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Grilled Dry-Aged Swordfish - Palette, San Francisco, CA

Palette

4.8
4.8
352 Reviews
$50 and over
Seafood
Nestled in the SoMa neighborhood of San Francisco, Palette is an innovative seafood restaurant from Chef Peter Hemsley. His "Cal Coastal" cooking style celebrates seasonal seafood and vegetables from the greater California coast with an emphasis on traceability. The dramatic and expansive dining room invites guests to immerse themselves in a unique fine dining experience.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Fine Dining

  • Cuisines

    Seafood, Contemporary American, Farm-to-table

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (415) 865-0529

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Executive chef

    Peter Hemsley

  • Neighborhood

    SOMA

  • Cross street

    4th

  • Parking details

    Metered, Garages

  • Public transit

    MUNI + Bart: Powell Station

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 352 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Sort by

  1. JustinSFPics

    San Francisco

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent in every way but a little too dark. We will be back.
  2. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dick being huge
  3. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Great food! “Sharing” portions are too small. Very pleasant experience! Thank you!
  4. OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Elegant and exquisite presentation
  5. OpenTable Diner

    London

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on December 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing experience! Great cocktails, very nice ambience.
  6. HillaryC

    Las Vegas

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 15, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    We were celebrating a birthday & were seated in a beautiful wine room setting. Service & particularly the sommelier was excellent. However the food, though good, was not as delicious as expected & the cost for portions was exorbitant.

    PaletteResponded on December 20, 2022Thank you for your feedback Hillary and choosing to celebrate such a special occasion in our Cellar Room. We are always striving for improvement and hope to welcome you through our door again in the future.

  7. OpenTable Diner

    Cleveland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We absolutely loved this place from start to finish. What a magnificent experience .
  8. OpenTable Diner

    London

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Like eating in outer space.
  9. Nope

    San Francisco

    27 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Palette is a spectacular dining experience. Everything was pristine—from the stunning handmade glassware and plating of the food to the professional poise and kindness of the staff (our waiter Avery was phenomenal). I also have great appreciation for the willingness to accommodate dietary restrictions, which many restaurants of this caliber won’t do. The cocktails and food were beautiful and delicious. This is a meal and restaurant I will continue to talk about!
  10. notsoeasilyimpressed

    Chicago

    96 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    96 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    From the street it's not branded very well in terms of signage, but it does present itself like a secret oasis in SOMA, and it is. From the front desk to helping with our coats on exit it was an exceptional experience. The food was excellent, and the server created a beautiful experience in his knowledge and commitment to not rushing the meal. The interior was beautiful as well. an all around wonderful experience for the last night in San Francisco.
  11. LisaG

    Miami

    8 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience5
    Very disappointing. The restaurant is beautiful with a great vibe. We chose a caviar service which was delicious but not something that they prepared. The drinks were way to skimpy for this kind of restaurant . If you’re going to spend several hundred dollars for dinner, you’d like an good pour and an ample drink. Four foodies who felt that the food tried to hard to be different but didn’t live up to the description or hype by the servers. I’m not going to get into the individual dishes. That being said it is a beautiful well appointed space
  12. JohnA

    Seattle

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Chefs menu was nothing short of amazing. The chef personally served a couple of corses. Drinks exceptional The staff was the best. Attentive while leaving us to our conversation
  13. RoyH

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great night out with the fam!
  14. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 25, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    It was a nice dinner but definitely on the pricey side. Most of the items we got were good, not great. Hokaido Milk Bread - 5/5 Kumamoto & Kushi Oysters - 4/5 (fresh yet, something’s missing or maybe too much sourness for me) Caviar Classic - 5/5 Wood Fired Miyagi - 4/5 Halibut Crudo - 3/5 (maybe just me, would’ve like this warm) Spot Prawn & Tuna Tartare - 4/5 (woul’ve preferred thinner cracker) Blisterred Snap Peas with Blue Blue Cheese - 6/5 (yup definitely liked this especially with generous serving of caviar!) Seared Rockfish - 4/5 Miso Glazed Black Cod - 6/5 (this was the star of our visit! The best fish entree I porbably had in my life!) Dry Aged Tuna Steak 3/5 (was just ok.M) Cocktails 4/5 t(hey were nicely strong) Service 3/5 (no warm welcome by the door. Host had a weird, somewhat surprised expression when we approached. A bit of wait before our drinks/orders were taken. Good team service through dessert afterwards except fair service on water refills.) Bathroom 3/5 (good and clean, but not as nice/fancy compared to other restaurants with same menu prices) Bar service 5/5 Overall, it was a nice visit yet I don’t see myself coming back for their tasting menu nor would back for the ala carte as I was only impressed with only a few dishes from the ala carte menu. In other words, this place didn’t make it to my favorite list

    PaletteResponded on November 29, 2022Thank you for taking the time to provide this feedback. We are always striving to improve and hope to welcome you through our doors again as our menu continues to evolve.

