Best Group Dining Gatherings Restaurants in Westchester
21 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Ayara Thai
Chef Vanda Asapahu’s family recipes, Michelin Bib Gourmand status, and a menu that fuses tradition with thoughtful seasonal specials.
Essential Picks
#1
Ayara Thai
9
Family-owned since 2004 and now Michelin Bib Gourmand–recognized, Ayara pairs deeply seasoned curries and noodles with chef-driven specials like whole fried branzino and lobster pad thai. The room is compact and often buzzing, but locals keep coming back for Khao Soi, Muay Thai Wings, and consistently dialed-in flavors just minutes from LAX.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Soi (mom’s northern curry noodles), Muay Thai Wings, Whole Fried Branzino
What Makes it Special: Chef Vanda Asapahu’s family recipes, Michelin Bib Gourmand status, and a menu that fuses tradition with thoughtful seasonal specials.
Notable Picks
8.9
Upscale yet comfortable, JW Steakhouse inside the LAX Marriott focuses on USDA prime steaks, polished service, and an award-winning wine list, making it a go-to for pre- or post-flight date nights. A lively open kitchen and polished bar scene keep it feeling like a real destination rather than just a hotel restaurant.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bone-In New York Strip, Filet Mignon, Flourless Chocolate Cake
What Makes it Special: Classic hotel steakhouse with prime beef and an acclaimed wine program near LAX.
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Family Friendly Favorites
Since 2008, LaRocco's has been Westchester’s classic New York–style slice shop, turning out big, thin pies with a crackly crust and deeply flavored sauce. The space is casual and busy, with counter slices for students and families plus whole pies for game nights and office orders.
Must-Try Dishes:
Angeleno specialty pie, Bronx Special pizza, Garlic knots
What Makes it Special: Stone-baked New York–style pies with a loyal neighborhood following since 2008.
Long before Westchester filled up with chains, Jino's Pars was serving saffron-scented rice, juicy koobideh, and rich stews to travelers and locals near LAX. The menu leans deep into traditional Persian plates with generous portions, making it a reliable destination for hearty dinners and family gatherings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Koobideh kabob with saffron basmati rice, Shish lick rack of lamb, Ghormeh sabzi herb stew
What Makes it Special: A long-running Persian standby near LAX known for big portions and classic stews.
#5
Cinco
8.6
Cinco is an Oaxacan-leaning neighborhood restaurant and bar where the burrito section shares the spotlight with mezcal, craft beer, and thoughtful small plates. Burritos come with well-seasoned meats, black beans, and salsa borracha, in a space that works as well for date night as it does for a mezcal-heavy group hang.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burrito with Al Pastor, Burrito Vegetal, Tacos al Carbon
What Makes it Special: Oaxacan-inspired burritos paired with one of the area’s deeper mezcal lists.
8.5
Seven Nineteen By GS is a Black-owned lounge and sports bar where crisp wings share the spotlight with cocktails, seafood, and DJs. With thousands of reviews and a lively crowd, it’s the neighborhood’s go-to for game nights and late-evening hangs built around saucy platters of wings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seven Nineteen Signature Wings, Seven Nineteen Wing Flight, Honey Buffalo Chicken Sliders
What Makes it Special: High-energy Black-owned lounge with creative wing flights and cocktails.
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Inside the aviation-themed Proud Bird food bazaar, Bludso's smokes pork ribs, brisket, and chicken low and slow over real hardwood with a Texas mindset. Diners line up for rib plates, hearty sides, and a front-row view of planes landing at LAX, making it a go-to for groups and out-of-towners.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ Pork Ribs (half or full rack), BBQ Beef Brisket, Mac and Cheese
What Makes it Special: Smoked Texas-style ribs served steps from LAX’s runway with museum-like plane views.
8.4
A Westchester standby since 1971, Italy's Little Kitchen does crowd-pleasing, red-sauce Italian with a notably hearty meat lasagna and housemade pastas that locals treat as weeknight staples and casual celebrations alike. Portions are generous, the room is bustling, and the lasagna is classic in style—layered, saucy, and baked until the edges caramelize.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna (layers of pasta, ground beef, meat sauce, ricotta & mozzarella), Lobster Ravioli, Chicken Parmigiana
What Makes it Special: Long-running neighborhood Italian spot with old-school, saucy lasagna and housemade pastas.
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
A Westchester standby for over two decades, Thai Dishes leans into big portions, fast service, and a sprawling menu built for repeat ordering. From Chicken on Fire to crab fried rice and green curry, it’s the reliable workhorse locals use for last-minute group takeout and casual dine-ins.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken on Fire, Crab Fried Rice, Green Curry
What Makes it Special: A long-running neighborhood workhorse with a deep menu, late peak hours, and serious delivery footprint.
#10
The Proud Bird
8.3
Since 1967, The Proud Bird has paired runway views with a multi-stall food hall, where wings, BBQ, and comfort plates fuel plane watching. The chicken wings and tenders are popular picks alongside brisket and burgers, making it a family-friendly stop before or after LAX flights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Wings, Chicken and Waffle, BBQ Brisket Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Historic aviation-themed food hall with solid wings and runway views.
8.2
Paco’s is a long-standing cantina famous for handmade tortillas, jumbo burritos, and strong margaritas, serving until about 10pm most nights.【3†turn3search3】 With over 3,400 aggregated reviews and a menu heavy on combo plates and soups, it’s a dependable sit-down choice for late-ish dinners and group outings.【3†turn3search23】【6†turn6search7】
Must-Try Dishes:
Supermex Burrito, Albondigas soup, Combination enchilada and taco plate
What Makes it Special: Hearty, old-school platters with handmade tortillas and big margaritas.
