Treat your family, friends, or coworkers to something truly special this holiday season.
Tucked away in back rooms and basements and hidden behind clever partitions and doors, some of the city’s best dining experiences await your next gathering. In a city with no shortage of Michelin chefs and Instagram-worthy spaces, we’ve curated the most unique private dining rooms so you can give your guests a night they won’t forget.
Reserve a Presidio-inspired table at newcomer Prelude, a dough room at Flour + Water, or a personalized affair of many courses at the renowned Quince—or choose any vibe from old-school Italian to boho Indian.
Just be sure to make reservations early. These spots book up fast.
The Mezzanine at the stylish Copra is a private space for up to 55 guests to enjoy Indian fare.(Chad Santo Tomas)
Absinthe Brasserie & Bar
Capacity: 25-40
The upscale Hayes Valley mainstay has a private dining space with a separate entrance, its own bar, coat room, and restrooms. Recently refreshed and decorated similarly to the main restaurant with dark wood, paintings, and old-school charm, the menu offers seasonally-inspired French fare and a raw bar. // 398 Hayes St. (Hayes Valley), absinthe.com
Capacity: 20
The cleanly decorated Mission gastropub dedicated to simple and delicious food and drinks allows you to rent out Over Proof, their upstairs bar, for standing, cocktail-style parties. Drinks and bites are ordered individually from your very own bartender. // 3174 16th St. (Mission), abvsf.com
Acquerello
Capacity: 4-20
Nob Hill Italian staple and two-star Michelin restaurant Acquerello offers refined dining in an even more intimate setting with two private dining options. For 4-8 guests, the petite Wine Room offers a window into wine director Gianpaolo Paterlini’s award-winning cellar. For up to 20 guests, the Gold Room is warm and welcoming, with frescoed walls and a glass chandelier. Each event begins with hors d'oeuvres and wine; book for a reception or formal seated lunches and dinners. // 1722 Sacramento St. (Nob Hill); acquerellosf.com
Angler
Capacity: 50
Trendy seafood spot Angler's taxidermy-filled bar, aka the Game Room, acts as a hip private dining room for parties of up to 50 guests. You and your guests will bump elbows with a life-sized bear while sipping signature cocktails and diving into such oceanic fare as roasted giant octopus and California king crab. For a more intimate experience, book the Lounge, where up to 16 guests can enjoy stunning Bay Bridge views and Michelin-starred cuisine. // 132 The Embarcadero (Embarcadero), anglerrestaurants.com
Aphotic
Capacity: 20-30
Michelin-christened Aphotic’s private Driftwood Room is all dark elegance and sculptural design inspired by its name. Guests of up to 20 for a seated reception or up to 30 standing will nosh on a divine menu studded with sustainable seafood and curated by executive chef Peter Hemsley. // 816 Folsom St. (SoMa), aphoticrestaurant.com
Capacity: 30-50
One of the Mission's most beloved spots for craft cocktails and pizzas, Beretta has a fully private dining room downstairs with an upscale cozy vibe thanks to floral wallpaper, exposed brick, and dark wood wainscoting that accommodates up to 40. At their NoPa location, the floral theme continues in an event space with its own private bar and space for up to 50 standing. // 1199 Valencia St. (Mission) and 661 Divisadero St. (NoPa), berettasf.com
Capacity: 5-30
Birdsong, the Michelin-starred restaurant known for serving a refined twist on the briny, earthy flavors of the Pacific Northwest, has two private dining options. Starling, the smaller of the two, has rustic-chic decor and seats up to ten. Merlin, meanwhile, can host a flock of 30 standing and also houses a glass, walk-in meat locker and lounge space. For longer receptions, parties can opt for a beverage reception with canapés before the seated meal. // 1085 Mission St. (SoMa), birdsongsf.com
Capacity: 32-40
Can't resist the kitsch of Fisherman Wharf's OG Boudin Bakery? Reserve the PDR with a tiled fireplace and view of the bay. While there, be sure to check out the onsite museum and glass showroom bakery. // 160 Jefferson St. (Fisherman's Wharf), bistroboudin.com
