Updated April 13th, 2026
When it comes to private dining in New York City, the options are endless, so if you’re looking for the best, keep your eyes peeled for accolades and awards. In this post, we’ve rounded up the best of the best private dining rooms in NYC that you may not have considered before.
Since 2011, we’ve helped organizers create 5-star dining experiences that connect people better. From team building offsites and corporate events to milestone celebrations, we specialize in elevated experiences that go beyond the traditional dinner. Because connection doesn’t happen over boring meals.
We team up with the best restaurants in New York to deliver our unique NYC Interactive Meal, where you enjoy a beautiful four-course menu along with three beverages (either alcoholic or N/A alternatives). In between courses, there are three hosted, interactive activities. For the first activity, we’ll have your group shake up some cocktails or delicious mocktails. Then you’ll go head to head for NY foodie trivia with quirky prizes. Lastly, you’ll embark on a flavor journey with flavor tripping and buzz button lollipops. It’s your meal and your activity, all in one!
L’Artusi is a contemporary Italian restaurant in the heart of West Village with a menu that emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients. There are multiple private dining options at this restaurant with our favorite being the Wine Room for 14 guests. This chic private room has a warm ambiance, and the impressive wine collection makes for excellent decoration. This intimate space is perfect for birthday celebrations or small team building dinners.
Located in the iconic Seagram Building in Midtown Manhattan, The Grill offers a luxurious private dining experience in its stunning Pool Room. We love this room because of the sheer wow factor of its design. The Poo, features a mesmerizing pool centerpiece, mid-century modern decor, and hundreds of fresh floral arrangements. This luxurious private room is ideal for a project launch event, client appreciation party, or a gala.
The Modern is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in the Museum of Modern Art in Midtown Manhattan. The restaurant offers a private dining experience with floor-to-ceiling views of MoMA’s Sculpture Garden. We love the menu here because the avant-garde French-American cuisine pairs perfectly with the modern and cutting edge design. This is a great room for a business dinner or anniversary party.
Michael’s gained its reputation for being a “power-lunch” go-to by serving up modern American fare with a chic Californian twist to hungry Midtowner’s. The menu is diverse, featuring seasonal ingredients with dishes like roasted fish and fresh salads. We keep coming back to the private room at Michael’s for the professional service, extensive wine list, and strong martinis. This sleek, contemporary restaurant offers several private dining rooms that can accommodate large groups for corporate meetings, celebratory lunches, or family events.
The Nobel Room at Aquavit exudes contemporary sophistication, offering an exquisite backdrop for noteworthy occasions. With a high-end Scandinavian tasting menu and minimalist Nordic style, it’s a beautiful location to come together and connect. We love the way dining in this private room never fails to make our clients feel like VIPs, because Aquavit exudes elegance in every aspect. Accommodating up to 76 seated guests or 100 standing guests, it is perfectly suited for a myriad of events including corporate events
Located in the heart of Midtown, 53 is an upscale American restaurant with a refined atmosphere. We love the BA53MENT private events space because it’s modeled after a speakeasy. The secretive, lush vibes of the room transport you straight to the 1920s, and the event menus are extremely customizable, which wins big points in our book. We’d book this spot for exclusive gatherings and big birthday bashes.
Upland seamlessly blends the lively flavors of California with the timeless allure of Italian cuisine. We love this spot’s invitingly chic atmosphere and the way the design transports you to a European Brasserie from the moment you walk in. The crowd here tends to be lively socialites so it’s nice to have a private space that allows you the option to let the atmosphere in or to keep things intimate. This is a great pick for team building dinners and birthday parties.
Looking for a moonlit jungle oasis tucked away (secretly!) in the middle of the city? COTE’s subterranean speakeasy, Undercote, is the perfect private dining room for those looking for a dramatic setting with spectacular Korean BBQ on the menu. We love the Undercote Speakeasy because it impresses guests from the moment they step inside to the last beautiful bite they have on their plate. This is a great pick for a corporate Holiday party or a milestone anniversary.
