The Garden Court Reviews

The food was solid and great variety. Sam, our server, was incredibly helpful as we were planning our first day touring the city.

Food was decent, service was terrible. It is fairly pricey unless you can manage to tuck into 3 or 4 plates of food.

We were in Vegas for 4 days...... we had to do the Bacchannal at Caesar’s (That was out wedding day meal) but actually I would recommend more. Caesars was about €120 for 2...... this was about €30. I’m super greedy to so ate my monies worth and some. Had it all as shown in the photos. My recommendation is to do them both and decide yourself.

One of the best place for a drink ! highly recommended ! Serving is good ! and red wine from Napa was amazing ! Please come here if you pass by SF.

food was really good and our server Suren was very kind and was working hard. Loved the french onion soup and burger yuuuum! the atmosphere is old timey & cozy.

This was one of the most grand and elegant dining rooms in the country, but that’s no longer true. Don’t get me wrong, the architecture of the room and its signature glass ceiling are still magnificent. But everything else about the room has been changed and is no longer what it was. The elegance is simply gone. The room has been divided into a lounge and dining area. Too many tables and chairs have been crammed into both areas. The white linens are no more. The large potted palms and wonderful room centerpiece have been removed. The carpet no longer compliments the style of the room. If you go, spend more time looking up than looking around. It’s truly a shame and a loss for the city. Service in the lounge area is quite efficient even with a full crowd. The specialty cocktail list is nice (I recommend “The Last Cocktail”). I have not eaten in the room since it was “renovated”, but I can see that the food reviews are also not what they used to be. Too bad.

The team made an incredible last minute accommodation for our 20 guest wedding lunch after my husband and I were married at City Hall. Sarbi was the wonderful receptionist on the phone who made it all possible. Carman and Nicki were the VERY attentive servers who stayed late (well after 2) to make it happen (and bought us complimentary cake and champagne). Micheal was the British manager who approved the whole thing and stood nearby to be certain all went smoothly. A huge thank you to all players that made our day so special!!

We came here with friends while staying in a hotel nearby. Such a beautiful setting with great service (not very many people having lunch). The prices are ridiculously high but this is San Francisco so we just shared a crab salad. Half of the Garden Court just has open seating so if you want the ambiance of the place without the high prices, there were people who brought lunch (plastic container with salad or other items) and enjoyed them here.

We had a very good breakfast at this restaurant (the omelette and the caviar omelette were tasty!) and the service by Min was amazing! Will come back again!

This historic space features a sweeping glass towering ceiling, marble, bronze and chandeliers. We enjoyed a lovely breakfast buffet at this magnificent location. There were plenty of options for all dietary needs and it was the highlight of our stay at the hotel.

The room itself is like something out of the Paris Exhibition! The service is low key and the food tasty. But it's just fun to dine with an associate and catch up. And the Monte Cristo sandwich with French fries is great!

Elena was a very attentive server. We loved the food and the ecclectic atmosphere. I would definitely come back here again.

Delightful afternoon tea at a leisurely pace. Sam was our server and went the extra mile to meet my dietary restrictions. The food was impeccably plated and delicious. I would definitely revisit when back in SanFrancisco. The ambiance was lovely. It was enjoyable watching people celebrate life! The harpist wa a lovely addition to our experience

My husband and I had walked through the Palace Hotel many years ago when we were in town just before the Christmas holidays. The gingerbread displays were unbelievable. While we were there we noticed the Garden Court restaurant and decided that we needed to try it out on a future visit. Upon our return to San Francisco this week we made reservations for lunch. We were seated promptly and the wait staff greeted us right away. We both had their signature crab salad. Not only was it beautiful to look at, it was delicious. They definitely didn't skimp on the amount of very succulent crab! Although a little pricey, we will definitely be back on a future trip.

Absolutely gorgeous setting! Yes, you're going to pay a lot for your meal, but the food is very good and the service is great. My husband got the tuna tartare, which was very good. I had the Thai chicken salad, and it was excellent. Our dishes were topped with beautiful flowers! What an elegant touch. When the plate arrived I said, "Oooh how fancy! Flowers!" The server said, "You deserve it." LOL. Okkkkkay ;) Did not have breakfast or dinner here, but we had a little afternoon glass of wine and it was also very nice.

Top notch food and service. Our server, Sam, and the lovely hostesses were super-professional and at the same time full of good cheer! Can’t beat the magnificent environment. We are regulars here.

Had a wonderful time w my wife Thel on her birthday. Best setting for breakfast dining we ve experienced . Came in at 8:30 am. Good thing since crowd started checking in at 9:30 am. Our waiter Sam made it fun experience. He s pretty good taking our pics.

Beautiful room and holiday decorations along with live music. Our waiter Suren was very nice and attentive. Enjoyed a delicious gluten free dessert and drinks.

Had a great experience at the Garden Court for afternoon tea. The location is beautiful, service was great, and the food is delicious. Big shoutout to my server, Sam, who made the experience possible! Always appreciate a warm and welcoming presence. I loved the cucumber sandwich that was a part of the savory sandwiches. It was probably one of the most unique cucumber sandwiches I’ve ever had. Great place for a special occasion!

This buffet breakfast was amazing. Be sure to have Sam as your waiter. He is absolutely charming! Oh the French toast is out of this world.

This dining area is stunning. ELENA took wonderful care of us and told us all about the different foods. The buffet was delicious and beautiful.

I loved this place. I so enjoyed eating here. The food was amazing. Well worth the cost. $38 per person for a full buffet and the options were amazing.

Even if you are not staying at The Palace Hotel, a visit to the gorgeous Garden Court is a must! Have a meal or a drink or just sit and marvel at the surroundings! We enjoyed live piano music one evening as well.

The atmosphere was worth the high price of just average food. I had the omelet which had too much sun dried tomatoes and not enough ham. The mini muffins were just a tad dry and did not come out warm. They served real cream instead of half and half for the coffee. Enough said about the food. What really decreased my star rating was the hostess, Claudia. The dining room had only six occupied tables in the center of the room. She wanted to seat us right next to the musicians. When we said it was too loud, she led us to some tables beyond the pillars, hidden on the outer row of the dining hall. We wanted something in the middle and pointed to a table for four. She said that she couldn‘t give that to us b/c we only had a party of two. Finally she led us to a table of two in a sea of tables of two in the center of the room. Claudia slapped down the menus, rolled her eyes and stomped off. It was just odd. It was fascinating to see how Claudia and the other hostess seated people. Part of my brunch consisted of people watching and seeing who was seated where. I wanted to ask the manager about their seating arrangement hierarchy, but more importantly I wanted to complain about Claudia’s attitude. I decided not to say anything because the other reviewers said complaints fell on deaf ears. Our server, Bill, was quite nice and attentive. Atmosphere: A+ Food: C+ Service: B Hostess: F-

Had a wonderful tea today with a friend. We were well taken care of by Sam and Ming. Sam was great; he handled our allergies beautifully and was attentive and kind through the whole tea. Sam is the best!

I got a drink from the bar in the Garden Court from Emma because Pied Piper wasn't yet making cocktails. She made me a great Espresso Martini and even gave me some tips. You could tell she cared about her job since she was also excited to use her new decorating tool. The Garden Court is a lovely venue during the holidays and would highly recommend a visit.

I go the the garden court for breakfast every year when I come to San Francisco for a conference. The atmosphere is spectacular. The service excellent as is the food . Had eggs Benedict, smoked salmon, sausage and bacon. Highly recommend.

