San Francisco’s food scene is one of the most dynamic in the country, and it’s home to some of the most iconic celebrity chef-owned restaurants. For companies looking to host an impressive corporate dinner, these venues offer private and semi-private spaces, chef-curated menus, and immersive dining experiences. Below is a polished list of 15 standout restaurants led by some of America’s top culinary figures.
Wayfare Tavern – Tyler Florence
Location: Downtown
Private dining rooms and classic American fare make this a favorite for corporate dinners. The atmosphere is warm and sophisticated, with group menus that cater to executive events.
Miller & Lux – Tyler Florence
Location: Mission Bay
Offers private and semi-private rooms for 14–35 guests. Known for tableside service, prime steaks, and expertly curated salads, it’s ideal for high-touch client entertaining.
Mastro’s Steakhouse – Mastro’s Brand
Location: Financial District
Multiple private rooms and a large terrace space make this upscale steakhouse perfect for networking dinners and corporate celebrations.
International Smoke – Michael Mina & Ayesha Curry
Location: SoMa
This wood-fired global grill features private dining for up to 30 guests. Menus range from $70–$130 per person, emphasizing share plates and bold flavors.
Cafe Zoetrope – Francis Ford Coppola
Location: North Beach
An intimate cafe offering group dining and Italian classics, paired with Coppola wines in a film-themed setting.
Atelier Crenn – Dominique Crenn
Location: Cow Hollow
Three Michelin stars and a 12-course poetic tasting menu. Small groups can enjoy a uniquely artistic culinary journey.
Benu – Corey Lee
Location: SoMa
Executive-level private dining with a Michelin-starred, multi-course menu (~$350 per person) and beverage pairings available.
Quince – Michael Tusk
Location: Jackson Square
Private dining for approximately 16 guests. A blend of Italian and Californian cuisine in a luxurious, customizable setting.
Cotogna – Michael Tusk
Location: Jackson Square
A more relaxed counterpart to Quince, offering rustic Italian fare and wood-fired pizzas in a cozy atmosphere.
State Bird Provisions – Stuart Brioza & Nicole Krasinski
Location: Fillmore
Innovative, cart-style small plates in a Michelin-starred venue. Group dining packages are available for unique culinary experiences.
The Progress – Brioza & Krasinski
Location: Fillmore
Offers customizable, formal family-style menus in a chic adjacent space perfect for mid-size corporate groups.
Mister Jiu’s – Brandon Jew
Location: Chinatown
Banquet-style private dining with a Northern California twist on Chinese cuisine. Packages include wine pairings and group menus.
Pabu – Michael Mina
Location: Financial District
Sushi-izakaya with semi-private group seating. Known for its attention to detail and excellent group accommodation.
Che Fico – David Nayfeld
Location: Alamo Square
Two private spaces (up to 16 and 45 guests) with Cal-Italian dishes served family-style. Known for vibrant energy and bold flavors.
Nisei – David Yoshimura
Location: SoMa
A high-end Japanese tasting experience in the private “Kimono Room” (seats 8–20), offering curated wine pairings.
Why These Restaurants Work for Corporate Dinners
- Private/semi-private spaces: Ideal for groups of various sizes, from intimate leadership dinners to large team events.
- Curated menus: Simplify planning with tasting or family-style menus.
- Chef-driven prestige: Celebrity names elevate your brand perception.
- Versatile atmospheres: Options range from sleek fine dining to relaxed, high-energy venues.
- Budget clarity: Clear per-person pricing makes financial planning straightforward.
Next Steps for Booking Your Event
- Determine guest count, ambiance, and budget.
- Contact the restaurant’s private dining or events team for availability, sample menus, and AV options.
- Communicate preferences such as dietary needs, wine pairings, or brand integrations.
Engaging On-Site Experiences with Celebrity Chefs
Interactive Cooking Demo & Tasting
Let the chef prepare a signature dish live, engaging guests with stories and tips while everyone enjoys a curated tasting.
Q&A or Fireside Chat
A short inspirational segment where the chef discusses their culinary journey and lessons in branding and leadership.
Curated Wine or Cocktail Pairing Dinner
Multi-course meal paired with wine or cocktails, with the chef or sommelier explaining the thought behind each pairing.
Chef-Led Team Challenge
Guests work in teams to assemble small bites from pre-prepped ingredients. A fun, interactive competition with light guidance from the chef.
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
An exclusive kitchen tour led by the chef or team, with signed menus, photo ops, and meet-and-greets.
Tailored Experiences for Sales & Marketing Executives
Culinary Leadership Talk + VIP Dinner
A chef-led talk on kitchen leadership and personal branding, followed by a private dinner. Ideal for aligning culinary creativity with marketing strategies.
Brand Storytelling Through Food
Each course represents part of a brand journey. The chef shares their menu philosophy and parallels to storytelling and customer experience.
Customer Obsession in Dining
The chef discusses how every detail in the restaurant reflects customer-first thinking, with takeaways for business strategy.
Executive Networking & Brand Integration
A premium networking dinner with short chef interactions, branded dish moments, and strategic seating to boost collaboration and brand recall.
Team Building Ideas for Upper Management
“Iron Executive” Cooking Challenge
Teams compete in a fun culinary challenge guided by the chef, encouraging creativity and collaboration.
Flavor Profiles & Communication Styles
An interactive tasting workshop where each dish reflects a communication style, sparking discussion about leadership and sales dynamics.
Culinary Branding Workshop
Teams design a restaurant or dish brand, complete with logos and taglines. Presented to the chef for feedback.
Collaborative Tasting Menu Creation
Executives co-create a tasting menu with the chef based on company values, resulting in a meaningful shared meal.
Ready to Create a Memorable Corporate Dining Experience?
Celebrity Chef Network can help you book the right chef-hosted restaurant experience, create customized programming, and align your goals with culinary impact. Whether it’s a board dinner, brand activation, or team event, we help you craft an experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Contact us today at to begin planning your chef-driven corporate dinner in San Francisco or beyond.
