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Group Dining Spots in Los Angeles
Unique group dining spots in Los Angeles aren’t hard to come by. After all, this is one of the country’s major epicurean hotbeds, touting celebrity chefs that never stop surprising. For those who think quality goes down with quantity, they’ve surely never been to LA. These 10 restaurants are the cream of the crop when it comes to group dining in LA — unique, professional and of course, delicious.

Viceroy’s Whist certainly knows how to deliver a flawless culinary performance. Besides boasting a bevy of Michelin-worthy dishes (it’s Michelin rated, by the way), the restaurant features exclusive poolside cabanas for groups. Groups can dine on Geoffrey’s massive patio overlooking the Pacific Ocean. As you might expect, this classic haunt sports spectacular views and a menu with California highlights. Since its opening, the restaurant has hosted stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Lana Turner and Frank Sinatra. Wolfgang Puck’s flagship restaurant Spago ought to impress even the most discriminating group. For foodies, it’s a must-visit, especially with Puck’s ever-evolving menu. Think innovative California cuisine with influences from Europe and
Asia.
The entertainment factor at Jose Andres’ new digs, The Bazaar, will be enough to wow any group. And by “entertainment,” we mean the food: Andres has concocted dishes such as “liquid olives” and “dragon’s breath popcorn clusters.” You’ll have to experience it to believe it, but it’s undoubtedly great fodder for group conversation.

Groups can relive the dream of Bubba in the hit movie “Forrest Gump” at the thematic Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., which features dishes such as “Best Ever Popcorn Shrimp” and “Bubba’s Bucket of Boat Trash.” Locations in Universal City, Santa Monica and Long Beach. The classy Patina is the perfect segue from a concert at the also-classy Walt Disney Concert Hall. Run by Joachim Splichal, the fare is billed as French-Californian. Opt for the private chef’s table for 11 guests or the private room, which seats 30. An enclosed patio holds 60.
San Antonio in LA? Name aside, San Antonio Winery & Restaurant is one of LA’s largest working wineries and features group tours, tastings and food events. Banquet rooms are available for larger groups to partake in the restaurant’s Italian-Californian cuisine.
Fleming’s has been the recipient of numerous prestigious dining awards including Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence and Food & Wine’s Top 10 Wine Lists in the Country. Not surprisingly, it’s also a go-to spot for group dining. The new L.A. LIVE location features private dining for groups of 10–75. Other locations include Woodland Hills and El Segundo. For groups, a separate lounge and outdoor patio can turn an ordinary dinner into a special occasion, especially if it’s at chef Celestino Drago’s namesake restaurant. With what Drago calls “tailored hospitality,” the staff knows how to tailor the service to the needs of any group. Nothing says group dining better than family-style Italian. Bucca di Beppo caters to a big crowd with huge portions and an exuberant atmosphere (think red-and-white checkered tablecloths). Locations include Encino, Claremont, Santa Clarita, Thousand Oaks and Universal City.
Show:
Whist at the Viceroy Santa Monica
Geoffrey’s
Spago
The Bazaar by Jose Andres
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. (multiple locations)
Patina at Walt Disney Concert Hall
San Antonio Winery & Restaurant
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar at L.A. LIVE
Drago Centro
Bucca di Beppo (multiple locations)