San Diego is home to a diverse and thriving food scene that features a wide range of culinary styles, from Mexican and seafood to craft breweries and farm-to-table cuisine. Thankfully, many of them are able to accommodate large groups for special occasions like graduations, birthdays, bachelorette parties and more. Beyond the best San Diego restaurants for large groups, if you’re looking for more things to do with a large group, check out my large group activity guide!

1. Cafe Coyote (Old Town)

Voted San Diego’s Best Mexican Food for 20 years, Cafe Coyote’s décor, attentive staff, gigantic margaritas, and delicious food all earn this spot my top recommendation for large groups! There are tons of banquet rooms to choose from where you can have space entirely private to your group. There’s even a gorgeous balcony option that overlooks Old Town. The food choices are all incredible here, even the kid’s menu. Don’t forget to order a chipotle chicken flauta!

Make a large group reservation online or give them a call!

2. Mimmo’s (Little Italy)

This Little Italy spot is truly a family-owned favorite. Vincenzo “Mimmo” Gaglio immigrated from Tunisia in 1949 and, along with his brother Vito, started their first restaurant in Ontario, CA before moving to San Diego’s Little Italy to establish Italian Sausage Co., which would later become Mimmo’s restaurant on India St.

Today, this family-owned Italian restaurant boasts a delicious menu of all your Italian favorites from eggplant parmesan to pasta pescatore, and of course flatbread wood fired pizzas. They have several banquet rooms available which you can reserve with their online event request form.

3. Herb & Wood (Little Italy) / Herb & Sea (Encinitas)

These sister restaurants are absolutely unforgettable among San Diego cuisine but will cost a bit more than the other spots on this list. Owned and operated by celebrity Top Chef Brian Malarkey, this love story between Mediterranean and California coastal flavors will leave you and your group in absolute awe!

Herb & Wood has a large dining room that is able to easily accommodate large groups while Herb & Sea is a bit smaller but still perfect for North County dinner needs. You can book a private event with a set menu here, or book a reservation for up to 20 people here.

4. Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens (Point Loma)

This San Diego restaurant for large groups is the perfect combination of craft brewery and craft cuisine. It even has a central location in the historic Naval base, Liberty Station. The venue offers a stunning indoor and outdoor space, including a garden area, bocce ball court, and forty taps of beer, as well as a menu of elevated bar bites, tacos, and more. The outdoor areas are also dog-friendly!

Groups up to 10 people can be booked on Open Table, or larger groups can call ahead to book a reservation.

5. Gravity Heights (Sorrento Mesa)

Next, we’ve got another brewery near La Jolla. Gravity Heights is a local brewpub serves elevated American fare with a ton of outdoor seating. Dogs are also allowed at this spot and there’s an additional play area for children (or the young at heart). With over 20 local beers on tap and an impressive cocktail menu, pizza, burgers, and refreshing salads, it’s sure to make everyone happy!

Make an online reservation for up to 8 people here, or give them a call!

6. Kettner Exchange (Little Italy)

This award-winning, unique restaurant offers Progressive American cuisine in a hybrid indoor / outdoor space. Think spicy tuna crispy rice, pork chops, bone-in ribeye and an incredible cocktail menu that will keep you wanting more! Plates are served in a family-style arrangement to make sure everyone can try each incredible dish.

Book a reservation here for indoor seating or cabanas! This space is also open after dark and transforms into an elevated club scene.

These San Diego restaurants for large groups are sure to capture everyone’s taste and create a memorable experience! Later, if you’re not ready to let the party end after dinner, check out these San Diego rooftops for the end of the night or check out my activity guide for large groups that includes everything else to see and do while you and your visitors are in town.