Planning a Private Dinner for 30 to 40 Guests at ERIA

A private dinner for 30 to 40 guests is small enough to feel personal and large enough to need a considered service plan. The room should allow people to hear one another, the meal should have a comfortable pace and the host should have time to enjoy the evening. At ERIA, we begin by asking who is coming and what you would like them to feel when they leave.

You can explore ERIA Sausalito for a waterfront setting or ERIA Marina for a San Francisco gathering on Chestnut Street. The right choice depends on where your guests are coming from, the atmosphere you want and the availability of a suitable private layout.

What does the food cost?

Food for this format often starts around $60 to $70 per person. For 30 guests, that is approximately $1,800 to $2,100 for food; for 40, approximately $2,400 to $2,800. Drinks, venue rental, staffing, service charges and applicable taxes are additional.

These figures help establish a menu budget. They are not an all-inclusive dinner price. A chef's menu, ingredients, dietary requirements and service style can change the quote. Share the overall amount you want to spend so we can consider the meal and the room together. Review ERIA's pricing before requesting a proposal.

Choose the style of dinner before the layout

A plated dinner gives the evening a clear rhythm and can suit speeches or a hosted program. A family-style meal places food and conversation at the center of the table, while a buffet needs a comfortable serving route. Ask the chef and venue team how the preferred style affects staffing, table space and timing.

Think about coats, a welcome drink, dietary meals, speeches and the point when guests move to dinner. A long table may look beautiful, but the final arrangement should also make service practical and keep guest movement clear. Confirm the actual layout rather than relying on a general venue capacity.

Make the drinks plan explicit

You may prefer a beer and wine package, a full bar or a hosted consumption bar with an agreed cap. Specify what guests can order, how long the service lasts and what happens when a consumption cap is reached. If you want to bring special wine, obtain approval first and confirm corkage. Compare bar formats and wine corkage.

Details that help us quote the right evening

• The purpose of the dinner and your approximate guest count.
• Preferred date, arrival time and finish time.
• Seated meal format and any speeches, slides or entertainment.
• Dietary requirements and your preferred chef or caterer.
• Bar preferences and overall event budget.
• Desired privacy, access needs and any transportation arrangements.

Outside caterers are welcome with approval and insurance, with a $200 kitchen access fee when kitchen use is needed. If you prefer an introduction, ERIA can connect you with a chef. Make sure catering service staff are included in the appropriate quote rather than assuming bartender staffing covers the meal.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a minimum food and drink spend?

There is generally no venue food and beverage minimum, subject to the terms of your event and selected vendors. Ask the team to identify any minimum in your written proposal.

Can we host a confidential business dinner?

Tell us your privacy requirements before choosing the space. Marina has a daytime café partner, so daytime exclusivity must be confirmed. The reserved area, access and event hours should be clear in the agreement.

Can we have speeches or a presentation?

Yes, discuss the plan with ERIA. Microphones and presentation equipment are available, with the exact inclusions and technical requirements confirmed for your event.

What is the next step?

Send us your dinner brief or book a private viewing. Even a date range, approximate guest count and spending range give us a useful place to begin.

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