The Ken Fulk–designed Wine Vault at Boulevard. (Courtesy of @blvdsf)
Boulevard
Capacity: 12-70
For groups in want of something classic San Francisco, chef Nancy Oakes' Boulevard has long been a top choice for special occasions and private parties, but since a Fulk-ification in recent history, the mainstay restaurant is more glamorous than ever. For invitation-only fetes, there are two options here. Seating 12 guests, the Wine Vault has European charm with a vaulted stone roof and Boulevard's wine selection lining the walls. Or, you can pack the whole extended family (up to 70 guests) into the Ken Fulk-designed L'Avenue, which nods to a era of glamor with uniquely lustrous decor. // 1 Mission St. (Embarcadero), boulevardrestaurant.com
Cassava
Capacity: 20
Cassava's intimate Foyer Room has its own entrance and a perfect seat right in front Columbus Avenue to soak up the neighborhood charm. Up to 20 guests can choose from a three- or four-course prix fixe menu of the bistro’s French-Californian favorites. // 401 Columbus Ave. (North Beach); cassavasf.com
Che Fico
Copra
Capacity: 32-55
Sophisticated, tropical-chic Copra showcases the food from Chef Sri Gopinathan’s childhood in Kerala, India, in a very Instagram-worthy setting. Book the fully private Mezzanine for 45 seated or 55 standing guests celebrating nearly anything—you’ll have access to a dedicated bar and sound system. To see and be seen, try the Greenhouse, a space on the main floor set off by macramé curtains for up to 40. // 1700 Fillmore St. (Pacific Heights); coprarestaurant.com
Corzetti
Capacity: 36-40
Corzetti’s lively flair extends to its light-filled private dining space, which, like its menu, seamlessly blends old and new. Up to 40 guests will feel transported to the seaside region of Liguria, where coastal cuisine reigns supreme. Expect modern takes on Italian hospitality and flavors, centrally located in the heart of the city. // 398 Geary St. (Union Square), corzettisf.com
Cultivar
Capacity: 20-60
This haven for wine aficionados has two locations to tailor your private dining experience. At its Marina location, bring the party—of 33 seated or 60 standing—outside to their perfectly appointed patio, complete with a roaring fireplace and charming lights. The new location at Ghirardelli Square is in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf and features a seamless indoor/outdoor setting to take in the view and feels a world away. // 2379 Chestnut St. (Marina) and 900 North Point St. #211 (Fisherman's Wharf); cultivarwine.com
The JAK W-designed private dining room at Dalida features a painted floral wallpaper by Emily Parkinson.(Courtesy of @dalidasf)
Dalida
Capacity: 16
Dalida beautifully captures the magic of the surrounding nature in their private dining room, a rustic-chic space festooned with maximalist floral wallpaper. There’s room for 16 at the table, which will be piled high with eastern Mediterranean delights crafted with a California twist (think roasted lamb dumplings, pork cheek souvlaki, and a show-stopping whole turbot with clam beurre blanc). With four distinct dining spaces, they can create semi-private spaces for larger parties, too. // 101 Montgomery St., Ste. 100 (Presidio), dalidasf.com
Capacity: 12-50
Don't be fooled by the somewhat-gritty Tenderloin address or the cavernous industrial interior at Del Popolo: The venue’s garden is an urban oasis. This heated, covered space is designed just for private events of 40-50 people, with the option to add more space by extending the party to the open-air back patio (which itself can be booked for a small dinner party of 12). // 855 Bush St. (TenderNob), delpopolosf.com
Dirty Habit
Capacity: 14-25
Situated on the fifth floor of downtown's modernist Hotel Zelos, Dirty Habit is best known for its rooftop patio lounge warmed by fire features and comfy couches. Hidden in the labyrinth of the hotel’s halls are a myriad of private dining spaces, including the speakeasy-inspired Stillhouse, the indoor-outdoor ready Cooper, and the classically comfortable Mashman. // 12 Fourth St. (SoMa), zhotelssf.com