#12
Kebab Bar
8.2
Kebab Bar brings a slightly more polished take on Persian and Mediterranean kebabs to the Sepulveda corridor, with juicy skewers, fresh salads, and creamy dips built from family recipes. It’s a strong choice for a quick but satisfying sit-down meal before or after airport runs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef koobideh plate, Chicken kabob plate with salad and rice, Falafel with hummus
What Makes it Special: Family-run Mediterranean spot near LAX focusing on well-executed kebab plates and fresh mezze.
#13
Thai Talay
8.1
Thai Talay is a wood-accented, full-service Thai spot where cocktails, seafood specials, and polished noodle and curry plates meet a comfortable neighborhood vibe. Regulars lean on dishes like pineapple fried rice, massaman curry, and ‘awesome asparagus’ shrimp for sit-down dinners and relaxed celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pineapple Fried Rice, Massaman Curry, Awesome Asparagus Shrimp
What Makes it Special: A sit-down Thai restaurant with a full bar, seafood-leaning menu, and a slightly dressier feel than most strip-mall options nearby.
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Hidden Gems Heaven
Family-run since 1991, Alejo's Presto Trattoria is the loud, garlic-scented classic where bowls of pasta and bubbling lasagne come out in big, shareable portions. The menu leans old-school—think chicken Marsala, eggplant specialities, and straightforward baked pastas—backed by strong reviews across platforms over many years.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagne al Forno, Eggplant Mamma Mia, Chicken Marsala
What Makes it Special: Old-school, garlic-forward trattoria with big plates and loyal regulars.
8.1
Better known as a lively sushi and sake bar, Kanpai also runs a legit ramen program with tonkotsu, miso, spicy yuzu shio, and vegan bowls available into the late night. It’s the most full-service option in the area, pairing rich ramen with sashimi, rolls, and drinks for those who want a longer sit-down meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chashu Ramen, Spicy Miso Ramen, Vegan Ramen
What Makes it Special: A late-night sushi bar where the ramen is genuinely worth seeking out.
#16
Hacienda Del Rey
8.1
A Westchester staple since 1973, Hacienda Del Rey serves classic combination plates, fajitas, and strong margaritas in a lively, slightly old-school dining room that runs to about 10–11pm on weekends.【3†turn3search2】【5†turn5search5】 While its review volume is modest compared with some neighbors, decades of local affection and consistently warm service keep it firmly in the late-night rotation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shredded beef enchiladas with red sauce, Fajitas Del Rey, Albondigas soup
What Makes it Special: Decades-old neighborhood mainstay with generous plates and strong margaritas.
Backyard Korean Catering is a Westchester-based operation bringing full Korean BBQ spreads, bento boxes, and dumpling soups directly to homes and events. Run by industry veteran Soomi Fabian and rooted in family recipes, it’s a go-to for intimate gatherings that want restaurant-level KBBQ without leaving the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Backyard KBBQ spread with bulgogi, kalbi, and pork belly, Customizable Korean bento boxes, Dumpling soup kit with house side dishes
What Makes it Special: They turn your backyard or living room into a full Korean BBQ experience, complete with meats, banchan, and setup.
#18
Tower Pizza
8
Vibes:
Sports Bar Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Since the mid-1980s this student-filled sports bar has been Westchester’s casual hangout for pizza, pitchers, and surprisingly solid burgers. The Tower Cheeseburger and Western Chili Cheeseburger come piled high and budget-friendly, making it a go-to for LMU students, local teams, and big groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tower Cheeseburger, Western Chili Cheeseburger, Island Chicken Burger
What Makes it Special: A true neighborhood sports bar where big-screen games, pitchers, and stacked burgers are built for sharing.
Worthy Picks
#19
Golden Phoenix
7.9
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Hidden Gems Heaven
Business Lunch Power Players
A long-running Chinese restaurant dating back to 1952, Golden Phoenix is where Westchester and airport-area regulars go for huge family-style portions and old-school dumpling platters. While it’s a broad Chinese menu rather than a pure dim sum house, the pot stickers, steamed dumplings, and combo appetizer plate play the dim sum role for group meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Pot Stickers (10 pcs.), Shrimp Steamed Dumplings (10 pcs.), Combination Appetizer Platter
What Makes it Special: Decades-old Chinese institution near LAX known for generous dumpling and appetizer spreads.
7.8
This newer Kai Ramen location brings Chef Nishimura’s wide-ranging menu of tonkotsu, chicken, and seafood broths plus tsukemen to a bright, compact space just north of LAX. Portions are hearty, flavors run bold and garlicky, and the room feels relaxed enough for families while still working for a casual ramen night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen, Bomb Ramen, Crispy Chicken Steamed Buns
What Makes it Special: A newer Westchester outpost with a big, playful ramen menu including tsukemen and buttercorn bowls.
7.7
Vibes:
Sports Bar Central
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Inside the LAX Marriott, Hangar 18 serves a better-than-expected hotel-bar burger, headlined by the Big Bacon Burger on a brioche bun. It’s a convenient sit-down option for travelers and nearby office workers who want a full bar, big TVs, and reliable burgers without leaving the Century Boulevard hotel row.
Must-Try Dishes:
Big Bacon Burger, Turkey Burger, Impossible Burger (Plant-Based)
What Makes it Special: A polished hotel sports bar where the Big Bacon Burger anchors a traveler-friendly menu steps from LAX.