Best NYC Group Dining Ideas for 2025

May 10, 2018

Summary

This post highlights different NYC group dining ideas, including restaurants with private rooms, event venues, food halls, and more. There are also tips and considerations for group dining occasions, like team building, client engagement, and birthdays.

Updated January 28, 2025

Planning an NYC group dining experience? With so many choices—from restaurants and event spaces to food halls—it can be overwhelming to find the perfect fit. Different group dynamics require different setups, whether it’s a corporate outing, client dinner, or a celebration with friends. This guide breaks down the best group dining ideas in NYC.

Group Dining Restaurants NYC 

Restaurants are a classic choice for group dining, offering a mix of convenience and atmosphere. It’s what most people think of when they think of group dining, and for good reason. You can choose the restaurant that best fits your group preferences and location, plus the restaurant does most of the heavy lifting.

  • Pros: Wide variety of cuisines, pre-set group menus, professional service.
  • Cons: Limited flexibility for group activities, noise levels may vary.

Private Dining Options for Groups

In addition to selecting which restaurant you’d like, you also need to decide what style of dining you’d like, from a fully private room just for your group to a regular group reservation made online. Below is a high-level recap, but to see a full breakdown of the different private dining options, visit our NYC private dining guide.

Private Dining Spaces NYC: Fully enclosed spaces for privacy. Great for more formal events and celebrations, like impressing clients or milestone birthdays.

Semi-Private Spaces: Partitioned areas offering some privacy. Great for intimate gatherings and casual events, like a quarterly team building event.

Group Reservations: Regular table reservations for smaller groups. Great for casual dinners and meetups, like a family get-together.

Best NYC Group Dining Restaurants

Whether you’re looking for a rustic Italian spot or a high-end showstopper, here are some of our favorite restaurants for group dining in New York City.

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Avital’s NYC Interactive Meal

Avital’s Interactive Meal takes place at the restaurant venue of your choice, from our vast network of partners (spoiler alert: they’re all fantastic!) You may be wondering why would I book a NYC private dining room through Avital when I could just book with the restaurant directly? Great question!

Booking an Interactive Meal with Avital isn’t just a regular old private dining room. Instead, in addition to a seated, 4-course meal with beverages, your Avital host will lead guests through three interactive foodie activities, like hands-on cocktails, foodie trivia, and flavor experiments. It’s your meal, it’s your activity, and it’s one of the best group dining options in NYC.

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Birds of a Feather

In the mood for Chinese food? This is one of our favorite Brooklyn spots and is perfect for groups that like to share because you’ll want to try everything. The menu at Birds of a Feather is large enough for anyone in your party to find something they like and probably two to three things. Don’t leave without eating the soup dumplings (Crab Soup Buns) and Dan Dan Noodles which come in portions that are meant for groups.

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Brooklyn
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Chinese
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Best for Small Groups
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Image Credit: @hernameishan

Her Name is Han

If you’re in NoMad with no idea where to eat with your group, head to Her Name is Han. The “Korean soul food” spot will make you feel like you’re eating a home-cooked meal made by someone’s Korean mom. Despite it’s medium size, the restaurant takes reservations for up to 20 online so you’ll have plenty of mouths to split bulgogi hot pots, octopus fried rice, Kalguksu noodles, and bowls. The menu encourages sharing and reads, “Share a pot, ease your heart.” You’re also going to want to split the kiwi sowuju to please your heart and tastebuds.

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Koreatown
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Korean
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Best for Small Groups
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Image Credit: supperrestaurant.com

Supper

Supper, from NYC restaurateur Frank Prisinzano, is Italian private dining at it’s finest. The rustic interior mirrors the rustic but absolutely perfect pastas with rich sauces, fresh selection of anitpasti, and other daily specials. For small groups, you can simply make a reservation in the main dining area. But medium groups looking for a slightly more upscale occasion may consider booking the private dining room.

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East Village
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Italian
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Best for Medium Groups
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Il Fiorista

Il Fiorista’s seasonal, Mediterranean-inspired fare is highlighted with fresh flowers and herbs. Their restaurant is bright and beautiful with subtle earth tones and pastels that really transports you to the Mediterranean seaside. Their private dining room is great for 20-ish person groups and can be totally customized from menus to the floral design.

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Image Credit: aquavit.org

Aquavit

If you’re looking for a high-end restaurant for your group dining, Aquavit, a 2-star Michelin restaurant, serves Scandinavian cuisine in a chic, modern space. Group reservations are avilable or you can opt for one of their two private dining rooms. Both are equipped with screens, projectors, and wifi making them perfect for high-profile business meetings in New York.

Looking for More NYC Group Dining Restaurants? 

NYC Event Spaces for Group Dining

Event spaces provide a blank canvas and ar ideal for large group dining NYC or more formal events. These venues often include catering or allow you to bring in your own vendors.

  • Pros: Total customization, flexible layouts, good for large groups
  • Cons: May require more planning and additional costs for catering and setup

Best Event Spaces for Group Dining NYC

Whether you’re looking for an industrial-chic warehouse space or a waterfront venue, here are some of our favorite event spaces good for groups in New York.

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Image Credit: thefoundry.info

The Foundry

Located in Long Island City, this industrial-chic venue features exposed brick walls, lush greenery, and a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces that create a unique ambiance for group events. The versatile setting works well for both casual and formal gatherings, offering an intimate yet spacious feel. Dining options for groups include on-site catering services, or guests can bring in their preferred caterers for a fully customized experience.

