Crowd-Pleasing Restaurants for Large Groups NYC for 2026

October 29, 2024

Updated April 9th, 2025

We’ve curated a list of the best restaurants for large groups in NYC to make it a cinch to find the perfect restaurant for your event. Whether it’s for a corporate team event, birthday party, treating clients, or milestone celebrations, we’ve got the spot for you.

Why Trust Us?

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.

Best Restaurants for Large Groups NYC

group making cocktails during avital's interactive meal at one of best restaurants in culver city los angeles

1. Avital’s Interactive Meal

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!

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All
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All
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$$+
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100+ Guests
Elegant dining room at La Goulue, one of the best restaurants for large groups NYC has to offer. Known for its French-inspired ambiance, this good NYC restaurant for large groups provides an upscale setting perfect for gatherings, blending classic decor with ample space for memorable group dining experiences in NYC.
lagouluerestaurant.com

2. La Goulue

La Goulue is bringing a touch of Parisian elegance to the heart of the Upper East Side. We love this spot because it’s a New York institution that delivers the same high-quality steak tartare and fluffy cheese soufflés that were delighting the palates of foodies in 1975. For large groups, La Goulue offers a private dining area, Le Grand Salon, that can comfortably seat up to 78 people. La Goulue is an intimate setting with an air of sophistication, making it perfect for special occasions such as anniversaries or corporate dinners. 

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Upper East Side
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French
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$$$
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78 Guests
cafe boulud nyc private dining
cafeboulud.com

3. Cafe Boulud

Cafe Boulud, located on the Upper East Side, is known for its refined French cuisine. We love this spot for the attentive servers, complex French wines, and the beautiful Art-deco inspired design of the dining room. This restaurant has stunning private dining rooms, our favorite being Les Salon, a luxurious room for up to 50 that transports you to the Gilded Age through hand-painted murals and trellis-lined walls. The restaurant’s elegant atmosphere makes it suitable for VIP client entertainment and anniversary parties. 

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Upper East Side
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French
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$$$
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120 Guests
Ilili NYC Restaurant Interior in Flatiron District
ililirestaurants.com

4. Ilili

Ilili provides a contemporary take on Lebanese cuisine in a spacious and stylish setting. The atmosphere here is nothing short of majestic, with huge iridescent chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and beauty landscapes painted on the walls. We love this spot for large groups because the menu is designed for sharing, as it features a variety of delicious mezze and tender grilled meats. The accommodating staff and vibrant ambiance make Ilili an excellent choice for team building dinners and family affairs.

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Flatiron
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Lebanese
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$$
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150 Guests
il bucco cozy interior restaurant nyc
ilbuco.com

5. Il Buco

Il Buco has cultivated  a warm, rustic atmosphere that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to a Mediterranean farmhouse. We love the seasonally driven menu, featuring Italian and Spanish influences with dishes like fresh pasta, roasted meats, and decadent olive oils. For more intimate celebrations Il Buco has a beautiful semi-private dining space in the wine cellar for 26 that has an incredible atmosphere. Il Buco is the perfect restaurant for large groups in NYC who are looking for a more relaxed, rustic setting.

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NoHo
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Mediterranean
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$$$
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40 Guests
la mercerie nyc private dining room for large groups
lamercerieny.com

6. La Mercerie

La Mercerie, with its French-inspired design and warm atmosphere, provides a charming backdrop for large gatherings. Known for its artisanal pastries and a menu featuring French classics, the restaurant’s inviting space and customizable dining options make it well-suited for group celebrations and events. We love this spot because of its bright and airy design best described as ensuring you into a “Parisian dream”. This is an excellent restaurant for an upscale corporate event or a wedding rehearsal dinner.

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Soho
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French
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$$$
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200 Guests
cafe china private dining interior in nyc
cafechinanyc.com

7. Cafe China

Cafe China is a unique restaurant that combines a menu of bold Sichuan flavors with an upscale “1930s Shanghai” inspired atmosphere. Their Michelin-starred dishes, such as the spicy mapo tofu and dan dan noodles, are sure to please adventurous eaters. We love Cafe China’s private dining room for 40 because it is the best spot for large groups who want to enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine in a stylish setting. It’s a great choice for milestone birthday parties, wedding rehearsals, or team dinners.