We had the afternoon tea service in the garden court at the palace hotel and I was highly disappointed. I would never do it again and can’t dissuade you enough. Especially if it’s a special event, just don’t do it! It’s expensive and terribly underwhelming to say the least. First, I asked to be seated under the stain glass ceiling and this was well before they opened so there was plenty of time and space. They refused. We had a 12:30 reservation and our whole party was on time. We got seated and I was excited for something to happen. They knew it was for a birthday because they asked me and yet no effort was made to make it special. The place setting is plain and boring and the tables are practically bare. 15 minutes later a waitress asked me if our entire party was here! Huh, what tha?!? It was a full 20 minutes after being seated that ANYTHING happened. Literally sat there for 20 minutes. No tea. No nothing. They finally started service by bringing everyone a plate of berries. It took them 10 minutes to slowly get one to each guest - we were a small party! They also gave lollipops to the kids. We came hungry! As a parent you always start with the savory items, not pure sugar. We convinced the kids to keep them wrapped until after lunch. At this point we’ve been seated for 30 minutes and we have NO TEA and no food besides berries and lollipops. Finally food comes for the kids - a 2 tier tray of sugar coated deserts! There was probably one savory sandwich on each tray which the kids obviously ignored. At this point my wife is giving me side eye and I’m already feeling like this was a big mistake. Finally food starts arriving for the adults, 4-5 finger sandwiches on a plate. Smoked salmon was good, the rest were bland. Oh but we’re all sitting there politely not eating because they forgot to serve 2 people and now I’m walking around the restaurant looking for help. Got the last 2 sandwich plates and there’s STILL NO TEA. Why is it called afternoon tea service? At long last here come some tea pots. I’ve selected 4 teas from the menu so it’d be nice to know which one’s which, right? On torn pieces of printer paper they scribble some letters and put the pots on the papers to let you know which tea it is. Except they got the shreds of paper mixed up! I’d like to try the green tea please. Nope, that’s the chai again. The scone and sweets tray finally comes out. The scones and fresh cream are good. They forgot to put cream and jam out for half the guests so I’m walking around the restaurant again looking for help. Half an hour and no service later we’d like some more tea but they never brought more hot water so I’m asking around for help again. Oh the kids all get crowns to wear. They can’t be sized down so they fall around their necks. $2000 later and I feel like a real idiot for celebrating a birthday here. Never again. Avoid this place.

We’re local San Franciscans and celebrated my son’s 23rd birthday at the Palace Hotel’s Garden Court breakfast buffet — Sam, our waiter, made the experience exceptional. He anticipated everything, keeping our coffee, juice, and water magically refilled. When he learned it was my son’s birthday, he surprised us with a beautifully layered, gorgeously decorated cake complete with a chocolate “Happy Birthday” sign and a lit candle. Note to self - Be sure to celebrate your birthday here for the cake, the room, the buffet, and the luxury of being pampered by Sam. He even took wonderful photos of us in that stunning room. Sam’s warm, thoughtful service made the visit truly memorable. Highly recommend! I forgot to mention the buffet- it had everything you could ask for - we had 2 plates each and Yummy cake too!

Breakfast was poor because food was placed on very cold plates meaning by the time one commenced eating the food was cold and unappealing

This is the most beautiful restaurant we have ever visited in the world, and it is always wonderful to return, especially during the holidays. To just sit inside this restaurant and look at the grand decor is a treat unto itself. Dining here is wonderful too. Yes, it's expensive, but worth every penny. Highly recommend if you are visiting San Francisco, or for a special occasion.

The Garden Court is beautiful, and visiting always feels like a special occasion. The conservatory-style room is bathed in natural light, the decor is grand and ornate, the service is professional, and there is often a harpist playing live music. It's a fun place to bring children around the holidays. The quality of the food is also excellent--I particularly like the crab salad, and my children have always been happy with the options available. I would recommend coming during daylight hours. To me, an important part of the room's appeal is the natural light coming through the glass ceiling. We realized the importance of this after coming for a late-afternoon tea in December. The sun had already set, and it wasn't quite is magical then.

We came for brunch at the Garden Court and the food and service was wonderful. Go see Emma at the Garden Court bar!!! She is the best - personable and fun!!! Best Manhattan and Espresso Martini in town!

Exceptional experience! Visited the Garden Court for Brunch. The interior and the decor is breath taking! The service is fantastic and the brunch Buffett was incredible! A must visit! You won’t be disappointed! The brunch was $40 USD per person which was defiantly worth it!

Myself and three of my cousins were in San Francisco staying at the Fairmont for a cousin’s holiday weekend extravaganza and one of our experiences was the Santa Tea at the Palace Hotel.. Elena was our host/ server and she made the experience so fun and engaging and she’s a complete gem @ the Palace. We loved it. Thank you so much Elena!!. We even had her take a photo with us and Santa @ the Christmas tree.🎄💯👍🥰 Happy Holidays!!

Our corporate breakfast event at the Garden Courts within the Palace Hotel was exceptional. The buffet offered a diverse selection of high-quality breakfast items, and the service was impeccable. Sarabjeet Anand, the events coordinator, ensured seamless organization, while Bob Dilokjeerapan, the manager, provided attentive hospitality. Highly recommended for a memorable dining experience in San Francisco. Thanks, Damien

The space is lovely, the reason for the three stars is their closing time for dinner. We gave it another shot for Sunday brunch which was very good, the variety of the buffet was great. Prices were a tad high, but we still enjoyed ourselves very much. Not sure I would go out of my way to eat here if we weren’t staying at the hotel.

Every vacation I make time to enjoy a tea service in the city we are in, San Francisco offers quite a few different options and we decided on the Garden Court at the Palace Hotel and made our reservations in advance of our trip. We were very happy with our choice, even at the higher price point the service was impeccable and the tea service was lovely, there was a nice variety of tea sandwiches, pasteries, and sweets, as well as a small plate of berries for your scones if you wish. The surroundings couldn't be any more stunning, the ceiling is glass and makes the whole room warm with its natural light, and all the chandeliers reflect the sunshine making the room seem almost magical. It is one of the tea services I would gladly enjoy again and again.

i had an amazing time at the palace hotel! i went with my friends and family for my 21st birthday. the bartender, emma, was absolutely amazing. she made a delicious manhattan and was so kind while i asked questions. the environment is absolutely lovely. i can’t wait to come back again!

I enjoyed a pear mocktail. It was very tasty. After a day of going to museums and walking in San Francisco, its always amazing to see the beautiful historic Garden Court room and just relax. It always ends up being a highlight of the day.

The Garden Court was definitely packed for this Christmas season, with long lines and a constant shuffling of tables onto the GC Lounge side. Aside from the beautiful setting and decorations, the staff always make the Palace Hotel special. A special acknowledgement to Min for always being kind, cheerful, and obtaining a copy of the holiday menu for a keepsake. To Elena - who served us in the past, but not on this particular trip - always came over to say hello and briefly ask how we were doing. Haydee always worked diligently and took the time to ask how we were doing while serving our table. Finally, to Nikki, who was such an amazing GC Lounge server, always on top of things, friendly, and no matter how busy she was, always had a smile on her face. It was a wonderful experience and I look forward to our return!

