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10 San Francisco restaurants perfect for special occasions

A photo of Red logo
by Becky Duffett
Updated December 15, 2023

Some special occasions were made for a glam gold-trimmed steakhouse. Other major moments call for family celebrations over outstanding pizza pies. And nothing beats a royal Cantonese banquet when it comes to hosting large and festive get-togethers. Luckily, San Francisco’s got it all.

Whether you’re marking a big birthday, entertaining out-of-towners, or just going extra-big on a random weeknight, these standout celebration spots are for you. Read on for a guide to 10 of San Francisco’s best restaurants to book for special occasions right now.

A photo of AKIKOS restaurant
4.7
4.7 (1622)
$50 and over
Japanese
SOMA
About the restaurant

AKIKOS (not to be confused with Akiko’s Sushi) recently moved to a dazzling new space in East Cut and continues to serve raw fish sourced from Japan’s famed Tsukiji Fish Market and local purveyors. Pull up a seat at the chef’s counter and savor zuke (soy-cured bluefin tuna), the freshness of Hokkaido scallops, and rich chawanmushi (egg custard, sea urchin, and maitake mushrooms) while you gawk at chef Ray Lee’s impeccably choreographed knife skills. The seasonal omakase menu includes six to seven small courses and ten pieces of nigiri, plus dessert. This is a meal reserved for the most special occasions.


Top review
Tyson
Dined 1 day ago
Very approachable while still being exceptional quality. This is an omakase experience that lets the quality of the fish and the combinations of unique flavors shine. Would highly recommend.
A photo of The Empress by Boon restaurant
4.3
4.3 (1412)
$50 and over
Chinese
Chinatown
About the restaurant

The Empress by Boon is a modern Cantonese destination from acclaimed chef Ho Chee Boon, who has more than 25 years of experience under his belt (including a stint as the executive chef of clubstaurant Hakkasan). Boon took over the 7,500-square-foot-space that was once home to Empress of China—a historic Chinese banquet hall that existed for nearly half a century—and continues the landmark’s legacy. To dial up the wow factor, Boon even recruited a UK-based design firm to revive the space with geometric screens and royal blue sofas with skyline views. Come for the five-course prix fixe featuring Cantonese-inspired hits like crispy lobster puff and wine-braised squab breast—a very sought-after celebration meal in town.


Top review
Tony
Dined today
This was a really great experience, a place to dine rather than just eat. I was somehow recognized upon check-in at the host stand, called by name before I could even say hello. The manager who greeted me out of the elevator up said "welcome Chef", which made it very clear they had at least googled my name or my profile. The level of detail was excellent. I wish the space was more full, 8 pm on a Friday the bar had two patrons at it, no one in the front lounge area, and 1/3 of the tables were empty... this was an experience that deserved to have more people enjoying it! (not sure how people are supposed to do a bar / lounge though if the only menu is price fix, but I digress). Standout dishes were the Prawn with Crispy Nori "Taco", the Dumpling Trio (especially loved the texture of the pumpkin dumpling), and the Noodles on the main course. The steamed Halibut was a bit over and flavors were meh. The added Crispy Skin Peking Duck supplement ($50) was room temperature / slightly cool to the bite, and it would have 1000X better if it had been at least warm. The Duck supplement was also an added dish to the "main course" consisting of 4 family style dishes, and I think as a diner, and out of respect to the work to make such a delicious and labor intensive dish, it could be and should be celebrated as a course on its own. The lotus root that came with the main family style dishes was tasty as hell but unfortunately got lost in the mix, and I'm disappointed I never circled back on it before being a bit too full to endeavor more of it. As a veteran of very fine dining cooking, I was surprised a sweet bite wasn't part of the 6 course meal to finish, and that all deserts were a la carte priced in addition to the price fix. We declined desert, and again was surprised there was not any mignardise served with the check, as a touch of sugar out the door. None of these faults would stop me from booking this experience for a special night out at all. Great Night!
A photo of Greens Restaurant restaurant
4.5
4.5 (11211)
$50 and over
Vegetarian / Vegan
Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
About the restaurant

Women-led Greens made a name for itself as an iconic vegetarian restaurant—but you don’t have to be an herbivore to celebrate here. The sensational seasonal menu features locally grown organic produce (including some from the restaurant’s own farm) with highlights like grilled peaches with watercress and hazelnuts and fresh pappardelle tangled with sweet zucchini and lemon butter. Grand wooden sculptures make dining indoors feel like you’re at an art gallery. Not to mention floor-to-ceiling glass windows with prime bay views, ensuring the dining experience is extra special. Reserve early to grab seats by the window for a front-row sunset view.


