Want to treat your family, friends, or coworkers to something special this holiday season?
Take your party on the road to one of San Francisco's best restaurants, where pro teams are ready to do all the cooking and cleaning for you in spaces with ambience you likely just can't achieve at home. In a city stacked with dining-out options, there are no doubt hundreds of exclusive spaces you could rent, but we've curated the most unique of the bunch—no conference rooms here.
Reserve a string-lit urban patio, a glamorous formal dining room, a kitschy tiki lounge, or a craft cocktail bar and start making some holiday memories.
Just be sure to make reservations early—these spots book up fast.
(Courtesy of @anglersanfrancisco)
Absinthe Brasserie & Bar
Capacity: 60
The upscale Hayes Valley mainstay has a private dining space with a separate entrance, its own bar, coat room, and restrooms. Decorated similarly to the main restaurant with dark wood, paintings, and old-school charm, the menu offers French fare and a raw bar. //398 Hayes St. (Hayes Valley), absinthe.com
Capacity: 8-20
The cleanly decorated Mission gastropub dedicated to simple and delicious food and drinks allows you to rent out their upstairs bar for cocktail tastings and food pairings. // 3174 16th St. (Mission), abvsf.com
Angler
Capacity: 50
Trendy seafood spot Angler's taxidermy-filled bar, aka the Game Room, acts as a hip private dining room for small 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. // 132 The Embarcadero (Embarcadero), anglerrestaurants.com
Aphotic
Capacity: 20-35
Newly Michelin-christened Aphotic’s private Driftwood Room is all dark elegance and sculptural design. Guests of up to 20 for a seated reception or up to 35 standing will nosh on a divine menu studded with sustainable seafood and curated by executive chef Peter Hemsley. // 816 Folsom St. (SoMa), aphoticrestaurant.com
(Courtesy of @berbersf)
Berber
Capacity: 15-80
Berber, Russian Hill’s enchanting North African restaurant, transforms dinner into an event. Belly dancers, aerialists, and live music effortlessly up the excitement at the Le Souk Supper Club, which can host private parties of up to 75 seated or 80 standing. For something a little more low key, book the Skylight Mezzanine which treats 25-30 guests to North African hospitality and eats under the stars. // 1516 Broadway (Russian Hill), berbersf.com
Capacity: 40
One of the Mission's most beloved spots for craft cocktails and pizzas, Beretta has a private dining room downstairs with an upscale cozy vibe thanks to wall sconces, exposed brick, and dark wood wainscoting that accommodates up to 40. At their newer NoPa location, their floral wallpapered event space also has space for up to 40 for seated dinners or standing cocktail receptions. // 1199 Valencia St. (Mission), berettasf.com
Birch & Rye
Capacity: 16
Starkly beautiful birch trees form the backdrop for private events at Russian juggernaut Birch & Rye. On the heated Birch Patio, up to 16 of your closest friends and family will journey through the delicacies of Eastern European (including uniquely infused housemade vodkas), crafted with care by chef Anya El-Wattar. // 1320 Castro St. (Noe Valley), birchandryesf.com
Capacity: 5-20
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 20 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), boudinbakery.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 L'Avenue, where the art was inspired by the Oakes' first restaurant, L'Avenue. // 1 Mission St. (Embarcadero),boulevardrestaurant.com
The Cavalier
Capacity: 22-45
There are still few spaces quite quite as cool and intimate as Marianne's, the once invite-only and passcode-protected salon set behind the main restaurant with its own back alley door. Inspired by Marianne Faithfull, the space has beautifully worn furnishings, plenty of candlelight, a private bar, and a subtle rock and roll vibe best suited for evening cocktail-fueled parties. Marianne's can seat up to 22 guests for dinner or host up to 50 for standing receptions. The elegant Wine Stables room (26-30 guests) and the taxidermy-laden Blue Bar (35-45 guests) are available for larger parties. // 360 Jessie St. (SoMa), thecavaliersf.com, mariannessf.com
Che Fico
Capacity: 16
Want to host your family or office holiday soiree in one of SF's most-buzzed-about restaurants? Reserve the Celentano Room, where Che Fico's signature mixed-print tiles and a wall lined with the albums of Italian singer Adriano Celentano lend an intimate, convivial feeling. Plus, what could be more festive than sharing signature pastas and blistered Neapolitan pizzas with your peeps. // 838 Divisadero St. (NoPa), chefico.com
Dalida
Capacity: 8+
Dalida beautifully captures the magic of the Presidio in their private dining room, a rustic-chic space festooned with maximalist floral wallpaper. There’s room for 14 at the table, which will be piled high with eastern Mediterranean delights crafted with a California twist (think borek dumplings, pork cheek souvlaki, and a show-stopping whole turbot with clam beurre blanc). With six distinct dining spaces, they can create semi-private spaces for larger parties, too. // 101 Montgomery St., Ste. 100 (Presidio), dalidasf.com
Dalida's private dining room.(Couretsy of @dalidasf)
Capacity: 40-50
Don't be fooled by the somewhat-gritty Tenderloin address or the cavernous industrial interior at Del Popolo: The adjacent garden, designed just for private events, feels both intimate and celebratory. In good weather, the dining is al fresco, but if conditions warrant, socializing and dining can take place in a heated tent. // 855 Bush St. (TenderNob), delpopolosf.com
Dirty Habit
Capacity: Up to 500
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. But because this is a hotel, there are nearly endless options of private rooms and seating arrangements for private events, including the Rickhouse Room, which doubles as a boardroom during the day and is available for hosted dinners adjacent to the terrace. // 12 Fourth St. (SoMa), dirtyhabitsf.com
EpicSteak
Capacity: 15-60
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. //369 The Embarcadero (Embarcadero), epicsteak.com
Fiorella
Capacity: 19-60
