By Omar Mamoon

Whether you’re looking for a special celebration or a seasonal get-together, private dining rooms are a nice, intimate way to gather together and let restaurants take care of you. The below are some good ideas and options for your private dining considerations in San Francisco and Oakland, from hidden rooms to upstairs alcoves to simply entire buyouts.

(And do note that restaurants’ group policies vary — some opt for a set menu, others don’t; some are bookable via Resy, while others encourage you to reach out directly.)

Penny Roma

Mission District

We had no idea Penny Roma (located in the space formerly known as Central Kitchen) had an upstairs, but they do – and it’s excellent. Enjoy plates of handmade pasta and sip wine with up to 50 of your closest best friends in their beautiful, glamorously lit room. More info here.

Abacá

Fisherman’s Wharf

Feast on Francis Ang’s wonderful take on modern Filipino fare in a large room behind the main dining room at Abaca, one of the best new restaurants in San Francisco. Plus, cocktails by Kevin Diedrich are always a great option. Learn more here.

Hi Felicia

Uptown

With the space able to accommodate a group of roughly 20 diners, the move is to go big and simply buy out Hi Felicia – the entire restaurant. Enjoy the singular supper club vibe and see why it’s become one of the best new openings of the past few years.

Ernest

Mission

Ernest, another of the hottest tickets in town, has a small table adjacent to the upstairs dining room that seats up to 12 very comfortably. Make a reservation and let Chef Brandon Rice and his kitchen cook for you. You may have to roll home, but it’ll be worth it. Learn more here.

Jo’s Modern Thai

Oakland

Feast on Chef Intu On’s fiery take on modern Thai fare at Jo’s Modern Thai – hello, brisket pad kee mao. There’s a small outdoor back patio you can rent out with plenty of heaters to keep you warm. Contact the restaurant here.

Nari

Japantown

Nari has not one but two private dining rooms to choose for the enjoyment of the city’s finest Thai restaurant. The upstairs room behind the bar holds up to 24, with the option of having half the vibey bar to yourself. Private dining room booking info: [email protected]

Lulu

Berkeley

Chef Mona Leena’s Palestinian-Californian lunch and brunch hotspot has a covered patio that’s bookable for you and your friends to feast on all the falafel, halloumi, and hummus that your heart desires. Learn more here.

Ramen Shop

Rockridge

It’s ramen weather, and Ramen Shop’s not-so-secret private karaoke room in the back of its restaurant by its kitchen might be the coolest spot to slurp house-made noodles. Whiskey highballs are key. [email protected]

Mourad

SoMa

The downtown stunner from Mourad Lahlou features a sprawling dining room like no other in the city, as well as a host of private dining options, whether your group is 10, 20, 40, or even 100. Click here for more info.

Aziza

Outer Richmond

If you’re looking for slightly lower-key vibes but still want wonderful Mourad’s Moroccan fare, consider Aziza in the Outer Richmond. Its private dining room holds up to 28 of your best friends.

Town Hall Restaurant

SoMa

Town Hall is a local staple, with some of the best Southern-inflected fare in town. And it has two great private dining options (not counting a full buyout, that is). Upstairs, there’s a private room that seats up to 40. And behind the restaurant, a sprawling patio can accommodate a range of occasions. More info here.