The Ultimate Guide to Dining with Large Groups in San Diego
San Diego … where the weather is often perfect, and the culinary scene is nothing short of spectacular. Dining out with a large group is often a logistical challenge, but in a city as accommodating as San Diego, you have plenty of options to ensure an unforgettable experience. From sweeping bay views to the bustling atmosphere of Little Italy, we’ve curated a list of the top restaurants to host large groups, each offering a unique blend of cuisine, ambiance, and the all-important spatial considerations.
1. Coasterra
Photo via Coasterra
When dining at Coasterra, you’re not just getting a meal; you’re part of an immersive experience. With breathtaking views of San Diego Bay, the ability to book a reservation for up to 20 people via Open Table, and a sprawling event space accommodating up to 500 guests, it’s an ideal dinner spot for everything from corporate outings to significant family events.
Website: Coasterra
2. Ballast Point in Little Italy
Photo via Ballast Point
A hop-head’s paradise, Ballast Point in Little Italy gives you more than just your regular pub grub. While the craft beer and wine selection is the highlight, the venue also provides private dining options for up to 40 people, making it perfect for casual get-togethers and corporate socials alike.
Website: Ballast Point in Little Italy
3. The Deck at Moonshine Flats
Photo via The Deck
In the heart of East Village, enjoy Cali BBQ, casual cocktails, and fun deck games! The Deck features backyard style games including corn hole, shuffleboard and giant beer pong. There are multiple bars and beer tubs that make getting a drink a breeze. During football and baseball season, The Deck screens all your favorite games. This open-concept restaurant provides not only the makings for a memorable experience, but also a space that can fit your larger party needs.
And, their bigger sister, Moonshine Flats, can serve up a party any night of the week for up to 500 guests with a massive dance floor.
Website: The Deck at Moonshine Flats
4. Go Go Amigo
Photo via Go Go Amigo
Combining the zest of Latin America with San Diego’s casual style, Go go Amigo has a semi-private space for up to 70 guests. What makes this spot in the heart of Liberty Station stand out is the opportunity to customize your group’s menu, ensuring everyone gets their flavor fix.
Website: Go Go Amigo
5. Madame Bonnie’s
Photo via Madam Bonnie’s
Sometimes you want your group event to exude a little sophistication, and that’s where Madame Bonnie’s, located in Downtown San Diego, comes in. This French bistro features an intimate setting, comfortably housing up to 20 in their private dining area while offering options to accommodate up to 75 people for cocktails in their main bar and dining room area.
Website: Madame Bonnie’s
6. Waterbar
Photo via Waterbar
The allure of the ocean is never far away at Waterbar. The seafood forward menu pulls from East coast and Baja seafood staples. Reserve a table for a group of up to 20 people, or book a private event to accommodate more. With a private room available for 30-600 guests, the venue allows you to go as grandiose as you wish. From corporate functions to high-school reunions, it’s a location that leaves a lasting impression.
Website: Waterbar San Diego
7. Brigantine at Portside Pier
Photo via Brigantine
With a legacy spanning decades, Brigantine is a San Diego institution known for its top-tier, fresh seafood such as salmon, mahi mahi, swordfish, and oysters. The Brigantine restaurant at Portside Pier has mastered the art of large-group dining. You can book a lunch or dinner reservation through OpenTable for up to 20 people. The restaurant can also host groups of 35 and up to 120 guests in a variety of configurations, including a private banquet room and a 2,400 square foot ballroom, making it a versatile option for any event.
Website: Brigantine at Portside Pier
8. Cafe Coyote
Photo via Old Town San Diego
Old Town’s Cafe Coyote is where Mexican tradition meets modernity. Enjoy their famous margaritas, fresh tortillas, and traditional Mexican fare with a party of up to 10 people. If your party is larger, you can contact them to coordinate.The restaurant has multiple banquet rooms for up to 100 guests and offers a personalized experience through custom menus tailored for your group.
Website: Cafe Coyote
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Most Popular9. El Sueño
Photo via El Sueño / SD Magazine
Somewhat of a newcomer to San Diego’s restaurant scene, El Sueño offers modern Mexican cuisine in a lavishly decorated setting. Book a table for up to 10 people to enjoy a festive meal in the heart of Old Town via Resy. If your group is 11+ people, contact them at reservations@elsuenosd.com. This restaurant isn’t just a master at crafting dishes such as elote, ceviche rolls, and street tacos, El Sueno also is a prime spot for hosting your large group. The private dining room can seat up to 50 guests, making it an excellent choice for medium-sized events with an upscale jungle aesthetic.
