17 California Restaurants With Portions So Big You’ll Need A To-Go Box
California is known for its laid-back vibe, sunny weather, and, of course, its huge portions of food! If you’re a fan of meals that practically feed an army, you’re in the right place.
From gigantic pastrami sandwiches that could double as pillows to pizzas the size of small tables, California restaurants take the phrase “go big or go home” to the next level.
Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty burger stacked with every topping imaginable or a plate of pasta that seems never-ending, these spots are guaranteed to leave you satisfied – and with plenty of leftovers to enjoy later.
It’s not just about quantity, though. These places also serve quality food that will have you coming back for more.
So, if you’re ready to indulge in some serious portions and discover where to get the most bang for your buck, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to stuff yourself with the best? Here are the top places in California where the portions are just as big as your appetite!
1. House Of Prime Rib
Stepping into this classic San Francisco steakhouse feels like entering a time capsule from the 1940s, complete with dark wood paneling and white tablecloths.
Located at 1906 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94109, the restaurant has been serving massive cuts of prime rib since 1949.
The signature service involves servers wheeling silver carts tableside and carving generous slices directly onto your plate.
Each portion comes with creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, and a house salad that arrives in a spinning metal bowl.
The prime rib itself is roasted slowly over oak wood and mesquite, creating a flavorful crust while keeping the interior perfectly pink.
Seating tends to be close together, and the dining room fills with the pleasant hum of conversation and the clatter of silverware.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends when the wait can stretch beyond an hour.
Most diners leave with at least half their meal packed up, making it an excellent value despite the upfront cost.
2. Hash House A Go Go
Known affectionately as the home of “twisted farm food,” this San Diego favorite redefines what breakfast should look like.
The restaurant sits at 3628 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103, in the Hillcrest neighborhood, and the line out the door on weekend mornings speaks to its popularity.
Pancakes here are the size of dinner plates, often stacked three high and topped with everything from bacon to fresh fruit compote.
The chicken and waffles dish features a massive sage-fried chicken breast perched atop a waffle nearly as large as the plate itself.
Portions are designed to be shared, though many brave souls attempt to finish their meals solo.
The atmosphere is casual and energetic, with servers bustling between tables and the kitchen sending out plates that draw stares from neighboring diners.
Bright lighting and colorful décor create a cheerful vibe that matches the over-the-top food. Expect to wait during peak hours, but the staff keeps the line moving efficiently.
3. The Hat
Since 1951, this Southern California chain has been piling pastrami so high on their sandwiches that eating them requires both hands and a strategy.
Multiple locations exist throughout the region, including 1210 E Imperial Hwy, Brea, CA 92821, each maintaining the same commitment to towering portions.
The pastrami is slow-cooked, thinly sliced, and stacked at least four inches high on a soft French roll. Grease drips down your fingers with every bite, and the meat stays tender and flavorful throughout.
The Hat also serves chili cheese fries loaded with enough toppings to qualify as a full meal on their own. Seating is mostly outdoor patio-style, with simple plastic chairs and tables that give the place a no-frills, authentic feel.
Prices remain reasonable despite the generous portions, making it a popular stop for families and workers on lunch breaks.
The smell of grilled meat and fresh bread greets you before you even reach the counter. Most people order their sandwich with extra napkins and prepare to take half of it home.
4. Langer’s Delicatessen-Restaurant
Widely regarded as serving the best pastrami sandwich in Los Angeles, this historic deli has been a Westlake institution since 1947.
You’ll find it at 704 South Alvarado Street, Los Angeles, CA 90057, where the neon sign and vintage interior transport you back several decades.
The famous #19 sandwich features hand-cut pastrami, Swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing on double-baked rye bread that’s baked fresh daily.
Each sandwich is so thick that compressing it enough to fit in your mouth becomes part of the experience.
The pastrami is brined for weeks, then smoked and steamed to achieve a texture that’s both tender and slightly crispy at the edges.
