Best Private Dining Room in San Francisco for Your Next Event, Curated by Experts
Summary
This post features a curated list of restaurants to help you find the best private dining room in San Francisco, CA, no matter your event. There’s also helpful FAQs and link to more San Francisco private dining resources.
Looking for the best private dining room San Francisco, CA has to offer? This article breaks down the top venues for private dining in San Francisco, highlighting what makes each one special and why they might be the perfect choice for your next private event. Whether you’re looking for a private room to host a cocktail reception or a full restaurant buyout office party, you’ll find what you’re looking for in this roundup.
Table of Contents
Why Trust Us?
At Avital, we’ve been hosting 5-star private dining events since 2011. We are experts in San Francisco dining experiences and can help you plan everything from a small event cocktail hour for clients to a holiday office party with the whole company. Whether your want a luxury private room, a semi private space, or a lively main dining room setting, we got you.
Overview of Top Private Dining Rooms in San Francisco
San Francisco offers a range of exceptional private dining rooms, each tailored to different event needs. Here’s a quick overview of the top venues:
- Best for Innovative Dining: Avital’s Interactive Meal
- Best for Scenic Views: Epic Steak
- Best for Large Groups: Morton’s The Steakhouse
- Best for Modern Elegance: Mr. Jiu’s
- Best for Seafood Lovers: Waterbar
- Best for Intimate Gatherings: The Wild
- Best for Adventurous Foodies: Ernest
- Best for Impressing Guests: Prelude
Avital Experiences’ Interactive Meal – Best for Innovative Dining
- Price: Starting at $190 per person (drinks and activities included)
- Interactive Meal, including a four-course meal
- Activities such as mini-cocktail classes and culinary trivia
At Avital we’ve been been revolutionizing private dining since 2011, offering a unique take on the traditional seated dinner and sit down dinner. Our SF Interactive Meal stands out with its blend of delicious food and engaging activities, such as a mini-cocktail class and culinary trivia. This format enables guests to enjoy a fantastic meal while encouraging interaction and engagement, making it perfect for special events and business dinners.
Although this unique experience comes at a higher price point, starting at $190 per person, it’s important to consider that that all-inclusive price is for both your meal, drinks, and activity. At Avital we also accommodate all dietary restrictions, making it an inclusive option for any group.
Pros:
- Unique, engaging experiences
- Customizable options
- Accommodation of dietary restrictions
Cons:
- Higher price point
- May not suit traditional diners
Epic Steak – Best for Scenic Views
- Price: Starting at $120 per person
- Bay Room with views of Bay Bridge
- AV capabilities
Epic Steak’s private dining areas are designed to enhance events with dynamic views of the Bay Bridge. The Bay Room, equipped with AV capabilities and a dedicated kitchen, accommodates up to 70 seated guests and 120 for standing receptions, making it ideal for company holiday parties, birthdays, and special event wedding receptions in a private dining space.
The Enclosed Piazza offers additional flexibility with a capacity of up to 50 seated guests and 85 for standing events. The picturesque waterfront backdrop and the exceptional quality of food and drinks make Epic Steak a standout choice for any team.
However, the requirement of a credit card deposit and the potential for high costs might be a consideration for some. Despite this, the stunning views and versatile spaces make it a top choice for memorable occasions.
Pros:
- Stunning views
- Versatile event spaces
- Excellent food
Cons:
- Requires credit card deposit
- Potentially high costs
Morton’s The Steakhouse – Best for Large Groups
- Price: Starting at $125 per person
- Accommodates up to 216 guests
- Ideal for large gathering
Morton’s The Steakhouse is an ideal venue for large gatherings, accommodating up to 216 guests in its private dining areas. This makes it suitable for various events, from business dinners to wedding receptions. Customers often praise the exceptional service and attention to detail provided by the staff, ensuring every event runs smoothly.
Its large capacity is a significant advantage, though it might feel impersonal for smaller groups. Its location in a busy area of San Francisco might also be a consideration for some. Nevertheless, for large-scale events requiring top-notch service and ample space, Morton’s The Steakhouse is hard to beat.
Pros:
- Large capacity
- Exceptional service
- Attention to detail
Cons:
- May feel impersonal for smaller groups
- Located in a busy area
Mr. Jiu’s – Best for Modern Elegance
- Price: Starting at $175 per person
- Michelin-starred
- Modern Cantonese cuisine
Mr. Jiu’s provides a Michelin-starred dining experience with a contemporary twist on Cantonese cuisine. Known for its signature dishes like roast duck and creative cocktails, the restaurant combines modern design with lush traditional Chinese elements to create a sophisticated atmosphere.
With a capacity to accommodate up to 100 guests, Mr. Jiu’s is perfect for various types of events. However, some diners report inconsistencies in food quality and service during peak times, which might be a consideration for special occasions. Despite these inconsistencies, Mr. Jiu’s modern elegance and creative cuisine make it a premier choice for upscale private dining.
Pros:
- Elegant atmosphere
- Creative dishes
- Accommodates up to 100 guests
Cons:
- Inconsistencies during peak times
- Higher price range
Waterbar – Best for Seafood Lovers
- Price: Starting at $120 per person
- Fresh seafood
- Views of Bay Bridge
Waterbar is renowned for its fresh seafood dishes and sweeping views of the Bay Bridge, making it a favorite among seafood lovers. The restaurants’ commitment to quality and its picturesque location make it an ideal choice for those looking to impress their guests with an exceptional dining full bar experience.