We have always loved the Garden Court, in the historic and lovely Palace Hotel. In July, we stayed there again, and as we had breakfasts, and a dining allowance on-property, we were back at the beautiful Garden Court. Our dining allowance was through the AMEX Platinum Fine Hotels & Resorts, a program that we frequently use, with staying at high-end properties, around the world. I started with a “small plate” of Tuna Tartare, when I arrived, the day before, along with a glass of Chalk Hill Chardonnay, as the Pied Piper was closed until the evening – we had encountered that on a “seasonal basis,” but seems that it has new, abbreviated hours? The Tuna Tartare was very good. The next morning, my wife was actually able to dine with me – at least for a short time. As always, she has early meetings, and usually rushes for a cab, before even getting coffee, but her first meeting was just a bit later, so we headed down to the Garden Court. Now, there are two breakfast options: a very nice buffet, and then ordering from the menu. My wife opted for the buffet, because she could pick and choose, and also because it would be quicker. I, on the other hand, did as I almost always do, and ordered from the menu. I ordered one of my favorites, the Dungeness Crab Benedict. My wife just grabbed some Scrambled Eggs, and a Biscuit. We had coffee, and I had orange juice. My Dungeness Crab Benedict was as good as ever, and my wife enjoyed her Eggs, but thought that the Biscuit was a bit dry. Now, we had just returned from a trip to the Deep South, where I think that she had amazing Biscuits for almost every meal, so maybe she’s become jaded? Service was good, but I did get a surprise. I was informed that my “dining credit” was only good for the buffet, and not for any orders from the menu. Oh well, nothing to get excited about. Now, that was amended, before I left, but it was a bit of a surprise. Over the years, staying at the Palace through AMEX Platinum Fine Hotels & Resorts, either breakfast option was always included. I am not sure if the initial information was a mistake, of if policies have been changed, and my server interceded, and got my Benedict included? I will likely never know, but hope that my gratuity was more than adequate. The Garden Court has to be one of the most lovely dining venues in the USA. It was once the carriage entrance to the original hotel, but was fully enclosed, covered in a stained glass canopy, and decorated in a grand Art Deco/Beau Arts style, that is stunning, to say the least. It consists of two, semi-separated dining areas: the main dining room, in the rear, and then a less formal* front area, with some communal computer tables, and livingroom seating. I dined in the rear for breakfast, and the front (open to the lobby) for my afternoon snack, after check-in. * In the afternoon, the more “formal” part of the front dining area is used for Afternoon Tea, so it is almost two rooms, in one.

What a beautiful tea! The Garden Court is stunning. Sam, our server, worked very hard to make sure our dietary restrictions were met, and we thoroughly enjoyed our food.

Brunch at The Palace never disappoints! Elena provided excellent service! Our coffee was never empty and she kept my dad’s iced tea glass full, which is no easy feat! Thank you Elena for such a perfect start to our day!

A turn of the century masterpiece, it is an arcitectural treasure adorned with opulent glass chandeliers. Serves, breakfast, lunch, and Afternoon Tea (Saturdays only). An unforgettable experience.

Please see my review of the Palace Hotel itself, for detailed information on what I believe makes this restaurant a farce, a joke, a tragedy, a faux-belle, a melodrama and a scandal. You have to see what happens (and doesn't) happen there to believe it.

Sam at The Garden Court Restaurant for breakfast and brunch is Always so attentive and courteous. Can’t have a better waiter ❤️ Sam’s the Man

The lobby area of The Palace is a good choice for a cup of tea or light snack. There are typically plenty of spots to sit for groups of two, four or even larger. The tea is good and the scones are wonderful.

The Garden Court, has always been the center of San Francisco society and culture! This is an experience extraordinaire! The food is sumptuous, as you wonder among the beautifully prepared tables of food, mimosas, or, whatever your choice at brunch, is stupendous! I have always celebrated here, when in the city, and, everyone whom was fortunate enough to be there, has never forgotten the experience! INDELIBLE!

This is a magnificent and historic place where you will have lunch under the glass roof but the meal is frankly not up to par in quality and choice. At lunchtime, the imposed two or three course menu is extremely expensive for non-quality products. Tea time is even more expensive. The service is not professional: your plate is cleared while you are still chewing your bite; the addition brought as soon as the dessert was finished!! Come and have a coffee to enjoy the place, that’s it!

Do yourself a favor, have a drink and an appetizer in this beautiful, elegant spot. And do what I didn't have to a chance to do, have a drink in the Pied Piper.

Places like this usually exist only in the great cities of Europe, not the US. The tea is $8, but you are getting millions of dollars worth of atmosphere in the form of an incredible glass ceiling and dining area. Sit and relax!

The service by Elena and the food was excellent. Lovely atmosphere in a classically decorated room. I always try to eat breakfast here when I’m in town.

Fantastic Christmas Brunch in a great atmosphere. Great service, relaxed atmosphere and an endless range of beautifully cooked food. May seem pricy initially but all the food and drinks are included with no limits. We stayed under the superb Garden Atrium for 3 hours and ate and drank out fill. One tip, when booking make sure you specify the garden room under the glass. BE VERY SPECIFIC or you may end in in the ballroom next door as both rooms are called the Garden Court. There was lots of disappointed people who found themselves next door. Overall a great special experience.

The buffet breakfast was very good and made even better by the excellent service provided by our server Sam. He and his service partner provided everything needed to make the experience enjoyable and memorable.

We had a wonderful server named Sam who was personal and fun and made our dining experience exceptional. The whole experience was an event and very enjoyable. This was my first high tea and we came for my sisters birthday. Highly recommend for a fun new experience.

The place is magnificent. You just feel you are back in time in luxury, these are things that no one builds anymore. We were well greeted and seated. We went for breakfast and decided to go for the buffet. It had a very interesting variety but I have gone to a lot of breakfast buffets and this while the variety and quality are not the best I have tried the price is amongst the high end. I guess you pay for the ambiance more than for the food.

I am fortunate to stay at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco’s SoMa district, and dine at its lovely Garden Court often – at least monthly. Unfortunately, I am usually dining solo, as my wife often has early meetings, so is doing a catered Breakfast, at her corporate office. On this trip, I got to have Breakfast with her once, then it was back to solo, but that one time, made up for all of the times she was heading out to meetings. First, the Garden Court is unique. It’s historic, lovely and elegant. The service has always been great, and it is difficult to find a more romantic venue for Breakfast, so it was without hesitation that we dined there. It was a fairly clear day, so the sunlight through the ceiling was a bit more directional, than it can be, though diffused enough, to keep from throwing harsh shadows. We were seated in the main dining area, near to the buffet. I am much more a fan of the “off the menu” items, but my wife opted for the buffet. I started us with Champagne (she did not have meetings until the mid-afternoon), and ordered the Lemon Poppy-seed Waffles w/ and order Applewood-smoked Bacon (crisp). All was exactly as ordered. I added Orange Juice and Coffee (small pot delivered to the table), and my wife, a pot of Decaf. Her “buffet” had a bit of everything, and even I will admit that it all looked good. She indicated that it was, and that the Garden Court’s Breakfast Buffet was one of the few, that had ever impressed her. On the second day, I stayed with the menu, but no Champagne – drinking alone at breakfast, is just not a fun thing. Instead, it was Orange Juice and Coffee, with the Dungeness Crab Benedict - 2 Poached Organic Eggs, warm Dungeness Crab Salad and Truffle Hollandaise Sauce w/ spinach and garlic over a split English Muffin. I am not sure if, because of the issues with the season, this dish had Dungeness Crab, or another crab was substituted? However, it was still very good, and the Truffle Hollandaise Sauce was rich, creamy, but also light, and delicious. My guess is that the chef uses a “whipped cream dispenser,” to get carbon dioxide into the sauce, to “pump it up,” a bit, and create the light, yet creamy texture. Chef Michael Mina taught me that trick some years ago, and wow, does it ever work well. This dis was excellent, and helped me get past not having my wife at the table. For both Breakfast visits, the service was excellent, and I wanted for nothing. While neither Breakfast was “cheap,” they were each good “values.” The setting alone is always worth quite a bit, at least to me. Perhaps on a future trip, our schedules will work out to allow us to do Afternoon Tea in the Garden Court? We always seem to be arriving, about the time that is ending.