Counter seating and booth options fill the space, with servers who’ve worked there for years and know the regulars by name.
The neighborhood may not be the fanciest, but the food draws crowds from across the city. Parking can be tricky, though a small lot is available behind the building.
5. Canter’s Deli
Open 24 hours a day, this Los Angeles landmark has been serving enormous deli sandwiches and comfort food since 1931.
The restaurant occupies a prime spot at 419 North Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036, in the heart of the Fairfax District.
Walking in, you’re greeted by glass cases filled with pastries, pickles, and cured meats, while the dining room stretches back with rows of booths and tables.
The matzo ball soup comes in a bowl large enough to bathe a small dog, with matzo balls the size of softballs floating in rich chicken broth.
Sandwiches are stacked high with corned beef, pastrami, or turkey, accompanied by crispy dill pickles and coleslaw.
Late-night crowds include everyone from club-goers to families, creating a lively and diverse atmosphere at all hours.
The attached bakery sells rugelach, black-and-white cookies, and challah bread that many customers grab on their way out. Service is quick and efficient, even during the busiest times.
6. Hodad’s
This no-nonsense burger joint in Ocean Beach has built a cult following thanks to burgers that barely fit on their plates.
The original location sits at 5010 Newport Avenue, San Diego, CA 92107, just a few blocks from the beach, and the walls are covered with license plates from every state.
Burgers come in single, double, or triple patty options, with the double being the most popular choice among first-timers.
Each patty is a half-pound of beef cooked on a flat-top grill and topped with fresh lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and a special sauce that drips down your hands.
The buns are soft and slightly sweet, providing just enough structure to hold everything together for the first few bites.
Seating is limited to booths and a few tables, with a constant flow of customers waiting outside for their turn.
The vibe is casual and beach-town friendly, with surf music playing in the background. Most people order fries to share, though the burgers alone are filling enough for most appetites.
7. Mama’s On Washington Square
Breakfast and brunch reach epic proportions at this cozy North Beach spot that’s been a neighborhood favorite for decades.
Located at 1701 Stockton Street, San Francisco, CA 94133, the restaurant overlooks Washington Square Park and fills up quickly every morning.
The French toast is made from thick slices of challah bread, grilled until golden and served with powdered sugar, fresh berries, and real maple syrup.
Omelets arrive folded over and stuffed with fillings that spill out onto the plate, accompanied by crispy hash browns and fresh fruit.
The space is small and charming, with just a handful of tables inside and a few more on the sidewalk when weather permits.
Expect a wait on weekends, sometimes stretching to an hour or more, but many consider it worth the time.
Coffee is refilled frequently, and the staff maintains a warm, welcoming attitude even during the rush. The neighborhood’s Italian heritage shows in the quality of ingredients and attention to detail in every dish.
8. Rosine’s Restaurant
Tucked away in Monterey, this homestyle restaurant is famous for desserts that could feed a family of four.
The address is 434 Alvarado Street, Monterey, CA 93940, and the interior feels like stepping into your grandmother’s dining room, complete with floral wallpaper and lace curtains.
Slices of cake here are measured in inches rather than normal serving sizes, with some pieces standing over six inches tall.
The carrot cake is a particular favorite, layered with cream cheese frosting and studded with walnuts and raisins.
Savory dishes are equally generous, with chicken pot pie arriving in a bowl large enough to require a takeout container for most diners.
The atmosphere is warm and unhurried, with soft lighting and the gentle clinking of dishes creating a comfortable background hum.
Locals often stop by just for a slice of pie and coffee, though the full menu offers hearty comfort food throughout the day. Parking is available on the street or in nearby public lots.
9. Fenton’s Creamery & Restaurant
Since 1894, this Bay Area institution has been scooping ice cream sundaes so large they require multiple spoons and serious determination.
The Oakland location sits at 4226 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611, in a charming neighborhood filled with shops and cafes.
