Here's a closer look at San Francisco's newest eateries, drinking spots, hotels, conference areas, private rooms, and other spaces available for events this summer. The new and renovated San Francisco venues are available for corporate parties, weddings, fundraisers, outdoor functions, business dinners, team-building activities, conferences, meetings, and more.
Canopy by Hilton San Francisco SoMa
Canopy by Hilton San Francisco SoMa opened in May, marking Hilton’s first lifestyle hotel in the city. The 12-story, 78,000-square-foot property is located in San Francisco’s bustling South of Market (SoMa) district and is near visitor hot spots like Union Square, Mission Bay, Oracle Park, and the Moscone Center. The upscale boutique hotel offers 194 guest rooms (including two penthouse suites), a stunning rooftop lounge with panoramic city views (pictured), a street-level coffee shop, a fitness center, and five meeting rooms offering 4,400 square feet of event space—including private dining in the Mezzanine Bar & Lounge or The Velvet Room.
Photo: Courtesy of Hilton
Nobu Hotel Palo Alto
Nobu Hotel Palo Alto, a 73-room boutique hotel in the heart of Silicon Valley, has completed its multimillion-dollar renovation with the debut of its new Nobu restaurant and garden. With a Japanese-inspired design, the garden aims to be a refined extension of the restaurant and an unparalleled event venue in downtown Palo Alto. In collaboration with award-winning Los Angeles-based Montalba Architects, renowned designer Shigeru Namba spearheaded the concept—and every detail was intentional. Large, specially selected boulders from Japan were individually and sculpturally positioned to enhance the spatial qualities of the garden, while native, Japanese-inspired specimen plantings accent the garden. Guests are welcomed to the garden through the hotel’s lobby, inviting them to take a pause among the flora before settling into an outdoor table positioned to enjoy views across the garden throughout their dining experience. The garden can host up to 54 guests between the enclosed dining room with seating for 30 guests, and banquette seating for 24 guests with a retractable awning for sun shading.
Photo: Barbara Kraft
Original Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop
On July 13, the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company officially reopened its flagship store, Original Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop, at Ghirardelli Square after a six-month renovation. The shop celebrates Ghirardelli’s history and craftsmanship as a U.S. chocolate pioneer and the company’s legacy in San Francisco dating back to the 1850s. The new design features North America’s largest flowing chocolate wall, the original 19-foot “G” from the historic marquee Ghirardelli sign, a replica San Francisco cable car that doubles as a seating area, antique chocolate-making equipment on display, and more. The Original Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop, as well as the Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience, are open to groups and rentals. As of publication time, additional details are available upon inquiry.
Photo: Albert Law
Aloft Santa Clara
About an hour south of San Francisco, Aloft Santa Clara—located at the America Center complex in San Jose—completed a multimillion-dollar renovation in July. Every element of the hotel was updated in both the guest rooms and public spaces, including new furniture, carpeting, paint, wallcoverings, window treatments, and signage. The property offers more than 3,890 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, including an outdoor deck (pictured) for small and midsize events. The hotel’s five tech-forward event spaces have been refreshed with new carpeting and window treatments for ample natural light, and feature new AV equipment and plasma TVs.
Photo: Courtesy of Aloft Santa Clara
Dawn Ranch
Dawn Ranch, a Sonoma County well-being escape, reopened its doors at the end of May. The sprawling, 22-acre property now offers a total of 81 keys with newly renovated cottages and cabins. Along with F&B concepts, on-site features include a spa nestled behind a Japanese-inspired shade garden; a 120-year-old orchard with fruiting trees; and a new glamping concept, reminiscent of the vintage canvas tents that could be found throughout California’s many state and national parks. For a memorable retreat, planners can book The Boathouse at Dawn Ranch, a secluded gathering space within a clearing adjacent to Dawn Ranch’s small, private Russian River access. The Boathouse is a private event space that can also accommodate large-format grilling for special events.
Photo: Gentl & Hyers
Per Diem
In February, Per Diem opened a second location in San Francisco’s Transbay Terminal. The menu focuses on Californian-Italian cuisine and craft cocktails. Its 3,000 square feet of space includes a full bar and lounge, private dining space, and an outdoor patio. The patio can seat 32 guests or 40 standing; the main library dining room can seat 30 guests or 35 standing. The right of the bar can be booked for two-hour happy hour events for up to 20 people. The left of the bar, with the main dining room, can be booked for up to 40 guests. A full buyout can accommodate 120 guests, including the patio. Pricing on all spaces differs depending on the menu.
Photo: Courtesy of Per Diem