Epic Steak
Capacity: 10-120
Situated above this masculine waterfront steakhouse, the Bay Room has floor-to-ceiling windows and its own mezzanine for unobstructed views of the bay, plus a devoted kitchen and chef for 120 standing guests. Try the aptly-named Quiver Lounge for a smaller crew (up to 30 seated) to enjoy the wrap-around cocktail balcony that overlooks Cupid's Span and the Bay. // 369 The Embarcadero (Embarcadero), epicsteak.com
Bar Nonnina at Fiorella is the sultry counterpart to the Richmond location's private patio dining.(Kelly Puleio)
Fiorella
Capacity: 15-150
When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie on the string-lit garden patio at Fiorella's original Richmond location, it will be amore. Don't worry about the fog—heat lamps and heaping plates of pasta will keep up to 35 guests warm. Fioreall boasts three other locations. Our extra pick Is the Sunset location's sexy rooftop speakeasy Bar Nonnina. Expect dark velvet curtains, a dramatic black marble bar (with your own bartender slinging craft cocktails), a fireplace, and moody vibes for up to 15 guests; in conjunction with the main restaurant you can host up to 150. // 2339 Clement St. (Outer Richmond) and 1240 9th Ave. (Sunset), fiorella-sf.com
The Dough Room at Flour + Water.(Courtesy of Flour + Water)
Capacity: 10-14
By day, the Dough Room at chef Thomas McNaughton's beloved Italian resto serves as the prep area for F+W's kitchen. By night, the room transforms into an intimate dining experience where you'll feel like you're having dinner in the kitchen of a (very skilled) friend. There's also the Test Kitchen, an intimate space that seats up to 10. For a truly unique experience, book a private pasta class for 8. // 2401 Harrison St. (Mission), flourandwater.com
Foreign Cinema
Capacity: 12-100
This Mission mainstay was designed for parties, with its outdoor movie screen, string lights, and reputation as the go-to place for celebratory brunches. Of course, Foreign Cinema also excels at dinner and drinks, and the restaurant has three venues for special events: Overlooking the main dining area, the semi-private mezzanine has room for up to 40. Meanwhile, the restaurant's art space,Modernism West Gallery, can host up to 100 and has its own surround sound system and full bar amid a collection of rotating art. Their newest space, Amate Terrace is a cozy alfresco area featuring a colorful mural of Amate dream images from local muralist Jet Martinez and seats up to 18 April through October. // 2534 Mission St. (Mission), foreigncinema.com
Greens
Capacity: 50-100+
Vegetarians need not feel limited when it comes to selecting the menu at Greens, the long-standing Fort Mason mainstay that celebrates plant-based fare. The private Bay Room is available for parties of up to 75, and has a snazzy view of the Golden Gate Bridge. In the Outdoor Pavillion, there's space for up to 60 for a seated meal or more than 100 for a standing reception. Greens will also ensure that every aspect of your party planning goes smoothly, with a range of recommendations for event partners including bands, photographers, DJs, florists, and designers. // 2 Marina Blvd, Landmark Building A (Fort Mason), greensrestaurant.com
The Hideaway at Leo's Oyster Bar.(Courtesy of @leosoysterbar)
Leo's Oyster Bar
Capacity: 18-50
Proprietor Anna Weinberg doesn't do anything small—and even the petite private dining spaces inside Leo's Oyster Bar feel entirely grand. Ladies who lunch will especially delight in The Hideaway (40-50), a "retro-glam cocktail lounge" with tropical wallpaper, vintage flourishes, and ever-flowing Champagne. The Tiki Lounge (18-24) is a kookier spot for entertaining thanks to bamboo walls, a weatherproof thatched roof, and mismatched art. // 568 Sacramento St. (FiDi), opentable.com
Embody island life in any season with the private Gen-Gen room at Liholiho Yacht Club.(Rasami Storm)
Liholiho Yacht Club
Capacity: 10-20
