Family feasts

Just what a growing family needs: big platters to share.

Papa Cristo’s

“My Big, Fat Greek Family-Style Dinner” is a Thursday-night extravaganza: five appetizers, two entrees, vegetables and fresh bread. It comes with Greek music and a belly dancer.

Thursday night family dinner, $18.95 a head. 2771 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles; (323) 737-2970.

Sisley Italian Kitchen

This small Italian chain offers platters such as salmon filet, tri tip or roast chicken, with pasta and vegetable, suitable for two to four people. With a reservation, they’ll try to put you in a quiet part of the restaurant.

Family platters, $19.95 to $24.95. Westside Pavilion, 10800 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, (310) 446-3030; other locations in Sherman Oaks, Valencia and Thousand Oaks.

Centro Basco

At lunch and weekend dinner, you can get plain Basque farmhouse cooking and plenty of it -- soup, salad, pasta, two entrees and wine. You don’t have to make a reservation, but you do have to be prompt; they ring the dinner bell at noon and 7 p.m. sharp. Enter the building directly from the parking lot and turn right for the family tables.

Family-style dinner, $15 a head. 13432 Central Ave., Chino, (909) 628-9014.

Campanile

On Monday nights, you can actually eat family style at a flagship of California cuisine. Campanile has a weekly-changing three-course menu -- this Monday it will be watercress salad with thyme and wild fennel, followed by beef bourgignon and a dessert to be named. Reservations are a very good idea.

Monday night dinner, $35 a head. 624 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles; (323) 938-1447; for more information, go to www.campanilerestaurant.com.

Lucille’s Smokehouse

Every barbecue has combo platters, but Lucille’s also has two giant dinners: the family feast (two full rib racks, a chicken and four sides) for four or more and the super feast (three racks, two chickens and 4 pounds of other meats) for 10 or more. Kids will probably like the colorful roadhouse theme.

Backyard family feast, $74.95; Lucille’s super feast, $189.95. 7411 Carson Blvd., Long Beach, (562) 938-RIBS; also branches in Brea, Torrance, Belmont Shore and Rancho Cucamonga. For more information, go to www.lucillesbbq.com.