The Black & Tan sundae is legendary, featuring layers of toasted almond and vanilla ice cream topped with hot fudge, whipped cream, almonds, and a cherry.
Portions are designed to be shared, though some ambitious diners tackle them solo.
The restaurant side serves classic American fare like burgers, sandwiches, and salads, all in portions that match the generous ice cream servings.
The interior features vintage décor with black-and-white photos documenting the creamery’s long history on the walls.
Families pack the place on weekends, and birthday celebrations are common, often announced with a ringing bell and singing from the staff.
The ice cream is made on-site using recipes that haven’t changed in over a century. Expect a wait during peak hours, especially in summer.
10. Homeroom
Mac and cheese reaches new heights at this Oakland restaurant dedicated entirely to the comfort food classic.
You’ll find it at 400 40th Street, Oakland, CA 94609, in the Temescal neighborhood, where the industrial-chic interior features exposed brick and communal tables.
The menu offers over a dozen variations, from classic cheddar to inventive combinations like jalapeño popper and truffle herb.
Each bowl arrives steaming hot and filled to the brim, with creamy cheese sauce coating every piece of pasta.
The portions are substantial enough that even hearty eaters often leave with leftovers. Side salads and garlic bread are available, though the mac and cheese tends to steal the show.
The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, with crayons provided for kids and a relaxed vibe that welcomes everyone. Gluten-free and vegan options ensure that dietary restrictions don’t mean missing out.
The restaurant also sells jars of their signature cheese sauce to take home, along with branded merchandise for devoted fans.
11. La Taqueria
Consistently ranked as one of the best taquerias in the Bay Area, this Mission District spot serves burritos that weigh over a pound.
The address is 2889 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94110, and the simple storefront belies the quality and quantity of food inside.
Burritos are wrapped tightly in foil and stuffed with your choice of meat, beans, rice, cheese, sour cream, avocado, and salsa.
The carnitas are particularly popular, slow-cooked until tender and slightly crispy at the edges.
Unlike many taquerias, La Taqueria doesn’t use rice in their burritos, allowing more room for meat and other fillings.
The dining area is basic, with a few tables and counter seating, but most people take their food to go. Lines form quickly during lunch and dinner, stretching out the door and down the sidewalk on busy days.
The staff works with impressive speed, assembling burritos in minutes without sacrificing quality. Prices remain reasonable despite the Mission District’s rising costs, making it accessible to a wide range of diners.
12. El Farolito
With multiple locations throughout San Francisco and the Bay Area, this taqueria chain has earned a devoted following for burritos that require two hands and serious commitment.
The original Mission District location at 2779 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94110, stays open until the early morning hours, serving late-night crowds and early risers alike.
Burritos here are massive, often exceeding a pound and a half when fully loaded.
The super burrito includes rice, beans, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and your choice of meat, all wrapped tightly in a flour tortilla.
The carne asada is grilled fresh and seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and lime, letting the quality of the meat shine through.
Seating is limited, with most customers ordering at the counter and taking their food elsewhere. The atmosphere is no-frills and efficient, focused entirely on getting hot food out quickly.
Prices are among the lowest in the city for the amount of food you receive.
13. Buca Di Beppo
Family-style Italian dining reaches theatrical proportions at this national chain with numerous California locations.
Dishes are designed to serve groups, with even the small portions feeding three to four people comfortably.
The Pope’s Platter at 11757 Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92840, serves at least six and includes multiple pasta dishes, chicken, and meatballs arranged on a massive serving plate.
Walls are covered with vintage Italian photographs and kitschy décor that creates a festive, almost chaotic atmosphere.
The lighting is dim, and tables are often packed closely together, adding to the communal dining experience.
Spaghetti with meatballs arrives in a bowl large enough to use as a serving dish at home, with meatballs the size of baseballs.
Garlic bread comes in long loaves that are sliced thick and brushed with butter and herbs.