The quality of the seafood and the stunning views make Waterbar a top choice for seafood lovers looking to celebrate a special occasion with a glass of wine in style.
Pros:
- Fresh seafood
- Stunning views
- Accommodating dietary needs
Cons:
- Seafood-heavy menu, not a crowd-pleaser
- The main dining room can be loud for intimate conversation
The Wild – Best for Intimate Gatherings
- Price: Starting at $135 per person
- Private dining room available for parties of 5 to 10 guests
- Custom menu options available
Located in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district, The Wild offers a cozy and stylish environment perfect for intimate gatherings. Their private dining room accommodates parties of 5 to 10 guests, providing a personalized experience with custom menu options. The sleek Italian-inspired interior creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a small private dining room San Francisco experience.
Pros:
- Intimate setting ideal for small private dining room San Francisco events
- Personalized service
- Stylish ambiance
Cons:
- Limited capacity
- Requires a $50 deposit per person
Ernest – Best for Adventurous Foodies
- Price: Starting at $99 per person
- Globally inspired, seasonal menu
- Customizable tasting menus
Ernest, located in the Mission District, offers a unique dining experience with its globally inspired, seasonal menu. The private dining room accommodates up to 14 guests, making it ideal for small private dining room San Francisco gatherings. Guests can enjoy customizable tasting menus that showcase the chef’s creativity and commitment to quality. The intimate setting and innovative cuisine make Ernest a top choice for adventurous foodies.
Pros:
- Innovative cuisine
- Personalized dining experience
- Suitable for small private dining room San Francisco events
Cons:
- Limited seating capacity
- Reservations required well in advance
Prelude – Best for Impressing Guests
- Price: Starting at $165 per person
- Southern-influenced fine dining
- Located within The Jay Hotel
Situated within The Jay Hotel, Prelude offers a refined dining experience with its Southern-influenced menu. The private dining room, accommodating 8 to 14 guests, features elegant décor inspired by the Presidio, creating an intimate atmosphere perfect for special occasions. With a $165 per person tasting menu, Prelude provides a luxurious option for those seeking a small private dining room San Francisco experience with a unique culinary twist.
Pros:
- Elegant, intimate setting
- Unique Southern-inspired menu
- Ideal for small private dining room San Francisco events
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Limited seating capacity
Choosing the Perfect Private Dining Room in San Francisco
Selecting the ideal private dining room in San Francisco involves careful consideration of several factors. The venue’s capacity is a primary consideration. Morton’s The Steakhouse, for example, can accommodate up to 216 guests, making it ideal for large gatherings. Conversely, more intimate settings like Avital Experiences focus on interactive and engaging activities, ideal for smaller groups.
The type of event you’re planning is another important aspect. For scenic views and versatile event space, Epic Steak provides stunning views of the Bay Bridge and a range of customizable packages. For modern elegance and a sophisticated atmosphere, Mr. Jiu’s delivers a Michelin-starred experience with contemporary Cantonese cuisine.
Dietary accommodations are crucial when planning an event. Waterbar is known for its accommodating approach to special dietary needs, including gluten-free options. Considering costs like minimum spend requirements, room fees, and service fees can also help you budget effectively.
Finally, booking in advance is essential. Informing venues 4-6 weeks ahead of your event can ensure availability and allow for proper planning. Whether you’re hosting a business dinner, a wedding reception, or a birthday party, San Francisco’s private dining rooms offer a variety of options for private parties and private events to make your event memorable. Making reservations in advance can enhance your experience.
Summary
San Francisco’s private dining rooms cater to a wide range of event needs, from interactive and engaging experiences to elegant and sophisticated settings. By considering factors such as venue capacity, type of event, dietary accommodations, and additional costs, you can choose the perfect private dining space for your next event. Whether you opt for the unique experiences at Avital, the scenic views at Epic Steak, the large capacity at Morton’s, the modern elegance at Mr. Jiu’s, or the fresh seafood at Waterbar, you’re sure to create memorable moments for your guests.
SF Private Dining FAQs
The ideal group sizes for private dining in San Francisco are small to medium groups for group reservations, small to large groups for private dining, and large groups for restaurant buyouts. Adjust your choice based on the size of your party for the best experience.
Avital’s Interactive Meal starts at $190 per person. See more pricing details.
Yes, all dietary restrictions can be accommodated in the Interactive Meal. You can enjoy a customized dining experience that meets your specific needs.
The cost for a private dining room in San Francisco typically ranges from $500 to over $5,000, influenced by factors such as location, amenities, and demand.
It is best to notify venues for large group dining in San Francisco 4-6 weeks in advance to ensure availability and proper planning. This timeframe helps accommodate your group effectively.
Book Your SF Private Dining Event with Avital
If private dining seems like it could be a little dry, you should liven things up by booking an Interactive Meal with us here at Avital Food & Drink Experiences! We have been cultivating memorable, seamless, private dining experiences since 2011, and would love to help you create the private dining event you’re dreaming of. Let us take the wheel so you can sit back and enjoy your big day!
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