Private Dining Guide - San Diego Magazine (2024)

Being with family doesn’t always have to mean being at home. Not every kitchen can handle the whole clan, and sometimes the occasion calls for going out. These private rooms and dining services are ready to treat you like family and provide food every bit as good as your own holiday fare—without the stacks of dishes at the end.

Bali Hai

2230 Shelter Island Drive San Diego, CA 92106

619.222.1181

Bali Hai Restaurant has been a favorite event venue in San Diego for over sixty years. The spectacular view of San Diego Bay and the downtown skyline make it the perfect location for all private event types. The versatile spaces provide accommodations for festivities of almost any type or size.

Whether you’re planning a wedding, class reunion, birthday, anniversary, rehearsal dinner, celebration of life, fundraiser, business meeting, or corporate event, the Bali Hai provides an incredible canvas for moments that will last a lifetime. Offering extensive food and drink packages, from a luau buffet menu, plated meal service, or a private brunch buffet, we have options available for all types of events with friendly, efficient, and experienced staff on-site to assist in making your private dining experience one to remember.

Amenities: Three private spaces to accommodate parties from 30 to 300 guests

Variety of menus available to accommodate different event types

Event assistance from our friendly, efficient, and experienced events team

Free parking in front of the restaurant for event guests

Access to our private dock for boat arrivals and departures

Donovan’s

570 K Street, San Diego, CA 92101

619.237.9700

1250 Prospect St. C10, La Jolla, CA 92037

858.450.6666

Donovan’s sets the standard of fine dining excellence. Whether you’re downtown at our Gaslamp location, or in La Jolla to see our wonderful view overlooking the shores, Donovan’s has what you need. You can rent out one of our many private dining rooms at our Gaslamp location, or our main dining room in La Jolla. Spend the evening outdoors overlooking La Jolla Shores while you celebrate. Donovan’s is the place for your holiday party and a way to celebrate the past year.

Amenities: Private wine cellar in La Jolla for up to 22 guests

Gaslamp: Two fully private rooms with 40- and 26-person capacities, also a semiprivate space that seats up to 20

Personal attention to every detail with our private events coordinator

Full buy-outs at either location Private lunch events

Larsen’s Steakhouse

4301 La Jolla Village Dr. #1050 La Jolla, CA 92122

858.886.7561

Our sophisticated, dual-entrance room features custom finishes that provide an elegant private atmosphere with adjustable lighting and volume control. Events will have an exclusive staff dedicated to catering to all your needs. With multiple set-price menu options or a fully customizable menu experience, our event team will be sure to meet all of your specific requirements. We work with you from the initial inquiry until the final minute of service to ensure your event is handled to perfection. The space also offers state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, multiple seating options, optional floor plan layout and any custom touches you would like. We look forward to hosting your next business or social event.

Amenities: 70-inch monitor with state-of-the-art audiovisual accessories

Multiple set-price menu options or fully customizable menu

Completely private upscale room Exclusive event planner and event staff Multiple seating and floor plan options

Nolita Hall

2305 India Street

San Diego, CA 92101

619.255.8000

Nolita Hall loves throwing the best parties for any occasion or event! Nolita offers a full bar with craft co*cktails, an extensive spirits list, over 40 beers from all over the world, and an eclectic natural wine list. The amazing wood-fired oven cooks far more than just pizzas, and our talented chef team can prepare family-style portions all the way to coursed dinners for up to 300 people. The audiovisual capabilities are truly awe-inspiring, with two 165-inch 4k projectors and four more flatscreens that can display any sporting event, movies, Xbox gaming, or any personalized digital content via laptop. Hosting events with a DJ or live music is always a possibility, and if you’re a karaoke enthusiast, they have a mic for you too! The U-shaped bar sits under a 60-foot-long skylight and has a split-flap sign front and center that updates with every flight coming into San Diego. Communal seating throughout the dining area and a super comfortable fireplace lounge for all the VIP guests. Competition heats up with two full-sized shuffleboard courts as well! Check out Nolita Hall on the north side of Little Italy for your next big bash!

Amenities: A/V includes two 165-inch 4k projectors, plus four more 4k flatscreens

Two full-length shuffleboard courts Communal tables with a fireplace lounge DJ or live music capabilities

Open-air atmosphere with 13-foot “floor to ceiling” doors

Tom Ham’s

2150 Harbor Island Drive San Diego, CA 92101

619.291.9110

Tom Ham’s Lighthouse, a San Diego landmark on Harbor Island, has been a destination for memorable events for decades. Featuring breathtaking views of San Diego Bay, the Coronado Bridge, and the downtown skyline, Tom Ham’s has the perfect backdrop for any type of private dining experience. Offering guests three different private event spaces, both indoor and outdoor, great for groups of 15 to 200. This venue has been the go-to location for corporate luncheons, holiday parties, birthdays, weddings, private Champagne brunch, and so much more. For more information, to book a venue tour, or set a date for your waterfront event experience, contact [emailprotected].

Amenities: Three private indoor / outdoor spaces accommodating parties from 15–240 guests Variety of menus available for any type of event

Event assistance from our efficient and experienced events team

Corporate event amenities: blackout shades, podium, mic and speaker, and presentation equipment assistance.

