Coordinating a group dinner or meal can be stressful. From organizing with friends and family to dietary restrictions, picking a restaurant can be headache-inducing. This is why I decided to make a list of some of my favorite restaurants for group gatherings. Whether it’s for a birthday celebration or a casual gathering with friends, these restaurants are surefire crowd-pleasers and have options for even the pickiest of eaters.
Restaurant #1: C&O Cucina
For those who want a more casual, family-friendly dinner, C&O’s Cucina located in Marina Del Rey is a great option. They offer an extensive menu with classic Italian favorites alongside complimentary garlic rolls at the start of the dinner, which will leave you feeling satisfied and stuffed. The interior of the restaurant has a comforting and nostalgic ambiance, reminding you of the Italian restaurant you used to go to as a kid. The restaurant is also a solid birthday option. As someone who has attended two birthday dinners this year at C&O’s (including my own), this is a great option for a fun group dinner with friends. The service is always friendly as well and I personally have never had a bad experience here.
Price Range: $$
Reservation Maximum on Yelp Reservations: 9 people
Items You Have to Try (Main Menu): The infamous garlic knots, Pappardelle Shrimp pasta, Pappardelle with Short Rib, and the Alfredo pasta
Valet Available: Yes
Restaurant #2: The Rose Venice
The Rose Venice is a popular brunch spot and also a great spot for occasions such as a birthday or a fun get-together with friends. The restaurant has a solid brunch menu and various seating options, including an outdoor patio. The interior has a bright, fun design and the food is delicious and fresh. The main menus also feature gluten-free and vegan options. The Rose Venice has its own bakery items for those who are craving a baked good or sweet treat with their food. For those seeking a traditional “LA” brunch spot, this is a great option.
Price Range: $$
Reservation Maximum on OpenTable: 8 people
Items You Have to Try (Brunch Menu): The Buttermilk Biscuits, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, and the Rose Breakfast Burrito
Valet Available: Yes
Restaurant #3: Tin Roof Bistro
Tin Roof Bistro is a cute and inviting indoor restaurant located in Manhattan Beach. It features New American cuisine and offers a brunch menu on the weekends. The interior has a warm, intimate feel while maintaining an open layout to avoid claustrophobia. This is a great, accessible restaurant for those wanting something slightly upscale and elevated but not too fancy or expensive.
Price Range: $$
Reservation Maximum on OpenTable: 15 people
Items You Have to Try (Main Menu): The Bistro Burger, Fig and Pig Pizza, Lobster Ravioli Rosa, and the M.S.G Pizza
Valet Available: Yes
Restaurant #4: Mrs. Fish
Mrs. Fish is a fairly upscale sushi restaurant located in Downtown Los Angeles. Located right next door to Perch, Mrs. Fish takes you down a set of stairs that leads into a buzzing and gorgeous underwater-esque interior, where a real aquarium is nested above you from a bird’s eye view. The menu is pricey but the quality of the fish is good for what you pay for. The restaurant has live band music on Tuesday nights and an in-house DJ on weekend nights. For those who want to feel like their dinner is more of a night out and an elevated special occasion, Mrs. Fish is a great choice.
Price Range: $$$
Reservation Maximum on OpenTable: 16 people
Items You Have to Try (Main Menu): Salmon Carpaccio, Seared Tuna Crispy Rice, and the Toro Taku Cut Roll
Valet Available: Yes
**It’s also worth noting that the reservation numbers included here are through third-party online reservations and larger reservations or events can be booked by contacting the restaurants directly.
