San Francisco’s Embarcadero is more than a postcard-worthy stretch of waterfront. It’s a high-performing backdrop for private dining, corporate gatherings, and special events.
With panoramic views of the Bay Bridge and Treasure Island, an unbeatable mix of seafood and modern American steakhouse menus, and a wide range of private space options, the Embarcadero has all the elements of an unforgettable event.
These Embarcadero restaurants blend culinary excellence with practical perks, like nearby parking options, seamless public transit access, and built-in ambiance that cuts down on décor costs.
Where to Dine with a View: 13 Embarcadero Restaurants Ideal for Events and Gatherings
From iconic seafood spots to stylish waterfront dining rooms, these Embarcadero restaurants offer the perfect backdrop for unforgettable private events in San Francisco.
1. Bistro Boudin Restaurant and Bar
Location: 160 Jefferson Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA
Bistro Boudin offers panoramic bay views and deep-rooted San Francisco charm. Located on the second floor of the historic Boudin Bakery building, this venue features a variety of private and semi-private dining spaces suited for corporate dinners, weekday team lunches, and weekend celebrations alike.
Each room is enhanced by sweeping waterfront views of the Bay, Alcatraz, and Treasure Island, giving your guests a distinctly local backdrop without the need for heavy décor. The ambiance combines rustic-meets-modern coastal style, with warm lighting and expansive windows that flood the rooms with natural light during the day and transform into a cozy, intimate setting by evening.
Bistro Boudin’s menu emphasizes California comfort cuisine with seafood front and center. Think Dungeness crab cakes, garlic butter shrimp, and the famous clam chowder served in house-made sourdough bread bowls. Non-seafood selections and plant-forward dishes are also available, along with a curated list of California wines and signature cocktails.
Public transportation is readily available via Muni and Embarcadero BART connections, while nearby parking options make hosting simple for guests arriving by car.
With iconic branding, flexible space layouts, and a menu that pleases locals and out-of-towners alike, Bistro Boudin is an ideal partner for memorable waterfront events.
2. Fog Harbor Fish House
Location: Pier 39, 2nd Level, Entrance Plaza, San Francisco, CA
One of San Francisco’s most celebrated Embarcadero restaurants, Fog Harbor Fish House delivers panoramic views and award-winning seafood in a venue that was built for memorable group dining.
The restaurant’s event-ready layout offers three distinct spaces, including the historic Eagle Café with its own deck, restrooms, and bar; the intimate Sea Lion Room with no booking fee; and the Alcatraz Room overlooking the bustling dining floor while maintaining privacy and ambiance.
Each space is framed by oversized windows showcasing the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the waterfront, ideal for everything from Friday press events to Sunday milestone dinners.
The menu centers around fresh-caught seafood like clam chowder in house-baked sourdough bowls, Dungeness crab, and seared Pacific cod. Non-seafood dishes, vegetarian options, and a robust cocktail and wine program round out the offerings.
The venue is easily accessible via Muni’s F-Line or by transferring from BART to the Embarcadero Station, and it offers one hour of validated parking at the Pier 39 garage, with staff available to assist with group transit logistics.
Between the setting, service, and cuisine, Fog Harbor makes it easy to streamline large-scale events without sacrificing quality.
3. Crab House at Pier 39
Location: 2 Beach Street, San Francisco, CA
Crab House at Pier 39 creates an elevated yet casual atmosphere that centers around bold flavors and iconic bayfront scenery.
The venue’s Golden Gate Room, a dedicated private dining space, accommodates up to 45 guests, while the main dining room hosts up to 72, and the heated outdoor patio offers additional seating under the open sky.
Sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Treasure Island provide a stunning natural backdrop.
This spot is synonymous with its trademark dish, the “Killer Crab”, a sizzling Dungeness crab roasted in garlic sauce and served on iron skillets. Complementing the main attraction are shellfish towers, garlic noodles, and vegetarian alternatives, along with a carefully curated selection of California wines and craft cocktails.