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Long Island City
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In-House Catering or Custom
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Best for Large Groups
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Current at Chelsea Piers

This waterfront event space offers stunning views of the Hudson River, creating a sleek and modern backdrop for group dining events. The venue includes in-house catering services, ensuring a seamless dining experience with expertly crafted menus tailored to different group sizes and preferences.

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Chelsea
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In-House Catering
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Best for Large Groups

Image Credit: secondfloornyc.com

SECOND

A contemporary venue in Midtown with customizable layouts, Second Floor NYC is ideal for corporate events and private gatherings. The venue partners with top-tier catering services to provide a tailored dining experience, whether it’s a plated dinner, buffet, or cocktail reception.

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Midtown
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Catering Partners
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Best for Large Groups

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620 Loft & Garden

A breathtaking rooftop venue in Midtown, 620 Loft & Garden offers stunning skyline views and an elegant garden setting. Perfect for intimate group events, it allows for both in-house catering and external catering services, giving planners flexibility in menu design and service style.

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Midtown
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In-House Catering or Custom
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Best for Medium to Large Groups

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Tribeca Rooftop

This spacious event space in downtown Manhattan features panoramic views of the city, an industrial-chic aesthetic, and a rooftop terrace. With an on-site restaurant and catering team, groups can enjoy a full-service dining experience tailored to their event’s needs.

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Midtown
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In-House Catering or Custom
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Best for Medium to Large Groups

NYC Group Dining Food Halls

If you’re looking for a casual lunch or dinner good for groups, NYC food halls are a fantastic choice. Perfect for groups with diverse tastes or a more laid-back vibe.

  • Pros: Variety of food, no formal reservations required, vibrant atmosphere
  • Cons: Limited seating for large groups, less private

Best NYC Food Halls for Group Dining 

We love food halls and markets for group dining because every guest can get exactly what they want. They’re far less formal than private dining rooms or events spaces, making them perfect for casual team get-togethers or lunch with friends.

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Image Credit: hfbrandsandmarkets.com

Vanderbilt Market

Situated in Midtown near Grand Central, this food hall is perfect for quick bites and casual group meetups. The variety of vendors ensures everyone in the group can find something they enjoy, from gourmet burgers to fresh sushi. It’s an especially convenient option for after-work gatherings or lunch meetings.

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Midtown
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Variety
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Best for Small Groups

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Essex Market

A Lower East Side staple, Essex Market blends old-school charm with modern dining options. It’s great for groups looking to explore local vendors while enjoying everything from artisanal cheese to global street food. Communal tables provide a relaxed setting for casual get-togethers.

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Dekalb Market Hall

Located in Brooklyn, this massive food hall features an eclectic mix of vendors serving everything from NYC classics to international dishes. It’s an excellent choice for adventurous eaters and groups looking for a lively, informal dining experience. The venue also offers occasional live entertainment, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

Other NYC Group Dining Experiences

Sometimes your home or office is one of the best places for group dinner nyc.

Best NYC Group Dining Experiences

Whether you’re looking for an industrial-chic warehouse space or a waterfront venue, here are some of our favorite event spaces good for groups in New York.

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Image Credit: aquavit.org

East Village Food Tour

If you’re looking for something totally different and fun, Avital’s Interactive Meal is the way to go! You select the restaurant venue from our vast network of partners (spoiler alert: they’re all fantastic!) You may be wondering why would I book a private dining room through Avital when I could just book with the restaurant directly? Great question!

Booking an Interactive Meal with Avital isn’t just a regular old private dining room. Instead, in addition to a seated, 4-course meal with beverages, your Avital host will lead guests through three interactive foodie activities. Firsts, guests will start by creating their own cocktail alongside an expert bartender. After the main course, groups will go head-to-head for foodie trivia with delicious prizes. Then, after dessert, the experience will end with Avital’s signature flavor finale, a serious of flavor experiments designed to shift your perspective. It’s your meal, it’s your activity, and it’s totally fun!

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Midtown
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Scandinavian
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Group Dining for Specific Occasions

Group Dining for Team Building

For team-building activities or casual work outings, choose venues that allow for interaction and collaboration. The NYC Interactive Meal is a standout choice, blending food, fun, and teamwork.

Group Dining for Client Engagement

Professional yet memorable venues like private dining rooms in upscale restaurants or elegant event spaces are ideal. Impress your clients with exceptional service and ambiance.

Group Dining for Birthdays

Choose casual, celebratory venues that feel warm and inviting, such as Italian private dining rooms or lively food halls. These settings create a relaxed atmosphere for meaningful connections. nyc birthday dinner large group private party nyc restaurant

Group Dining for Bachelorette Parties

Choose casual, celebratory venues that feel warm and inviting, such as Italian private dining rooms or lively food halls. These settings create a relaxed atmosphere for meaningful connections. nyc birthday dinner large group private party nyc restaurant

Group Dining for Other Occasions

Choose casual, celebratory venues that feel warm and inviting, such as Italian private dining rooms or lively food halls. These settings create a relaxed atmosphere for meaningful connections. nyc birthday dinner large group private party nyc restaurant

FAQs About Restaurants with Private Rooms NYC

Booking Your NYC Group Dining Experience with Avital

At Avital, we are your experts in private dining and know the problems organizers face when booking NYC group dining. That’s why we’ve created the best dinner for groups, the NYC Interactive Meal. Let Avital be your personal curator, taking care of every detail so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the experience.