Reservations are recommended for larger groups, especially on weekends when birthday parties and celebrations fill the dining rooms.
The food is hearty rather than refined, focusing on generous portions and bold flavors over delicate presentation.
14. The Cheesecake Factory
Known nationwide for menus the size of small novels and portions to match, The Cheesecake Factory has locations throughout California (including 71800 CA-111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270) serving massive plates of everything from pasta to burgers.
The menu spans dozens of pages and includes over 250 items, making choosing a meal almost as challenging as finishing one.
Pasta dishes arrive on platters large enough to share between two or three people, loaded with sauce, cheese, and toppings.
The famous cheesecakes are displayed in glass cases near the entrance, with over 30 flavors available daily. Each slice is generous, standing several inches tall and rich enough that most diners take half home.
The décor varies by location but typically includes high ceilings, elaborate light fixtures, and a bustling atmosphere filled with conversation and clinking dishes.
Wait times can stretch beyond an hour during peak dining hours, though the restaurant offers call-ahead seating to reduce the wait.
Servers are trained to suggest sharing dishes, knowing that finishing a full entrée solo is a challenge for most diners.
15. Claim Jumper Restaurant & Saloon
With a mining-town theme and portions that harken back to the Gold Rush era, this chain serves meals designed for hungry prospectors.
Multiple California locations, including 3333 Bristol St Suite #2078, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, maintain the same commitment to oversized dishes, from steaks that hang over the edge of the plate to desserts meant for sharing.
The Six Shooter Burger features six ounces of beef topped with bacon, cheese, onion rings, and barbecue sauce, served with a mountain of fries.
The Motherlode Cake is a towering creation of chocolate cake layered with fudge and topped with whipped cream, easily serving four to six people.
The interior design features dark wood, dim lighting, and mining memorabilia on the walls, creating an Old West saloon atmosphere.
Booths are spacious and comfortable, designed to accommodate the large plates and multiple dishes that often crowd the table.
Lunch portions are slightly smaller but still generous by most standards, making it a popular spot for business meetings and family gatherings alike.
Prices are moderate given the portion sizes, providing good value for groups willing to share.
16. Black Bear Diner
Rustic cabin décor and hearty comfort food define this California-based chain with locations throughout the state.
Bear-themed artwork and log cabin styling at 4102 California Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93309, create a cozy atmosphere that matches the stick-to-your-ribs menu.
Breakfast platters are particularly impressive, with the Lumberjack Slam featuring three eggs, three strips of bacon, three sausage links, ham, hash browns, and three pancakes.
Biscuits and gravy arrive on plates nearly covered entirely by a massive biscuit smothered in sausage gravy that spills over the edges.
The chicken fried steak is the size of a dinner plate, breaded and fried until golden, then topped with more gravy.
Portions are designed for people with big appetites or those willing to take leftovers home. The atmosphere is family-friendly and casual, with servers who greet you warmly and keep coffee cups filled.
Prices are reasonable, especially considering the amount of food you receive. Most locations are open early for breakfast and stay open through dinner, serving the same generous portions all day long.
17. Big Mama’s & Papa’s Pizzeria
Home to what may be the largest deliverable pizza in the world, this Los Angeles pizzeria takes size seriously.
Located at 814 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029, the shop specializes in the Giant Sicilian pizza that measures 54 inches by 54 inches.
Regular-sized pizzas here would be considered large anywhere else, with generous toppings piled high on thick, chewy crust.
The cheese stretches impressively with each slice, and the sauce is tangy and herb-forward. Even a single slice from the Giant Sicilian is large enough to qualify as a meal, folded in half to make it manageable.
The dining area is casual and unpretentious, with simple tables and chairs and walls covered with photos of customers attempting to conquer the massive pies.
Delivery is available for those brave enough to order the giant size, though it requires advance notice and a vehicle large enough to transport it.
Most people opt for more reasonable sizes while still enjoying portions larger than typical pizza joints.