To bring a little Hawaiian flair and fun to a small party, book the Gen-Gen room at Liholiho Yacht Club. Family-style meals focus on globally-inspired seafood and California favorites—from sashimi fresh to hearty fried. Reservations also include your own cocktail bar, giving you easy access to the restaurant’s signature drinks, with atmosphere to spare thanks to colorful booths and bright pink walls. // 871 Sutter St. (TenderNob); lycsf.com
Capacity: 80
Nothing says it's a party like heaps of wood-grilled meats and shareable small plates such as yucca fries, croquetas, empanadas, and ceviches. Dig into it all with several dozen or so of your closest friends when you buy out the modern Argentine steakhouse's mezzanine. // 2518 Mission St. (Mission), lolindasf.com
Marlowe
Capacity: 18-20
A fully enclosed (and heated when the fog rolls in) patio is all charm, with a living wall, hanging lights, and room for up to 20 guests. The burgers that put Marlowe on the map are available to share as part of a four-course event menu. For a semi-private and lively experience that seats up to 18, book the communal table in the restaurant. // 500 Brannan St. (SoMa), marlowesf.com
Mourad
Capacity: 10-40
Chef Mourad Lahlou's homage to his Moroccan homeland has a wealth of private dining spaces to lend your event some North African flavor. The smallest of the bunch is the Alcove, a semi-private nook that seats up to 10. The Boardroom, an intimate space with A/V capabilities, and the Lounge, a communal table set in the lively bar, can seat up to 20. Up to 40 can take over the Mezzanine, which has a birds-eye view of the kitchen below. // 140 New Montgomery St. (SoMa), mouradsf.com
Movida
Capacity: 12-20
Movida brings the energy and vibrancy of a New York City nightclub to 2nd Street with its dramatic and luxe interiors. Choose from one of the restaurant-bar's three private dining rooms, where 12-20 guests can revel in Movida’s unique Persian-Mexican fusion and seasonal artisan cocktails. A high tea service is also available as an add-on experience. // 555 2nd St. (SoMa), movidalounge.com
The artistry of chef Kim Alter meets the vision of painter Caroline Lizarraga in Nightjar's exclusive private dining room.(Adahlia Cole)
Nightjar
Capacity: 14-35
Chef Kim Alter’s third venture is an exclusive private dining room adjacent to Nightbird and the adjoining Linden Room. Decorative painter Caroline Lizarraga brought her signature sophistication and style to create a lush and moody atmosphere at Nightjar, where a small group can enjoy the creative cuisine of Alter in a five-course dinner and an optional full bar. // 334 Gough St. (Hayes Valley); nightbirdrestaurant.com
Capacity: 12
If you thought dinner at chef Melissa Perello's Octavia couldn't get any better, reserve the Chef's Table in the lower kitchen for a truly memorable, intimate meal. Since it's chef's choice of multiple, seasonal courses—the details will be revealed upon your arrival—all you have to do is sit back, drink wine, and wait for culinary wonders to magically appear. // 1701 Octavia St. (Pacific Heights), octavia-sf.com
One65
Capacity: 6-30
Masters of French cuisine, multilevel One65 has a wide variety of private event spaces to choose from, each with its own mood. The sweetly sugared Chocolate Room hosts up to 30 for a laid-back breakfast, lunch, or dinner served by the restaurant’s Bistro kitchen. Three options are available upstairs in the fine-dining restaurant, O by Claude Le Tohic. Treat a small group to the kitchen-adjacent Chef’s Table or the intimate and dramatically lit Moss Room. Larger parties of up to 20 can take over the Cherrywood Room, a narrow room complete with velvet seating and natural wood wall treatments. // 165 O’Farrell St. (Union Square), one65sf.com
Capacity: 30-35
For a classic taste of Little Italy, take your paisanos to Original Joe's, serving old-school Italian-American food since 1937. In the Salesian Room (accommodates up to 35), pull up a chair at the long table hugged by green vinyl walls where a vintage Joe's sign still bears the scars from the fire that took the first location. Over in theTony Bennett Room (30-34), Art Deco mermaids swim across aqua tiled walls, and the window gazes out onto Washington Square Park. // 601 Union St. (North Beach), originaljoessf.com
Pabu
Capacity: 25-80
