Tai Pan

Chinese Restaurant Restaurant Food

Bestie Business Card

The San Francisco Chronicle food editor, Michael Bauer gives his well-regarded opinion and warm reception of the restaurant in the sunday edition of the SF Chronicle. You can read it online at SFGate.

Business Hours

Mon: 11a–2:30p5–9p
Tue: 11a–2:30p5–9p
Wed: 11a–2:30p5–9p
Thu: 11a–2:30p5–9p
Fri: 11a–2:30p5–9p
Sat: 11a–3p5–9p
Sun: 11a–3p5–9p

Local Map

Directions

Your browser does not support embedded maps. View larger map

About Palo Alto, California, USA

More

Nominated for BestAround

A-
Overall Grade
Rating Scale:
A: 80-100% B: 60-79% C: 40-59% D: 20-39%

Tai Pan distinguishes itself in the competitive San Mateo restaurant scene with its nomination for "BestAround," a testament to its comprehensive approach to dining excellence. The restaurant's menu, spanning from traditional Dim Sum to elevated dishes like Chef's Lobster and Crab, caters to a broad spectrum of palates, ensuring there's something for everyone. This versatility is complemented by flexible dining hours, extending service well into the evening and offering convenient take-out options, making it an attractive choice for both locals and tourists.

The ambiance of Tai Pan, seamlessly blending elegance with warmth, adds to its allure. The restaurant's spacious and inviting spaces, available for dining both indoors and outdoors, are open from early hours, appealing to a wide range of diners. While the menu boasts over 80 Dim Sum varieties, including a special six-flavour plate, reviews from critics like those in the San Francisco Chronicle and Daily News Group consistently praise Tai Pan's commitment to quality, service, and luxurious decor.

However, while critics laud its culinary prowess and atmosphere, some reviewers point to areas for refinement. Wait times, occasional food presentation issues, and a limited vegetarian menu are noted as potential drawbacks. Despite these minor shortcomings, the overwhelmingly positive customer feedback, coupled with consistent high ratings across key categories, firmly positions Tai Pan as a deserving contender for "BestAround." Its ability to deliver a consistently elevated dining experience, coupled with its convenient location and welcoming atmosphere, solidifies its claim as a standout destination in the Bay Area.

About Tai Pan

Tai Pan stands out as a prominent Chinese restaurant in San Mateo, California, offering an extensive menu that caters to a wide array of culinary preferences. From traditional Dim Sum to exquisite Chef's Lobster and Crab specialties, the restaurant's offerings are designed to satisfy both locals and tourists alike. The dining hours are flexible, accommodating early dinner enthusiasts with service extending from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm, and offering take-out options from 11:00 am to 8:30 pm, making it convenient for those with busy schedules.

The restaurant's ambiance is a blend of elegance and warmth, with both indoor and outdoor dining areas that are open daily from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm and 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm. This extended hours and varied dining options position Tai Pan as a go-to destination for those seeking a high-quality dining experience in San Mateo. The menu, available for take-out daily from 11:00 am to 8:30 pm, features over 80 different varieties of Dim Sum, including seafood, meat, and vegetarian options, as well as a special Dim Sum Plate that introduces diners to six distinct flavors.

Recent reviews from reputable food critics, such as those published in the San Francisco Chronicle and the Daily News Group, have praised Tai Pan for its world-class Chinese cuisine and luxurious decor. Michael Bauer, a food editor from the San Francisco Chronicle, highlighted the restaurant's ability to cater to diverse tastes, while Katie Caputo from the Daily News Group emphasized the world-class standards and luxurious atmosphere. These positive reviews underscore Tai Pan's commitment to excellence and its appeal as a premier dining destination in the Bay Area.

Category Tags
Chinese Restaurant Restaurant Food Dining Chinese Cuisine

What Customers Say

4.2
Rating Based On
679
Official Google Reviews
5
339
4
204
3
80
2
25
1
31

Customers consistently highlight Tai Pan's exceptional dining experience, particularly its dim sum offerings, which are praised for their fresh ingredients, quality preparation, and authentic flavors. Many reviewers commend the attentive and knowledgeable service, noting that staff members often go above and beyond to cater to customer preferences.

The restaurant's elegant setting and refined ambiance contribute significantly to the overall positive experience, making it suitable for both intimate gatherings and larger groups. However, some feedback points out areas for improvement, such as wait times, the need for more vegetarian options, and occasional issues with service speed or food presentation.

Despite these minor critiques, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with customers giving the restaurant high scores across various categories including food quality, service, atmosphere, and value for money.

The consistent recommendation and willingness to return underscore Tai Pan's reputation as a standout destination for those seeking an elevated dining experience in Palo Alto.