Diners' Choice: Good for groups restaurants in Monterey / Carmel

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that are great for groups in Monterey / Carmel? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Kona Steak and Seafood

4.8

4.8 (102)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Monterey

About the restaurant

KONA Steak & Seafood was voted the "Best New Restaurant" winner on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula for 2023. Located in the popular Del Monte Shopping Center in Monterey, just minutes from Carmel, Pacific Grove, & all Peninsula cities.
A fabulous menu! Enjoy fresh seafood, lobster, Hawaiian loco moco, fresh ahi tuna, a great bacon cheeseburger, bone-in rib eye, miso-glazed seabass, filet mignon, macadamia nut crusted halibut, entree salads, cioppino, seafood pasta, Maui onion soup, coconut curry soup, and a large host of enticing appetizers. Enjoy KONA's generous portions, good value, & free abundant parking! The house baked desserts are worth a trip on their own..... incredible!! The gorgeous "ZenDen Bar" features full bar & "Tiki Bar" style concoctions curated with house made ingredients, and nightly Happy Hour from 3:00-9:00pm. Local wine list, craft draft beers, kid's menu, dog-friendly lanai/patio dining, continuous lunch & dinner service 7 days a week from 11:00am.

Top review

John

Dined 1 day ago

Best Loco Moco ever. Started with the tempura artichoke hearts which were cooked to perfection with a very light tempura coating and served with an excellent sauce. Enjoyed a couple of Elvis Presley cocktails that were incredible. Definitely would recommend this place. The service is always a balance of friendly and professional and the kitchen is always “on point”. Thank you Billy Quon, another awesome evening at one of your restaurants.

Nicolas Cocina de Herencia

4.7

4.7 (277)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Carmel

About the restaurant

Reservations are not needed but are recommended, Walk ins are Welcome.

The newest creation from the owners of the beloved Villa Azteca in Downtown Salinas (Salinas City Center), the eatery honoring the Alvarez family patriarch will open Summer 2023 in Carmel Plaza. The 5,000-square-foot restaurant will have indoor dining, bar seating and a small outdoor space, serving specialty Michoacán dishes as well as other Mexican favorites, incorporating three generations of family recipes.

Top review

LornaVIP

Dined 1 day ago

We had a great birthday dinner! The Paraiso martini was wonderfully flavorful with a kick of subtle heat on the salted rim. I had the halibut mole. The mole had amazing depth of flavor and a gentle heat. The fish was a bit overcooked and dry, but with so much delicious mole it hardly mattered. All of the sides were thoughtfully prepared and paired nicely with the entrée. My husband had the chicken enchiladas and he said they were the best that he has ever had. Since it was my birthday, they gave me a free scoop of ice cream and we also ordered a slice of the tres leches cake to share. Both were very good. Our server (Guillermo?) was attentive and friendly. We will definitively be back.

Tarpy's Roadhouse

4.6

4.6 (3585)

$30 and under

American

Monterey

About the restaurant

Relax in this 1917 Roadhouse and enjoy creative, Five Star American Country Cuisine. The wood-burning grill provides wonderful flavors for the freshest seafood and prime steaks. Set on five landscaped acres, the patios and extensive gardens provide a refreshing backdrop for hearty sandwiches, vegetarian entrees and tempting salads. Reservations are recommended.We are limited to outdoor seating. Please wear warm clothes for dinner. Not all tables have heat. All tables of 4 we allow 1 hour 30 minutes. Parties of 6 or more 2 hours. If you need more time please let us know. We require credit cards for parties over 6. All guests must wear a mask while entering the restaurant. You may take it off once seated. If your late for your reservation, please call we allow 15 minute grace period.
Tarpy's also offers affordable off-site catering drop offs

Top review

ColleenVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Food was delicious as always and our waiter Thomas excellent and attentive. Perfect night.

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Popular dish

Crispy Calamari

Popular dish

8 oz Filet Mignon USDA Prime

Popular dish

Chili-Crusted Chicken

Rosine's Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (574)

$30 and under

American

Monterey

About the restaurant

Rosine's Restaurant turns traditional American comfort food into an art form. This local family-owned and operated casual dining restaurant has been open for 43+ years. The Culcasi family, owners of Rosine's, have received a bit of national fame as it has appeared on Guy Fieri's show "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives". Rosine's offers indoor and outdoor (pet friendly) dining serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, beer wine and signature craft cocktails. Breakfast offers include Eggs Benedicts, Omelets and a variety of other breakfast specialities. As for lunch and dinner, there is a mix of American and Italian dishes. Some of the most popular dishes on the menu include their Beef Minestrone soup, Chicken Parmesan and Lasagna. Scrumptious sandwiches, fresh salads and burgers are also elevated. They are known world wide for their award-winning house made desserts. A consistent winner with the locals for Best Comfort Food, Best Family Restaurant, Best Desserts + more.

