The best lively spots great for groups and friend gatherings in Sherman Oaks — curated from over 200 LA restaurants.
4 picksThe best dinner spots in Sherman Oaks for a group are the ones where sharing is built into the menu and nobody has to overthink the order. These 4 picks are ideal for groups of 2–8 — places with enough energy that you can actually talk, menus worth exploring together, and a vibe that doesn't require a special occasion to justify the tab. Catch the TikTok reviews to find the right fit. Top picks: Anajak Thai, Boneyard Bistro, Bacari Sherman Oaks.
Sherman Oaks has a solid neighborhood restaurant scene along Ventura Blvd — reliable, local, and covering most cuisines you'd want on a weeknight.
Sherman Oaks' LA Times restaurant of the year — a family-run Valley Thai institution elevated to one of the most celebrated tables in California
Must-try: Thai fried chicken, River prawn with garlic butter, Mango sticky rice
📍 14704 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Sherman Oaks' 20-year-old Valley institution — half bistro, half BBQ spot with one of the best burgers in the San Fernando Valley
Must-try: BBQ combo plate, The Boneyard burger, Santa Fe chicken
📍 13539 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Venetian small plates in a secret garden courtyard
Must-try: Bacari Fries, Asian Pear & Brie Pizza, Espresso Martini
📍 14106 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Anderson Paak's Tulum-inspired Mexican stunner on Ventura
Must-try: Kumamoto Oysters, Crispy Fish Tacos, Casita Margarita
📍 14015 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Anajak Thai is a go-to for a reason — the format is built for sharing, the energy is right for a group, and the food is consistent enough that everyone leaves happy.
Bacari Sherman Oaks handles larger tables well and has a menu with enough variety that even the pickiest eater in the group will find something. Call ahead if you're coming with 6 or more.
Groups have a harder time walking in, especially on weekends. Reservations are strongly recommended for parties of 4 or more. Most of these spots book through OpenTable or Resy.