Truluck’s

8990 University Center Lane San Diego, CA 92122

858.453.2583

Truluck’s private dining rooms and secluded outdoor patios offer several customizable options for hosting unforgettable corporate events, rehearsal dinners, co*cktail gatherings, business luncheons, and more. With flexible configurations to accommodate your specific needs for seating arrangements and standing receptions, private dining at Truluck’s is always an all-inclusive experience— from floral arrangements and audio- visual needs to a personalized menu prepared by your own private chef. Special Events Coordinator Denise Jones will ensure a flawless event, right down to the last morsel. Each planning detail is tended to with utmost personal care, to create fabulous parties and lasting memories with none of the stress. The Truluck’s menu spans the freshest crab in San Diego, prime steaks cooked to perfection, and a fresh-catch seafood menu that brings a world of unexpected flavors to your table. Truluck’s trademark is Florida stone crab, served fresh via its own fisheries—from traps to table in hours

Amenities: Seafood, prime steaks, Florida stone crab fresh from Truluck’s fisheries

Dedicated special events coordinator to assist with every planning detail

Customizable private dining rooms, including secluded outdoor patio spaces

Award-winning wine list, and pairing expertise from staff sommelier

Named to OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants in America by guests

Grande Colonial

910 Prospect Street La Jolla, CA 92037

858.729.5382

At the heart of La Jolla’s social scene since 1913, the Grande Colonial extends its timeless elegance and unwavering hospitality to holiday occasions of every description. Elegant ocean-view event facilities beckon those seeking the intimacy and personalized service only a boutique hotel can offer. Guests will enjoy a variety of special event venues, as well as catering options from the award-winning culinary team at Nine-Ten, led by chef Jason Knibb.

Amenities: Indoor and outdoor event space (some with ocean views)

Catering provided by Nine-Ten Restaurant

Holiday party packages with special incentives, including discounted room rates

Red O

1233, 4340 La Jolla Village Dr. San Diego, CA 92122

858.291.8360

Red O is a unique experience, offering elevated Mexican dishes as well as prime steak and seafood in a luxury atmosphere. Genuine hospitality marks every function held in Red O’s private dining rooms. They welcome groups up to 300 guests and will give personal attention to every detail, from special requests to audiovisual needs. Red O also features an impressive bar and lounge, with specialty co*cktails, an extensive tequila list, and an award-winning wine list.

Amenities: Private rooms

Personalized event planning Presentation technology

Nine-Ten

910 Prospect Street La Jolla, CA 92037

858.729.5382

Whether planning an intimate gathering for 10, a grand soiree for 30, or an elaborate fete for 75 in one of our private dining rooms, guests can count on custom menus paired with the perfect holiday wines—all inspired by our matchless seaside setting. And for those who want to get extra merry this year, we offer you a special rate starting at $199 on overnight accommodations at the adjacent Grande Colonial Hotel.

Amenities: Indoor & outdoor event space (some with ocean views)

Main dining room and bar buy-outs also available

Holiday party packages with special incentives, including discounted room rates

Hacienda Casa Blanca

700 North Johnson Ave, Suite A, El Cajon, CA 92020

619.442.9827

Authentic food, refreshing drinks, and beautiful Mexican ambience are what make Hacienda Casa Blanca stand out from the rest for event planning. From small gatherings to large parties, the Hacienda can handle all your party needs this holiday season.

Amenities: Affordable buffet menus or plated meals Video Projector and DJ available

Waypoint Public

3794 30th Street

San Diego, CA 92104

619.255.8778

Waypoint Public is the ideal location for your next private event! Our private dining room, The Bear Den, is a beautiful and unique sanctuary located in the heart of North Park. Locally sourced eclectic gastropub menu; full bar offering fresh craft co*cktails.

Amenities: Full AV capabilities with 100-inch projection screen Formal seated dinners; casual reception-style events

El Roy’sTequila Bar + Kitchen

1201 First Street Coronado, CA 92118

619.537.0195

El Roy’s Tequila Bar + Kitchen is a playful, south-of-the-border nod to Blue Bridge’s first farm-to-table Coronado eatery, Leroy’s Kitchen + Lounge. Coupled with unparalleled views of the downtown skyline, El Roy’s combines Mexican flavors with local references and a contemporary approach.

Amenities: Private patio space with private bar

Bayfront dining with panoramic views of the city

Leroy’s Kitchen & Lounge

1015 Orange Avenue Coronado, CA 92118

619.437.6087

Urban. Modern. Reclaimed. Committed to fresh, local, sustainable food, Leroy’s specializes in eclectic cuisine that changes with the season. Leroy’s serves fresh farm-to-table fare with global influences.

Amenities: Flexible menu options include access to the full menu

Complimentary access to 40-inch TV for picture slideshows or presentations

Maretalia

1300 Orange Avenue Coronado, CA 92118

619.522.0946

A second-story modern Italian eatery featuring an impressive raw bar, a pasta-making room, and a transformed dining room with ocean views. Just steps from the Hotel Del, Maretalia’s menu is influenced by Mediterranean and Italian fare.

Amenities: Newly renovated space with modern finishes

Large windows spanning the entire length of the space

Stake Chophouse + Bar

1309 Orange Ave., Upper Level Coronado, CA 92118

619.522.0077

Stake Chophouse & Bar is a modern steakhouse with a contemporary setting in the heart of Coronado’s iconic village. Serving USDA prime, dry-aged, and Wagyu beef, fresh seafood selections, and an award-winning wine list.

Amenities: Modern, upscale private dining room with adjacent outdoor private patio

Large outdoor patio with lounge and wall-to-wall fire pit