A classic Korean barbecue favorite in the heart of Koreatown, KingChang LA is where you head with a group of friends when you want to share laughs and ice-cold soju and beer while grilling tender bulgogi, kalbi, and even intestines on a sizzling stone grill. It’s also one of the few highly-rated Korean BBQ restaurants that take reservations, so you won’t be stuck waiting hours for a table for your large party.

Top Chef alum and mega-award-winning chef Stephanie Izard’s first Los Angeles restaurant,Girl & the Goat, has become a go-to destination for locals planning large group outings thanks to an expansive dining room and patio filled with communal tables, live music on the weekends,and a stunning bar in the middle of it all. The constantly rotating globally-inspired menu is filled with bold small plates designed to be shared family-style, and the standout cocktail menu is always a real crowd-pleaser.

Traditional Oaxacan dishes like moles, tlayudas, and chapulines (fried grasshoppers) are the menu stars at family-run Guelaguetza that’s become an icon of Los Angeles dining since opening in 1994. In addition to winning a James Beard Foundation American Classic award, this restaurant was a favorite of renowned food critic Jonathon Gold. A spacious, vibrant dining room, festive live music, and a must-try mezcal flight make this a lively gathering place for groups of family and friends.

La Cha Cha Chá, the sibling restaurant to Mexico City’s popular Terraza Cha Cha Chá, is perfect for gathering with friends, thanks to its modern Mexican menu and amazing Downtown rooftop views. Share tostadas bursting with textures and flavors and roasted fish wrapped in blue corn tortillas and be sure to leave room for dessert — the flan and freshly made churros are worth the trek. Sip a mezcal cocktail on the garden terrace, where your group will feel worlds away from the city below.

Located in the Lincoln Heights area of town, Mazal is a neighborhood gem known for classic vegetarian and vegan Israeli-inspired sides. Standout dishes like velvety hummus served with freshly made pita, savory bourekas, and a zesty roasted cauliflower are so flavorful you won’t miss the meat. The plates are all ideal for sharing with friends as you chat the night away in the decidedly hip dining room or patio that’ll transport your party thousands of miles away to Tel Aviv.

An outpost of the famed Naples pizzeria from the “Eat, Pray, Love” movie, L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele bears all the hallmarks of an ideal group dining destination. Crowd-pleasing Italian dishes like standout pasta, wood-fired Neapolitan pies topped with fresh basil, artichokes, and truffle, a robust cocktail list, and a lively dining room filled with chatter and life make this a place for groups to linger and enjoy.

Started in 2020 by native Angelenos and lifelong friends Yaw Marcus Yaw Johnson and Abdoulaye Balde, Two Hommés has gained a reputation around town as a go-to culinary destination for its creative fusion of traditional African flavors with the fresh bounty of California’s seasonal ingredients. Honey berbere chicken bites and za’atar zucchini are just a few of the standout dishes fans can’t get enough of. The bright dining room pulses with 90s R&B, setting the stage for a fun-filled evening.

Tucked away in Frogtown, this modern Mexican restaurant focuses on fresh seafood. Think straight-from-the-sea ceviche, scallops, and octopus, and if you’re there with a group, don’t miss sharing the whole branzino. Loreto’s memorable craft cocktails, like an oyster-infused martini, round out the entire experience. Groups can dine in the stunning contemporary dining room with exposed beams, concrete walls, and velvet seating or on the oversized patio, which can host groups of up to 20 people.

An upscale ambiance and classic Northern Chinese cuisine like Peking duck with crispy skin, cumin lamb, and tender braised pork keep locals coming back to the San Gabriel Valley for more at award-winning Bistro Na’s. The elegant interior, featuring intricate bamboo wooden panels and soft red lantern lighting, creates a sophisticated setting for a celebratory meal with family or friends.

Carlitos Gardel Argentine Steakhouse, which received MICHELIN Plate status in 2022, is where you suggest the group goes when everyone’s in the mood for hearty meats and bold reds in a cozy rustic atmosphere. Known for its premium Argentine steaks and flavor-packed chimichurri sauce, the menu highlights cuts like the bife de chorizo and juicy ojo de bife. A romantic open-air patio is the perfect spot for sharing a bottle of Argentinean malbec and empanadas with friends.