Best Group Dining Gatherings Restaurants in Venice
11 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Venice Whaler
Pier-front bar and restaurant with ocean views and late-night seafood.
Notable Picks
8.7
Venice Whaler is a longtime pier-front institution with an upstairs deck overlooking the ocean, a downstairs bar, and a menu of beachy plates that runs late into the night. It’s one of the area’s busiest spots for fish tacos, burgers, and cocktails after dark, especially on weekends when the upstairs turns into a true boardwalk party.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whaler Fish Tacos, Whaler Double Burger, New England Clam Chowder
What Makes it Special: Pier-front bar and restaurant with ocean views and late-night seafood.
#2
RVR
8.6
Travis Lett’s Japanese-leaning tavern folds hand rolls, gyoza, and charcoal-grilled plates into a dim, high-energy space that reads effortlessly romantic. Not strictly a sushi bar, but the hand rolls and raw bites make for a stylish, shareable date.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cod Tempura Handroll, Tuna Handroll, Crispy Pork Belly Gyoza
What Makes it Special: A buzzy Venice izakaya where standout hand rolls meet moody design.
8.3
Beachfront beer garden with BOGO-style happy hour windows and tacos on the all-day menu. Sunset timing brings a lively crowd for shrimp or veggie tacos paired with easy-drinking drafts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp tacos, Veggie tacos, Chips and guacamole
What Makes it Special: Oceanfront HH energy with taco options and rotating drink deals.
8.1
Counter-service spot just off Windward Circle serving build-your-own bowls, wraps, and plates with classic Middle Eastern proteins and toppings. Locals use it for quick, customizable lunches and late-day takeout near the beach.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken shawarma bowl, Falafel wrap, Fried cauliflower plate
What Makes it Special: Customizable bowls and wraps with classic shawarma-and-falafel flavors.
8.1
Colorful, long-running Mexican spot with handmade tortillas and a roomy patio. The casual service, kids-friendly plates, and big portions work well for groups and weeknight dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Plate, Crispy Tacos, Cheese Enchiladas
What Makes it Special: Hand-pressed tortillas and a spacious, festive patio.
8
Cali-Mex roadhouse (since 2015) known for oak-smoked meats and flexible wing styles. Choose smoked, fried, or fire-grilled wings and settle on the patio with a drink.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked Wings (Clutch Style), Fire-Grilled Wings, Tri-Tip Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Wing styles from smoked to fire-grilled with legit BBQ chops.
Worthy Picks
7.9
A cash-only pop-up operating out of Venice Church's parking lot, turning out traditional New York-style pies from a setup that prioritizes crust and char over ambiance. The stripped-down format keeps things moving fast for Westside locals who want legit East Coast slices without the fuss.
Must-Try Dishes:
New York Style Pies, Meatball, Cannolis
What Makes it Special: Old-school New York style pizza baked in traditional ovens, cash-only operation that keeps it authentic
7.9
Vintage Mexican spot with house-made flour tortillas, tableside Caesar, and a kitschy film theme. It’s a neighborhood time capsule that still turns out comfort favorites with care.
Must-Try Dishes:
Calamari steak, Handmade flour tortillas, Tableside Caesar salad
What Makes it Special: Decades-old Mexican institution with tortillas pressed to order.
7.8
Casual beer-and-brat hall with quick counter ordering, long tables, and midday hours starting at noon most days. A solid choice for team lunches where speed and shareability matter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bratwurst (classic or exotic), Belgian fries with dipping sauces, Grilled peppers & onions
What Makes it Special: Fast counter-service sausages and fries at communal tables.
#10
The Brig
7.8
Mid-century landmark bar running a generous happy hour (weekday afternoons and earlier on weekends). Expect well-priced wells, classic cocktails, and rotating food trucks for easy bites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Happy hour Negroni, Bee’s Knees, Food-truck tacos
What Makes it Special: Seven-day HH windows with classic cocktails and food-truck partners.
#11
Baby Blues BBQ
7.7
Casual smokehouse mixing regional barbecue styles, beloved for ribs, brisket, and sides. The room is unfussy and welcoming, with portions that make group orders easy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Memphis-style ribs, Sliced brisket platter, Mac ’n’ cheese
What Makes it Special: Cross-regional barbecue plates with hefty portions and lively sauces.