Best Group Dining Gatherings Restaurants in Pleasanton
26 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Zachary's Chicago Pizza
Authentic Chicago-style stuffed pizzas with California twist
Notable Picks
8.8
Employee-owned since 1983, this East Bay institution brings authentic Chicago-style stuffed pizzas to downtown Pleasanton with over 225 best pizza awards. Their signature spinach and mushroom stuffed pizza features layers of cheese and toppings between two crusts, plus they offer excellent thin-crust options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spinach & Mushroom Stuffed, Zachary Special, Mediterranean Pizza
What makes it special: Authentic Chicago-style stuffed pizzas with California twist
Old-school, downtown steakhouse known for prime cuts, classic sides, and a deep wine list. Locals book it for milestone dinners where polished service and consistent execution matter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bone-in ribeye, Filet mignon, Lobster tail
What makes it special: Classic New York–style steakhouse dining with an acclaimed wine program.
#3
Oyo
8.5
Pan-Latin plates with clear GF markings and vibrant flavors, from jerk chicken to seafood stews. A cocktail-forward room and lively service make it a downtown pick for groups that need reliable gluten-free choices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Run Down Fish (GF), Jerk Half Chicken (GF), Paella Oyo (GF)
What makes it special: A Latin menu with GF and GF* callouts across crowd-favorites.
8.4
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Group Dining Gatherings
Owner-led American bistro where lunch moves efficiently and dinner brings polished versions of classics—from ribeye to salads and fish tacos. Sidewalk patio seating keeps it workable for families while feeling grown-up.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime Cut Ribeye (Lunch/Dinner), Chopped Apple Salad, Fish Tacos
What makes it special: Polished takes on American staples with efficient pacing downtown.
8.4
Serving Pleasanton since 1959, this Tri-Valley Herald award winner crafts sourdough specialty pizzas from scratch in a vintage-themed parlor. The family-friendly restaurant combines six decades of tradition with consistently fresh ingredients and that distinctive sourdough tang locals have loved for generations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sourdough Specialty Pizza, Gourmet Combination, Classic Pepperoni
What makes it special: 65-year legacy with award-winning sourdough crust
8.3
Founded by longtime Pleasanton resident Todd Utikal, this modern American grill brings handcrafted burgers and weekly smoked meats to a prime downtown location near the farmers market. Two large dog-friendly patios with fire pits, local craft beers, and creative small plates elevate the neighborhood bar concept.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hangover Burger, Tater Todds, Cubano Sandwich
What makes it special: Owner-operated with creative burgers and two covered dog-friendly patios
8.3
Neighborhood bistro with a broader seafood menu and well-built specialty rolls. Portions are generous and rolls like Pink Lady or Lion King keep regulars coming back.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pink Lady Roll, Lion King Roll, Uncle Rock Roll
What makes it special: Large-format specialty rolls with crowd-pleasing flavors.
8.3
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Established in 2016, New Thai Bistro delivers authentic Bangkok street food with modern presentation in a spacious Valley Plaza setting. The kitchen excels at classic dishes like Pad Thai and their signature Tom Ka soup, with consistently fresh ingredients and generous portions that locals rave about.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tom Ka Soup, Citrus Chicken, Thai BBQ Pork
What makes it special: Authentic Thai flavors with ample parking and spacious dining room.
8.3
Mediterranean standby with GF-marked mezze and grills, plus a patio for al fresco spreads. Consistent execution on kebabs and veggies keeps it in rotation for gluten-free date nights and small celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Chops (GF), Stuffed Peppers, Grilled Halloumi
What makes it special: Mediterranean menu with clearly labeled GF sides and mains.
#10
Pastas Trattoria
8.3
Long-running downtown spot for classic Northern Italian pastas, steaks, and seafood with plenty of kid-friendly choices. Families use it for relaxed dinners where service is attentive and pacing is predictable.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Piccata, Linguine alle Vongole, Penne alla Vodka
What makes it special: Downtown mainstay with a broad menu and steady, accommodating service.
This downtown gastropub elevates the sports bar experience with craft cocktails, rotating local beers, and a tailgate burger that's earned cult status. The heated outdoor patio with fire pit makes it a year-round destination, while weekly comedy nights and live music add entertainment beyond the screens.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tailgate Burger, Philly Cheese Steak Egg Rolls, Buffalo Wings
What makes it special: Gastropub quality food in a family-friendly sports bar atmosphere
#12
Seoul Komtang
8.2
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Neighborhood Korean kitchen focused on bone-broth soups (gomtang/komtanɡ) and homestyle stews, with BBQ favorites at dinner. Broths are clean and beefy, portions are generous, and banchan refills keep groups satisfied.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dogani Gomtang (beef knee cartilage soup), Galbi Jjim (braised short ribs), Kkori Gomtang (oxtail soup)
What makes it special: Slow-simmered beef broths and classic stews served with solid banchan.
