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August 28, 2025

The top 10 restaurants in San Francisco for business dinners

Ara Kharazian
Economist, Ramp

San Francisco’s dining scene is legendary. But a few restaurants have become the go-to spots for business dinners in SF. Whether you’re hosting clients, building relationships with new partners, or celebrating big wins for the company, these restaurants combine atmosphere, service, and outstanding food.

Based on millions of Ramp data points, here are the 10 most-expensed restaurants for business dinners in San Francisco in 2025:

1. La Mar

Overlooking the Embarcadero, La Mar is famous for its vibrant Peruvian ceviche and seafood. A lively waterfront setting that’s equal parts fun and upscale.

2. Kokkari Estiatorio

An SF institution serving refined Greek cuisine in a warm, wood-beamed space. Perfect for impressing guests with shareable mezze, lamb chops, and exceptional hospitality.

3. China Live

A modern food hall and restaurant celebrating the flavors of China. With sleek design and a lively atmosphere, it’s a flexible option for groups of all sizes.

4. Roka Akor

An upscale Japanese steakhouse offering premium cuts grilled over charcoal, along with sushi and small plates. Ideal if a high-end, memorable meal is the cards.

5. Spruce

A Michelin-starred fine-dining experience in Presidio Heights. Seasonal options from across the Golden State, polished service, and a deep wine list make it perfect for high-stakes dinners.

6. Burma Love

A Mission District favorite bringing bold Burmese flavors to the table. Communal-style dining and unique dishes like tea leaf salad make it stand out.

7. Pabu

A modern Japanese izakaya and sushi bar with a sleek vibe in the Financial District. Known for pristine sushi, wagyu beef, and an extensive sake list.

8. Liholiho Yacht Club

A vibrant mix of Hawaiian, Indian, and Chinese influences in a lively setting. Creative cocktails and bold flavors make this a destination for business dinners with personality.

9. The Vault Garden

An open-air dining experience in the heart of downtown. Seasonal California cuisine in a refined, garden-like setting makes it ideal for memorable client dinners.

10. Wayfare Tavern

Tyler Florence’s American brasserie is cozy yet polished, offering comfort food favorites like fried chicken alongside upscale classics. Great for a cozy but refined dinner.

For more analysis of Ramp spend data, follow me on X and LinkedIn, and subscribe to my newsletter. All data is available for download from Ramp Economics Lab.

Ara Kharazian•Economist, Ramp
Ara Kharazian is an economist at Ramp. His writing and analysis of AI, business spend, and the economy has been covered in the New York Times, NBC News, ABC News, NPR's Planet Money, Bloomberg, the Guardian, Vox, Axios, and more. Ara previously led economic research at Square and developed Square Payroll Index, which became one of the key public datasets used to track restaurant worker wages, tips, and overtime in the United States. He was previously an economic consultant at Cornerstone Research.
Ramp is dedicated to helping businesses of all sizes make informed decisions. We adhere to strict editorial guidelines to ensure that our content meets and maintains our high standards.

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