Are you searching for the best group-friendly restaurants in NYC to visit this year? Read ahead for our favorite suggestions!
Finding the best group-friendly restaurants in NYC can be tricky. Many eateries in the city can be smaller than average, and big tables can be hard to come by.
But if you don’t fancy having your pals round to your apartment for your next get-together, you might be looking for group-friendly restaurants in NYC that’ll be happy to host your big group of friends or family.
On this list of group-friendly restaurants in NYC, we’ll cover everything from delicious Mexican hotspots to quaint Italian joints to suit every budget.
We’ve picked places that are suitable for most groups around 6-12 people in size, but also we’ve included some restaurants which are perfect for larger groups in NYC too (12+ people).
These restaurants for large groups in NYC will likely have been chosen by us because they have private dining rooms, or special space for large bookings!
Regardless of whether you’re visiting the Big Apple for the first time or just want to find somewhere sensational for a reunion, these group-friendly restaurants in NYC are unlikely to disappoint.
So, let’s get to it!
The Best Group-Friendly Restaurants in NYC
Szechuan Mountain House
To kick off our list of the best group-friendly restaurants in NYC, we have Szechuan Mountain House!
It’s not strictly considered one of the official group-friendly restaurants in NYC, but the portions would make you think otherwise!
It’s easy to pull tables together to accommodate larger groups, and everything from the fried rice to the mapo tofu is completely delightful.
As it’s among the most popular group-friendly restaurants in NYC, you’ll want to call ahead to reserve a table.
Otherwise, you might have to settle for takeout!
Le Fanfare
If you’re on the hunt for group-friendly restaurants in NYC that are cool, intimate, and easygoing, then you’ll appreciate Le Fanfare – big time!
This is one of the group-friendly restaurants in NYC that can seat up to 20 people at a single table (hooray for long tables!).
So, it’s ideal for family reunions, birthday parties, and everything in between. It’s a great choice for restaurants for large groups in NYC.
We suggest ordering any of the seasonal dishes on the menu as they’re always uber-fresh.
But you can’t go wrong with any of the homemade plates of pasta or the incredible market fish served with a delicate orange-olive salad.
It’s a perfect choice for group-friendly restaurants in NYC!
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Group-friendly restaurants in NYC: Wayla
Next on our list of group-friendly restaurants in NYC, it’s Wayla.
If you’re looking for a homestyle Thai restaurant that oozes charm and has an incredible patio, then you’ll adore Wayla.
Not only is it one of the finest group-friendly restaurants in NYC thanks to its stylish deck space and buzzing interior, but the food is awesome.
The dishes are inspired by Bangkok market favorites and everything is made using fresh and fragrant ingredients that scream authentic.
We highly recommend making reservations for large parties, but this is one of the group-friendly restaurants that can seat up to 16 people. Hooray!
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La Esquina
Are you looking for a speakeasy-style Mexican spot that’s also one of the best group-friendly restaurants in NYC for a birthday bash?
Well, check out La Esquina, our next suggestion for group-friendly restaurants in NYC.
You can reserve easily online for groups of up to 8 people, and then you’ll need to email them for groups any bigger than that.
For bigger groups of friends, as you can see in the photo above, the restaurants are happy to rearrange furniture and tables to ensure you have the perfect night out!
Another one of the reasons this made our list of group-friendly restaurants in NYC, is that it’s super easy to order a bunch of sharing plates to eat amongst yourselves.
From ceviche to quesadillas, this spot offers something for everyone. This is a brilliant pick for restaurants for large groups in NYC.
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Quality Meats
Next on our list of group-friendly restaurants in NYC, it’s Quality Meats.
Quality Meats is a fantastic steakhouse in the heart of the city, located just south of Central Park. If budget isn’t an issue, this is a really upscale and indulgent choice for group-friendly restaurants in NYC.
It’s a great choice for group dining on special occasions, and they even have additional private dining spaces offers (two which are private and one semi-private).
This is a really awesome choice for a stylish, sophisticated group celebration. It’s an impressive dining space in the very heart of the city, and we love it.
Their ‘Butcher Room’ can accommodate up to 24 guests and the ‘Fireplace Room’ can accommodate up to 40 guests, which is pretty impressive.
The food is delicious (who doesn’t love steak?) and it’s one of the best picks for group-friendly restaurants in NYC. This is one of the best restaurants for large groups in NYC, hands down.
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Kyma
Next on our list of the best group-friendly restaurants in NYC, it’s Kyma. This is a great choice for restaurants for large groups in NYC, as they can be flexible with space.
Kyma has always been among the best group-friendly restaurants in NYC and it serves the most amazing Greek food in the Big Apple.
Not only do these guys use the most exceptional extra virgin olive oil from Peloponnese in almost every dish, but they’re big on using fresh Mediterranean catches.
If the food wasn’t enough to convince you to visit (who doesn’t love sharing tzatziki and flatbreads?!), perhaps the atmosphere will.