The ambiance was amazing, the service was extraordinary - Min my server made me feel especial. The buffet offerings are great, and the pastries delicious.

I had a lovely experience visiting a long-time favorite historic restaurant venue in San Francisco - The Garden Court of the Palace Hotel. My server was Elena who was most welcoming, attentive, kind, friendly and efficient - truly representative of that for which San Francisco has been known in the restaurant/hospitality industry spanning the Gold Rush Era in 1849 to the present. Although on my own today, I hope to bring family and friends with me soon to share and enjoy both the food and flavor of this wonderful representation and legacy of dining experience from the past, brought into the present, with decor to match the ambiance of elegant food and surroundings.

We stayed at the Palace Hotel while in San Francisco for our Honeymoon. We dined at the breakfast buffet in the garden court ($49.00 USD per person) on one of the mornings of our stay (personally thought this was costly for our experience) The setting is beautiful (signature glass ceiling in elegant dining room) and there was a good variety of food. The service was unfortunately average and the staff were inattentive on this occasion.

We just spent 4 days at the Palace Hotel, having breakfast at the Garden Court 3 of those days, and having Afternoon Tea on Saturday. Still the most beautiful space in the world for enjoying anything really! Breakfast was great every day and they gave several new options since our last visit. The staff was as attentive as always and the food came out quickly. Afternoon tea was great to finally try - the sandwiches and sweets were all delicious! There is also a small new side bar opened in the mornings for a quick cup of coffee, etc. The regular bar in the Garden Court is no longer open, but you can purchase anything you'd like from the Pied Piper and take it over, which we did for wine each night. Can't wait to return!

Made a reservation months ago for tea. On arrival found out that tea time was pushed back for the holiday (no advance warning of this) and no attempt made at accommodating us or concern shown. Had lunch instead which was grossly over priced and poor service (had to ask for water, bread etc). At $100 a head it should be clearer what you are booking and service should be top notch. On the plus side, the glass ceilings, Christmas trees and bathrooms were all top notch.

After doing research for places in SF for brunch, I finally decided on eating at the Garden Court after looking at the brunch buffet menu at another hotel which charged $95.00 per person really lacked in the seafood section for $95.00. At the Garden Court, the Sea For Two is $72.00 which we shared between my parents and myself along with an order of omelette and loaded has browns. The sea for two platter comes with oysters, shrimp, a whole lobster, king crab, and dungeness crab. My parents and I thought it was a great value and taste for what we paid. While the Palace Hotel, might not be the first place on peoples mind for seafood in a city like SF, but I think it can measure up with any oceanfront seafood joint. A big family sitting besides us ordered 3 of the Sea For Two to share among themselves. And the best of all, the place is CLEAN.

Had a delightful light lunch in this beautiful ornate lounge, with impeccable service from Nikki. Live harp was playing in the background and it was a very comfortable oasis from the noisy windy streets of SF. Highly recommended.

Excellent experience at the Pied Piper. Suren, our server, was friendly and helpful and gracious. Food outstanding. Thank you!

Sam, our waiter, was very attentive and pleasant. He made our New Years morning brunch experience a great way to start 2025!

We enjoyed breakfast in the Garden Court each morning of our stay. This room is absolutely breathtaking! Service was spotty or I would have definitely given an "Excellent" review. The continental buffet breakfast includes fruits, meats, yogurt, breads, pastries and cheeses. If you want the full buffet breakfast, there are a eight or so hot items to choose from, including various egg dishes, bacon, sausage, pancakes and potatoes. We chose the continental breakfast as our platinum gift each morning, so the meal was free of charge. You can upgrade to the full buffet for a small fee if you would like to do so. The food was delicious.

Staying at the hotel and secured a reservation for Sunday brunch. Really delicious. Waiter was very helpful. Eggs were perfectly cooked--which is sometimes difficult when making eggs over easy. Lots of happy people here enjoying their brunch and the exquisite ambience.

We had lunch at this beautiful restaurant within the Palace hotel. The service was excellent. The food was very good. To give an idea on price, 2 courses (mains and desserts) for 2 people with glass of wine and a non-alcoholic beer was $118 plus service, therefore allow $140 in all. It is not just the food, but the experience of dining at this venerable San Francisco institution.

This is the breakfast and lunch place in the Palace hotel. The breakfast buffet is extensive, but there was not much variety from day to day. I would definitely make reservations as it was always busy.

Wonderful food, wonderful service, gorgeous venue! I started off at the Palace Hotel before my wine country weekend and this set the perfect tone.

Had a wonderful breakfast during our visit. Elena was lovely in helping to ensure we had a fantastic experience! Thank you!

We always enjoy lunch and holiday tea at the garden court since the palace is just a few blocks from the office, but this weekend is a special treat since my husband and I stayed overnight for a mini holiday getaway. The breakfast buffet had excellent quality and quantity of options and our server Sam was so personable, courteous, and professional.

Had a wonderful stay at The Palace Hotel, San Francisco — a magnificent property in the heart of the city. The rooms were exceptionally comfortable, and the hotel has an intriguing twist — you almost feel like you’re truly staying in a palace. A special thank you to the bartender and Emma and barista Annie, who went above and beyond to share the many highlights of this iconic landmark. Their warmth and professionalism made the experience unforgettable. — Titanium Elite, Former Marriott Ambassador

Excellent Breakfast in an exceptional setting, perfect service. Unbelievable buffet. Pleasant time to share with family.

For the way people hyped about the hotel and the garden courtyard, it wasn’t that fantastic. The setting and ambience was great. The food selection was limited. It was meant to be a buffet breakfast, and that means, the hotel has to top up food when finished and not tell us that’s what’s left. We didn’t get a chance to have the prawn dumplings and the lovely staff, Rafael went above and beyond to get some for us from the kitchen. It was such a sweet gesture. Our table was not set and we didn’t get pepper , salt and sugar.

Having the Breakfast Buffet at the Garden Court Restaurant at the Palace Hotel is a real treat. Excellent food with good service. Great pastries, fresh juices, main dishes plus fresh fruit and Salmon etc.

Beautiful bottomless mimosa brunch for New Year’s Day. Min was our server and he was very attentive, the food was perfectly presented, and we left with our bellies and hearts full. Definitely got our money’s worth and look forward to continuing the tradition next year.

What a beautiful breakfast in a beautiful room! The Garden Court makes every day feel special. Wonderful food, exceptional service.

We were very happy with the breakfast buffet. We paid $44 for each person. The servers kept checking on us, for coffee, anything. Service was great. The atmosphere was stunning! When I booked online, I had indicated it was for a birthday, they actually gave us a cake with candle! That was unexpected and so grateful to the team. We were more than satisfied with service and food..

Superb space! And great service from Sam. Food and ambiance were delightful. Iconic lunch experience. And lots of history.

