Best Group Dining Gatherings Restaurants in Walnut Creek
36 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Montecatini Ristorante
Decades-strong kitchen led by Chef Ermes Paulin with meticulous classics.
Notable Picks
8.6
White-tablecloth Northern Italian mainstay since 1989 with precise pastas and gracious pacing. Locals book it for anniversaries and classic, unhurried dinners where the kitchen still executes old-school favorites with care.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna Casalinga (beef & veal, tomato-cream), Gamberi Scampi, Tortellini Montecatini
What makes it special: Decades-strong kitchen led by Chef Ermes Paulin with meticulous classics.
8.5
Small-plates bistro with a leafy patio steps from the main drag. While known for wine, the flexible menu and outdoor seating make it workable for families who like to share.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beet & Burrata, Seared Scallops, Truffle Fries
What makes it special: Tapas-style menu and patio make sharing easy with kids.
#3
Gusto Mio
8.4
Lively, modern Italian where charry thin-crust pies share the stage with pastas and cocktails. Shareable formats and brisk pacing suit mixed-age groups and casual date nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prosciutto-arugula pizza, Vodka rigatoni, Tiramisu
What makes it special: Share-friendly pies in a buzzy, modern room.
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Family Friendly Favorites
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Comfort-forward American fare with a true private dining room (“The Cellar”) steps from Broadway Plaza. Known for rotisserie meats and classics like the French Dip, it balances ease of planning with polished service.
Must-Try Dishes:
French Dip, Rotisserie Prime Rib, Deviled Eggs
What makes it special: Enclosed private room with fireplace and flexible seating formats.
#5
Limón
8.4
Family-owned since 2002, the Castillo brothers bring modern Peruvian cuisine fusing Incan staples with Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish influences. The open-flame rotisserie chicken is legendary, and the ceviche trio showcases Peru's coastal traditions with contemporary flair.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rotisserie Chicken, Ceviche Trio, Lomo Saltado
What makes it special: Authentic Peruvian by family who pioneered the cuisine in Bay Area
8.4
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Happy Hour Hotspots
Second-floor Spanish spot with a lively room, fast tapas pacing, and reliable paellas for sharing. It handles groups smoothly and keeps lunch moving without feeling rushed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Croquetas de jamón, Paella Valenciana, Gambas al ajillo
What makes it special: Shareable tapas and paellas that scale perfectly for teams.
8.4
Downtown taquería pairing handmade tortillas with rotating regional taco styles and a solid beer list. Weekday happy hour keeps prices friendly without sacrificing scratch execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quesabirria tacos, Taco Gobernador (shrimp), Al pastor street tacos
What makes it special: Handmade tortillas and a beer program built for taco pairing.
Rodízio-style service with tableside cuts of picanha, ribeye, and lamb chops plus a well-stocked salad bar. Locals use it for celebratory date nights when you want variety and an unrushed pace.
Must-Try Dishes:
Picanha (top sirloin cap), Lamb chops, Grilled pineapple
What makes it special: Classic Brazilian rodízio with attentive tableside carving and steady pacing.
8.3
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Persian standards—juicy kabobs, saffron basmati, and slow-cooked stews—delivered with steady execution in a compact downtown dining room. Locals use it for hearty weeknights and relaxed celebrations with reliable pacing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Koobideh kabob, Joojeh (saffron chicken), Fesenjan (pomegranate-walnut stew)
What makes it special: Charbroiled kabobs and classic Persian stews with saffron rice.
#10
Havana
8.3
The East Bay's destination for California-Cuban cuisine features over a dozen flavored mojitos and South Beach Miami-inspired decor. Mojito Mondays offer half-price cocktails all day, while weekend brunch includes bottomless mimosas and mojitos alongside Cuban breakfast favorites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Paella, Chimichurri Skirt Steak, Plantain Crusted Pacific Cod
What makes it special: Over a dozen mojito flavors and authentic Cuban atmosphere
8.3
Old-school Italian with warm service across from the Lesher Center, serving generous pastas and veal with steady execution. A reliable pick for pre-theater dinners and relaxed date nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Frutti di mare, Osso buco (when offered), Zabaglione
What makes it special: Long-running supper-club energy with generous portions and hospitality.
