San Francisco Meeting Planner's Guide - 2025/2026 MPG
Iconic Food and Drink Experiences
2025-05-14 09:44:51
MAKE YOUR MEETING EVEN MORE MEMORABLE BY HIGHLIGHTING SAN FRANCISCO’S UNIQUE AND VARIED DINING EXPERIENCES. TREAT ATTENDEES TO THE BEST OF THE CITY’S CULINARY OFFERINGS WITH SIGNATURE SAN FRANCISCO FOOD AND BEVERAGE OPTIONS FROM THESE LOCAL FAVORITES.
SAN FRANCISCO SOURDOUGH
Sourdough bread has a distinct and storied past in San Francisco. During the California Gold Rush, a natural undiscovered yeast emerged in the city’s earliest bakeries, thanks to the area’s unique climate. The Boudin family built a recipe around it and Boudin Bakery was born. Treat attendees to a taste of the city’s history with clam chowder in a bread bowl over a working lunch or grab-and-go signature sandwiches from the iconic San Francisco bakery.
DIM SUM
Look no further, because you have found the perfect dish for social events and networking sessions: Chinese Dim Sum. The small bite-sized portions of deliciousness will not only wow attendees with flavor but will incorporate the San Francisco Chinatown experience into your meeting. Dumpling Time offers a smorgasbord of options, including an assortment of Xi’an dumplings, gyoza dumplings and even dessert buns, so your attendees can truly try a little bit of everything.
INTERNATIONAL CUISINE
San Francisco offers an expansive collection of global cuisines. Take attendees on a cultural journey of gastronomical delight at International Smoke, the culinary creation of Michael Mina and Ayesha Curry. Inspire attendees with barbecue flavors and aromas from around the world with the restaurant’s range of catering options — everything from boxed lunches to multi-course meals with appetizers, entrees, sides and dessert — or private dining options for up to 120 guests.
CIOPPINO
The tomato-based seafood stew has been a staple on San Francisco tables since the late 1800s. You can order fresh, delicious bowls of it at several Fisherman’s Wharf establishments, from legendary legacy business Scoma’s to PIER 39’s Fog Harbor Fish House, Crab House and Pier Market. All can accommodate private groups from 16 to 114 guests, and each offers fantastic views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
IRISH COFFEE
Ironically, the Irish coffee was not popularized on the Emerald Isle. It was commercialized in San Francisco, where Buena Vista Cafe co-owner Jack Koeppler challenged international travel writer Stanton Delaplane to help him re-create a highly touted "Irish Coffee" served at an airport in Ireland. The two experimented, ultimately crafting the perfect combination of hot coffee, Irish whiskey and whipped cream. Nowadays, the Buena Vista Cafe on Hyde Street reportedly serves up to 2,000 Irish coffees a day!
LOCAL TALENT
If you’re looking to pair dinner with a show for your group, look no further than Old Skool Café in the Bayview neighborhood. Run by local youth, this jazz-themed supper club allows attendees to support the community while enjoying international soul food dishes and live music. Though they can do offsite catering, we recommend visiting their beautiful venue, which transports up to 70 guests back to the glamorous Roaring Twenties with art deco furnishings and design.
YOUR TAKE ON SAN FRANCISCO
Have a specific idea in mind about how to give your attendees a unique San Francisco experience? Work with Red Door Catering, one of the area’s most prolific Black-owned businesses, to customize the menu and feel you want for your attendees. From meeting lunches to gala dinners, Red Door can incorporate all of your San Francisco favorites.
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