Lighting transitions beautifully from bright waterfront sunshine to warm evening tones, making it a flexible space for day or night events.
Transit access includes the F-Line and nearby Muni routes. There is also parking available nearby at the Pier 39 garage.
4. Swiss Louis Italian and Seafood Restaurant
Location: Pier 39, 204 Concourse, San Francisco, CA
For a blend of old-school charm and modern event capability, Swiss Louis Italian and Seafood Restaurant has been a local mainstay since 1936. Located along the Embarcadero at Pier 39, this long-standing venue specializes in group dining experiences that deliver consistent hospitality and delicious fare in a scenic setting.
The restaurant offers a range of indoor seating options suitable for private or semi-private events. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the waterfront, giving guests iconic views while they enjoy Italian pastas, pizzas, and seafood like linguine with clams or sautéed prawns.
Swiss Louis also features an extensive wine list with local and Italian labels, as well as classic cocktails that pair well with its hearty entrées.
Accessible from the Embarcadero via F-Line streetcar or nearby parking garages, Swiss Louis makes logistics simple. The venue’s approachable price point and established reputation make it a reliable option when you need to deliver quality without complexity.
5. Pier 23 Cafe Restaurant and Bar
Location: Pier 23, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA
A laid-back yet energetic venue with a local following, Pier 23 Cafe Restaurant and Bar offers an unbeatable combination of outdoor space, fresh seafood, and live music, all along San Francisco’s scenic waterfront.
Whether it’s a private celebration or a community-focused happy hour, this restaurant provides the right setting for dynamic events.
Event options include a large patio with Bay views, sidewalk tables along the Embarcadero, a beer garden, and indoor dining areas. The menu is inventive yet accessible, led by Chef Bryan Baker and known for its creative takes on seafood favorites.
Planners can customize offerings for everything from small client dinners to Saturday night buyouts.
Logistics are also straightforward. The F-Line streetcar stops directly outside, and the Ferry Building is only a 10-minute walk away. Multiple nearby parking lots offer accessible evening or Sunday availability, and reservations for large groups can be made directly through their website or by phone.
With its upbeat vibe and excellent service, Pier 23 Cafe makes group dining feel effortless.
6. Fog City Diner
Location: 1300 Battery Street, San Francisco, CA
Fog City Diner’s reimagined interior blends steel beams and a glowing open-concept kitchen anchored by a wood-fired grill and oven. It creates a sensory experience as satisfying as the menu itself.
This venue is ideal for everything from weekday executive lunches to larger Saturday celebrations. The open dining room layout supports both semi-private and full buyouts, and its natural lighting and bay proximity provide a picturesque backdrop without requiring additional AV setup.
As the sun sets, the glow from the grill and ambient lighting enhance the intimate, upscale atmosphere.
The menu features a balance of seafood, modern American fare, and showcases expertly prepared cuts of prime dry-aged meats. Guests can indulge in wood-fired halibut, truffle fries, or hand-cut steaks, paired with an extensive wine list or signature craft cocktails made to complement the seasonal dishes.
Located at the northeast end of Battery Street, Fog City Diner offers easy access to Embarcadero transit options and multiple nearby parking facilities, eliminating logistical stress.
7. Grumpy’s Restaurant and Pub
Location: 125 Vallejo Street, San Francisco, CA
Casual, charismatic, and rich in local flavor, Grumpy’s Restaurant and Pub brings a neighborhood pub vibe to the Embarcadero’s event scene. The venue’s indoor and outdoor spaces offer flexibility for happy hours, small-scale celebrations, and community events that prioritize energy and ease over polish.
The interior channels old-school pub warmth with exposed brick, neon signs, and a ceiling decorated with dollar bills left by patrons over the years. A few outdoor tables on Vallejo Street offer alfresco options with a peek at the nearby Transamerica Pyramid, ideal for informal Thursday evening meetups or Sunday fundraisers.