Sliding paper doors and artwork lend an authentic Japanese atmosphere for enjoying sophisticated sushi and cocktails in Pabu’s Warrior Rooms, which can be rented out for smaller crews or combined to host up to 25. For larger parties, check out the Hikyaku Room. // 101 California St. (Financial District), michaelmina.net
Perbacco Ristorante & Bar
Capacity: 8-120
When only the most gracious hospitality will do, Perbacco is a fine choice for lovers of refined Italian fare and wines. Options range from an intimate chef’s table experience to the full upper-level Mezzanine for larger receptions. There’s also the Barolo Room (18-25), which peeks into the kitchen and houses the temperature-controlled wine cellar, and Barbaresco (40-70), a heavily curtained semi-private dining room. // 230 California St. (Financial District), perbaccosf.com
The upstairs PDR at Penny Roma.(Courtesy of Penny Roma)
Penny Roma
Capacity: 32-45
Classic-cool Mission-Potrero Italian spot Penny Roma's private upstairs dining room, The Upstairs, hosts up to 32 for an indulgent chef's choice tasting menu experience. For a more casual experience, they can offer a 45-guest standing reception with cheese, salumi, and pinzimonio boards—or make it a heartier reception menu with six extra dishes. // 3000 20th St. (Mission-Potrero), pennyroma.com
Pied Piper
Capacity: 60-100
Plan an unforgettable event in the Pied Piper, a beautiful setting that evokes an intimate living room with a modern fireplace, plush furnishings, and tables topped with marble and honed black granite. Create a cozy, semi-private space within the room or rent the entire Pied Piper for an exclusive event where you can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails and customized menus for up to 60 guests seated or 100 guests reception-style. Take advantage of the reserved Marble Room entrance on Market Street to complete the personal experience. // Pied Piper at the Palace Hotel, 2 New Montgomery St. (Union Square), piedpipersf.com
Prelude
Capacity: 10-25
The decor of this Financial District newcomer—part of the hip Jay Hotel—takes inspiration from the Presidio’s foggy pockets and the palette of its eucalyptus trees, with a clever door that blends into the restaurant’s paneling to seal the private dining room from view. The restaurant serves up elevated and comforting Southern dishes with a Californian touch for crowd-pleasing gatherings of 10-12 in its private room or up to 25 in the Salon space. // 333 Battery St. (FiDi); preludesf.com
Capacity: 10-50
Small groups will love sharing The Progress' gourmet family-style platters by James Beard Award–winning and Michelin-starred chefs Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski. Accessible via a narrow staircase, the second-story Balcony, which seats 10, has a view of the stylish dining room but maintains that family feeling with dinner served atop a round wood table with a lazy susan. The Mezzanine, a semi-private space above the dining room with windows looking out over Fillmore Street, seats 11 to 18 guests. Their largest dining room, The Workshop, located upstairs between sister restaurants State Bird Provisions and The Progress, is a private space designed in mid-century modern style that has space for up to 50. While planning your special meal, you'll work with award winning chefs and bartenders from both of the dining establishments to customize your dream menu. // 1525 Fillmore St. (NoPa), theprogress-sf.com
Prospect
Capacity: 50-65
Prospect, another hit from Boulevard's chef Nancy Oakes located at the base of SoMa's Infinity Towers, welcomes well-heeled parties in the Candace Room, which was named for the whaling ship that was excavated from the site during construction. Floor-to-ceiling windows, deep velvet walls, and a private bar and reception area set the scene for exclusive mingling. // 300 Spear St. (Embarcadero), prospectsf.com
Ragazza
Capacity: 6 minimum
For Lower Haight residents, Ragazza is a neighborhood favorite, whether for quick weekday bites or romantic weekend suppers. Groups of six or more can enjoy cozy, garden dining in the Italian restaurant's weatherproof, heated gazebo. // 311 Divisadero St. (Lower Haight), ragazzasf.com
