San Francisco’s dinner tours combine Bay Area sightseeing with memorable meals. The best offerings include spacious cruise ships with international buffets and live entertainment – perfect for photographing the Golden Gate Bridge while enjoying fresh seafood. For a more intimate experience, the smaller themed cruises focusing on local cuisine and cooking demonstrations (like the excellent dumpling-making tours) are real gems.
I’m especially fond of the special occasion cruises, where the combination of plated meals and holiday festivities creates an engaging atmosphere. The city views at sunset are spectacular, and the wheelchair accessibility means everyone can enjoy the experience.
Let’s explore the finest dinner tours that define San Francisco’s waterfront dining scene.
Key Points
- Signature Dinner Cruises offer a 3-hour yacht excursion with a buffet-style dinner, live music, and scenic views of Bay landmarks.
- Special Occasion Cruises, such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Easter, provide unique dining experiences with themed menus and entertainment.
- Themed Dining Experiences, like the Premier Dinner Dance Cruise and Dumpling Cooking Class, offer immersive culinary and entertainment options.
- Buffet and Lunch Cruises provide 2-2.5 hour cruises with unlimited beverages and a variety of comfort foods and holiday-themed menus.
- Most cruises are wheelchair accessible and offer guaranteed seating, with pricing ranging from $107 to $137 per person.
San Francisco Signature Dinner Cruise
For those seeking a memorable dining experience on the San Francisco Bay, the San Francisco Signature Dinner Cruise offers a captivating three-hour yacht excursion.
With a maximum capacity of 140 travelers, this cruise features a buffet-style dinner inspired by international and American favorites. Guests can enjoy soda, coffee, and tea, while wine, beer, and cocktails are available for purchase.
The cruise showcases scenic views of the bay and its iconic landmarks, accompanied by lively music from local DJs. Reviewers praise the cruise’s ambiance, service, and entertainment, though some note room for improvement in food quality and drink pricing.
Read our full review: San Francisco Signature Dinner Cruise Review
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San Francisco: Mothers Day Brunch or Dinner Bay Cruise
San Francisco’s Mothers Day celebrations on the bay are equally captivating, with a special brunch or dinner cruise that takes passengers on a scenic tour of the city’s iconic landmarks.
The 2-2.5 hour experience features onboard entertainment, climate-controlled interiors, and open-air decks for memorable photos.
The brunch offers a bountiful buffet, while the dinner menu includes plated options like pan-seared chicken and chili-rubbed salmon.
Both include unlimited coffee, tea, and champagne (brunch only), as well as the option to purchase creative cocktails and wine.
With a non-refundable cancellation policy, this wheelchair-accessible cruise is the perfect way to celebrate with family and friends.
Read our full review: San Francisco: Mothers Day Brunch or Dinner Bay Cruise Review
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San Francisco Premier Dinner Dance Cruise
The San Francisco Premier Dinner Dance Cruise offers a captivating 2.5-hour experience (3 hours on weekends) that transports guests along the city’s picturesque waterfront.
Boasting scenic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and nearby towns, the cruise includes a multi-course gourmet dinner, dancing, and stunning sunsets.
With a maximum of 100 travelers, the cruise provides an intimate setting for celebrations or simply taking in the sights. Guests can enjoy included beverages and purchase alcoholic drinks, while adhering to an upscale dress code.
The cruise departs from Pier 3, offering convenient access and accessible amenities for a memorable evening on the bay.
Read our full review: San Francisco Premier Dinner Dance Cruise Review
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San Francisco: Dumpling Cooking Class & 3-Course Dinner
Located in the bustling heart of San Francisco, this 3-hour Dumpling Cooking Class & 3-Course Dinner offers participants an immersive culinary experience.
Led by English-speaking Chef Eddie, the small group of 8 guests will learn to make dumplings from scratch using local ingredients. Participants will master techniques like dough kneading, skin rolling, pleating, and stuffing.
The 3-course meal includes the freshly made dumplings, a savory pork belly braise, and a delectable red bean dessert.
With wheelchair accessibility and a 5-star rating, this cooking class provides a delicious and inclusive dining adventure in the city.
Read our full review: San Francisco: Dumpling Cooking Class & 3-Course Dinner Review
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San Francisco Fathers Day Plated Dinner Cruise
This Father’s Day, treat the special dad in your life to an unforgettable plated dinner cruise along the picturesque San Francisco Bay.
The San Francisco Fathers Day Plated Dinner Cruise offers a delicious menu of freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts, accompanied by unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea.
Guests will enjoy live DJ entertainment as they take in the stunning views of the city skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Priced from $196 per person, this 5-hour cruise has a maximum capacity of 200 travelers and departs from Pier 3 in San Francisco.
The cruise is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and infants can be accommodated on laps.
Read our full review: San Francisco Fathers Day Plated Dinner Cruise Review
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San Francisco: Easter Buffet Brunch or Dinner Bay Cruise
Celebrate Easter with a memorable buffet brunch or premier 3-course dinner cruise along the picturesque San Francisco Bay.
This 2-hour event offers breathtaking views of the iconic San Francisco skyline, accompanied by live entertainment.
Savor a delectable spread, including breakfast staples, salads, seafood, carving stations, and a tempting dessert selection.
Brunch guests can indulge in champagne and orange juice, while dinner-goers will enjoy a starter, main course, and dessert.
