Best Group Dining Gatherings Restaurants in Livermore
27 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Demitri’s Taverna
Shareable Greek plates and patio seating make group dining easy.
Notable Picks
8.6
Greek taverna with shareable mezze, grilled meats, and a heated patio that suits multi-generation dinners. Staff are adept at splitting courses and timing plates so families can graze without chaos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Flaming Saganaki, Lamb Chops, Gyro Plate
What makes it special: Shareable Greek plates and patio seating make group dining easy.
8.5
Long-running sushi bar (since 1986) known for classic cuts, chirashi, and a quieter room suited to conversation. Locals book it for steady technique and a traditional sushi-counter experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chirashi bowl, Hamachi kama, Spicy scallop roll
What makes it special: Decades-strong sushi counter with traditional cuts and calm pacing.
8.4
Downtown Indian favorite with a flexible spice scale, speedy lunch service, and an open-air patio that works well with strollers. Portions are generous and the menu covers mild to adventurous tastes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, Garlic Naan
What makes it special: Customizable spice and fast pacing keep meals smooth.
8.4
Modern Chinese with an extensive gluten-free program and a serious cellar. Polished service and consistent wok work make it a reliable pick for business dinners and special family meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Singapore Noodles (GF), Chow Fun (GF sauce), Seasonal seafood stir-fry (GF modification)
What makes it special: Dedicated gluten-free preparations across noodles and stir-fries.
Family-run spot (since 2006) serving house-made pastas and classic sauces in a comfortable dining room. Service is warm, portions are generous, and the menu ranges from kid-friendly staples to heartier plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna al forno, Gnocchi gorgonzola, Chicken marsala
What makes it special: House-made pasta program with friendly pacing for families.
8.3
Afghan comfort cooking centered on charcoal-grilled kabobs, bolani, and long-simmered stews. Locals come for generous plates, aromatic rice, and steady execution just off First Street.
Must-Try Dishes:
Qabili Pallow (lamb with raisin-carrot rice), Bolani (stuffed flatbread), Lamb Shank
What makes it special: Charcoal kabobs and saffron rice plates with Afghan staples.
8.3
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Quick Bites Champions
Neighborhood pizzeria with a broad specialty pie list, gluten-free options, and family-friendly portions. Reliable for takeout or relaxed dine-in without downtown parking stress.
Must-Try Dishes:
Italian Combination, Margherita, Meat Lovers
What makes it special: Large menu with classic combos and gluten-free crusts at fair prices.
8.2
Downtown sit-down taquería with a broad menu and beer/micheladas alongside tacos. Useful for groups who want table service but still keep things casual.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada street tacos, Al pastor tacos, Fish taco
What makes it special: Casual table service downtown with tacos plus micheladas.
Family-run Mexican restaurant (since 1986) with a lively bar area, robust kids’ options, and fast ticket times. Portions are hearty and the menu ranges from street-taco simple to combo-plate classics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Plate, Shrimp Fajitas, Street Tacos
What makes it special: Tri-Valley staple with big portions and quick service.
#10
Canton Village
8.2
Family-run since 1991, this roomy standby serves Cantonese and Szechuan favorites with steady pacing and generous portions. It’s a go-to for groups and classic comfort orders that land consistently.
Must-Try Dishes:
Walnut Prawns, Dry-Fried Green Beans, Szechuan Beef
What makes it special: Long-running Cantonese/Szechuan house known for reliability and portions.
#11
L Campo
8.2
Spanish tapas and paellas in a downtown setting, with a concise menu focused on classic shareables and rice dishes. Locals use it for date nights, small groups, and a glass of wine alongside plates meant to pass around.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seafood Paella, Patatas Bravas, Gambas al Ajillo
What makes it special: Tapas and paella program centered on Spanish classics served to share.
8.1
Local Italian standby known for approachable pastas, wood-grilled proteins, and pacing that keeps family dinners smooth. Portions are fair, service is steady, and the downtown location makes pre- or post-event meals easy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Linguine alle vongole, Chicken piccata, Grilled salmon with lemon-caper
What makes it special: Multi-generation East Bay Italian with crowd-pleasing pastas and grills.
#13
Roppongi Sushi
8.1
Downtown Japanese restaurant best known for sushi but also serving a hearty pork-broth ramen. Good for mixed groups where some want rolls and others want a warming bowl.
Must-Try Dishes:
Japanese Ramen (pork broth), Spicy Ramen, Tempura Udon
What makes it special: Full-service Japanese dining with a solid ramen option downtown.