Order a glass of champagne, sit back and watch the world go by. Quietly elegant and a delightful place to be/

We made reservations for Christmas brunch/lunch and had to wait 1o min for a table, which gave us time to admire the decorations in the Garden Court proper. Our table, and the food stations for the buffet were in the Grand Ballroom, which is very nicely decorated (and had live music), but not as spectacular as the Garden Court. The food was uniformly excellent and there was a tremendous variety; ham, turkey, side dishes inc. a wonderful yam casserole, excellent selection of salads; sushi, dim sum, cold seafood, cioppino, brunch offerings with omelet station, lots of desserts, excellent fruit, champagne, a mimosa station, Bloody Mary station, even a special low station of hot dishes for children. Service was not great; the waitstaff seemed overwhelmed and by the time we got in in mid-afternoon, pretty much just going through the motions. Dishes on the buffet were replenished promptly. Not cheap but a great experience and wonderful atmosphere for the holiday. We'll do it again.

We did not stay at this hotel, but from what I saw, I would love to next time we're in SF. We had drinks in The Garden Court Lounge and some appetizers. What a lovely and gorgeous spot. The soaring glass ceiling with the exquisite chandeliers was stunning. We had very friendly, gracious service and live music for a backdrop. The promenade and lobby were also awe inspiring. I didn't notice until we were ready to leave the Maxfield Parrish Pied Piper Lounge. If I had realized it sooner, we would have had a drink in this historic spot. I am a huge MP fan and own some smaller pieces of his. Next time, this is where we will stay so I can soak up more of the heritage of this grand hotel.

This restaurant is in the Atrium of The Sheraton Palace hotel. The ambiance is outstanding in a fantastically beautiful setting with marble columns, ornate chandeliers, and a glass dome. There is an a-la-carte menu for brunch. We particularly enjoyed the warm crab toast with Dungeness Crab and the Sticky Buns. Our server was friendly and very helpful. There was live music with a pianist and a flautist. If you are not staying at the hotel parking may be very difficult.

We enjoyed a delightful afternoon tea at the Garden Court. Added a glass of Veuve Clicquot to make it extra special. Everything was delicious. We started with small individual plates of 4 different melon balls. Then we had an amazing small tray selection of five finger sandwiches each. Asparagus, cucumber, egg salad, salmon and curried chicken. Fantastic! Then a lovely tiered tray with a number of sweets. So good. The selection of teas was appealing. Two of us chose the house special tea and one of us the Assam. All good. The service was impeccable. Our server made us feel very special!

I went here with my husband for the signature afternoon and it was lovely! Elena, our waitress was very friendly and attentive and the food was delicious. We would definitely recommend this experience!

We enjoyed the breakfast here. The food and staff are very good . The place is wonderful . Worth it.

The Garden Court is a beautiful space for afternoon tea. I was seated near the Christmas tree and the harpist, which added to the ambiance. The sandwiches and desserts were all delicious. The service was outstanding as well. When I accidentally knocked one of my sandwiches on the floor, Rafael was able to get me another one. He and Sam were wonderful servers and were both very attentive.

Really good breakfast, pricey. generous portions. elena our server was great! i had the farmers scramble and it came with bread, potatoes etc

At the end of our busy day, it was amazing to relax in this space. One can easily be transported in time when sitting here - it elevates the experience to a whole new level and we definitely have a new favorite spot when we're in town!

Looking for a relaxing and beautiful atmosphere to enjoy breakfast, lunch, or a cocktail? The Garden Court inside San Francisco's oldest hotel (Palace Hotel) provides a great location to dine, especially when they offer live entertainment, like a pianist or guitarist. The view by itself is wonderful. If you're in the downtown, be sure to take time and stop by.

Open for breakfast or lunch; a long line but once you sit in, good service; they have a buffet, and do Saturday afternoon tea.

The waiter Sam is amazing! Best staff member from the team. Helpful and sweet. The lobby and breakfast place is absolutely stunning.

Over the decades, the Garden Court remains a premier experience. It’s one of the most beautiful venues I know. Cuisine has always had a continental flair, even in modern times when dress code has become informal. This is a spot to reserve extra time for, because you’ll want to linger. It’s pricey ($92 all inclusive for Sunday brunch for two) but worth every penny, whether for poke bowl, an assortment of rich side dishes, Benedicts, champagne or delicious coffee. Do treat yourself.

We went for my birthday to have the signature tea. I had not been in about 25 yrs. The tea, sandwiches and pastries were all delicious and the ambiance was amazing as always! Our waiter Min was delightful and so attentive. We highly recommend this tea for any celebration 😊😊😊

Ignored for 25min so left without eating. Looking at the menu, a yogurt costs $15. You can get a delicious full meal for the same price around the corner at the Grove.

We had breakfast at Garden Court before a Hamilton matinee. The food is very good at the setting is classic Victorian San Francisco. My husband and daughter had the buffet and I had the classic American breakfast. Mine was plenty of food. The tomatoes were a nice side. The potatoes were good but a little crunchy which I don't care for. The chicken sausage had good flavor and the eggs were good. My husband and daughter thoroughly enjoyed the buffet, they both had seconds.

Visited for breakfast with elderly relative and friends. Access was easy, food was great, service even better. 3 of 5 of us ordered a basic egg breakfast, but the waffles and the buffet were the better way to go. The gorgeous room made it a great stop. If you go, splurge!

We stayed with colleagues at the Palace Hotel for a week and had breakfast in the Garden Court every day, and every day was a farce. The facilities are gorgeous and the food is quite ok, but the service is among the worst we have experienced. Most of the staff has no clue what they are doing or how the restaurant is working, they run around totally without coordination and you are lucky if you only have to ask twice for a glass of water or if everyone at the table are billed the same amount for the buffet. Garden Court has great potential but is totally without management and suffers greatly from it.

I had a lovely time at the Garden Court at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco. I was exploring San Francisco Market Street and adjacent areas on a beautiful warm day. I stopped to admire the turn of the century chadeliers. I sat in the bar area and enjoyed a glass of sparkling water! What a wonderful place to relax for a half hour or so while exploring. There is also a cafe there if one wants to dine instead. Service is stellar.

I consider myself somewhat of an afternoon tea enthusiast; My Mom and I have done six award-winning afternoon teas in London, and I served afternoon tea at The Langham during grad school. If you come to Garden Court expecting the service or dishes that you'd get in England, you'll be disappointed. (Any why shouldn't you expect high-end service at $68/person?!) At Garden Court, you're paying for ambience. And the ambience IS magical (if you can overlook the fries and food scraps on the carpet). I recommend reading about the hotel's history on Wikipedia before you dine -- it's fascinating! The tea sommelier did not pour our tea (no biggie), and when I went to do it, the tea spilled everywhere. It turns out I had a leaky pot! It was promptly replaced and we carried on. Credit where credit's due: the tea itself was very good. Given that we had some dietary requirements, it would have been nice to be given explanations of our sandwiches and pastries. [In fact, in any fine dining environment, I would expect explanations as the food was distributed.] We had to ask (or infer). The chocolate-covered strawberries were a highlight and the Americanized scones were surprisingly good too. However, the "clotted cream" lacked the density of clotted cream and tasted more like whipped cream. Nitpicky? Maybe! I have high standards and this tea wasn't cheap. For what it's worth, my Mom said that she would've given it the same rating. If I were to return, I would order a cup of tea and sit in the less formal (and less expensive) GC Lounge.

