Eight Tables by George Chen

Seems like time slots available on open table were less than what’s actually open

Dinner for two as part of a 20th anniversary celebration. Gorgeous space, beautifully appointed, very private. Intriguing entrance. Very warm service from all those we interacted with, which I estimate was upwards of 8-10 people. All of our servers were very knowledgeable about the food and wine. Our cocktail artist was also very passionate about his craft and it was clear that everything they do here has been carefully thought out. I am surprised if not shocked that this restaurant was not awarded at least one Michelin star in 2019. Could it be that Chinese cuisine does not get the respect it deserves? Well, try for yourself. Many surprises await. The wine pairings with the food were also exciting, there is no established classic pairing for many of these dishes as there would be in French Cuisine. We interacted with the chef as well, when we had questions the servers could not answer - which was only once. From start to finish, this was a unique and delightful fine dining experience that we won't forget. Thanks to all for making our trip a memorable one.

Definitely worth a visit. I went into it with some expectation given that most people say it deserves a star but doesn't have one. Was frankly almost disappointed that the chef's menu was so easy to get the same day I made the reservation which was also the date of the visit. It was such a wonderful experience. I've been to other kitchen seated tables and felt that I didn't enjoy them because I felt like i was a "subject" in the kitchen being stared at and couldn't enjoy the nice feel of the dinner with my friend. This one however is tucked in a good area of the kitchen where you actively feel a part of the action but also are given enough privacy to have some private time and conversations without feeling like you're being watched. The food was excellent, and the experience was fantastic. Would rate it above many one stars that I've visited, and would border on giving it two. Such a nice experience, and the chef checking in to visit several times was such a bonus because he was so nice to visit with and discuss dishes. Definitely would go again as the main dining certainly looked like a lovely seating area as well. Very much satisfied with my visit.

servers are friendly and well informed of the food served, the chef even went out to greet us and check on everything

Eight Tables is an unique Chinese restaurant. The room decorations are gorgeous, and the tables arrangements are spacious and comfortable. We love the dinnerware - it’s beautiful, elegant, and charming. Each dish is not only delicious, with a just good amount, it’s a fine art! The service is awesome. The servers are very polite and skilled - we really enjoy their explanations of each dish on the cooking style, history, and the source of the material. We will bring our whole family come again. Thank you so much for providing us the beautiful place and letting us had such wonderful time!

Excellent restaurant, a fun dining experience, great friendly service. Definitely a place to experience

Magnificent

It was my wife’s birthday and I wanted to take her somewhere special. She knew George in college and spoke very highly about him so that made it an added treat. She / we enjoys good food and fine dining. In the past we have treated ourselves to The French laundry for special occasions. This was at that level with a more private, modern vibe. We enjoyed the wine pairing with the artistically prepared dishes served by the staff with impeccable timing. We will be back and highly recommend it to anybody who wants something more than fine dining.
Thank You Mr. Chen and your staff.

Very pricey, and not very Chinese. Beautiful, but rather bland, presentations with well-curated wine pairings.

Incredible food and a fantastic dining experience. Pricey but well worth it. Great place to celebrate a special occasion, or like I did, just enjoy a memorable night out with friends.

I went with super high expectations and they were exceeded by a mile!!!! We were super lucky and snagged the Chef's Table in the kitchen and even though I'm very sure the whole meal would have been fabulous in one of the luxe private dining rooms but getting the VVIP treatment in the kitchen was totally over the top in the very best of ways. George Chen wasn't there when we were but the rest of the crew were so lovely, they explained about the food and the history without a hint of patrony, the theatrics of the service was so much fun, the food was outrageously delicious and the wine pairing was icing on the cake. This dinner was an experience we will never forget.

Came here for an anniversary dinner with very high expectations. The service left something to be desired. No real formal introduction. The opening line is they want you to feel as if your dining in the chefs house. That was it, no individual names or any further details. It just felt like a cold introduction.

The food was ok, it was ten courses. It was just ok. We bought a bottle of wine and enjoyed it, good wine selection. I am not a picky eater and I am very open into trying new things. I guess I was expecting more? Not sure how to explain it. We were the only ones in the restaurant and the staff was starting to clean up and we could feel they wanted to go home. Our dinner lasted a little over 2 hours. We were expecting to really enjoy the experience and take our time. Somehow I felt uncomfortable and rushed. We spent $1000 for 2 dinners, I feel like we could have picked better. Happy Anniversary to us, I guess.

Cheers and on to the next restaurant

Beautiful presentation... over the top dining experience!!!

The restaurant was beautiful. The service great. And the food was an experience. But they are far away from a michelin star restaurant. Even though the price was at that level. There was no amouse bouche, no extra plate and they mixed up our food several times. If the price was 200.- less, i would have had a great experience. But for this price I just expect michelin quality experience.

