restaurant in the neighborhood." This suggests that the establishment aims for a higher standard in its ambiance and presentation compared to other local Chinese eateries. The same reviewer also notes that reservations are "essential" due to the restaurant often being "rather crowded," indicating its popularity and potential for a bustling atmosphere. However, another more recent review paints a different picture, stating that "everything has changed" and implying a decline from past experiences. This discrepancy suggests that the environment and overall experience might have evolved over time.

The service at Palette Tea Garden & Dim Sum 彩苑 has received contrasting feedback. The reviewer who found it to be the most stable and upscale mentioned a desire for "some kind of call bell at the table because the restaurant is so big and it's hard to call the restaurant staff." This suggests that while the service might be generally acceptable, the size of the venue could lead to difficulties in getting the attention of the staff when needed. On the other hand, the more critical recent review does not specifically comment on the attentiveness or friendliness of the service, focusing instead on the food and pricing. It is also important to note the mandatory 18% tip mentioned in the negative review, even for a party of two, which is a significant aspect of the service cost.

The food quality at Palette Tea Garden & Dim Sum 彩苑 appears to be a point of contention based on the recent reviews. The positive review mentioned that the food was "never a disappointment" and that "every dish we ordered was delicious," with a particular highlight being the "shrimp and walnuts, which was amazing." This suggests that at some point, the restaurant offered high-quality and enjoyable dishes. However, the more recent and negative review starkly contrasts this, stating that the "delicious dishes are gone, replaced by expensive and unpalatable American Chinese food." This customer expressed shock at the final bill and vowed never to return due to the poor taste of the food. This significant difference in opinion over time indicates a potential inconsistency or a change in the restaurant's culinary offerings and quality standards.

A notable feature mentioned in the positive review is the "shrimp and walnuts" dish, which was described as "amazing." This could have been a signature or highly recommended item at some point. The negative review, however, does not highlight any specific dishes positively, instead focusing on the overall decline in quality and the characterization of the food as "expensive and unpalatable American Chinese food," implying a lack of authenticity or quality expected from a Chinese restaurant with "Tea Garden & Dim Sum" in its name. The mandatory 18% tip, regardless of party size, is also a significant feature that impacts the overall cost of dining at Palette Tea Garden.

Given the conflicting recent reviews, it is difficult to definitively characterize Palette Tea Garden & Dim Sum 彩苑. The earlier positive feedback suggests a potentially upscale restaurant with delicious food and a bustling atmosphere, requiring reservations. However, the more recent negative review indicates a significant drop in food quality, with the dishes being described as expensive and unpalatable. The mandatory 18% tip adds to the cost and might deter some customers, especially if the food quality is perceived to be poor. The size of the restaurant, as indicated by the request for a call bell, could be a factor in the dining experience, potentially affecting service efficiency.

For local users in San Mateo, California, considering Palette Tea Garden & Dim Sum 彩苑 within the Hillsdale Mall, it is crucial to weigh the conflicting recent reviews. While one customer found it to be a stable and upscale option with delicious food, another experienced a significant decline in quality, describing the food as expensive and unpalatable. The mandatory 18% tip, even for small parties, is also a significant factor to consider in terms of cost. If you are looking for a potentially upscale Chinese dining experience and are willing to take a chance based on the older positive feedback, making a reservation might be advisable due to its reported popularity. However, the recent negative review serves as a strong warning about potential issues with food quality and value.

The provided reviews do not contain any information about current promotional offers or special deals at Palette Tea Garden & Dim Sum 彩苑. Local users interested in potential discounts or promotions would need to check the restaurant's website or contact them directly at (650) 769-8888 or +1 650-769-8888. Given the recent concerns about food quality and the mandatory tip, it would be wise to inquire about the current menu and perhaps seek more recent feedback from other sources before making a decision to dine here.

In conclusion, Palette Tea Garden & Dim Sum 彩苑 in San Mateo's Hillsdale Mall presents a complex picture based on recent customer reviews. While it was once considered an upscale establishment with delicious food, more recent feedback indicates a significant decline in food quality, with dishes being described as expensive and unpalatable. The mandatory 18% tip further impacts the overall cost. Local users should carefully consider these contrasting opinions and perhaps seek additional recent reviews before deciding to dine at Palette Tea Garden & Dim Sum 彩苑. The restaurant's potential for being crowded suggests past popularity, but the current food quality seems to be a major concern for at least one recent customer.