San Diego's Best Restaurants for Large Families

San Diegan's love to eat, and everyone wants to enjoy a meal with friends or family. We live in the best city for group dining, with mild weather, stunning locations, and some of the most talented chefs anywhere. Whether it’s a holiday dinner, special occasion, office party, or for no specific reason at all, I’ve listed 5 family friend San Diego Restaurants. 

Juniper and Ivy

2228 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy | Phone: (619) 269-9036 | Online: juniperandivy.com

Bring your family to Juniper and Ivy (review, August 2015 issue) a modernist American restaurant set in a converted 1920s sawtooth warehouse located on the outskirts of San Diego’s

Little Italy

. The Juniper and Ivy kitchen is helmed by Celebrity Chef Richard Blais, winner of Bravo's Top Chef All-Stars and successful restaurateur, cookbook author, and television personality. Dining areas feature natural hickory-stained tabletops, elevated leather booth spaces and white lacquered tables, and an outdoor patio offers al fresco dining year-round. A large party of up to fifty can book a private dining room that overlooks the bar and exposed floor-to-ceiling wine wall. Located on the main level, the semi-private dining room looks out to the open-concept kitchen and seats up to sixty guests. The daily, yet evolving menu is based on the chef’s ever-changing inspiration and culinary vision, specifically highlighting the region’s bountiful and fresh local produce and presenting guests with unexpected iterations on the classics. Divided into several categories, the menu includes snacks, raw, toast, and pasta in addition to plates - both small and large - as well as dessert. Additionally, a 4x4 four-course tasting menu, comprised of four small bites and four small plates, is available with an optional wine pairing. 

Also Read: Best Brunch in San Diego

Savoie

​2015 Birch Rd Suite 720, Chula Vista, CA | (619) 591-5757 | Online

​A place of enchantment, fine fare and fun, Savoie is a rare eatery that feeds both body and soul. From fabrics to iron doors and upside-down cows that graze on a ceiling, restaurateur and Karina’s Group Partner David Contreras Curiel looked to the Old World for inspiration. Whether you're hosting an intimate dinner for family and friends, a power lunch with co-workers, or celebrating with a large party, Savoie offers a variety of enchanting indoor and outdoor spaces for group dining and events. "Our glass-enclosed private dining room is a beautiful space that offers intimacy while still allowing guests to feel like they are a part of the excitement of the restaurant," says Curiel. "Surrounded by a lush garden and accented with whimsical touches, our outdoor patios are wonderful for al fresco group events." A carefully written French-Italian menu offers affordable casual and gourmet fare. "We wanted to create an environment that makes guests feel like they’ve been transported to the south of France," explains Curiel. "Our menu offers a variety of delicious and versatile options for group entertaining." Whether you are hosting a cocktail party with tray passed tastes and handcrafted cocktails or a sit down multi-course dinner paired with fine wines from their expansive global wine collection, the Savoie culinary team and skilled mixologists will create a memorable dining experience for you and your guests. Located on 2015 Birch Road Suite 720, Chula Vista

Casa Sol y Mar

Del Mar Highlands Town Center, 12865 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130

(858) 792-4100

Well-known restaurateur and

Casa Sol y Mar

 (Review, July 2015) owner Diane Powers wanted to capture the spirit of the Mexican culture in all facets, including food and authentic flavors with a contemporary twist. From the painted walls and hand-woven Oaxacan fabrics, to the art and accessories on the wall made by contemporary Mexican craftsmen, she also wanted to have the interior depict the color and artistry of Mexico. The entire family can enjoy the healthy menu selections at Casa Sol y Mar. Nearly everything on the menu is fresh and made from scratch, including the salsas and tortillas. "We have many vegetarian and gluten-free selections, as well as a new healthy creations menu," says Powers. "We’re constantly working on healthy items with tons of flavors, made with ingredients found in Mexico." In addition to their deliciously appealing entrée salads and vegetarian selections, they’ve recently introduced a new healthy creations menu, which has six new and flavorful entrees, all under 650 calories, including several gluten-free options. Casa Sol y Mar has contemporary and upscale environment, boasting a beautiful patio and outdoor dining. "We want people to feel like they’ve taken a trip to Mexico when they come here," Powers says. "We’ve done our best to make the restaurant appealing to everyone!" - Located on 12865 El Camino Real

La Valencia

1132 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA | (858) 454-0771 | Online

La Valencia Hotel, located by the ocean in scenic La Jolla, welcomes families to celebrate anytime throughout the year. The beauty of the hotel is that it is the keeper of many cherished memories, with families returning each year as part of their traditions, as well as making new ones. Guests can choose how to design their own meal, starting with cocktails in La Sala Lounge than moving into THE MED for dinner, as well as opting for al fresco dining on the Ocean View Terrace.  As for the new Autumn menu, Executive chef James Montejano continues to perform his magic in the kitchen with elaborate preparations of seasonal items, including Late Harvest Pumpkin Lobster Soup, Fuyu Persimmon Salad or Maple Glazed Diestal Turkey "Growing up, I watched my mother make everything from scratch and I was truly inspired by her passion," he says. "Food brings families together. Really, there’s nothing better than people celebrating life over great food, wine and conversation.".  After your meal, check in to their spa for a little relaxation. 

Waypoint Public

3794 30th St, San Diego, CA | (619) 255-8778 | Online

Nestled in the heart of North Park. Waypoint Public highlights their commitment and enthusiasm for great food and beer pairings while trying to hit the trifecta of great food, great beer, and a determination to appeal to a neighborhood demographic, which includes a growing number of young families. "There’s a growing demand for dining environments that cater to both children and adults and being family-friendly was an essential element when conceptualizing Waypoint Public from the get go," says John Pani, co-owner of Waypoint Public. "I’m the father of three young children, and like many other families around our Kensington neighborhood, I want to enjoy great food and drink without sacrificing quality time with my family." For group dining, Waypoint Public can accommodate larger groups in the main dining room, or the private "Bear Den" in the back of the restaurant. Executive Chef Amanda Baumgarten satisfies the hunger pangs of diners by delivering a menu that reinterprets comfort food classics while highlighting regional flavors.