This is one of the group-friendly restaurants in NYC that’s known for its exciting DJ nights from 8:30 pm between Thursday and Saturday. They also have private dining spaces too – if you want something a little more special-feeling.
So, whether you’re visiting for a huge feast or just want some light bites and a few pours, this is one of our top picks for group-friendly restaurants in NYC.
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Chinese Tuxedo
If you’re on the prowl for the best group-friendly restaurants in NYC that serve next-level Chinese food, look no further than Chinese Tuxedo.
It’s on the expensive side as it’s considered a fine-dining establishment.
But the huge banquet-style dishes are just perfect for large groups who want to split the cost between a few people.
Hey, every little helps, right?
It doesn’t matter whether you land on the spicy cucumbers or the braised black pepper oxtail buns. This is one of the group-friendly restaurants in NYC that’ll have you coming back for more.
Another great choice of restaurants for large groups in NYC!
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Al Badawi
Al Badawi is one of the best group-friendly restaurants in NYC by a mile. They have a huge dining room, friendly atmosphere and totally shareable food too!
It serves the most delectable Middle Eastern specialties around, a cuisine perfect for sharing in big groups.
We think this is a perfect pick of restaurants for large groups in NYC!
So, whether you’re craving rice plates or moreish curries, you’re bound to walk away full to bursting!
The hanging flowers and long tables are part of the reason that this is among our top picks for group-friendly restaurants in NYC.
But the uber-fast service and great booking policy don’t hurt either, which add to why this place is one of the best group-friendly restaurants in NYC.
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Maison Pickle
Located on the Upper West Side, this gorgeous little restaurant is a fantastic choice for group-friendly restaurants in NYC.
Maison Pickle looks small from the front entrance, but there’s a much more spacious dining area located at the back, which is perfect for bigger groups.
Maison Pickle specialise in indulgent big portions of delicious american-style food. We’re obsessed with their honey-friend chicken and french toast… it is next level.
If you’re searching for group-friendly restaurants in NYC on the Upper West Side, then this is a fantastic choice.
Tacombi
Next on our list of the best group-friendly restaurants in NYC, it’s Tacombi.
These guys have a few different locations in NYC, but their Flat Iron and Bleeker St and Nolita locations are probably best for big group bookings.
We love the vibe at Tacombi. It’s chilled, relaxed and the dining rooms are huge – so there’s space for big friendships groups to eat and celebrate.
It’s a really great pick for group-friendly restaurants in NYC, and it’s definitely a crowd-pleaser too.
I mean, who doesn’t love tacos? Tacos are the easiest choice for groups, because they’re so loved.
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Let’s Meat
Calling all carnivores! We think we’ve found one of the best group-friendly restaurants in NYC for meat lovers, and Korean BBQ!
Let’s Meat is a charming and noisy spot tucked away in Koreatown and it serves a ridiculous array of meat dishes.
We’re talking hanger steak, pork jowl, chicken – you name it, this is among the group-friendly restaurants in NYC that serve it!
Oh, and did we mention that’s it is Koreatown’s first all-you-can-eat BBQ joints? It’s such a perfect pick for NYC restaurants for groups!
Although there’s a time limit on every reservation (100 minutes, just FYI!), you’ll be able to order as much as you can manage from specific meal sets during your time.
And if the night is still young when you’re done, why not hang out around Koreatown for a spot of shopping or karaoke when you’re done?
If your group has a big appetite, then this is one of the best group-friendly restaurants in NYC.
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Fette Sau
Our next suggestion for the best group-friendly restaurants in NYC, is Fette Sau.
Now, this place is somewhere a little different – but we kind of love it. At Fette Sau, you’ll order BBQ meat, by the pound, and wolf it down with lots of delicious side dishes.
Because you order meat by the weight, it makes it a really fun and unique dining experience, especially for groups of friends.
The seating is kind of ‘family-style’ and located in a garage, so it’s very casual and very fun.
Whilst this place is a really fun location for big groups, as we mentioned, it doesn’t take bookings. So whilst there is plenty of space for groups, the only downside is that you can’t currently reserve ahead.
Peter Luger Steakhouse
Our next idea for group-friendly restaurants in NYC, is the iconic Peter Luger Steakhouse in Brooklyn.
Now, this restaurant isn’t exactly budget conscious, but if you’re looking to splash out and splurge a little, then this is a perfect pick.
Peter Luger Steakhouse specializes in (you guessed it) steak!
But the steak here is perfection. It’s old-school cool, and the restaurant gives off similar vibes. It’s stylish and oozes cool, but in a really retro and fun way.
You can reserve for up to 10 guests online pretty easily, but you may need to email for larger groups (10+). But don’t worry, their dining rooms (there are 3!) are huge, so we doubt it’ll be a problem!
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Manhatta
If money is no object or you’re planning a private event, you’ll adore our next pick for group-friendly restaurants in NYC.
Manhatta is located in the Financial District and is one of the most glamorous group-friendly restaurants in NYC.