#13
Taqueria Extra
8.2
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Group Dining Gatherings
Counter-service taqueria on Bernal turning out quick al pastor and asada with a self-serve salsa bar. Happy-hour taco pricing and speedy tickets make it an after-work staple.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Carne asada tacos, Michelada
What makes it special: Fast, affordable tacos with a generous salsa bar.
Burmese favorites with plenty of naturally gluten-free choices like tea leaf salads and coconut curries. Friendly pacing and shareable plates make it easy for mixed-diet tables.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tea Leaf Salad, Coconut Chicken Curry, Garlic Eggplant
What makes it special: Burmese curries and salads with many GF-friendly choices.
#15
BottleTaps
8.1
Craft-beer taproom where the kitchen turns out meaty pub plates and shareable fry baskets to match the rotating taps. Expect crisp skins and sauces served on the side to keep texture intact.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pub Fries, Wagyu Sliders + Fries, Garlic Parmesan Fries
What makes it special: Beer-centric fry pairings with sauces kept separate for crunch.
8.1
Vibes:
Sports Bar Central
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
This sports bar pizzeria uniquely blends traditional and Indian fusion pizzas with 50+ craft beers on tap across wall-to-wall TVs. Standout offerings include butter chicken and tandoori pizzas alongside classics, making it the go-to spot for game day with a twist.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter Chicken Pizza, Tandoori Wings, Pepperoni Paradise
What makes it special: Indian fusion pizzas with 50+ craft beers on tap
#17
Andy & Yu's
8.0
Chinese kitchen with a dedicated gluten-free section covering stir-fries, fried rice, and chow fun with wheat-free soy. A reliable pick for families wanting classic flavors without the gluten.
Must-Try Dishes:
GF Peking Chicken, GF Chow Fun, GF Prawns with Honey Walnuts
What makes it special: Robust GF menu with wheat-free soy and rice-noodle options.
Worthy Picks
#18
Senro Sushi
7.9
Comfortable downtown sushi bar & grill with reliable nigiri and a broad hot-kitchen menu. Consistent execution and easy bar seating make it a dependable weeknight choice.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sashimi combo, Salmon belly nigiri, Tempura udon
What makes it special: Well-rounded menu that’s steady across nigiri and hot dishes.
7.9
Colorful cantina with a TV-lined bar and weekday happy hour on drinks and appetizers. Tacos are straightforward and well-portioned, making it an easy downtown meet-up near public parking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada tacos, Chicken tacos dorados, Carnitas tacos
What makes it special: Downtown cantina happy hour with easy bar seating.
7.9
Italian-leaning bistro with pastas, chops, and cioppino; brunch and kids-friendly options make it versatile for families. Service is welcoming and the menu spans mild to adventurous.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Parmigiana, Spaghetti Carbonara, SF-Style Cioppino
What makes it special: Broad, family-friendly Italian menu with brunch and dinner service.
7.8
With both indoor and outdoor seating plus a full bar, Two Amigos serves mountain-sized portions that satisfy serious appetites. The al pastor is smoky and well-seasoned, while the extensive salsa bar offers multiple house-made options that locals rave about.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Super Burrito, Three Taco Plate Combo, Carnitas Tostada
What makes it special: Massive portions and excellent al pastor marinade
#22
Frontier Spice
7.8
Located in downtown Pleasanton since 2015, Frontier Spice combines traditional Indian with modern interpretations in an upscale casual setting. Features impressive chandeliers and colonial-style furnishings with a full bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Malai Chaap, Chicken Dum Biryani, Butter Chicken
What makes it special: Downtown location with full bar and elegant colonial-inspired ambiance
#23
Sultan's Kebab
7.8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Counter-service Turkish spot for shawarma, skewers, and falafel with quick ticket times. Popular for affordable lunches and family takeout near the Koll Center offices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken shawarma wrap, Adana kebab plate, Falafel with tahini
What makes it special: Well-seasoned Turkish kebabs and wraps at friendly prices.
#24
Gold Chopsticks
7.7
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Group Dining Gatherings
Quick Bites Champions
Family-owned for over 15 years, this friendly neighborhood spot serves Mandarin and Szechuan classics with daily specials and Wonton Wednesdays. The Yu Shiang chicken and salt & pepper dishes keep locals returning despite the strip mall setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yu Shiang Chicken, Salt & Pepper Prawns, Sizzling Rice Soup
What makes it special: Family-owned warmth with complimentary spring rolls for regulars
#25
Oasis Restaurant
7.7
Downtown Mediterranean favorite pairing kababs and mezzes with a wine-friendly lounge setting. Works for casual celebrations when you want a scene without the splurge.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Kabab Plate, Hummus & Lavash, Lamb Shank
What makes it special: Wine-friendly lounge vibe with approachable Mediterranean plates.
#26
Mexico Lindo
7.5
Operating since the late 1980s, Mexico Lindo features live music and dancing every Friday and Saturday in their spacious dining rooms. The Apollo Barracho and chile rellenos showcase traditional preparations, while weekend brunch draws crowds for huevos rancheros.
Must-Try Dishes:
Apollo Barracho, Chile Rellenos, Tampiquena
What makes it special: Live mariachi music and dancing on weekends