8.2
High-energy Chinese spot known for late-night hours, all-day happy hour, and shareable plates. Bartenders move fast and the patio stays lively well past dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy wontons, Honey walnut prawns, Mongolian beef
What makes it special: Late-night Chinese with an all-day happy hour and patio energy.
#13
Burma 2
8.2
Downtown Burmese kitchen with clearly marked vegan and gluten-aware choices and a lively patio/bar. Bold, shareable flavors make gluten-free ordering straightforward with staff guidance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tea leaf salad (gf prep available), Ginger salad (gf), Tofu & vegetable curry with coconut rice (gf)
What makes it special: Burmese classics with gluten-aware prep and clear staff guidance.
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Long-running downtown staple (since 1992) known for reliable curries, tandoori, and a value-forward lunch spread. Locals use it for straightforward flavors, generous portions, and easy parking near Civic Park.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Tikka Masala, Saag Paneer, Lamb Biryani
What makes it special: Walnut Creek mainstay delivering classic North Indian flavors since 1992.
8.1
Sit-down dim sum with a neighborhood feel steps from Civic Park. Baked BBQ pork buns, har gow, and scallion-tossed wings make it a reliable weekend brunch fix.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baked BBQ pork buns, Har gow (shrimp dumplings), Salt & pepper wings
What makes it special: Crowd-pleasing dim sum favorites without the long Chinatown waits.
#16
Andaman Thai
8.1
Neighborhood Thai kitchen with balanced spice levels and flexible substitutions. Families come for shareable curries, noodles, and friendly service that handles special requests well.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pumpkin Curry, Pad Thai, Basil Chicken (or Tofu)
What makes it special: Flexible spice and protein swaps keep kids and adults happy.
8.1
Modern dumpling house with a Shanghai lean—think soup dumplings, pan-fried buns, and a concise small-plates lineup. Clean, quick, and consistent for downtown shoppers and office lunches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Xiao long bao (soup dumplings), Q-Bao pan-fried pork buns, Cucumber salad
What makes it special: Shanghai-style dumplings and buns in a streamlined, modern setting.
8.0
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Since 1958, this diner-meets-BBQ favorite has served breakfasts, smoked meats, and retro comfort plates. Spacious booths and a broad kids’ menu make it an easy family default any day.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked Brisket Plate, Baby Back Ribs, Banana Pancakes
What makes it special: Walnut Creek institution for breakfast and BBQ under one roof.
#19
Bar Camino
8.0
Modern Latin restaurant puts fresh twists on Mexican-Latin favorites with California influences, from skirt steak ranchero to refined king salmon with plantains. The reverse happy hour Thursday through Saturday from 8pm until close extends the evening with discounted drinks and snacks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Queso Fundido, Quesabirria Tacos, Enchiladas Suiza
What makes it special: Reverse happy hour extends late-night dining with deals
8.0
Old-school parlor and diner known for house-made ice cream, hot fudge, and oversized sundaes. The famous Kitchen Sink challenge adds a bit of TV lore to downtown dessert runs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hot Fudge Banana Sundae, Kitchen Sink Sundae, Banana Split
What makes it special: House-made ice cream and the Man v. Food ‘Kitchen Sink’ challenge.
8.0
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Business Lunch Power Players
Local family operation with shareable pies and pastas in a lively room. Kids get crowd-pleasers, adults get a cocktail and solid classics without formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vodka Rigatoni, Prosciutto-Arugula Pizza, Meatballs
What makes it special: Buzzy, share-friendly menu from a long-running local restaurant family.
8.0
Lively downtown spot balancing classic rolls, chirashi, and approachable omakase with a comfortable bar. Good energy without being chaotic keeps conversation easy for date night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s omakase (reservations recommended), Chirashi bowl, Hamachi kama
What makes it special: Flexible menu with chirashi, omakase, and a solid sake set.
Worthy Picks
#23
Katy's Kreek
7.9
Long-running brunch hub across from the Lesher Center, best known for a deep Eggs Benedict lineup and steady, friendly pacing. Comfortable booths and classic plates make it easy for families and groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Katy’s Eggs Benedict, Santa Fe Benedict, Belgian Waffle
What makes it special: Bay Area-famous Benedict menu served all day.