Website: El Sueño
10. Puesto at The Headquarters
Photo via Puesto
Located in a historic building, Puesto delivers an innovative take on Mexican street food. Book for a party of up to 16 people and enjoy some of the restaurants fan faves including potato taquitos, short rib quesabirria tacos, and enchilada suizas. 16 or more people is considered a fiesta and you can reserve space online.A versatile venue, Puesto offers a mid-size private dining space for up to 50 and various other options for larger gatherings of over 200, making it a one-size-fits-all solution for events — depending on your budget.
Website: Puesto at The Headquarters
11. Malibu Farm
Photo via Eater San Diego
Don’t let the name confuse you, this organic farm-inspired restaurant is actually located in Seaport Village. When your group is comprised of a variety of dietary preferences, Malibu Farm comes to the rescue. A group of 10 people can sit at the farm-style table and enjoy dishes such as a healthy BLT Caesar salad, coconut ceviche, and vegan couscous paella. If you’re planning an outing for 15+ people, contact them via email at sandiegoevents@malibu-farm.com. Malibu Farm is the go-to spot if you want a health forward meal that’s satisfying for every palette.
Website: Malibu Farm
12. LAVO
Photo via Tao Group
A slice of Italy in Downtown San Diego, Lavo is where you take your group when you’re looking for an elevated dining experience. Enjoy brick oven pizzas, handmade pastas and playful cocktails with a group of up to 20 people. If you’re wanting a larger space, you can rent out the terrace which accommodates up to 100 people while still feeling like an intimate setting. With a terrace that can seat up to 100, Lavo makes sure that your event feels both intimate and expansive.
Website: LAVO
13. Sally’s Fish House & Bar
Photo via Sally’s Fish House & Bar
Nestled by the Embarcadero marina, Sally’s Fish House & Bar brings you the finest of San Diego’s wood fired seafood and craft cocktails. Enjoy sustainable and scrumptious options such as grilled octopus, an ahi tuna bowl, and the chef’s daily catch. You can reserve a table for your group of up to 14 people, and can inquire about hosting a larger party. They offer private, semi-private, and waterfront patio dining for groups form 10-400 people.
Website: Sally’s Fish House & Bar
14. Farmer and the Seahorse
Photo via Venue Report
Farmer and the Seahorse takes the farm-to-table concept to another level. Located in Torrey Pines, the restaurant offers farm-fresh dishes for breakfast, brunch, lunch and happy hour such as a French omelet, the al pastor fresh catch, bananas foster French toast, and oysters and a piña sage mule cocktail… just to name a few! Book a table for your group of up to 14, or inquire for a larger table with your choice of either indoor or outdoor options.This place is perfect for those looking for a casual yet refined dining experience.
Website: Farmer and the Seahorse
15. Pacific Coast Grill
Photo via Pacific Coast Grill
Just a drive up the coast is some of the most stunning seaside dining you’ll find — at Pacific Coast Grill in Cardiff. Pacific Grill blends fantastic sunset views with a seafood-centric menu. Some of the fresh seafood favorites at this Southern California mainstay include shrimp dumplings, sesame-crusted seared ahi and west coast oysters. Take in the gastronomic experience of fresh, local fare with a party of up to 20 people. Or, plan a larger event with amazing ocean views with private rooms and patio seating accommodating parties of 20, 50, 65, and up to 120 guests. Book your reservation on the Pacific Coast Grill website.
Website: Pacific Coast Grill
16. A Restaurant Alternative: So Diego Walking Food Tour
If sitting-down for a meal seems too static for your dynamic group, how about a culinary tour across the city’s hotspots? With So Diego, you can choose from a variety of San Diego food tours in Little Italy, La Jolla, and Gaslamp, accommodating large groups while giving them a taste of multiple local eateries. Want something more tailored? Our expert tour guides can help you customize a San Diego tour that fits your group’s size and culinary curiosity, including personalized private tours. It’s easily one of the best group activities to do in San Diego.
Whether you’re trying to accommodate a family reunion, a team-building exercise, or anything in-between, San Diego has a restaurant that suits your needs. All that’s left for you to do is pick a venue and let the culinary adventure begin.
Written by: Melissa
Melissa hails from San Jose, CA, and has been a San Diego local for five years now after a 10-year long pit stop in Los Angeles. In L.A., she began her writing career crafting digital content for a wide range of clients, including The Real Talk Show, Sharon Osbourne, Hank Azaria, Time Life, and Cardinal Financial. She’s excited to be able to use her passion for writing to introduce people to some of the best spots in San Diego, many of which she has already frequented or has on her ever-expanding list of things to do … In her spare time, she enjoys taking her puppy Milo to all of the best dog beaches in SD, grabbing a glass of wine or a cup of joe at new places, and hosting watch parties for The Bachelor/ette TV show.
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