  15. enricom

    San Francisco

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on September 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The swordfish and the tuna were exceptional. I recommend this restaurant
  16. hmmm

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Thank you for the excellent service and delicious foods. We had a great birthday celebration at your venue!
  17. irose

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    One concern to share. To reserve with Palette I was required to put a deposit of $50 per person. The reservation indicated that this deposit ($200/4 people) would be credited to my dinner bill. When I got my bill, it did not show the $200 deposit as credit. I luckily checked for it and the waiter had to go and adjust the bill. This is an unacceptable gaffe for a high end restaurant.
  18. Nunya

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The chef’s tasting menu was out of this world. Restaurant has great decor and ambiance. There are about 10 servers per table, you’ll never go without a full glass of water/wine. Can’t wait to go back!!!
  19. Kegs

    Columbus

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved it! Food was creative and delicious. The sommelier, Avery, gave us a great wine recommendation. The entire experience was perfect for a romantic date night. We sat at the bar and the service we received from Colin was the right amount of attentive without being too intrusive or hovering. We will be back, especially due the the fact we already made a reservation for our next visit.
  20. dcfoodie

    Washington DC

    50 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    50 reviews

    Dined on June 25, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Excellent food and drinks. We ordered about 9 items on the menu and enjoyed all of them. My least favorite was the tempura fried rockfish, the batter was too thick which was overwhelming.
  21. Saundo

    San Francisco

    38 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on June 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best SF dining experiences in years. I've been dining in SF for decades and there are sometimes very special experiences. This was one of them. Expensive, yes. Worth it, yes. Service was excellent. Food was perfect. Wine selection is amazing (and pricey). Nice work, Palette!!! Greg
  22. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was amazing and not pricey for what it is
  23. DennyA

    San Francisco

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent, imaginative seafood served in a luxurious setting. Pricey, but worth it for a special occasion. Miso steamed cod was amazing!
  24. RaffaelA

    San Francisco

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on March 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding food location and service. From the ambiance to the food and cocktails. It was all a work of art.
  25. PnWN

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2022

    overall5food5service3ambience5
    The space is amazing and complimented the entire experience. Food was wonderful, the chef was able to accommodate dietary restrictions without any issues. The wine list is extensive and the bar is equipped to meet everyone’s request. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and had a great vibe. Would recommend to friends and family.
  26. AnwellW

    New England

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The experience and quality of each dish was wonderful!
  27. Castellian

    Los Angeles

    8 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The service was a touch too slow, but our server and the food were excellent.
  28. coolin113

    San Francisco

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great ambiance. Very well curated menu. Everything was delicious. The cocktails and wine are outstanding too. Great vibe overall
  29. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful renovation of the previous restaurant. Slightly dark ambiance, so good for romantic or quiet dining. Lovely cocktails & wine, great food. Amazing service.
  30. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My first time here and this place is definitely deserve a return dining! I ordered the a la cart option but next time definitely will try the prefix menu!
  31. Dayoon

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best dining experiences we had in a long time. Highly recommended. Will be back soon!
  32. PeninsulaFoodie

    San Francisco

    20 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on February 23, 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Great ambiance, service. Food was fine, but not impressive. Now we only had appetizers (we ordered almost one of each), but the flavors were over complicated and somehow didn’t really work that well together (for us). I would recommend they simplify some of the dishes. Very cool place and people.
  33. VaniaA

    San Francisco

    21 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on February 20, 2022

    overall3food5service3ambience5
    Food was AMAZING and cocktails were sublime. However we were barely visited by our server jared? He showed up so little to the table that I had to flag him down for drinks (second round ) for lemon wedges, and when the entrees touched the table We weren’t even set up for our next course (we had to ask the food runner to take the appetizer plates as well as silverware and to please reset our table with entrée silverware and plates ) the tables right next to us were set up accordingly for each course. But once we got our appetizers the server showed up only 3 more times in a space of 20-25 minutes in between. We all Noticed it. Don’t get me wrong I loved the ambiance,The food, the cocktails but for a $700 bill service was definitely not up to par and we were all honestly a little disappointed as of why the busser would be more present at our table than our server. We finished eating and we still waited for about 20 minutes to get the table cleared and dessert which was delicious. I originally made the reservation for the gallery, and received a message from the managing team saying that due to short staff gallery was short but we were welcomed to go to palette so we did . Loved the food, the ambiance, cocktails, wine selection and dessert.
  34. datenight

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Phenomenal service and food; friendly and amazing staff , five stars all around will definitely be back
  35. EricG

    San Francisco

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on February 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great tasting menu. Tasty, innovative and simply delicious. The smoked sturgeon was fantastic.
  36. CiaoBella

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing amazing experience. Chef Parker did an incredible job! Each dish was delicious and beautifully presented. The entire staff was attentive, friendly. A true fine dining experience.
  37. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband and I love this place, exquisite food, beautiful presentation and touch of art in everything.
  38. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Was more then a night out getting food and drinks…it was an experience. The execution and details put in each handcrafted cocktail and dish was fantastic! The Cod and Black ink pasta where special. Would definitely come back for more and looking forward to trying some of their dinning course experiences.
  39. James

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    great experience. the food and service were terrific. only complaint: street level dining, no windows , yet priced like as if they had panoramic views.
  40. BobC

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best newer places (post-pandemic) places we have been. Exceedingly helpful and friendly staff complements creative dishes in a very attractive setting. Also good value for the meal. First time there and will for sure be back.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Contactless payment available
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

Palette is rated 4.8 stars by 352 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Google Map for Palette

816 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94107-1123

Additional information

  • Cross street

    4th

  • Neighborhood

    SOMA

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Seafood, Contemporary American, Farm-to-table

  • Dining style

    Fine Dining

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    Metered, Garages

  • Public transit

    MUNI + Bart: Powell Station

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Peter Hemsley

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
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