Trust us, it’s right on the 60th floor of a Manhattan building!
Not only will you be served seasonal French cuisine during your visit, but the private dining space can seat up to 50 guests.
So, if you’re searching for group-friendly restaurants in NYC for weddings or large birthday parties – you’re covered.
Emmett’s On Grove
Sometimes, you just want to find group-friendly restaurants in NYC that are sophisticated without being overly bougie.
And that’s where Emmett’s On Grove nails it. They even have special enquiry email for private events, if that’s the vibe you’re going for with your birthday/celebration meal!
Not only is it one of our top picks for group-friendly restaurants in NYC that serve amazing Chicago-style pizza, but the cocktails and wines are next-level.
You’ll find tons of large booths for big groups.
But they’re always happy to pull tables together if you have an entire party to cater for!
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Boqueria
If you’re on the hunt for group-friendly restaurants in NYC with multiple location options, make your way to Boqueria – stat!
With restaurants on the Upper East Side, Midtown, SoHo, and Flatiron, you should be able to get your crew together in a convenient spot.
We’ve always loved the paella here (which is super rich!), but virtually anything from their tapas bar is a complete win. You can see why it makes our pick for one of the group-friendly restaurants in NYC.
Although the SoHo locations can take up to 16 people if you call ahead, the other locations are happy to take between 10 and 12.
So, you can see why it’s one of our top picks for group-friendly restaurants in NYC!
Chilo’s, Brooklyn
There’s nothing better than group-friendly restaurants in NYC that serve amazing tacos and strong margaritas.
And Chilo’s does both of those things!
Located in Brooklyn, this is one of our top choices for group-friendly restaurants in NYC, especially during the summer time (as they have lots of outdoor space).
It’s a low-key and relaxed restaurant that’s perfect for catching up over happy hour pours. Better yet, it’s cheap and cheerful enough to suit everyone’s budget.
Another great choice for restaurants for large groups in NYC!
Jacob’s Pickles
We’ve always had a soft spot for Jacob’s Pickles and we had to include it on our list of the best group-friendly restaurants in NYC!
There are 3 locations in NYC and each one serves top-tier comfort food and excellent beers (25 of them!) to keep you trucking along all night.
We can’t get enough of the fried chicken, but the biscuits topped with Hot Sour pickles are equally fabulous.
They have a prix fixe menu if you’d like to take the guesswork out of dining, but you’ll need to call ahead if you’re bringing groups larger than 12.
If you’re booking for 11 people or less, you’ll be able to reserve a table online with no problem.
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Yardhouse
If you’re looking for group-friendly restaurants in NYC for game day, then we really recommend checking out Yard House near Times Square.
Now, this is a chain restaurant (so not the most romantic or stylish) but it’s a great restaurant for large groups in NYC, as there is SO MUCH SPACE.
This place is huge, and spans two floors too, so you know you’re going to have lots of space for your big group of friends.
We mentioned game day specifically for Yard House, because it’s also a sports bar, and they have loads of screens around the place.
Another great pick for group-friendly restaurants in NYC, and a big menu to pick from too, which makes things so much easier!
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Valerie, Midtown
Next on our list of the best group-friendly restaurants in NYC, it’s the wonderful Valerie.
Valerie is a lovely choice for group-friendly restaurants in NYC, especially if you’re looking for somewhere stylish and sophisticated, but lively too.
These guys specialize in cocktails, so if you’re idea of fun includes lots of delicious cocktails, we recommend trying this place out!
Potluck Club
Next on our list of group-friendly restaurants in NYC, it’s Potluck Club in Chinatown.
This place is a pretty new addition to the city’s dining scene, and it’s a fantastic pick for group-friendly restaurants in NYC.
If you want to booking a table or event for more than 8 guests, you’ll need to email them – but so long as you’re booking far enough in advance, it should be fine!
The food here is great, and there are enough choices there to keep big groups happy. It’s indulgent food, but feels homely and traditional too. We love it.
Overall, this is a fantastic choice of restaurants for large groups in NYC.
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Bonus suggestion: The Skylark
As a bonus suggestion on this list of restaurants for large groups in NYC, we wanted to include an amazing bar for large groups in NYC too.
The Skylark in Midtown is actually a bit of both. They serve up delicious finger-food (a small, but perfectly formed food menu), but their specialty is cocktails and drinks.
What makes The Skylark special? Well, the views. The views here are second to none. And the vibes! The atmosphere and energy here is so chilled and stylish and it’s a fantastic place for a night out.
The Skylark have several booking options for larger groups of friends or family. You can reserve a specific part of the bar (they have big u-shaped sofas), or you can even rent out specific private rooms too.
Regardless, it’s brilliant, and very fun. And a wonderful choice for group-friendly restaurants in NYC.
We hope this list of group-friendly restaurants in NYC has given you loads of ideas!
Which of these group-friendly restaurants in NYC will you be booking? let us know!
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