Menu highlights include hearty American staples like house-made square pizzas, burgers, wings, and loaded fries. The drink program features local IPAs, shot-and-beer combos, and budget-friendly cocktails, making it easy to build out an accessible event menu that still satisfies.
Getting to Grumpy’s is simple, with access via Muni’s F-Line or nearby bus routes (10, 12), plus a short walk from Embarcadero BART. Nearby parking garages around Battery and Pacific make it a manageable pick if you’re hosting after-work events or casual celebrations.
8. Coqueta
Location: Pier 5, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA
With a stunning view of the Bay Bridge and a menu that celebrates the spirit of Spain, Coqueta is a sophisticated yet approachable option for private events.
The venue’s standout interior features 18-foot ceilings, large bay-facing windows, and a custom wood-fired grill in an open kitchen, making every booking feel both immersive and stylish.
Coqueta’s private event spaces offer unmatched versatility. The glass-enclosed Bar5 accommodates 40 guests standing for cocktail-style gatherings, while the main dining room, Cocina, seats up to 75 or holds 100 for a standing reception.
The design pairs rustic-industrial materials like exposed beams and steel with warm, natural lighting for a uniquely inviting aesthetic.
Culinary offerings include tapas, paellas, and seafood inspired by regional Spanish cooking. Menu customization is available for private events, and the beverage program includes an extensive wine list focused on Spanish imports, plus inventive cocktails and house-made sangrias.
Transit options are plentiful, with Embarcadero BART and ferry terminals just minutes away. Paid parking is available at the Broadway and Embarcadero lot, and metered spaces line the street outside.
Whether it’s a Friday team outing or a high-profile press dinner, Coqueta delivers both flavor and flair.
9. Gott’s
Location: 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA
Known for its elevated take on classic American fare, Gott’s inside the Ferry Building is a convenient and crowd-pleasing spot for casual private events. This Embarcadero restaurant is especially appealing for team lunches, branded community events, or casual evening gatherings.
The setting is vibrant yet low-key, with both indoor and outdoor seating along the waterfront. The Ferry Building’s iconic architecture and foot traffic give Gott’s a built-in energy that enhances group dining experiences, particularly during happy hour or Saturday lunch rushes.
Buyouts are available for groups of 24 or more, and the layout encourages both sit-down meals and informal mingling.
Menu staples include Ahi poke tacos, garlic fries, veggie burgers, and fried chicken sandwiches made from locally sourced ingredients. Beverage options range from regional wines and draft beers to seasonal spiked lemonades and house cocktails, all of which support a fun and casual vibe.
Located just steps from the Embarcadero BART station and Muni lines, Gott’s is as accessible as it is appealing. Multiple nearby parking options, including Embarcadero Center garages, simplify arrival and departure for guests.
10. La Mar Cocina Peruana
Location: Pier 1 ½, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA
Vibrant, coastal, and visually striking, La Mar Cocina Peruana is the ideal location for private events that call for both culinary sophistication and a dynamic setting.
The venue blends upscale Peruvian cuisine with panoramic views of the Bay Bridge and Treasure Island, making it a standout choice for high-end dinners, weekend parties, and corporate gatherings.
La Mar’s private and semi-private spaces include the Waterfront Patio, Cebiche Lounge, City Room, and a chef-curated semi-private table. Each space is framed by floor-to-ceiling windows or outdoor enclosures, ensuring uninterrupted waterfront views.
The interior features indigo banquettes, handcrafted cyan tile, and modern oceanic décor, recently updated to enhance the guest experience.
Menus highlight seafood and traditional Peruvian fare (think ceviches, tiraditos, grilled octopus, and anticuchos) alongside an award-winning cocktail program built around pisco and local spirits.
The restaurant also offers preset tasting menus for large groups, allowing you to plan with precision and ease.
Access is efficient with Embarcadero BART and Muni stops nearby, and several parking lots (including the Seawall Lot and Sansome Street garages) provide convenient drop-off zones for groups.