Nice experience (especially if you get a special table at the kitchen).
But overall it's only barely reaches 3.5 out of 5 for the whole experience for this type and price range restaurant.
To be very critical: food was ok, nice combinations and presentation as well as the taste, but was lagging some novelty. It should have been more inspiring.
Service sometimes was a bit too artificial. Much appreciate for the attempt - but it's better to be natural than try to artificially be synchronized.
The atmosphere and design was great. Really special place.
Having been seated at special table at the kitchen was really amazing experience. But it would have been great if the kitchen was perfect as well. Some fallen tiles near the hood, a bit disorganized raw materials and some confused staff - could not be unnoticed by a very critical eye.
Good luck with improving.

This is an amazing experience with Chinese cuisine!!

Amazing food but too pricey

What a delightful meal. Food was very creative and flavorful. It really told a story. The services was impeccable. They were there to please. They made us feel special. Chef George Chan was in the house that night and did several table touches and explained the dishes to us. What a treat!

Best dining experience of my life.

Amazing experience that lasted us about 3 hours for the tasting menu. Everything, from plating to service, was thoughtfully put together.

What a wonderful evening of fine dining! A host of wonderful & exotic Asian tastes and flavors in small plates spread throughout 10 courses. The presentation was well-paced through the evening. The serving and retrieving of our plates was a ballet of choreography not to be missed!

We were graciously served by our waiter, Luis, and Mickey Clevenger the Host Relations Manager, as well as the other staff.

My one negative: too bad Kenneth Rexworth Alley, the gated, short entry to the restaurant, isn't landscaped or given a treatment that sets the tone/mood of your wonderful dining experience for the evening. Its almost foreboding.

This was by far one of our favorite meals, ever! And we LOVE food. The flavors were unbelievable and the service couldn’t have been more perfect. We had a fantastic birthday dinner and highly recommend for a special occasion!!

It was my second time there. The menu has improved from very good to even better. Especially the seafood and desert courses, which were amazing this time, but a bit lackluster last time. The wine pairing was spot on, again.

They accommodated for a vegan in our party - which many other top spots are not able to do.

The service has also gotten better. They’ve figured out how to add a jovial upbeat vibe to a very formal dinner process. I personally like that lighter/personable touch more than the traditionally snooty approach at lost tasting menus.

So surprised they didn’t even get 2 Michelin stars this year. The menu is like none other and the overall experience is as memorable as the 3-star ones at Singlethread, Saison, Quince and Benu.

Anniversary

Great place with a lot of attention to details at all levels, from food to service. Great place for a relaxed business dinner. It's very pricy however, you just have to remember you're in San Francisco...

Once in a lifetime experience to be shared with close friends and loved ones. Go for the wine pairing and sit back and enjoy!!

Food was good and very interesting. The service experience was the best I’ve ever had. A really incredible team!

You have a staff of people that take pride in the work that they do. Trained well and display coordinated movements. Respectful and dedicated in service providing a wonderful experience. And Chef George Chen going around making sure his guest are having an impeccable experience. The food a total delight, dopaminergic for the senses. Don’t aspire for a Star ( the M kind) for your standards are above their measure.

Outstanding. Not to be forgotten

Birthday celebration!❤️

The idea sounded great: an intimate and upscale dinner around the best Chinese cuisine specifically cooked for you. In fact every things end up to be just pretentious and mediocre. The food is not interesting, you can have a lot better one block away. It is not because you have caviar (served twice) as an ingredient that the coude is amazing, etc. The service is also wannabe classy without the class. Obviously not recommended as the the outrageous prices make you feel like an idiot who got screwed.

One of our best meals ever!! This restaurant has the most beautiful interior in SF. Chef George Chen is inventive with his cuisine and there is no similar Chinese restaurant like this in the U.S. This is a must eat restaurant!

Very special night with great food and attentive service. Really enjoyed having the chef come over and greet us and describe our first course - nice way to start the meal! Decor is also well done.

Each dish was beautifully prepared, presented, and the taste was wonderful. Memorable dining experience with a wonderful wine pairing carefully and thoughtfully selected for each dish. Dishes were delicately balanced, but full of flavor. Chef George comes out and greets all his guests at their table when they arrive. It’s a nice personal touch. Their cocktails are creative and tasty, as well. Dishes are well paced, friendly staff, not pretentious.

Absolutely outstanding experience not to be missed. The food, the service, the presentation, and the ambiance. Chef Chen came and interacted with all the guests. We knew how much it would cost, so no regrets. Will be back soon. Certainly recommend to all lovers of fine dining.

Excellent food and service. Would highly recommend this dining experience.

Incredible. Best dining experience I’ve ever had.

Never had Chinese Fine dining, it was spectacular.

The best service that I ever had. And the fabulous foods really worth to reserve it 2 months ago.

High expectations were exceeded with outstanding service and innovative high quality food. Enjoyed every course of the 12 course extavaganza.