Emma the bartender at the garden court bar was a gem! She made my nieces 21st birthday one to remember! She was full of life and energy

The food was delicious, the atmosphere was amazing and our waiter, Win, was very attentive, knowledgeable and kind. Sisters Love Trip 2024

While the breakfast buffet looked plentiful, opt to order the Dungeness Crab Benedict or Lemon Waffles from the menu. They were amazing! Very attentive staff that will push in your chairs as you sit and check on your table often to make sure you are satisfied! Enjoying a glass of wine with some small plate in the evening was another wonderful way to pass the time! Just need a string quartet and it's like you're on a classic ocean liner!

We had a wonderful holiday breakfast the Garden Court. The setting and decorations are stunning and Sam our waiter was exceptional, he certainly added to the experience to make it all the more special. He helped us with our selections, and continued to check on us to make sure we had all we needed but was not obtrusive The breakfast buffet was excellent. Highly recommend.

The Garden Court (also referred to as The Palm Court) is exquisite from it's high stained glass dome to the Austrian crystal chandeliers to the marble columns and plentiful phalaenopsis orchids. The room offers a splendid glimpse of the past. It dates from the new Palace Hotel opening in 1909 after the earthquake and fire of 1906. The dome has one of the largest expanses of colored glass in the world. During WWI, labor shortages compelled the first hiring of women to serve breakfast and lunch; dinner was served absolutely by male waiters. As one of San Francisco's most prestigious dining areas, Woodrow Wilson spoke several times in in support of the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations. This is the place in 1923 that invented Green Goddess salad dressing! In 1927 a banquet was held for Charles Lindbergh. In 1945 a gala dinner was held for the opening of the United Nations. The service is beyond par; my coffee cup was not left empty while having breakfast there. My son and I had scrambled eggs which were delicious but as others have noted at a steep price. I'd wanted to dine in this historic hotel's stunning room so I was willing to pay. It's a lovely room; one makes that choice. While in the hotel take the time to see the beautiful mail box from 1909 in the marble hallway. We also found the gift shop to have some nice gifts for home.

This is a classic spot in SF and a must if you are in the area! The Crab Salad is amazing and the ambiance can't be beat. Great service and a beautiful place to relax and enjoy!

It was a very pretty place. We came here to have tea and it was very good! The food and tea were amazing but we felt a little rushed. The bill was put on the table before we had finished. There were also many other tables open. Other than that, we had a very nice time.

Wow. My cousin and I came here for my birthday celebration and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. While food and tea were delightful, our waiter Sam was amazing and the highlight of our whole experience. He made my birthday and experience there truly special. He asked the harp player to play “happy birthday” when I got my birthday dessert. Very attentive and fast; easily the best service I have had by far at any restaurant. Will definitely be coming back! If you are there, please ask for Sam!

Gone is the $50 brunch and now the GC offers an ala carte menu. "Fresh OJ" pours all breakfast/brunch long but it's from a carton. Food is great and service excellent. Get a reservation on weekends otherwise you will not get a table

The staff and the atmosphere were outstanding. If you want to see how the folks in the gilded age dined,this is the place.

We enjoyed breakfast and lunch during our stay for both Sam was our cheerful server.He was kind enough to go to the front desk to check on our room readiness so we could put lunch on our room as desired. Kind, efficient and friendly. He also surprised us with a birthday desert and candle also an additional desert for our anniversary .Unexpected and pleasantly surprised for wife’s birthday and our 57th year anniversary.

I took a dear friend out to lunch at the Garden Court for lunch because the food and service are outstanding. We had the pleasure of being served by Sam, who was kind and engaging. I will return in 2 weeks to bring a young friend for a celebratory birthday lunch — I hope we see Sam!

Stayed here and of course had Breakfast the Usual Bacon Eggs ordered from the menu did not have the buffet food was well cooked hot and delicious Had lunch here as well and enjoyed the great service and the ambience of the Garden Court ,this is a magnificent room although busy the restaurant is quiet and the service excellent

The interior of the Garden Court is beautiful and amazing . However, the food and the service did not meet expectations. I ordered a dry martini with a twist but what I got was a martini with olive juice and olives. Exactly what I did not want. The bartender replaced it but this was not a good start to the meal. My husband and I both ordered the Green Goddess Salad which had crab meat but not very much of it. The Chocolate Mousse was good but dense (not like a Mousse). The server was somewhat attentive. We live in the city but probably will not return.

The Garden Court used to be a great place for a real treat in San Francisco. We have eaten there quite a few times over the years. Unfortunately the food, service, and cleanliness have fallen drastically. This place is riding on its reputation as a famous San Francisco landmark. Of course, the room is still beautiful and deserves to be seen in its own right, but I would no longer eat there. Three of us went for lunch during the Christmas period. Two of us had the crab for which San Francisco is famous. It was tasteless. The bread had neither taste nor texture. The simple drink order was mixed up twice. To make matters worse, the place was dirty. There was so much debris next to my chair that I could not put my purse on the ground. It took three requests to finally get it cleaned up. A knife and a piece of lettuce lay on the floor between tables in plain sight for a couple of hours. No one ever picked it up despite many staff including a manager walking right past it. Later that week my son and his fiancée went there for breakfast. Her chair was dirty and had to be cleaned off before she could sit down. This place is very expensive – most expensive lunch I ever had. They need new management.

Chill place to have a cocktail and enjoy a relaxing quiet time. I was there for 2 days and had a nice evening with my husband.

The seasonal décor, live music, and beautifully presented teas make it perfect for celebrating the holidays. It’s an ideal escape if you’re looking to savor a warm cup and some holiday magic. Our server, Sam, was attentive and wonderful with our young child. He even told a ghost story about the hotel! A wonderful experience if you are looking for something special over the holidays.

A beautiful room with a lovely brunch. The staff is professional and takes great care of their patrons. Special shout out to Sam! He made our anniversary really special! Yay Sam!

The buffet was delicious! Amazing service! The history and architecture in this room is so cool. The breakfast had such a wide variety of choices.

If you’re a business person who want a meeting or just somewhere to sit and do some work over a coffee then it’s a good central place. Comfy seating in a beautiful setting, warm with facilities it’s perfect.

Emma at the Garden Court Bar is phenomenal! Took my daughter for brunch on her 21st birthday and she made the day memorable from taking photos to making her 1st drink so amazing! This is a must go to stop for sure and I’m a native of San Francisco.

Service by hostess Geovana and server Sam was absolutely excellent. They were both incredibly warm, friendly and supportive to me and my family. Grateful to both of them. Food was amazing too.

nice meal, but nothing to write home about. The ambience is more noteworthy with high ceilings and neat bar area

Shout yourself a lovely breakfast though can be a bit pricy. Enjoy a coctail with an amazing view. Soak up the decor.

We had such a lovely time here, stopping in after wandering the City to see the light shows. We each had a cocktail, and ordered the green curry coconut cauliflower, which was so delicious. Suren was our attentive waiter, and was so kind and polite. What a gem of a place we locals have here, and I look forward to returning.

What a most wonderful place to dine. Underneath the glass solarium and all of its finery. The Piano singer and Bass Players jazzy classy tunes. The indulgent breakfast items. It was all so very nice. which we had one back home. Service was great and the food could not have been better. Most spectacular.

We were taken care of by Sam, very attentive, excellent service. There is nothing like coming to a hotel and having everything you need right at hand. Lunch service was excellent as well. The lobby bar area also delightful to have available for drinks and bites before dinner. Fernando took care of us in the afternoon for drinks and he was wonderful!