Top review
NadineVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Dinner at the quintessential vegetarian restaurant did not disappoint! The space is huge yet warm and inviting. Our server was attentive, as was the sommelier (we brought wine). The food was delicious (I am not a vegetarian) and we were able to linger and talk without being rushed out the door. My solitary complaint is the price, although that seems to be happening everywhere these days, and I cannot help but qualify my complaining with "for vegetarian". It's a wonderful place - I'm so glad it's still around! Will definitely be back.
A photo of State Bird Provisions restaurant
4.7
4.7 (3298)
$50 and over
Californian
Western Addition
About the restaurant

Thanks to an ever-changing menu, you can try something new each time you celebrate at this MICHELIN-starred hotspot. The casual but refined Californian restaurant treats New American dishes to Asian accents. Case in point: pork belly salad with pluots (a plum and apricot hybrid) and fish sauce vinaigrette or steamed egg tofu with garlic-chile oil, among other creative cultural mashups. No matter what else you order, round out your special night with faithfuls like a big platter of the restaurant’s claim-to-fame Californian quail for the table, plus housemade peanut milk for dessert.


Top review
Shivonna
Dined 3 days ago
Beautiful! The dim sum-esque service is perfect. Big fan. Will be back next time I’m around.
A photo of Foreign Cinema restaurant
4.7
4.7 (8874)
$31 to $50
Californian
Mission District
About the restaurant

In 1999, John Clark and Gayle Pirie transformed a struggling movie theater into a bohemian Cali-Mediterranean restaurant. Today, Foreign Cinema is still home to one of SF’s most dramatic spaces—and memorable meals. The heart of the space is the patio brightened with twinkle lights and old movies flickering in 35mm. And the plates match the spectacle: Diners love to feast on housemade pop tarts for birthday brunches, rack up seafood towers for Valentine’s dinners, and raise a glass at many a wedding party.


Top review
KathleenVIP
Dined today
Absolutely lovely experience overall! The food, the ambience, the diversity on the menu. It was all absolutely incredible. Highly recommend.
A photo of Lolinda restaurant
4.7
4.7 (3046)
$30 and under
Steakhouse
Mission District
About the restaurant

Lolinda is a consistent SF favorite for group get-togethers. The solid Argentinean steakhouse expertly blends Latin American flavors with Californian vibes. Medieval-esque wagon wheel chandeliers light up its spacious dining room, and a wood-fired grill adds a signature smokiness to the pitch-perfect meat dishes. Diners are seated at individual tables or at a large communal table to devour sausages, short ribs, pork chop, and ribeye steak. Get the full experience via the asado mixto (barbecue mix for two) that includes chorizo, morcilla, flap loin, short ribs, potatoes, and peppers. If you want to stretch your celebration, end upstairs at the open-air rooftop El Techo for a margarita and sweeping city views.


Top review
maryVIP
Dined today
It was my first time there. We went to celebrate my son’s 30th birthday. The atmosphere is moody, beautiful and it was poppin! The service, food and cocktails were all outstanding!
A photo of Bansang restaurant
4.5
4.5 (330)
$31 to $50
Contemporary Korean
Western Addition
About the restaurant

This bold Korean place is the rising star in the Daeho Dining Group’s growing portfolio. Chefs Ethan Seunghuyn Min and Jin Lim are both originally from Korea and come with high-end cred—Atelier Crenn and Michael Mina, respectively. At Bansang, you’ll celebrate with artful small plates designed for sharing. Expect Korean ingredients with Japanese and French flavors like decadent uni scallop toast, galbi ribeye, and radish kimchi fried rice. The restaurant recently scored a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand, so be sure to book in advance.


Top review
Dominic
Dined 5 days ago
Great tapas style of food. Yummy for sharing and sample lots of items. Oysters and uni toast were a hit. Highly recommend!!!
A photo of Miller & Lux restaurant
4.7
4.7 (1215)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
Mission Bay / South Beach
About the restaurant

Celebrity chef Tyler Florence dazzles at this glamorous modern steakhouse in Thrive City, the newly developed area just outside Chase Center. Ascend the stairs to a handsome dining room decked with tan leather booths and mid-century-style brass details. Suited servers roll through with trolleys, so you can watch them toss Caesar salads tableside or pick from a few different bottles of bubbles on ice. But the main event is the steak, and nothing says happy birthday, anniversary, or promotion quite like a 52-ounce wagyu tomahawk.


Top review
DianneVIP
Dined today
Service was very good and of course the steaks was great. We got the 45 day aged tomahawk which was enough for the 6 of us with sides and appetizers before.
A photo of Delfina Restaurant restaurant
4.8
4.8 (1029)
$31 to $50
Italian
Mission District
About the restaurant

This Cali-Italian neighborhood gem still shines after 25 years in Mission Dolores, especially after a gleaming makeover last year. Delfina is back and better than ever, slinging arguably the best classic spaghetti in San Francisco, plus seasonal treats like Brentwood corn casonsei (half-moon shaped pasta), cherry tomato pizza, and charred Jimmy Nardello peppers—with anchovies, of course. There are new additions like a full bar and a metal-vaulted ceiling, but the warm dining room remains cozy enough for a date—and memorable enough for a birthday.


Top review
KarenVIP
Dined 4 days ago
It's Delfina- of course it's amazing! Beautiful room, amazing service, and the food is truly divine!
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