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Best restaurants to celebrate at after your city hall elopement

For all my 2026/2027 couples

So you’re getting married at City Hall!

Congrats! It truly is one of THE most beautiful City Halls in the entire country. I’ve photographed couples from all over the US at City Hall, and there’s beautiful lighting inside the building no matter the time of day.

One of the most popular questions I get asked by my couples is where to celebrate after their ceremony! I’ve decided to compile a list of my personal recommendations based on the group size you’re hoping to bring with you.

Bree's recs

✳︎

Bree's recs ✳︎

for small celebrations

4-10 people
Perfect for intimate lunch or dinner right after City Hall — these spots have private rooms, quiet corners, or intimate tables.

1) Zuni Café

WEBSITE
Where: Hayes Valley
Why: Iconic SF establishment, warm interior, excellent service vibe and fun people watching opportunities
Vibe: Classic, elevated casual
Private Space: Mezzanine / back area possible for reservation
Best for: Parents + immediate family lunch/dinner

2) Absinthe Brasserie & Bar

WEBSITE
Where: Hayes Valley
Why: Romantic, cozy, French-inspired menu; great for couples + small groups
Vibe: Soft lighting, historic interior
Private Space: Call for smaller private dining nook
Best for: Post-ceremony lunch

3) Coqueta

WEBSITE
Where: Embarcadero (cool place to just hang out and explore as well!)
Why: Spanish tapas + water views
Vibe: Stylish but not stuffy
Private Space: Reserve tables for small group flow

4) RT rotisserie

WEBSITE
Where: Hayes Valley / Alamo Square
Vibe: Casual, modern rotisserie with bright, friendly energy
Group Size: ~4–10 guests
Why It Works: Crowd-pleasing food, easy family-style dining, comfortable for mixed ages, feels celebratory without being formal
Best For: Mid-size City Hall lunches or dinners, family gatherings, relaxed reception vibes

for medium celebrations

10-30 people
Great for post-City Hall receptions, celebratory lunches/dinners, moderate budgets (2–6k range).

1) Tosca Cafe

WEBSITE
Where: North Beach (Union Square area)
Why: Timeless SF institution; ambience as a feature
Vibe: Stylish old-world jazz bar vibe during the day
Private Space: Back room seating available
Best for: Lunch celebration + photo opps nearby

2) Foreign Cinema

WEBSITE
Where: Mission District
Why: Semi-private patio + indoor spaces; great food
Vibe: Classic + cinematic
Private Space: They also have a patio space that can be exclusive/semi-secluded
Best for: Mid-size celebrations with elevated, relaxed energy

3) Lolinda

WEBSITE
Where: Mission District
Why: Argentine steakhouse — crowd-pleaser, lively but classy
Vibe: Bold, social
Private Space: Big tables or partial buyouts on slower days
Best for: Dinner + celebratory mood

4) Bodega SF

WEBSITE
Where: SoMa (walking distance or short ride from City Hall)
Vibe: Stylish wine bar + small plates, cool but approachable
Group Size: ~10–25 guests
Why It Works: Great for celebratory dinners or cocktail-forward receptions with a food focus; relaxed yet elevated atmosphere
Best For: Intimate post-City Hall dinners, family + friends get-togethers, wine lovers
Notes: Ask about semi-private space or sectional tables; perfect for groups who want good conversation and quality food without formal seating

30+ people
Good for bigger City Hall wedding lunches/dinners, loose receptions with room to mingle/dance, and within a $5–10k budget if you pick smart timing (weekday & lunch, partial buyout).

for large celebrations

1) Park chalet

WEBSITE
Where: Golden Gate Park
Why: Huge indoor + lawn space + easy access
Vibe: Bright, grassy, versatile
Best for: Dancing + dinner + kids + big groups

2) Stable cafe

WEBSITE
Where: Mission District
Why: Large outdoor space with plants and smaller indoor space
Vibe: Relaxed but fun vibe for interacting with quests
Best for: larger receptions, I believe there are restrictions on food being brought in.

3) Vault garden

WEBSITE
Where: Embarcadero / near SF
Why: Covered garden + heaters, beautiful courtyard vibe
Vibe: Outdoor feels, magical lights
Best for: Bigger receptions up to ~60

4) the pearl [dogpatch]

WEBSITE
Where: Dogpatch neighborhood, SF
Vibe: Chic, airy industrial space with modern design
Why It Works: Stylish and flexible for bigger celebrations; excellent food & cocktails; indoor/outdoor flow
Best For: Larger City Hall reception dinners, cocktail receptions, or events that feel elevated but not stuffy

I’d love to capture your day.

Get in touch using the form here, and I’ll be in touch within 24 hours.