Wonderful brunch buffet in an exquisite setting. Excellent service by our waiter Sam, who attended to our every need. A must when in San Francisco.

My wife and I had the breakfast buffet at the Garden Court, although a bit pricey, $100 for two including tip, it was worth it and will do it again.

Inside the main atrium of the fabulous Palace Hotel in downtown San Francisco, this very traditional old-world dining area is what you would expect from a large hotel catering to people with time and means. The service is comfortable and old-world, the food choices classic and the prices, well if you have to fret about prices, you wouldn't want to have lunch here.

We, a party of 6 with two birthday girls, decided to celebrate at the Garden Court in the Palace Hotel. The space is perfect. At mid-day the stunningly beautiful glass ceiling filters the light into the spacious room making it bright and inviting. We were not alone in thinking this would be a good place to celebrate, either. There was a constant parade of party hats, tea frocks and bursts of the strains of "Happy Birthday". All in all just a wonderful, cheerful place. Unfortunately the tea service was just not up the the environs. Our tea was made with water from a coffee urn, making all varieties except the Chai indistinguishable. The small sandwiches and petit four were very pretty. One of the items in my vegetarian service was a really striking floret of purple potato puree on a bit of rye bread. They were, however, not particularly fresh and appetizing. This is a wonderful place of a party. The surroundings just can't be beaten. The tea service, however, is just not up to the $70/person price.

The decor is amazing, a big open area for many to eat. We had the breakfast buffet which offered many great selections for all taste buds. The staff was very courteous and were quick to refill our beverages before we could even empty our glasses. I highly recommend eating here in this relaxing environment.

Garden Court has the worst customer service of any restaurant that I have ever been to. I had the worst experience going to the Garden Court to have Easter Sunday Buffet Brunch! When I made my reservation at the Garden Court, I specifically asked for a table in the Garden Court because I was married there. When we arrived, we were told that our table was in the adjacent Ballroom. When I told the manager about my specific request during my reservation, he ask me for "proof" that I had indeed asked for a table in the Garden Court. Unfortunately, I made my reservation over the phone and did not have any "proof". The manager then proceed to told us that since we did not have any proof, he could not help us. What is so disgusting about this conversation is that the manager basically concluded that I lied about my reservation request.

The Garden Court room is the most beautiful room in San Francisco, in my opinion, which is why we chose it for a special birthday. Our server, Sam, worked hard to communicate with the kitchen staff, who balked at using olive oil instead of butter on my avocado toast. It's not the fault of the server or of the kitchen staff that the menu for vegans is so sparce. Surely they could include avocado toast as a vegan item on their menu so the kitchen staff don't have to panic when asked to make it with olive oil instead of butter. The dish turned out to be the most beautiful one on our table, and the other two dishes were delicious too.

Exceptional service and it was so much appreciated during our get together with my friend. Server was friendly and fun and very accommodating.

Thought it was a good idea to try the “famous” afternoon tea at the Garden Court on my wife’s birthday. In short it was simply disappointing. The setting is absolutely stunning with the natural light streaming through showing off the architecture. Unfortunately, the service was sub-par with the table (and chairs) we were shown having remnants from the last meals clearly visible. We asked them to be cleaned and the hostess just brushed off the crumbs onto the floor. Hoping that was an anomaly, we waited for the food and they too were also very ordinary. The sandwich bread seemed to have dried out considerably, the scones tasted like muffins, etc. Given the price tag of US$75 (plus taxes/tip) per person, should’ve spent the money shopping at nearby Union Square instead.

I couldn't believe my eyes when I ambled down the hall leading to the Garden Court. Fit for a Princess... the sweeping glass towering ceiling, marble, bronze and this New York Girl felt right at home all over again. I was fortunate enough to reside two blocks away for a number of years. Despite having to relocate? I always treat myself as i emerge from the New Montgomery Station to a perfect breakfast buffet at this magnificent location. I am often seated at the same table, and smile as the scent of lightly fragranced flowers emerge from the hallway. A buffet is something to languish at the Garden Court. The usual breakfast fare, yet the feeling one gets just from being there is awe inspiring. Opening each heavy silver domed serving tray is kind of like a wonderful treat each time. Expensive? Of course it is. Smiling at my server, taking one last glance as well dressed visitors from all parts of the world are seated , as they gaze upon the beauty of this one of a kind dining experience? I know I will return. Very soon.

If you would like a real treat and the feeling of being in the 1900s, then don't hesitate but book Sunday brunch at the Garden Court in San Francisco. The food is scrumptious and plentiful and the architecture brings you back to the 1900s. The Garden Court is inside the Sheraton Palace Hotel and by this point may have a Marriott sign on it as well. It is truly old San Francisco and the brunch is top of the mark.

We had afternoon tea to celebrate my mom’s birthday at the Garden Court. We nibbled on delectable tea sandwiches, creamy scones, and decadent petit fours and, of course, sipped (and spilled) the tea in a fabulously elegant and beautiful space. Special mention and thanks to our server Sam who provided top notch service, gave us a cool history lesson about the Palace Hotel, and made our experience all the more pleasant.

The setting is beautiful, service is attentive, food is great. We had breakfast there and would recommend the buffet On another day I had the pancake breakfast and it was delicious.

My wife asked me to take her here for afternoon tea for her birthday. We've been here before and enjoyed it. I admit, that a big attraction is the venue. The space really is nice, although the furnishings now are not special, and fit a business hotel instead of a fancy restaurant, which was a bit disappointing. On average the food was pretty good, and there was a lot of it. We had to get two boxes to take leftovers home. The tea sandwiches were the best, while the desserts were a bit disappointing. We had oolong tea, which was quite good. Service was excellent. Our waiter was Sam was friendly, attentive and entertaining. I had not told him that we were celebrating my wife's birthday, but he saw the presents I gave her on the table, and on his own initiative brought my wife a small birthday cake.

Ate Sunday brunch (reservations needed), for another place if food quality is your goal. The buffet was stone cold even at 7 am when it opened. No oatmeal was available. the baked goods were delicious, a nd the berries were nice, but the buffet was $40 for cold congealed food. Nice service, and a beautiful venue.

Have been eating here for years for special occasions, especially Xmas. I have celiac disease & asked what I could eat off the prix fixe menu. The waitress did not know what gluten-free means. She was exasperated that she was going to have to go to kitchen and ask, so I helped her out by choosing 2 that I thought I could eat off the menu, but that she needed to check with the chef. After the second time she had to go ask, the chef should have come out & helped me. I had to ask if the soup was gluten-free. Asked "milk?" Losing all confidence in her knowledge & willingness to help me, I told her no wheat, rye or barley. She rolled her eyes. I was embarrassed. I need to eat & not get sick. She went to kitchen & came back & said fish was fine. I asked if the side of gratin was g-f. She rolled her eyes, blew out air & said, "I'm sure it will be fine." Excuse me? I am not gluten free for sh*ts & grins. I asked her to ask the chef again & if it isn't, don't put on plate. Food arrived but because of her exasperation with my need for g-f food, I didn't trust her & did not eat it. I didn't know about sauce on fish. Shouldn't have to ask about every single item on the plate. Dessert-no GF, so I asked for berries. She blew out air again. After sorbet & coffee, she comes with a lemon tart & says Who's birthday is it? Mine, & she rolled her eyes & said, well I guess you can't eat it, can you? Wow. Plenty of empty tables. Now I know why. Our tradition of coming here is over.