11. Traveling Oyster Bar
Location: Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA
Rustic and contemporary in equal measure, the Traveling Oyster Bar delivers one of the most immersive seafood experiences on the Embarcadero. Its indoor and outdoor event spaces (framed by reclaimed wood, nautical design, and floor-to-ceiling views of the Bay Bridge) make it a unique venue for relaxed yet elevated group dining.
Indoor seating features rope-detailed ceilings and shell-inlaid counters, while the outdoor patio seats up to 65 and sits directly on the water. Each detail of the event space has been thoughtfully designed by Cass Calder Smith’s studio, balancing visual impact with comfort.
Menus are seasonal and seafood-forward, showcasing raw oysters, grilled selections, and rotating specialties like ceviche, tuna tartare, and shellfish platters. Beverage service includes craft cocktails, local wines, and beer, with tiered packages available for streamlined event planning.
Just a short walk from Embarcadero BART and Muni’s F-Line stop, the Ferry Building’s central location makes this a convenient option. There is also parking available nearby at the Port of SF and Embarcadero Center garages.
12. Ozumo
Location: 161 Steuart Street, San Francisco, CA
Elegant and rich with ambiance, Ozumo offers a luxurious private dining experience just steps from the Embarcadero waterfront. Designed by renowned Japanese interior firm Super Potato, this venue blends natural materials, warm lighting, and contemporary design to create a setting that elevates any event.
Private spaces include the Sake Room, enclosed in glass and ideal for intimate gatherings; the Kotatsu Room, featuring traditional Japanese seating; and the vibrant Sake Lounge, perfect for cocktail-style events. A spacious outdoor beer garden strung with lanterns rounds out the venue’s offerings.
The menu features contemporary Japanese cuisine with a focus on premium sushi, robata-grilled skewers, and small plates made from seasonal ingredients. A carefully curated sake list, Japanese whisky collection, and handcrafted cocktails enhance the experience.
Conveniently located near Embarcadero BART and Muni, Ozumo is easily accessible for teams or guests commuting from around the city. Street parking is available on Steuart and Embarcadero Streets, and the Rincon Center Garage offers reliable nearby parking.
13. Angler
Location: 132 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA
Refined yet approachable, Angler brings together panoramic bay views, open-fire cooking, and exceptional hospitality in a venue that’s tailored for elevated private events.
Located along San Francisco’s Embarcadero waterfront, this modern American steakhouse is well-suited for everything from strategic client dinners to high-end weekend buyouts.
The interior is anchored by a dramatic open hearth that fills the space with warmth, complemented by rich wood finishes and low, ambient lighting.
Angler offers multiple private event spaces, including The Game Room (seating up to 50), a more intimate Lounge (up to 16), and a full restaurant buyout option for up to 86 seated or 250 standing guests. Each space benefits from unobstructed views of the Bay Bridge and San Francisco Bay.
Menus are centered around expertly prepared cuts of meat and seasonal seafood, including fire-roasted oysters, whole grilled fish, and dry-aged steaks. Dishes are designed for sharing and crafted with locally sourced ingredients.
The wine list is extensive and thoughtfully curated by the in-house sommelier team, while the bar delivers sophisticated craft cocktails tailored to the flavor profile of each dish.
Angler is located near multiple transit lines, including Muni streetcars and Embarcadero BART. Nearby parking options include the Hills Plaza Garage and additional lots along the waterfront, making arrival simple for guests.
With flawless execution, impeccable service, and a visually stunning setting, Angler raises the bar for private dining on the Embarcadero.
Conclusion
From cozy crab shacks with Golden Gate views to refined dining rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, San Francisco’s Embarcadero offers unforgettable backdrops for every type of private gathering.
If you're planning a corporate offsite, birthday brunch, networking mixer, or milestone celebration, these waterfront venues deliver ambiance, accessibility, and standout food experiences your guests won’t forget.
Planning a private event on San Francisco’s waterfront? Skip the back-and-forth and book with confidence.
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