#24
Silk Road
7.9
Long-running Mediterranean/Middle Eastern spot mixing kebabs, pomegranate chicken, and hearty rice plates. A flexible menu and generous portions make it dependable for mixed-taste groups downtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb shank with saffron rice, Pomegranate chicken, Beef/lamb kebab plate
What makes it special: Hearty kebabs and saffron-rice plates built for sharing.
7.9
Polished cantina with a spirited bar, patio seating, and weekday happy hour focused on margaritas and snackable plates. Tacos land with reliable flavor and sit-down comfort near the Broadway corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taco trio (mix and match), Chicharrón bites with salsa, Arroz a la Ezkina side with tacos
What makes it special: Lively bar energy with weekday happy hour and patio seating.
#26
La Fontaine
7.9
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Girls Night Out Approved
Trendy Table Hotspots
French-leaning brasserie with Italian touches—steak frites, bouillabaisse, and duck breast alongside house pastas. A flexible option for business lunches, group celebrations, and relaxed weekend dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Frites, Bouillabaisse, Duck Breast with Wild Rice
What makes it special: A broad French menu with crowd-pleasers that works for varied tastes.
7.9
Longtime downtown spot serving a broad menu of Thai classics in a comfortable dining room. Favored for familiar flavors, generous portions, and easy access before or after errands downtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tom Kha Gai, Pad Thai, Panang Curry
What makes it special: Downtown mainstay with a deep menu of standards.
Honky-tonk bar and kitchen with live music, whiskey lists, and a menu built for crowds. Kitchen runs late on weekends, making it a dependable post-show stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nashville hot chicken sandwich, Smoked brisket platter, Mac & cheese
What makes it special: Late-night kitchen with live country sets and whiskey-forward bar.
#29
Pacific Catch
7.8
West-coast seafood spot with poke bowls, kids’ options, and creek-side patios. Balanced, lighter fare gives families a break from heavy meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kalua Pork & Poke Bowl, Fish & Chips, Thai Coconut Shrimp
What makes it special: Kid-friendly seafood and bowls with a spacious patio setup.
7.8
Lively smokehouse with big tables, TVs, and a menu built for sharing. Families mix platters and sides while the atmosphere stays upbeat and casual.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sliced Brisket Plate, St. Louis Ribs, Mac & Cheese
What makes it special: Big-format BBQ with kid-friendly portions and plenty of TVs.
#31
House of Sake
7.8
Neighborhood favorite with a big ‘Chef Special Roll’ page and a relaxed, family-friendly room. Prices are gentle, portions are fair, and the roll variety covers both classics and playful builds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Walnut Creek Roll, Lion King, Double Hamachi Roll
What makes it special: Extensive chef-special rolls with local nods at budget pricing.
#32
Peony Garden
7.8
Broad Cantonese-leaning menu with dim sum selections at lunch and spacious dining rooms, including a back patio. A dependable choice near Broadway Plaza for multi-generational dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prawns lettuce cups, Beef chow fun, Sichuan-style chicken
What makes it special: Large-format menu and rooms that work for big parties.
7.7
Modern Irish pub with a legit smash burger alongside pints, whiskey, and comfort plates. Expect a lively room, TVs, and a menu that blends pub standards with a few California touches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smash Burger, Reuben Sandwich, Irish Egg Rolls
What makes it special: Pub-made smash burger with proper sear and soft bun.
#34
Stadium Pub
7.7
Walnut Creek’s oldest sports bar (since 1992) with a full “World Famous Fries” section—garlic, chili, cheese, and combos fly out fast on game days. It’s a classic, no-frills stop for pitchers and baskets of hot fries.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Fries, Chili Cheese Fries, Garlic Cheese Fries
What makes it special: Long-running fries program with multiple classic and loaded options.
7.7
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Sports Bar Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Old-school parlor with big booths, pitchers, and TVs serving combo pies and garlic twists. Teams and families spread out without breaking the budget.
Must-Try Dishes:
Combination pie, BBQ chicken pizza, Garlic twists
What makes it special: Decades-loved parlor energy with kid-friendly pricing.
#36
Tomatina
7.5
Casual, family-friendly spot for personal pies, pastas, and salads with quick service. Central downtown location and broad menu make it a convenient meet-in-the-middle pick.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Pepperoni pizza, House salad
What makes it special: Broad, family-oriented menu with efficient pacing downtown.