Dining here is exceptional. Attentive service, clean, and with good selections. Never a disappointment. Early Brunch, Lunch, High Tea, and/or Dinner, it's always a good experience!

While staying at the gorgeous Palace Hotel located in the SoMa district, I ventured down to the Garden Court for lunch. I started with the organic baby greens followed by the pan roasted salmon. The salmon was cooked to perfection, medium rare. I accompanied the meal with a glass of Prosecco. The service is impeccable, the prices are high however I absolutely recommend dining at the Garden Court.

We made a reservation for breakfast and did have to wait while others were seated before us, which was disappointing. My daughter ordered hot chocolate and it took forever to arrive to the table, and when it did, it was cold. We asked for another one but they never brought it and instead informed us they had adjusted our bill. The orange juice that is freely poured is not complimentary, FYI. The food was top notch. Favorites were the black truffled eggs, the lemon poppy seed waffles with ricotta and the buffet. The setting made up for all the mishaps and we enjoyed our meal.

We had a very strange experience here at the Garden Court at the Palace Hotel. First of all, they market this place as a restaurant “great for brunch or tea”, but we didn’t see a brunch menu. We were there at 12 and had to order off the lunch menu. All we saw on the menu was either breakfast, or lunch. Second of all, the portions are HUGE, so I highly recommend sharing dishes (especially given the high prices). However, the wait staff were extremely rude to us about sharing dishes. We were looked down upon and given multiple snarky remarks. Not once or twice, but literally four or five times did the waiter comment on our sharing dishes. It was funny and lighthearted at first, but it got old and weird really quick. We all found it uncomfortable and rude. We ordered 4 dishes + 1 appetizer for 7 people, and it was actually too much food for us (mind you we were all starving when we got there). The food was fine but it didn’t seem to matter much after the weird experience with the wait staff. I wanted to give 2 stars, but I decided to give 3 because of the beautiful atmosphere and the free birthday crown & dessert we got.

We stayed at the Palace the other night and I wanted to relive one of my favorite birthdays when my now husband invited me for high tea. The venue is a gorgeous as ever. Unfortunately, this is where it ends. The high tea is quite expensive. For the price you get "ok" food. Rather than the traditional English tea sandwiches (think cucumber or egg), we got "Irish" bites which were not very tasty. (It was the day before St Patrick's Day.) The sweets were pretty, but there were no crumpets. The service was not up to par with the price. Our companion asked for a cup of coffee. Despite the coffee pot resting about 2 meters from our table, it took the assistant server to finally pour a cup. It also took quite a while for our bottle of Champagne to arrive. I would have given this 2-3 stars were it not for Michael, the bar tender at the little bar on the edge of the Garden Court. After tea, we hung out there before heading to the airport. He was delightful and made the best cocktails. That was service!!!

I have dined at the Garden Court for breakfast several times over the years when I stay at the Palace Hotel. My experience is consistent. The staff appears harried and lack "soft skills". This morning's waiter spilled coffee all over my cup and the table as he poured without looking and then rushed away without noticing. As he took my order, he rushed away after hearing one of my two requests without giving me an opportunity to complete my order. The room is beautiful but I am pretty sure it was not worth the $32 for an egg white omelette and cup of coffee (pre tip).

We had an exceptional Christmas High Tea experience. Ming was our most attentive waiter who excelled in his service and attention to detail. Of special note was his kind attention to my granddaughter, where he gave her a special children's menu and a beautiful princess crown and stuffed animal. Ming, you made our day. The food, ambience, and your service were impeccable. Thank you and happy holidays! Sue Dykes.

Elena was wonderful! Attentive and helpful. Excellent food variety and quality! Will come again some day I hope. Thank you for a delightful breakfast in a beautiful setting.

We arrived approx 20 minutes early for a 12 o’clock brunch reservation. As we are unfamiliar with the area we did not know how long it would take to arrive. We approached the host to confirm that we had arrived. She was not welcoming & just kept saying 12 o’clock was our reservation time. She did not direct to a waiting area or a lounge bar. Her attitude was very rude! As we were about to spend over $200 on brunch, I expected better of the staff. Our first impressions were so bad that we decided not to stay.

Great place to enjoy a drink and soak up the ambience of this magnificent hotel. They had a full bar, with table service.

We had the post wedding brunch for my daughter’s wedding here. There had been a mixup from the events team such that when I got there, the restaurant reception didn’t have notice of our group. The manager Carolina did an absolutely amazing job of fixing this so that our guests had an unmarred experience. She was so wonderful and so was all the wait staff, Shahir in particular in making our guests feel well served to enjoy the beautiful buffet here.

We had the opportunity to have breakfast here a few times while staying at the Palace. The food is first class, fresh and very tasty with a wide assortment to suit everyone’s palette. Sam looked after us a few times and he was a wonderful man to have a conversation with. Sam, if you’re reading this, we’re still wondering what is the actor my husband reminds you of :)

This was my first experience at the palace hotel and it was amazing the bartender Emma is absolutely amazing; She is so sweet and friendly and has such amazing energy. Her drinks are absolutely killer. But her autumn sangria is absolutely delicious and NEEDS to be on the menu in my opinion. 10/10 service!

We stayed at Palace Hotel and chose to have breakfast at GC. What a treat. We had the steel cut oats topped with peach chutney - yum! My friend added a blueberry scone that was freshly baked and piping hot. The butter melted in. We had reservations for high tea at two. The selection of tea sandwiches was perfect. From salmon to turkey, egg salad to salami and cucumber - they all were tasty. The sweets were a fabulous array of every taste imaginable. Our server, Aida, was personable and attentive to us at all times. High tea is a must at the Palace Hotel.

I hosted a High Tea Party for my wife and 9 lady friends to celebrate her birthday. Everything was delightful.

The service, ambience, food, libations (white sangria is a must), buffet options and all things were absolutely divine. I have enjoyed breakfast here for the second time. And I could eat here every day. Many many thanks to Elena for her amazing smile and service.

An amazing brunch in the most opulent setting. The food is fresh, delicious and plentiful. The service was impeccable and Elena was fantastic at anticipating our needs and providing us with the highest level of service.

Not impressive at all. So we went there on Saturday, Dec 30 for brunch. It was hard to find a reservation on Open Table but when we reached there, the place was almost empty. Looks like they only offer a few tables to Open Table. So there was no buffet for brunch even on weekends. The buffet is only for breakfast. The brunch menu was a pre-fixe 2-course menu with optional desserts. Unlike most fine-dining places, the serving sizes were huge so if you are a fan of huge, this is your type of place. The soup and the salad were fine but the portions were so large that it hardly left any appetite for the main course. My kid ordered chicken fingers and they looked like those you's find at Applebees or BJs--very large pieces and the BBQ sauce was super spicy. The Salmon I ordered was ordinary and came with aioli that was very spicy too. The mushroom ravioli that my husband ordered was okay. For a two course menu for the two of us and chicken fingers for my son we paid $ 155. I feel it's a stretch even for SF city. Anyway, some armature portrait photographer moved around the tables with her model and that was the highlight of our otherwise lazy visit. Great ambiance if you wanted to take some nice pictures but we were hoping for a more upbeat holiday brunch with small-plate menu or buffet where we could sample a variety of items albeit in bite sizes.

Amazing food and very Christmassy atmosphere. Staff was amazing, In particular RAFAEL and SAM. Very well done. Highly recommended