The Musket Room is an elegant restaurant in Nolita celebrating New Zealand’s cuisine. We love the Garden Dining Room because it is a warm, refined space with intimate nooks and a lush garden that brings that outdoors in. Private events here feel outdoorsy and whimsical and the menu meets that promise by showcasing an exciting and underrepresented cuisine. This is a perfect choice for team building events and family reunions.
Empellon’s contemporary Mexican cuisine and creative cocktails make this a reliable choice for a memorable group dining experience. There are multiple private dining spaces here with the McNett Room being our personal favorite. This room is named after the artist who made the terrific wood carvings that adorn the space, and dining here feels like you’ve entered into an oasis in the middle of ever-bustling Midtown. This is a great spot to host a corporate event or a cocktail party.
Il Fiorista is a beautiful, floral-themed restaurant with a bright, airy atmosphere and Italian-inspired dishes. The Flower Room is a private dining room decorated with fresh flowers, and light pastel hues, evoking a whimsical and elegant setting for celebrations. We love that you can add on private group classes like floral design and pasta making for your event— so unique! This is a beautiful choice for teambuilding dinners, and baby showers.
Benoit is a classic French bistro from the great mind and palate of Alain Ducasse. The private dining spaces here are elegant and enhanced by beautiful artwork of the French Riviera. We love Les Salons because you can combine these two beautiful rooms to host up to 65 guests. With impeccable service and world class French fare, Benoit is a great spot for VIP client events and milestone anniversary parties.
Lil’ Frankie’s is a cozy and casual spot in the East Village, serving up delicious wood-fired pizzas and classic Italian dishes. This is one of the best casual and affordable restaurants for groups looking for an intimate setting. The private room is festive and rustic, creating the perfect vibe for a night of deep conversation and full bellies. This is a great room for team building dinners and birthday parties.
| Number | Restaurant | Location | Cuisine | Seated Capacity | Price | Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Avital Interactive Meal | All | All | 8-100+ | $-$$$$ | Varies by Restaurant |
| 2 | Wine Room at L’Artusi | West Village | Italian | 90 | $$$ | Michelin, James Beard, Gayot |
| 3 | The Pool at The Grill | Midtown | Fine Dining | 180 | $$$$ | 50 Best, James Beard, Gayot |
| 4 | Private Dining Room at The Modern | Midtown | French / American | 64 | $$$$ | Michelin, AAA, Forbes, La Liste, 50 Best, James Beard, Gayot |
| 5 | Michael’s | Midtown | Californian | 120 | $$$$ | Nation’s Restaurant News, AAA |
| 6 | Nobel Room at Aquavit | Midtown | Scandinavian | 76 | $$$$ | Michelin, AAA, La Liste, Gayot, James Beard |
| 7 | The Dome at 53 | Midtown | Asian | 32 | $$ | Michelin, Interior Design |
| 8 | Group Dining at Upland | NoMad | Californian | 40 | $$$ | AAA, Michelin, Gayot, James Beard |
| 9 | Undercote Speakeasy at COTE | Flatiron | Korean | 24 | $$$$ | Michelin, 50 Best, James Beard, Gayot |
| 10 | Garden Dining Room at The Musket Room | NoLita | New Zealand | 25 | $$$ | Michelin, James Beard, Gayot |
| 11 | McNett Room at Empellon | Midtown | Mexican | 25 | $$$ | James Beard, NYT, Food & Wine, Eater |
| 12 | The Flower Room at Il Fiorista | Flatiron | Italian | 24 | $$$ | Michelin, Forbes |
| 13 | Les Salons at Benoit | Midtown | French | 65 | $$$$ | Michelin, Wine Spectator |
| 14 | Private Dining at Lil’ Frankie’s | Midtown | Italian | 25 | $$$ | Gayot |
L'Artusi, West 10th Street, New York, NY, USA
THE GRILL, East 52nd Street, New York, NY, USA
The Modern, West 53rd Street, New York, NY, USA
Michael's New York, West 55th Street, New York, NY, USA
Aquavit, East 55th Street, New York, NY, USA
53, West 53rd Street, New York, NY, USA
Upland, Park Avenue South, New York, NY, USA
COTE Flatiron, West 22nd Street, New York, NY, USA
The Musket Room, Elizabeth Street, New York, NY, USA
The Dutch, Sullivan Street, New York, NY, USA
Empellon, Madison Avenue, New York, NY, USA
Il Fiorista, West 26th Street, New York, NY, USA
Benoit New York, West 55th Street, New York, NY, USA
Lil' Frankie's, 1st Avenue, New York, NY, USA
NYC restaurants with private rooms provide exclusive spaces for intimate gatherings, corporate events, and celebrations. Offering privacy, personalized service, and exceptional cuisine, these venues cater to various occasions, from business meetings to family dinners.
