New York restaurants have plenty of color, flavor, and energy, covering everything from rustic-casual neighborhood spots to the world’s most elegant experiences. What New York restaurants don’t have is much space. It can be difficult to find a dining room that seats a large group, and even if you call ahead and ask to seat 25, many dining rooms won't be able to accommodate you. With reservation books that fill up months in advance and tables too tight for even a foursome, the city is notorious for making life hard for group outings. We’ve gathered up some great exceptions—restaurant destinations that can take on everything from a romantic dinner for two on up to a birthday, reunion, holiday party, or other special occasion event that requires a private party group space as only New York can do it. Whether you're interested in a raw bar event, want to find a place in the Theater District, Times Square, or on the East Side, or are looking for a seafood dining experience, our roundup of best group dining locations won't disappoint. 

Best Group Dining NYC: Ben & Jack's

After closing for renovations, the quintessential steakhouse Ben & Jack's is back! Their new upscale-casual 4,800 square footage restaurant has a guest capacity of 190, occupying space at the EVEN Hotel, owned by the Inter Continental Hotels Group. Famous for beef entrees, patrons can indulge in the house's beloved Midwestern prime and Porterhouse cut. For seafood lovers, the Chilean sea bass and grilled Norwegian salmon are standouts. Jumbo shrimp cocktail, Maryland crab cakes, and baked clams also make their way onto the favorite's list here. 219 E. 44th St., 212-682-5678, benandjackssteakhouse.com

Best Group Dining NYC: Benjamin Steakhouse

 

Benjamin Steakhouse prides itself on providing perfectly choreographed events for groups of all sizes. From beautifully marbled cuts of dry-aged beef and succulent seafood to impeccably refined service and charm, Benjamin Steakhouse is ideal for the ultimate dining experience, and the perfect location to host an intimate celebratory dinner or a large corporate event. The Mezzanine Level overlooks the restaurant, capturing the ambiance, while offering a desirable sense of intimacy. Either of the Mezzanine’s two wings can be reserved exclusively or the entire space is ideal for larger functions. The Wine Room in the Mezzanine Level seats up to 21 guests and has large, theater-style curtains that can be drawn to add more privacy. 52 E. 41st St., 212-297-9177, benjaminsteakhouse.com

Best Group Dining NYC: Benjamin Steakhouse Prime

Benjamin Steakhouse (see above), the 2018 Concierge Choice Awards winner for steak, has spun off steakhouse destination Benjamin Steakhouse Prime, which by no coincidence took home the 2017 Concierge Choice Award for best new restaurant. Serving both dry-aged USDA prime beef and fresh, succulent seafood, the sleek and modern spaces here can support groups from 10 to 250. The upstairs at Benjamin Steakhouse Prime offers five customizable private dining rooms, capable of holding up to 250 guests. With so many choices, the options work well for holiday dining, special occasions, product launches, or a business function (complete state-of-the-art A/V capabilities are available). 23 E. 40th St., 212-338-0818, benjaminsteakhouse.com/prime

Best Group Dining NYC: Bond 45

Bond 45  is a Theater District favorite serving up Italian classics. The restaurant is best known for its vegetable antipasto bar, which offers a rotating selection of market vegetables. Bond 45 offers a variety of private and group dining options. The Villa, located on the lower level, can accommodate 20 to 70 guests (50 seated/70 standing) for cocktail receptions. 221 W. 46th St., 212-869-4545, bond45ny.com

Best Group Dining NYC: City Cruises New York

Beateaux dining room.

City Cruises offers year-round dining cruises along the East and Hudson Rivers, offering views of the city’s most iconic landmarks, from the Empire State Building to the Statue of Liberty. Aboard cruises on the Parisian-style, glass-enclosed Bateaux yacht, guests can reserve a private room for up to 100 people where they’ll enjoy a three-course menu with options like osso bucco with cauliflower polenta and cioppino with squid-ink linguini. A live jazz band adds an upscale ambience. For a more casual atmosphere, Signature Cruises aboard the Spirit of New York offer group seating for 20 or more guests with a chef-prepared, buffet-style menu and lively entertainment, including a DJ, dancing, and onboard games like giant Jenga. Pier 61, Chelsea Piers (W. 23rd  St. & 12th Ave.), 800-459-8105. citycruises.com/newyork

Best Group Dining NYC: The Consulate

After four successful years on the Upper West Side, The Consulate has just opened a second location, bringing its diverse concept to Midtown. With a global French Modern American menu created by renowned Chef Alan Vargas, The Consulate takes diners on an international journey of cuisines. Their elegant two-story restaurant offers a variety of group dining options; fill out a form on their site for arrangements. 44 W. 56th St., 646-850-1100, theconsulate.nyc