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 you warm. If you're Tenderloin-bound, Fiorella's parklet seats up to 34 and at their Sunset location, the entire rooftop---or even the clutch Bar Nonnina---can be your playground. // 2339 Clement St. (Outer Richmond), 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. //2401 Harrison St. (Mission), flourandwater.com
Foreign Cinema
Capacity: 40-100
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 event space, Amate Terrace, a cozy, tiled area past the courtyard, seats up to 18 April through October. // 2534 Mission St. (Mission), foreigncinema.com
Greens
Capacity: 60-100+
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 House.(Courtesy of @leosoysterbar)
Leo's Oyster Bar
Capacity: 14-50
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 (28-50), a "retro-glam cocktail lounge" with tropical wallpaper, vintage flourishes, and ever-flowing Champagne. The Tiki Lounge (14-20) is a kookier spot for entertaining thanks to bamboo walls, a weatherproof thatched roof, and mismatched art. // 568 Sacramento St. (FiDi), leossf.com
Lolinda
Capacity: 80-125
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 100 or so of your closest friends when you buy out the modern Argentine steakhouse's mezzanine . //2518 Mission St. (Mission), lolindasf.com
Marlowe
Capacity: 16
No one puts on a party like restaurateur Anna Weinberg, who had the sense to turn the little space that once housed the restaurant's trash bins into a petite patio with a living wall, hanging lights and, most importantly, protection from the weather. Marlowe burgers all around! //500 Brannan St. (SoMa), marlowesf.com
(Courtesy of @nooshsf)
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 Lounge
Capacity: 12
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. In each, up to 12 guests can revel in Movida’s unique Persian-Mexican fusion and seasonal artisan cocktails. // 555 2nd St. (SoMa), movidalounge.com
Capacity: 20
In Farsi, the word Noosh means "lovely," and Pac Heights spot—dressed in the blue, white, rustic pale wood, and blown glass of the Mediterranean seaside—is. The Mezzanine (seats 20) is accessible via a private staircase and flooded with natural light. This space is designed for lounging, with various nooks and a fireplace calling for cocktails before or after dinner. The Kitchen Table seats also seats 20 in a more classic private dining room; munch on the eatery's signature pita, dips, flatbreads, and more with bustling views to Fillmore Street and Noosh's kitchen. // 2001 Fillmore St. (Pacific Heights), nooshsf.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
The Chef's Table at O by Claude Le Tohic.(Courtesy of @obyclaudeletohic)
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. In the Bistro, which spans the second and third floors, the sweetly sugared Chocolate Room hosts up to 30 for a laid-back breakfast, lunch, or dinner. 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: 30-40
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 40), 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: 25-105
A few years back, when 7x7 was seeking a chicly understated space for a fete where our Style Council honorees could shine, we chose the Combined Warrior Room at Pabu. Sliding paper doors and artwork lend an authentic Japanese atmosphere for enjoying sophisticated sushi and cocktails. For larger parties, check out the Hikyaku Room. //101 California St. (Financial District), michaelmina.net
Perbacco Ristorante & Bar
Capacity: 18-70
When only the most gracious hospitality will do, Perbacco is a fine choice for lovers of refined Italian fare and wines. The Barolo room (18-25) peeks into the kitchen and houses the temperature-controlled wine cellar. Barbaresco (40-70), meanwhile, is a heavily curtained semi-private dining room located on the mezzanine level. The upper-level Mezzanine can host up to 75 for a seated meal or 120 for a standing reception. //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 do a 45-guest standing reception with cheese, salumi, and crudites snack boards. // 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.
The Progress
Capacity: 10-48
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 family feels 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), statebirdsf.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: 8-40
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. For larger parties, book the adjacent Bar Iris for cocktails and canapés for up to 40. // 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 in Jackson Square. They've also got three semi-private spaces: Bar Nomiya, which seats up to 40, Bar Nami, which seats up to 18, and the Mokuzai Table, which seats up to 14. //801 Montgomery St. (Jackson Square), rokaakor.com
Schroeder's
Capacity: 20
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 Library (seats up to 18), the Shiraga (up to 12), and the Laurel (40). // 3640 Sacramento St. (Presidio Heights), sprucesf.com
Tenderheart
Capacity: 50-150
Tenderheart, chef Joe Hou’s fantastically eclectic Chinese-American restaurant in the chic Line Hotel, has two places to party. The more understated, a clean-lined, mid-century modern space inspired by the novels of Dashiell Hammett called, simply, the Hammett Room, has 2,000 square feet indoors and 1,000 square feet outdoors for 50 seated guests and 120 standing. If you really want to make a statement, though, it’s Rise Over Run, the hotel’s rooftop indoor-outdoor cocktail lounge that’ll do it. The glass solarium, a sunny, greenhouse-like space of plant life and color, and its outdoor gardens with fire pits, can host up to 150. // 33 Turk St. (Tenderloin), thelinehotel.com
The Felix at Bodega SF
Capacity: 36
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 36 guests can take over the space, where they’ll indulge in classic cocktails spiked with Eastern flavors like chrysanthemum and lychee, and Vietnamese snacks like soft-shell crab buns. // 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
Capacity: 20-75
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 20 guests. For a larger shindig, you can reserve the Piano Lounge, which comes complete with a live pianist. // 555 California St. (Financial District), thevault555.com
