A memorable dinner is about more than just fantastic food. It should feel like an experience created entirely for you — a chance to escape the pace and noise of the city, spend uninterrupted time with your people, and enjoy every course without feeling rushed or having to compete with the noisy table beside you.
Perhaps that’s why group dining is on the rise, with US bookings for parties of six or more growing 11% year over year. Below, we share what to look for, five Michelin-starred restaurants that welcome groups and what to do when your guest list outgrows the dining room.
How Do You Choose a Spot for Group Dining in NYC?
The best group dining restaurants have a table or private room designed for your party size, rather than squeezing extra chairs around several smaller tables. On the other hand, you don’t want a space too big for your party, or your group could feel scattered, which risks dulling the atmosphere. Look for a restaurant that also offers a fixed or shared menu, allowing everyone to enjoy each course together, with clear terms covering costs and deposits.
Before booking, check:
Seating: Look for a long table, round table, or private room made for larger groups, not several two-tops pushed together.
Menu format: A fixed or family-style menu helps each course reach the whole table at the same time.
The fine print: Ask about food-and-beverage minimums, deposits and service charges before confirming.
Lead time: For groups of 10 or more, book around four to six weeks ahead — and much earlier for the holidays.
Which Michelin-Starred Group Dining Restaurants Are Worth Booking?
All five restaurants below have been hand-picked by our team at Resident. They all hold at least one star in the latest MICHELIN Guide to New York, yet each one has a deliciously different take on private dining.
Cote, Flatiron
Cote is a one-star Korean steakhouse where premium cuts are grilled at the table. Groups of 7-18 can book dedicated group tables, while larger parties can consider a private space or buyout.
Best for: Energetic groups who want a meal everyone participates in.
Gramercy Tavern, Flatiron
A one-star New York classic, Gramercy Tavern serves contemporary American cooking in a warm, polished setting. Its private dining room seats up to 20 guests around one stunning statement table.
Best for: Team and client dinners that should feel impressive without becoming overly formal.
Torrisi, Nolita
One-star Torrisi offers contemporary Italian cuisine in the historic Puck Building. Groups can reserve its chef’s table for up to 10, a private room for up to 30, or arrange a larger buyout.
Best for: Birthdays, pasta lovers, milestone celebrations and stylish business dinners.
Le Bernardin, Midtown
Led by Chef Eric Ripert, the three-star Le Bernardin is one of NYC’s most iconic and celebrated seafood restaurants. With two private dining rooms seating up to 200, Le Bernardin is the height of formal private dining opulence.
Best for: High-stakes client dinners, opulent gatherings and corporate milestone splurges.
Aska, Williamsburg
Two-star Aska has been put on the NYC culinary map for its memorable Scandinavian cuisine. Its private room seats 6-10 for the full 12-14-course menu, while the Cellar Lounge accommodates up to 18 and a full buyout can fit up to 50 seated guests. Former Aska Chef Ryan Moser has now joined our exceptional roster of culinary talent here at Resident.
Best for: Adventurous diners, milestone celebrations and intimate client or executive dinners.
Restaurants Aren’t the Only Option for Large Groups in NYC
Once your guest list extends beyond 20-30 people, even the most beautiful restaurant private dining room can begin to feel crowded. You may also find yourself compromising on the layout, menu, or privacy simply to keep everyone together.
A growing alternative is to bring a Michelin-trained private chef into a space sized exactly for your group, rather than squeezing them into a conventional restaurant. This opens up more flexibility around the location, seating plan, atmosphere and menu.
Group Restaurants in New York vs. a Chef-Led Dinner
Resident offers chef-led private dining for groups, combining established Michelin-trained chefs who curate a one-night-only menu just for your group, inside a setting that’s picked for the occasion. We coordinate the venue, culinary team, staffing, and service, removing the need to manage several suppliers.
Many Resident chefs have trained and worked in renowned kitchens, including Le Bernardin, Gramercy Tavern, and Aska, so they bring that world-class culinary experience into a venue created exclusively for your guests.
Resident hosts intimate private dinners for as few as eight guests, as well as large-scale events for up to 1,000 people at venues across New York City.
For the best choice of chefs, dates, and venues, book approximately four to six weeks ahead.
Planning something smaller? You can also reserve seats at a ticketed chef’s table dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurants for Big Parties in NYC
Where can you eat in NYC with a large group?
For 6–12 people, choose a restaurant with a large table, private space, or set group menu, such as Cote or Torrisi. For 20 or more guests, consider a private room, full buyout, or chef-led dinner in a dedicated venue.
Where should you go for a team dinner in NYC?
Choose somewhere with a private or semi-private setting and a fixed menu so everyone can eat and talk together. For larger groups, Resident’s corporate team dinners keep the entire team together in a private venue.
Where can I dine privately in NYC?
New York City offers several options for diners seeking privacy, exceptional service, and a more personalized experience. These range from private dining rooms at Michelin-starred restaurants to intimate, chef-led dinners in private residential-style venues such as Resident, where guests can enjoy a more discreet and tailored dining experience away from the atmosphere of a traditional restaurant.
