The Best Los Angeles Restaurants for Tour Groups

The focus at Fogo de Chão is churrasco, the Brazilian art of roasting meats over an open fire. The first L.A. location of Fogo de Chão is one of the most popular restaurants on the famed Restaurant Row along La Cienega. In February 2015, Fogo de Chão opened a sleek, 8,000 square-foot location in Downtown L.A. With private and semi-private dining options, both locations are great for groups.

The dining ritual centers on the roaming carvers, who are signaled with a double-sided disc. The green side tells them to keep delivering a selection of meats that are carved tableside. Options include the signature picanha (a prime cut of top sirloin), leg of lamb, pork loin and chicken. The red side tells the carvers to stand by until you’re ready for more. The Market Table features fresh seasonal salads, vegetables, imported cheeses and cured meats. Brazilian side dishes such as pão de queijo (traditional Brazilian cheese bread), crispy polenta, garlic mashed potatoes and caramelized bananas are served tableside. The Downtown L.A. location offers a light lunch option, featuring unlimited trips to the Market Table and the option to add a single protein.

Casa La Golondrina is the oldest restaurant on historic Olvera Street, the colorful Mexican marketplace in Downtown L.A. Opened in 1924, Casa La Golondrina is located in the landmark Pelanconi House, which was built in the 1850s and is the oldest surviving brick house in Los Angeles. The wide range of delicious, authentic Mexican fare includes familiar favorites, popular combos and house specialties like birria de chivo or barbacoa de borrego - traditional presentations of steamed goat or lamb served in its own broth with herbs and chile. Pitchers of margaritas and strolling mariachis complete the unique experience. Contact Vivien Bonzo at 626.392.3133 or vbonzo@msn.com.

Family-owned and operated since 1949, Miceli's is a classic Italian joint takes pride in its Sicilian-style pastas, pizzas and specialty dishes. Known as the oldest Italian restaurant in Hollywood, Miceli’s has served legends like Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra and The Beatles. To add to the old school atmosphere, servers serenade dinner guests with Italian arias, musical show tunes and classical standards. Aunt Angie’s famous original recipe lasagna is just one of the large party menu options, which include favorites like pizzas, linguine with clams, and Eggplant Parmigiana. Call 323.466.3438 or email specialevents@micelisrestaurant.com.

Opened in July 1934, The Original Farmers Market is one of L.A.’s most popular tourist attractions and an ideal destination for groups of any size. The landmark Farmers Market features more than 100 restaurants, produce markets and specialty shops. Dozens of dining options range from multicultural food stalls to sit-down eateries and the 24-hour Du-par’s restaurant and bakery. Contact Maritza Cerrato at 323.954.4230 or mcerrato@afgilmore.com.

One of L.A.'s most iconic restaurants, The Tam O'Shanter was opened in 1922 by Lawrence Frank and Walter Van de Kamp (they later founded Lawry's the Prime Rib) and there's a lot of history inside its dark wood walls. Walt Disney and his animators were regulars - his favorite table was #31, right by the fireplace and commemorated by a plaque. "The Tam" offers a tour operator special and accepts groups of 15 or more: get one complimentary entree for every 20 paid entrees, as well as Prix Fixe menus and more.

For the quintessential “Endless Summer” experience in L.A., head to Perry’s Beach Cafe & Rentals, with numerous locations servicing world-famous L.A. beaches like Santa Monica and Venice. Perry's can accommodate rentals for groups of any size with a huge fleet of specialty bikes, rollerblades, surfboards, beach chairs, umbrellas and more. Each beachfront location features a variety of healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner items that are prepared fresh daily. To maximize your beach experience, Perry’s can coordinate beach volleyball, surf lessons, and offers a California beach BBQ with items like tri-tip, ribs, sausages, chicken and more. Contact Betsy Saraceno at 310.686.0981 or betsy@perryscafe.com.

For an unforgettable group dining experience, book a cruise aboard a Hornblower Cruises luxury yacht, departing from the Marina del Rey Fisherman’s Village. Tour group options range from a 2-hour sunset cocktail cruise to a private pontoon excursion, a narrated Harbor Cruise and more, with Marina del Rey's sites and spectacular coastline as the stunning backdrop.

Locate in Marina del Rey, Tony P’s Dockside Grill offers numerous dining options, from breakfast, lunch, dinner and appetizer buffets to multi-course tour group menus. The main dining room offers a maximum table seating of 30 people at one table. The waterfront deck seats up to 130 people, while the private Dockside Room seats up to 50. Tony P's Tavern seats up to 130 people, with numerous HD TVs, DJ, entertainment and dancing options. For more info, call 310.823.4534 or email contact@tonyps.com.

Café Santorini opened in June 1993 in a historic brick building in Old Town Pasadena. Specializing in Mediterranean food, Café Santorini serves grilled meats, seafood dishes, an array of pastas and family-style appetizer platters. The indoor dining room offers an intimate setting, while the outdoor patio offers an expansive rooftop setting with year-round dining under the stars. Café Santorini also features the Rococo Room, a banquet facility that can accommodate up to 150 people. Contact Panos Haitayan at 626.564.4200 or panos@cafesantorini.com.