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Chinatown
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Sichuan Chinese
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$$
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40 Guests
Vibrant dining space at Jajaja Mexican, an ideal choice for those seeking good restaurants for large groups NYC. Known for its plant-based Mexican menu, this NYC spot combines colorful decor with ample seating, making it one of the best restaurants for large groups in NYC looking for a lively atmosphere.
jajajamexicana.com

8. Jajaja Mexicana

Looking for a lively and colorful spot that caters to plant-based diners? Jajaja Mexicana in the West Village serves up vibrant, vegan Mexican fare with a creative twist. We always direct our vegan clients to this restaurant because all of its NYC locations make even the simplest meal feel like a festive event. Large groups seeking an NYC restaurant with a fun, laid-back vibe will not be disappointed by the creative tacos and powerful margaritas at Jajaja Mexicana.

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West Village
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Vegan Mexican
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$$
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70 Guests
Medüzā Mediterrania private dining rooms nyc
meduza33.com

9. Medüzā Mediterrania

Medüzā Mediterrania is known for its menu of vibrant Mediterranean flavors and its spacious, beautifully decorated setting. We love this spot for groups because the restaurant’s shareable small plates and family-style dishes create a communal dining experience. The incredible architecture and design of the dining room transport you to Mykonos, and the theatrical food presentation makes having a meal here an immersive experience. This is a great choice for client entertainment dinners and over-the-top birthday celebrations.

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West Village
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Mediterranean
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$$$
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175 Guests
electric lemon nyc large group dining room
electriclemonnyc.com

10. Electric Lemon

Electric Lemon is a health-conscious New American restaurant offering incredible views of Hudson Yards from its perch on the 24th floor of the Equinox Hotel. The private dining room here seats up to 72 guests, which makes it an excellent pick for a large group dining experience. We love this restaurant’s unbeatable views, great location, and generous menu for groups with dietary restrictions. It’s a great choice for a product launch party, baby shower, or corporate event.

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Chelsea
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American
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$$$
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72 Guests
blackbarn restaurant interior nyc
blackbarnrestaurant.com

Black Barn

Black Barn is a rustic yet refined farm-to-table restaurant located in NoMad. With a menu focused on seasonal ingredients and an upscale barn-like ambiance, it’s one of the best restaurants for large groups in NYC seeking a cozy, yet elegant setting. We love the diversity of private dining spaces offered here, from the intimate “Shed” for 20 to the spacious “Loft” for 80. The private dining spaces here offer flexibility for hosting events ranging from corporate dinners to family reunions.

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NoMad
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American
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$$$
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80 Guests
The spacious and inviting dining room at Michael’s, one of Midtown NYC’s restaurants for large groups. This iconic spot offers refined American cuisine in a stylish setting, perfect for gatherings, making it a top choice among good NYC restaurants for large groups looking for classic dining and ambiance.
michaelsnewyork.com

12. Michael’s

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 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.

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Midtown
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Californian
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$$$
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120 Guests
Patroon’s chic and comfortable dining room, ideal for those seeking Midtown NYC restaurants for large groups. Known for its timeless American fare and rooftop terrace, Patroon provides an elegant atmosphere and ample space, ranking it among the best restaurants for large groups in NYC.
patroon.com

Patroon

Patroon is a classic American restaurant in the heart of Midtown with a stylish interior. We love the covered rooftop bar because it’s perfect for large corporate cocktail hours and big birthday bashes. They also have private dining rooms that can accommodate groups of up to 80 people. The seasonal American menu includes everything from steaks to seafood, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Patroon is a perfect restaurant for hosting lovely business dinners and cocktail parties.

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Midtown
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American
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$$$
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80 Guests
Quality Bistro’s impressive dining space, perfect for large groups in NYC seeking a unique French-inspired experience. This Midtown NYC restaurant offers vibrant decor and plenty of seating, making it one of the best restaurants for large groups NYC has for those seeking a lively and stylish setting.
qualitybistro.com

14. Quality Bistro

Quality Bistro is a lively French brasserie situated in the heart of Midtown. This spot is known for its top-quality steaks and fresh seafood. We love the private rooms here because the high ceilings and arched windows make you feel like you’re dining in a beautiful palazzo with your guests. This restaurant has several private dining rooms that can seat groups ranging from 20 to 150 guests, making it an excellent choice for business dinners and milestone celebrations.