Top review

Terri LynneVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Our experience was outstanding. The staff was kind and responsive. The holiday decorations were festive. The food was fantastic.

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Popular dish

Hearty Homemade Beef Minestrone Soup

4.6

4.6 (81)

$30 and under

Italian

Pacific Grove

About the restaurant

Located near the Aquarium, we offer a true taste of Italy with our homemade pastas and hand-picked Italian wines. Enjoy dishes crafted from cherished family recipes in a warm, rustic setting that evokes the charm of an Italian trattoria. Whether it's a romantic dinner or a family gathering, Il Vecchio promises an unforgettable dining experience with stunning bay views and exceptional hospitality. Voted "Best Italian Restaurant" every year since 2011.

Top review

Rich

Dined 2 days ago

Great Food and Great Service is what you will find at Il Vechio! It has been my "go to" place for years as it has never disappointed me!

Baja Cantina - Carmel

4.5

4.5 (601)

$30 and under

Mexican / Southwestern

Carmel Valley

About the restaurant

Baja Cantina is a fun and energetic place that is known for its exceptional automotive memorabilia collection and excellent food. We have a large outdoor patio that is perfect to sit and relax on a sunny afternoon with one of our award winning margaritas. We have special events all year round, including our famous classic car gatherings, holiday parties, tequila tastings, and sporting events. ****We only accept online reservations during off-peak times. If you can’t find a time you want online, please give us a call.***

Top review

josephineVIP

Dined on Dec 8, 2024

Food was not as hot as it should have been. Flavor was good.

Sur at The Barnyard

4.5

4.5 (504)

$31 to $50

American

Carmel Valley

About the restaurant

Voted "Best Restaurant in Carmel Valley 2023"!

Located in the picturesque Barnyard Shopping Village just off of HWY 1 between Rio Rd and Carmel Valley Rd. Sur at the Barnyard is where foodies, beer lovers and families escape the stresses of their day-to-day lives to enjoy a great meal!

If you don't see a reservation available give us a call anytime and we will be happy to assist!

Need a reservation for 7 or more? Give us a call at 831-250-7188 or email us any requests at reservations@suratthebarnyard.com

Top review

Avery

Dined 3 days ago

Alex made my birthday dinner spectacular! i’ll definitely be coming back

Sea Root - Hyatt Regency Monterey

4.4

4.4 (22)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Monterey

About the restaurant

Where the aromatic flavors and spices of the Mediterranean mingle with Pacific Coast ingredients—welcome to Sea Root, our upscale restaurant. Let us plate and pour you something delicious, including pan seared pacific halibut, seared scallop sofrito, and feta fig toast—all paired with Monterey County wines.

Top review

Marge

Dined on Nov 28, 2024

We enjoyed the Thanksgiving buffet at Sea Root. Last year we tried the buffet at a different hotel and were so disappointed. This experience was the complete opposite. Service was warm and friendly, the options were quality, and we were treated as valued customers. I would definitely splurge on the Thanksgiving buffet at Sea Root again and hope to enjoy regular dining there as well.

Shearwater Tavern

4.2

4.2 (99)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Carmel

About the restaurant

Located in the idyllic seaside community of Carmel, Shearwater Tavern features breakfast and dinner within the Carmel Mission Inn. Our dinner menu has a selection of smaller plates to share along with some larger individual plates.
We have partnered with a local dairy, coffee roaster, honey purveyor and bakery.
Our Chef Fabian Di Paolo's menu is New American with Influences from his Argentinian, Italian, Floribbean roots. Our cocktail program features beautiful classic and specialty cocktails along with craft beer and California wines. You must try his House made Parker House rolls.

Top review

M.J.

Dined on Nov 29, 2024

Customer service was very good. We had Thanksgiving dinner and felt the food was overdone. The menu notes Parker House rolls, which were only a hodgepodge of dinner rolls. And the “brûlée” sweet potatoes were just mashed. The salad was very sad and wilted.

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Experience

Christmas Dinner at Shearwater Tavern

Rockfish Harbor Grill

4.1

4.1 (157)

$30 and under

Seafood

Monterey

About the restaurant

We are excited to transform Monterey Bay's best location into the newest, freshest, seafood restaurant. Enjoy an all-new ambiance, waterfront tables, and exciting menu items!

For more than one hundred years, fishing has been a vital part of Monterey’s economy. Monterey’s historic Fisherman’s Wharf with its colorful shops, seafood markets, and flavorful restaurants, is a reflection of that history. Rockfish celebrates Monterey’s fishing tradition and enjoys the Wharf’s most expansive, panoramic views of the working harbor.

Stop by and enjoy a cocktail and our stunning views at the restaurant’s bar and lounge. Our ambiance is casual California and it’s suitable for visitors of all ages. Come see for yourself. You’ll be glad you did!

Top review

LesVIP

Dined on Dec 9, 2024

The location, view, food, and staff are all great. You will like it. :)

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