Best Group Dining NYC: Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse New York

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse New York boasts a sophisticated space that reflects the energy, vibrancy, and romanticism of the city. For group events here, guests can customize menus and choose from a variety of ambiances, including wine cellars and city views, to create an unforgettable experience.  For more information, reach out to Goddess Matula, Maitre D’ at goddess.matula@ldry.com. 1221 Avenue of the Americas (entrance on 49th St.), 212-575-5129, delfriscos.com

Best Group Dining NYC: Fushimi Times Square

Fushimi combines the best of traditional Japanese with inventive, French-inspired nouvelle cuisine. (They have opulent decor and exotic cocktails to match.) The most recent location, Times Square, offers a pair of luxurious party rooms.  For the 2023 holiday season, Fushimi is celebrating two decades in business with a series of special party bonuses. Spend $3,000 or more and Fushimi will provide party decoration; $4,000 or more and you'll get a tuna carving show; and a $5,000 or more event will include a pair of dancers/greeters. Fushimi can take care of all different kinds of events, including cocktail, corporate functions, social gatherings, and celebrations. You can choose from a party package, open bar package, customized packages, with decorating, DJs, and valet service available. 311 W. 43rd St., 212-245-8881, fushimi.nyc

Best Group Dining NYC: Gatsby's Landing

Inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, Gatsby's Landing's newest location is in Hotel Mela in Times Square (their other in Roslyn, NY) , in the Theater District. Gatsby's serves elevated American fare and cocktails in a refined, American retro setting. Explore their brunch and dinner menus, including selections such as Crab Cake with Red Pepper Remoulade, Tuna Carpaccio, Branzino, Filet Mignon with Pink Peppercorn Sauce, a variety of brick oven pizzas, and much more. Gatsby's Landing in Times Square is available for a partial and full buy-outs, large-scale receptions and seated events of up to 120 guests. 120 W. 44th St., 212-597-2850, gatsbyslanding.com

Best Group Dining NYC: Havana Central

Havana Central serves home-cooked Cuban food and brilliant live music from the heart of New York City. It's also a great place near the theaters to book your event. Whether for a group of 12 or a full house of 150 or more, Havana Central will provide the food and drink to get your fiesta going. They do a great job with birthday parties, bridal events, and corporate gatherings. There's both private and semi-private room options available and you can choose from prix fixe, family style, buffet, and cocktail style events. New to the venue is a private glass room that seats 20. 151 W. 46th St., 212-398-7441, havanacentral.com

Best Group Dining NYC: Morton's The Steakhouse 5th Avenue

Famous for USDA prime-aged beef, fresh seafood, fine wine, and elegant desserts, Morton’s is the ideal place for a memorable dinner. Private dining rooms are perfect for meetings and celebrations. 551 Fifth Ave., 212-972-3315; also visit their downtown location near the 9/11 Memorial at 136 Washington St., 212-608-0171, mortons.com

Best Group Dining NYC: Morton's The Steakhouse World Trade Center

From business meetings to holiday celebrations or rehearsal dinners, the Financial District location of Morton’s is ready for any occasion. Leave a lasting impression on 10 or 100 of your closest friends or esteemed colleagues, while enjoying great food, fine wines and specialty cocktails, and professional service. State-of-the-art audio and visual capabilities are available. 136 Washington St., 212-608-0171, mortons.com

Best Group Dining NYC: Nerai

Nerai offers a modern and sophisticated twist on Greek dining in Midtown Manhattan, featuring a lively bar, elegant dining rooms, and intimate private event spaces. It's designed in a nautical-inspired decor, with crisp whitewashed walls, and an ambiance of refined tranquility that will transport you from the bustling streets of New York to the breezy shores of Mykonos. There's a wine library and several private dining rooms. Their fully private Garden on the second floor is designed for larger events and gatherings. Guests can comfortably mingle and move about in this spacious room, under high ceilings, exposed white rafters, and a beautiful eighteen-foot olive tree. accommodating up to 75 guests for a seated lunch or dinner and up to 50 guests for a cocktail hour followed by a seated dinner. It can also host a standing cocktail reception for up to 90 guests. 55 E. 54th St., 212-759-5554, nerainyc.com

Best Group Dining NYC: One World Observatory

"One size fits one" is the philosophy behind the event space at One World Observatory. Bespoke special occasions are hosted here, from weddings to business meetings, in one of the world's unique places. Flexible spaces, all kinds of onsite amenities, great cooking, and room for up to 300 guests make this an excellent choice. And that's even before taking in the views from the 102nd floor! 285 Fulton St., 844-696-1776, oneworldobservatory.com