The Kimono room at Restaurant Nisei.(Courtesy of @restaurantnisei)
Restaurant Nisei
Capacity: 6-40
Chef David Yoshimura's Russian Hill ode to his Japanese-American heritage has a private dining room worthy of its sleek decor. The Kimono Room, so named for the elegant white-and-gold crane kimono that watches over its communal dining table, seats up to 20, while you can also rent out the main dining room for larger parties. The adjacent Bar Iris can also be yours to host 10-40 people to enjoy their inventive and extensive sake and spirits list. // 2316 Polk St. (Russian Hill), restaurantnisei.com
Roka Akor
Capacity: 14-40
Separated from the main dining room by glass walls with a view of the central robata grill, Roka Akor's private dining room pairs fresh fish with A/V hookups and a six-foot projection screen for parties of up to 18 in Jackson Square. They've also got three semi-private spaces: the Mokuzai Table and Bar Nami, which both seat up to 14; and Bar Nomiya, which seats up to 40. // 801 Montgomery St. (Jackson Square), rokaakor.com
Schroeder's
Capacity: 20-50
With just a sheer curtain to separate the private dining area from the rest of the restaurant, you'll still feel part of the Schroeder's action. Say prost in authentic fashion thanks to German murals, antique lamps, and rosewood walls that really bring home the German beer hall feel. // 240 Front (Financial District), schroederssf.com
Spruce
Capacity: 12-40
Presidio Heights' former auto garage turned posh den for society types who like to pair glasses of bubbly with their Spruce burgers, this Michelin-starred restaurant—with its rich interior and bold black-and-white art—is a no-brainer for special events. Let chef Mark Sullivan prepare a custom menu for your occasion in one of three private rooms: the Shiraga (up to 12), the Library (seats up to 18), and the Laurel (up to 40). // 3640 Sacramento St. (Presidio Heights), sprucesf.com
Hidden beneath the hit restaurant Bodega SF, The Felix can seat up to 22 guests for Eastern-influenced cocktails and delish Vietnamese snacks. (Erin Ng)
The Felix at Bodega SF
Capacity: 10-70
The Felix, the hidden cocktail lounge beneath hit Vietnamese restaurant Bodega SF, is alight with technicolor and glamor, from its tufted yellow velvet booths to its Mahjong-inspired tables. Up to 22 guests can enjoy a formal, seated family style dinner or 70 can take over the space for a standing reception. Indulge in classic cocktails spiked with South Eastern flavors like chrysanthemum and lychee, and Vietnamese snacks like soft-shell crab buns curated by Bodega Restaurant. // 138 Mason St. (Tenderloin), bodegarestaurants.com
Capacity: 35-45
When truly great cocktails are requisite for a proper toast, Trick Dog's got you. The celebrated bar team here is ready to pair their libations with elevated bar bites for large, lively groups in the industrial-chic Upstairs (for up to 45) and second-floor Mezzanine (for up to 35), both of which have large windows, an ever-rotating art collection, and more. // 3010 20th St. (Mission), trickdogbar.com
The Vault Steakhouse
Capacity: 22-70
Housed beneath the Bank of America building in what was once an actual bank vault, The Vault has a sleek, underground dining room complete with luxurious blue velvet chairs and dark floors. The space is available for both lunch and dinner celebrations of up to 24 guests. For a larger shindig, you can reserve the Piano Lounge, which comes complete with a live pianist, or bring the party outside to the newly renovated outdoor Vault Garden. // 555 California St. (Financial District), thevault555.com
Quince
Capacity: 16
Brick archways offset Quince’s private dining room, an elegant and serene space housed above the restaurant’s salon. Expect triple-Michelin-star-worthy service and renowned cuisine tailored to your preferences: you can choose from a three- to six-course meal for parties up to 16 or a gastro menu for a private crew of 10 or fewer. // 470 Pacific Ave. (Jackson Square); quincerestaurant.com
Enjoy a private room and choice between 3, 4, 5, or 6 courses at Quince. (Sarah Huber)
