David Hanna

Private Dining Director

David was born in Ohio and moved to Montreal, Canada as a child. He grew up in Ottawa, Canada as the son of a priest and, as Ottawa is Canada’s capital, was introduced to many ambassadors and heads of state that would visit. He was inspired by the cooking and hospitality that his mother exemplified with their honored guests, and has been in the restaurant industry for over four decades. He is a graduate of Algonquin College and also attended Ryerson Polytechnical University in Toronto.

David’s family moved to California in 1992 where he began his California career as a certified trainer at Chevy’s Mexican Restaurants (he still loves the chips and salsa!). From there, David joined the Kimpton Hotel and Restaurant group at Kuleto’s Trattoria in Burlingame. It is there where David first met Waterbar’s Managing Partner, Pete Sittnick. David transferred to Kuleto’s in the City and then to Harry Denton’s on Stuart Street, staying in the Kimpton Family. David continued his relationship with Pete later at other notable Northern California restaurants Martini House in St. Helena and Boulevard.

After several other stints working with Sam Duval and at The Tadich Grill, David returned to the Kuleto fold at Waterbar, starting as part time management help during the first months of reopening after covid. David accepted a position of floor manager and then was honored to take over as the Private Dining Director for San Francisco’s premier waterfront restaurant.