Hi Forum experts. I need to plan my son's rehearsal party lunch (or dinner) in Santa Monica for Aug. None of us live in the area and we'll be coming from out of town. There will be a party of 35 people. Anyone have any recommendations on a place? Something nice but not to over the top pricewise. Would be much appreciated.

"but not to over the top pricewise . . ." could mean almost anything since everyone can have a different idea what over the top means.

What is your budget per person or in total?

Perhaps the patio at Fia would be to your liking. We had a great dinner there, and the patio is probably big enough for you.
https://travelswithmaitaitom.com/fia-santa-monica-ca/
https://www.fiarestaurant.com/events

Our son and future daughter-in-law had their rehearsal dinner at Lula on Main Street in Santa Monica. It was absolutely wonderful. However I have no idea how a group that large might be handled with Covid still around. When would this be?

https://lulacocinamexicana.com/

It will be in Aug. We are looking at trying to keep it under $2K. Maitaitom (love your tag name!) Fia looks awesome. If we don't use if for the event we'll definitely be sure to go there for dinner while in town. Since we have such a large group, we are also now considering a cocktail hour (3-5pm) with drinks and apps. This might better fit our budget. Thanks for the input folks!

Oops Sorry. budget was $3K (not 2)

The front room at Upper West is perfect for a group of 35 https://theupperwest.com/wedding-rehearsal-dinner/

Oh wow, The Upper West looks nice. I'll check it out. Still waiting to hear back from Fia. Thanks!

We have not been to this location, but Mercado is a favorite of ours. We've been to three of them.
It's fresh, updated Mexican food. Would probably be under-budget.

https://www.cocinasycalaveras.com/mercado-sm-menu

Clark . . . I didn't know Upper West did this sort of thing! Upper West is a lovely restaurant that is not particularly well known. Love the owner, he is always so nice and welcoming. And the food is terrific!

If you are willing to venture up the beach a bit to Malibu we attended a real lovely wedding event at Geoffrey's. The big advantage there is that the views are spectacular.

https://www.geoffreysmalibu.com/information

Another venue that is really special and totally different is Saddle Peak Lodge in Calabasas. They do wonderful wedding events:

https://www.saddlepeaklodge.com/weddings/

Both of these places are near but not in Santa Monica so may not suit you, but we really feel both places are special and memorable for event destinations.

We'll be at the Bel Air Bay Club in Pacific Palisades for the rehearsal so Malibu isn't that far from there. I'll check these out too. Thank you!

That's a lovely venue as well! Geoffrey's might feel too similar in that case, so Saddle Peak might feel more special. But as you know a lot will really end up depending on how they charge, the exact spaces, etc. But in any I am sure you will find a great place