Best Group Dining NYC: Patsy's Italian Restaurant

One of the greatest attractions in the Theater District, Patsy's Italian Restaurant is renowned for its celebrity clientele (it was Frank Sinatra's favorite). Family-run since 1944, this landmark's highly rated authentic Neapolitan is heavenly, including succulent veal chops Siciliano, spicy lobster Fra Diavolo, and savory calamari stuffed with seafood. For private dining, there is an entire second floor where Ol' Blue Eyes himself used to hold court. Custom menus can be designed, drawing on Chef Sal Scognamillo's authentic Neapolitan cuisine. 236 W. 56th St., 212-247-3491, patsys.com

Best Group Dining NYC: Redeye Grill

Just a minute's walk from Carnegie Hall, Redeye Grill is a Midtown brasserie that's been around for more than 25 years, serving up classics such as their famous “dancing shrimp,” sushi burger, lobster Cobb salad, and banana cream pie. Redeye Grill is perfect for a family or group of friends, or a business event, offering a bustling atmosphere and live music. Fresh flowers, place cards, AV equipment, and musicians or anything else needed can be arranged at your request. 890 Seventh Ave., 212-541-9000, redeyegrill.com

Best Group Dining NYC: The Sea Fire Grill

Benjamin Steakhouse moved on to create The Sea Fire Grill once they'd perfected their steak, and the seafood here is every bit as delicious. For group events, the crystal lighting, walnut accents, and contemporary artwork of private dining space “The Board Room” (above) exude sophistication. With seating for 26-30 guests, The Board Room is ideal for exclusive business dinners or lively celebrations. For larger parties, the “Mid Dining Room” accommodates up to 65. It’s off to the side of other diners, giving groups a nice sense of isolation, while still enjoying the ambiance. Contemporary décor with mirrored features, wood floors, elegant chandeliers, and flowing sheer curtains highlight the roaring marble fireplace of the Main Dining Room. Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling customized dark wood wine racks, this sophisticated space can seat up to 75 guests. The chef’s offerings of seasonally focused prix-fixe menus and complementary sommelier selections are sure to impress. 158 E. 48th St., 212-935-3785, theseafiregrill.com

Best Group Dining NYC: Strip House

You can indulge all your senses when experiencing the famed New York City steakhouse Strip House. Signature prime cuts of beef are matched by striking dining room with a siren-red interior and black and white vintage photography. Two locations, Union Square and midtown, are both perfectly equipped for a group event. Downtown’s more intimate location seats 100 and accommodates 130 standing. The Speakeasy downstairs at the downtown location holds 32 seated and 40 standing guests. The large, bi-level midtown location has a private lounge for a party of 20 and semi-private spaces on the mezzanine level. The entire restaurant seats 200 and accommodates 220 standing guests. Strip House Downtown is located at 13 E. 12th St. Call 212-328-0000 or visit striphouse.com/venues/downtown for reservations. Strip House Speakeasy is located at 11 E. 12th St. Call 212-838-9197 or visit striphouse.com/venues/speakeasy for reservations. Strip House Midtown is located at 15 W. 44th St. Call 212-336-5454 or visit striphouse.com/venues/midtown for reservations.

Best Group Dining NYC: Trattoria Dell’Arte

Located across the street from Carnegie Hall, and close to Lincoln Center, Columbus Circle  Trattoria Dell’Arte brings clever design to a vibrant spot. Its interiors are inspired by a Tuscan artist’s studio. Trattoria Dell'Arte is available for lunch, dinner, and late night events and offers the perfect  for all corporate & social events, from press events to wedding rehearsal dinners. Their multiple dining rooms can accommodate between 30, 40, and 80 seated guests. 900 Seventh Ave., 212-245-9800, trattoriadellarte.com

More Fun for Kids & Company Parties

Best Group Spaces NYC: Gotham Comedy Club

Gotham Comedy Club's on-site special events team will help you create your most memorable event. Their sophisticated space comes equipped with a full-service staff. The Main Show Room (capacity 300) features two bars, stage, and a state-of-the-art sound system. The Vintage Lounge has a capacity for 75. Custom packages available; contact Kelsey. 208 W. 23rd St., 212-367-9000, gothamcomedyclub.com

Best Group Spaces NYC: Blue Man Group

Image: Lindsey Best.

Best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows, Blue Man Group combines music, comedy, and multimedia theatrics to produce a unique form of entertainment in downtown New York City.  Less well known: they have everything you need for the perfect party, with all the music, dancing, and paint you want. You can even add on receptions, food and drink, VIP options, a backstage tour, and more. Astor Place Theatre, 434 Lafayette St., 212-226-6366, blueman.com

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