With a non-refundable cancellation policy, it’s an experience not to be missed.
The cruise departs from Pier 3 on the Embarcadero, with wheelchair accessibility and hotel pick-up options available.
Read our full review: San Francisco: Easter Buffet Brunch or Dinner Bay Cruise Review
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New Years Eve Plated Dinner Cruise on San Francisco Bay
On San Francisco’s famed Embarcadero, travelers can embark on a four-hour New Year’s Eve plated dinner cruise that sets sail at 9:00 PM from Pier 3’s Hornblower Landing.
The cruise features a spectacular fireworks display, platinum open bar, DJ entertainment, and party favors.
With a maximum capacity of 200 guests, the cruise offers a guaranteed table and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as gratuities.
While the cruise is wheelchair accessible, smoking is only permitted on outside decks.
Reservations are non-refundable, and a valid photo ID is required for alcohol consumption.
With an overall rating of 3.5/5 based on limited reviews, this cruise may not be the top choice for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration.
Read our full review: New Years Eve Plated Dinner Cruise on San Francisco Bay Review
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San Francisco: Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Bay
Travelers can embark on a 2 to 2.5-hour buffet lunch or dinner cruise on San Francisco Bay, offering a unique opportunity to take in the city’s iconic sights while indulging in a delectable spread.
The cruise starts at $117.60 per person and features options for either an afternoon lunch or an evening dinner, both with unlimited coffee, tea, and soft drinks.
The lunch buffet showcases a variety of salads, entrees, and a signature dessert station, while the dinner buffet offers comfort foods, international favorites, and assorted sweet treats.
Guests can depart from Pier 3 on the Embarcadero, a 10-minute walk from the Embarcadero BART station.
Read our full review: San Francisco: Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Bay Review
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San Francisco Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise
For those looking to enjoy a festive dinner cruise on San Francisco Bay this Christmas Eve, the San Francisco Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise offers a delightful opportunity.
The 2.5-hour cruise departs from Pier 3, featuring a winter holiday dinner buffet, live entertainment, and holiday decor. Theres some good unlimited coffee and hot tea, and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
Accessibility is ensured, with the cruise being wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals allowed.
With a maximum capacity of 200 travelers, the cruise provides a guaranteed table for your party size, and gratuities are included.
Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
Read our full review: San Francisco Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise Review
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San Francisco: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
San Francisco’s Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise offers a delightful way to celebrate the holiday on the Bay.
The 2-2.5 hour cruise features a live tour guide, wheelchair accessibility, and a non-refundable cancellation policy. Guests can enjoy a holiday buffet or 3-course plated meal, with unlimited coffee, tea, and water.
The brunch option includes free-flowing champagne, mimosas, and sparkling cider. The cruise provides unbeatable views of iconic landmarks and live entertainment, all while enhancing the festive atmosphere with décor.
Priced from $121.71 per person, the cruise has received 5/5 ratings from customers, who praise the great food, friendly staff, and excellent sightseeing opportunities.
Read our full review: San Francisco: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise Review
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San Francisco Christmas Day Buffet Dinner Cruise
The San Francisco Christmas Day Buffet Dinner Cruise provides a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season on the Bay.
This 2.5-hour cruise offers a winter holiday dinner buffet, DJ entertainment, and festive decor to create a cheerful atmosphere. Guests can enjoy unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea, and purchase cocktails, wine, and beer.
The cruise departs and returns to Pier 3, and is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with infant seats available.
With a maximum of 200 travelers, this cruise guarantees a table for your party and includes gratuities, making it a convenient and inclusive holiday experience.
Read our full review: San Francisco Christmas Day Buffet Dinner Cruise Review
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San Francisco: Premier Brunch or Dinner Cruise on the Bay
Aboard the premier brunch or dinner cruise along San Francisco Bay, guests are treated to an unparalleled dining experience paired with stunning views of iconic landmarks.
The 2.5-hour cruise offers a choice between a gourmet brunch with free-flowing mimosas and a 3-course plated dinner, both featuring exceptional cuisine and live entertainment.
The brunch menu includes breakfast pastries, scrambled eggs, and a dessert station, while the dinner menu offers a selection of starters, mains like salmon and beef short ribs, and decadent desserts.
Passengers can also enjoy complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and take in the sights of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the city skyline.
Though non-refundable, the cruise’s $137.88 per person price point provides a luxurious experience on the bay.
Read our full review: San Francisco: Premier Brunch or Dinner Cruise on the Bay Review
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San Francisco: Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
Guests aboard San Francisco’s Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise can expect a festive, chef-prepared meal accompanied by unique views of the city’s iconic landmarks.
Priced from $107.02 per person, the 2-3 hour cruise offers a 3-course plated brunch or dinner with a Premier Buffet menu. Highlights include a breakfast display, salads, pastas, meats, and a signature dessert station.
Guests can enjoy live entertainment and creative cocktails while taking in views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and Alcatraz Island.
With a wheelchair-accessible venue, guaranteed seating, and a pay-later option, this holiday cruise provides an unforgettable experience.
Read our full review: San Francisco: Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise Review
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Recap
San Francisco offers a variety of dinner tours, from signature dinner cruises to festive holiday buffet brunches. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a meal with a view, there’s a dinner tour to suit your needs. With options ranging from dance cruises to dumpling cooking classes, visitors can find the perfect dining experience to make their San Francisco trip unforgettable.