Semi-private spaces are ideal for small, intimate gatherings when total privacy isn’t required. Large private dining rooms or full buyouts are more common for big parties and receptions. So what’s better depends on the vibe you’re going for. For small groups and lively energy, go with semi-private. For large groups and more exclusivity, go with a private room.
The cost of a private dining room in NYC can range widely, typically from $50–$100 per person on the low end and $300–$400 per person on the high end (at Michelin restaurants or when booking on peak dates). It all depends on the venue, location, time of day, and group size. Some venues may charge a room fee, while others may include food and beverage minimums. And don’t forget that gratuity, service fees, and tax can add 30% or more to the final price. It’s best to discuss your budget and needs with the restaurant to get an accurate quote.
That’s a big part of why organizers love our Interactive Meals: we make pricing simple and straightforward. Our all-inclusive per-person price means there are no surprise fees or charges along the way. This price guarantees you a delicious four-course meal, three perfectly-paired alcoholic or N/A beverages, three unique activities, and an expert Avital host to take care of everything.
Traditional dinners are boring. Avital Experiences are awesome! Highlights include:
More Opportunity to Mingle – Guests get up from their seats to mix and mingle, creating a more dynamic atmosphere and more authentic connection.
Hosted Experience – An expert Avital Emcee facilitates the event, so the organizer can relax and enjoy the experience without having to manage it.
Venue Selection & Turnkey Booking – Avital coordinates with the restaurant to find the perfect venue for your group and handles all of the logistics, so you can just show up on the day of the event.
Dietary Restrictions – Avital takes care of all dietary needs, ensuring everyone is included and cared for.
Simplified Pricing – Unlike traditional private dining, which is convoluted with minimums and gratuity, Avital offers clear and easy-to-understand pricing per person.
Branded Opportunities – Customize materials, including menus and cocktail recipes, to reflect your brand. Great for client entertainment dinners.
Many NYC restaurants can accommodate dietary restrictions with enough notice, especially more common restrictions like vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and allergies. Always check in advance because private dining menus are often set or prix-fixe, and restrictions reported during the meal may not be able to be accommodated. The rule is that earlier communication = a better guest experience when it comes to dietary restrictions.
At Avital, we accommodate all dietary restrictions. We’ll ask for your group’s restrictions during booking, then we’ll take it from there!
For weekends and holidays, you should book 8–12 weeks in advance. For weekdays, book 4–6 weeks in advance. Also, bigger events or events with specific needs should book as early as possible.
Yes, most private dining rooms do require a deposit. It may be in the form of a flat amount or a percentage of the minimum spend. This deposit is often non-refundable, so be sure you’re highly confident you’re going to proceed with the restaurant you put down a deposit with.
Private dining events typically last 3-4 hours. If you’re looking to book a larger time block, it may cost extra. Always confirm timing in advance with the restaurant.
If you’re looking for a more interactive and engaging private dining experience, consider booking Avital’s NYC Interactive Meal. It’s your meal and activity all in one and works perfectly for team building events, celebrations, reunions, and more!
Avital Ungar is dining and restaurant expert and the founder of Avital Experiences. She has spent 15+ years designing dining experiences nationwide and has been featured in The New York Times, Shark Tank, Travel Channel, Bon Appétit, and more. Learn more
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