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Midtown
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French Steakhouse
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$$$
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150 Guests
the dome at 53 nyc
53-nyc.com

15. 53

This award-winning restaurant is as beautiful as it is delicious! 53 artfully blends Asian-fusion cuisine with the ethos of New York City. There are three distinct private dining spaces for medium to large groups here, with Ba53ement, 53’s “subterranean speakeasy”, being our favorite venue. The immaculate architecture, private bar, and an elevated craft cocktail list make 53 the perfect spot for birthday dinners and cocktail hours.

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Midtown
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Asian-American Fusion
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$$$
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150 Guests
The inviting dining room at Butter, a good NYC restaurant for large groups with its modern American menu and chic ambiance. With ample space and a warm atmosphere, Butter is a standout among the best restaurants for large groups NYC has for upscale dining and special occasions.
butterrestaurant.com

16. Butter

Butter is serving up seasonal American fare in a stylish Midtown setting. We love the ever-evolving seasonal menu celebrity chef Alex Guarnaschelli keeps re-inventing, and this restaurant’s uncanny ability to work for both formal and casual occasions. Butter’s large dining room can host up to 90 guests, making it an excellent choice for large groups who want a trendy yet welcoming atmosphere. Butter is a great choice for hosting business dinners as well as birthdays.

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Midtown
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American
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$$$
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90 Guests
The Grill NYC Restaurant and Steakhouse
thegrillnewyork.com

The Grill

Located in the iconic Seagram Building, The Grill exudes timeless elegance. Renowned for its classic American cuisine and sophisticated ambiance, the restaurant offers private dining spaces that can accommodate large groups. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a refined setting with impeccable service.

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Midtown
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Steakhouse
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$$$
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300 Guests

Comparison Chart of Restaurants in NYC for Big Groups 

NumberRestaurantLocationCuisinePricingSeated Capacity
1Avital’s Interactive MealAllAll$$+100+
2La GoulueUpper East SideFrench$$$78
3Cafe BouludUpper East SideFrench$$$120
4IliliFlatironLebanese$$150
5Il BucoNoHoMediterranean$$40
6La MercerieSoHoFrench$$$200
7Cafe ChinaChinatownSichuan Chinese$40
8Jajaja MexicanaWest VillageVegan Mexican$70
9Medüzā MediterraniaWest VillageMediterranean$$$175
10Electric LemonChelseaAmerican$$$72
11Black BarnNoMadAmerican$$$80
12MichaelsMidtownCalifornian$$$120
13PatroonMidtownAmerican$$$80
14Quality BistroMidtownFrench Steakhouse$$$150
1553MidtownAsian-American Fusion$$130
16ButterMidtownAmerican$$$90
17The GrillMidtownSteakhouse$$$300

Map of New York Restaurants for Large Groups

La Goulue

La Goulue, East 61st Street, New York, NY, USA

Il Buco

il Buco, Bond Street, New York, NY, USA

Cafe China

Cafu00e9 China, West 37th Street, New York, NY, USA

Jajaja Mexicana

Jajaja Mexicana, Carmine Street, New York, NY, USA

Black Barn

BLACKBARN Restaurant, East 26th Street, NYC, NY, USA

Michaels

Michaels, NYC, NY, USA

Patroon

Aretsky's Patroon, East 46th Street, NYC, NY, USA

Quality Bistro

Quality Bistro, West 55th Street, New York, NY, USA

53

53, West 53rd Street, NYC, NY, USA

Butter

Butter, West 45th Street, NYC, NY, USA

Electric Lemon

Electric Lemon, Hudson Yards, New York, NY, USA

Medüzā Mediterrania

Mu0113du00fczu0101 Mediterrania New York, Hudson Street, New York, NY, USA

The Grill

THE GRILL, East 52nd Street, New York, NY, USA

La Mercerie

La Mercerie, Howard Street, New York, NY, USA

Ilili

ilili Restaurant, 5th Avenue, New York, NY, USA

Cafe Boulud

Cafu00e9 Boulud, East 63rd Street, New York, NY, USA

FAQs: Restaurants for Large Groups in NYC

Book Avital’s NYC Interactive Meal

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 headshot

About the Author 

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