8.1
Cozy, family-run ristorante on Railroad Avenue with a tight menu of house pastas and classic entrées. Service is warm and the kitchen leans traditional—think slow-simmered sauces and straightforward plating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pappardelle Bolognese, Chicken Piccata, Tiramisu
What makes it special: Traditional sauces and pastas served with neighborhood-style hospitality.
8.0
Lively barbecue hall—the original Sauced location—with big portions, plenty of TVs, and two patios where families spread out. Service is upbeat and the kid-friendly sides make sharing easy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Two-Meat Platter (brisket & ribs), Burnt Ends, Mac & Cheese
What makes it special: Original outpost with roomy patios and shareable barbecue.
8.0
Lively alehouse with a rotating tap list and clearly marked gluten-free items. Fries, ribs, and taco builds lean GF without sacrificing bar-food comfort.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck Carnitas Tacos (GF corn tortillas), Crispy Baby Back Ribs (GF), Kennebec Garlic Parmesan Fries (GF)
What makes it special: Gluten-free options are labeled on a broad comfort-food menu.
8.0
Downtown cantina with a dedicated afternoon happy hour and reliable bar-bite tacos. Comfortable booths and a roomy bar make it an easy central meetup.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada tacos, Birria tacos (HH portion), Chile verde plate
What makes it special: Set HH window with taco specials and house margs.
#18
Hops & Sessions
8.0
Self-pour beer wall and comfort-food menu with crisp, sauced-to-order wings. Happy hour runs mid-week with drink deals that make wing flights an easy move.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Chicken Wings (Sweet Sriracha), Garlic Parmesan Wings, Lemon Pepper Wings
What makes it special: Self-pour taps plus multiple wing flavors with bar seating.
Worthy Picks
Winery café serving Italian-leaning California fare—pizzas, risotti, and pastas—set among vineyards with ample outdoor seating. Families appreciate the relaxed service rhythm and room to roam between courses.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mushroom risotto, Seafood pasta, Margherita pizza
What makes it special: Vineyard setting with Italian-inspired comfort dishes.
#20
YakiniQ
7.9
All-you-can-eat K-BBQ with tabletop grills and a lively pace. Popular for groups and celebrations, with solid meat variety and speedy turns from the floor team.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef brisket (chadol), Pork belly (samgyeopsal), Marinated short rib
What makes it special: AYCE Korean BBQ with fast pacing and crowd energy.
7.9
Downtown steakhouse staple with a full slate of chops and classic sides, plus a comfortable dining room that works for anniversaries without the white-glove fuss. Portions are generous and sauces come classic—peppercorn, demi, or bleu.
Must-Try Dishes:
22oz porterhouse, Ribeye, New York strip
What makes it special: Classic steakhouse cuts with multiple sauce options and big portions.
7.9
Downtown takeout favorite for Mandarin/Szechuan standards at fair prices. Portions are solid, and online ordering keeps weeknight pickup quick.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kung Pao Chicken, Hot & Sour Soup, Beef Chow Fun
What makes it special: Straightforward classics with easy online pickup and delivery.
#23
Simply Fondue
7.9
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Girls Night Out Approved
Trendy Table Hotspots
Interactive fondue format—cheese, entrée, and chocolate—makes it a go-to for birthdays and group toasts. Dim lighting and leisurely pacing set a celebratory tone.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Fondue, Beef & Shrimp Entrée Fondue, Chocolate Fondue
What makes it special: Celebration-friendly, interactive fondue experience.
7.9
Long-running downtown pub (since 2000) with a big kids’ menu, roomy booths, and quick tickets that make family meals painless. Burgers, salads, and shareable plates keep everyone covered without breaking the budget.
Must-Try Dishes:
Alehouse Burger, Chicken Tenders & Fries, Sweet Potato Fries
What makes it special: Kid-friendly menu with fast, friendly pub service.
#25
Extreme Pizza
7.8
Casual dine-in spot with build-your-own and signature pies plus salads and subs. Consistent delivery and takeout, with indoor/outdoor seating for easy group meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Everest combo pizza, Wingin’ It BBQ chicken pizza, Calzone (build-your-own)
What makes it special: Reliable dine-in and delivery with broad topping combos.
7.8
Casual downtown Italian with pizzas, pastas, and booths that fit strollers and high chairs. Ticket times are quick, and the menu leans toward shareable, family-friendly favorites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Combination pizza, Ravioli with marinara, Chicken parmesan
What makes it special: Old-school menu that kids and grandparents agree on.
7.6
Compact downtown spot emphasizing familiar Thai curries, stir-fries, and several vegetarian options. Solid execution and easy parking make it a practical mid-week dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic & Lemongrass BBQ Pork, Tofu Pad Thai, Spicy Prawns
What makes it special: Downtown convenience with vegetarian and vegan options clearly labeled.