Food, New York, new york city, NYC, USA

33 of the Best Birthday Restaurants in NYC for Celebrating! (For Every Budget & Group Size!)

March 29, 2023

If you’ve been looking for the best birthday restaurants in NYC for your next bash, then you’re in luck!

Read ahead for our top picks that’ll kick off your birthday with a bang!

If you’re searching for the best birthday restaurants in NYC for your big celebration, then you’ve come to the right place.

Finding the best restaurants in NYC for birthday celebrations can be tricky, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

We’ve rounded up a huge list of amazing spots that will take large groups, serve amazing food, and even a few that offer all-you-can-eat options! Our list of the best birthday restaurants in NYC has it all.

Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly birthday restaurants in NYC or upscale options for a sophisticated night, we’ve got you covered. This list of the best restaurants in NYC for birthday celebrations has a bit of everything.

So, let’s dive right into this list of the best birthday restaurants in NYC!


The Best Birthday Restaurants in NYC for an Epic Celebration!


Best birthday restaurants in NYC: Il Buco

First on our list of the best restaurants in NYC for birthday celebrations, it’s Il Buco.

This adorable and charming restaurant is located in between Soho and Noho, and it’s one of the most whimsical and beautifully decorated restaurants in the city.

Everything about dining here feels special. Which is why we’ve included it at the top of our list for the best restaurants in NYC for birthday celebrations.

Menu-wise, you’ll find delicious Italian food. The food echos tradition, and the ingredients keep the integrity of old-style cooking, whilst the dishes are interesting and fresh.

It’s an amazing pick for the best birthday restaurants in NYC and we know you’ll love it.


Gemma

Next on our list of the best birthday restaurants in NYC, it’s the lovely Gemma. This big restaurant is located in the Bowery Hotel and it’s always a hit.

Stepping foot in Gemma is like entering a charming, European tavern, and we just love the vibe.

They have some big tables and booths for groups, and the energy here makes it a pretty great choice for the best birthday restaurants in NYC.

The food here is Italian, so expect pasta dishes, European-style salads and appetizers. It’s a great pick for the best restaurants in NYC for birthday celebrations.


Chanson

Chanson is next on our list of the best birthday restaurants in NYC. Except this is slightly different to the rest.

This gorgeous patisserie in Tribeca, is a better choice for daytime diners, so perfect if you’re looking to book a birthday brunch or lunch!

This is also the perfect choice for the best restaurants in NYC for birthday celebrations, especially if you have a little bit of a sweet tooth! This dessert bar won’t serve up pasta or pizza, but they will satisfy any sweet cravings you’ve got!

It’s a great pick for the best birthday restaurants in NYC, trust us!

Read more NYC food recommendations: Top 15 upscale restaurants in NYC


Lamalo

Next on our list of the best birthday restaurants in NYC, it’s the magical Lamalo, who serve up modern middle-eastern cuisine.

We dined here recently, and have nothing but good things to say. We were in a group of six friends, and the sharing concept and family-style food was simply perfection. Everyone loved it.

We loved leaning in, trying all kinds of dips and spreads, tucking into each others dishes, recommending combinations – it was so much fun!

This is such an amazing pick for the best birthday restaurants in NYC, and we know you’re going to love it. Especially if you love ‘discovering’ something a bit different and unique.


Chinese Tuxedo Chinatown

Next up on our list of the best birthday restaurants in NYC for celebrating, it’s the indulgent and glamorous Chinese Tuxedo.

Chinese Tuxedo is a great choice for birthday restaurants in NYC if you’re looking for something a bit swanky, that feels like a big deal.

The two-level restaurant oozes drama, and the decor and food is dramatic to match too.

We also love their big booth seating, which is ideal for birthdays and celebrations. It’s a great choice for the best birthday restaurants in NYC.


Dante

If you’re looking for something a little different for your birthday dinner in NYC then we think our next suggestion for the best birthday restaurants in NYC will be right up your street.

Dante is one of Greenwich Village’s most loved spots, and it’s a cross between charming cafe and popular cocktail bar.

The menu is Italian-inspired, but you’ll find a really nice variety of dishes on there. Personally, we love the flatbreads and the salads, but you’ll find things like pasta, steak and desserts on there too.

Overall it’s a great choice for the best birthday restaurants in NYC, just be sure to book ahead as it’s very popular.

Read more about NYC food: The best brunch in NYC – 15 places to try!


Cow Girl

Cowgirl is our next suggestion for the best birthday restaurants in NYC. This themed western bar and restaurant is a lot of fun, and we think it’s an ideal choice for celebrating.

The decor, the BBQ food, the cocktails (specifically margaritas!), it’s all 10/10.

The staff here are also absolutely lovely (we know from experience!) and we know they’ll give any birthday group a big welcome and make the night extra special for you!

This is a great pick for the best birthday restaurants in NYC.


Best birthday restaurants in NYC: L’Abeille

Next up on our list of the best birthday restaurants in NYC, it’s L’abeille.

This Michelin-starred restaurant is a fantastic choice for your birthday or celebration, especially if you want to push the boat out and opt for something super special.

As you can imagine, the food and service here is perfection. Every dish is considered, every flavor belongs, and every moment was magical.

The staff are experts at their craft, and it makes for an incredible birthday night in NYC. This is definitely one of the best restaurants in NYC for birthday celebrations!

Read more NYC food recommendations: 15 best Japanese restaurants in NYC


Emmett’s on Grove

Next on our list of the best birthday restaurants in NYC, it’s Emmett’s on Grove. This pizzeria is a sure-fire hit, and your friends will love it.

Emmett’s on Grove is known for their incredible pizzas, so if your friends love pizza, this will be a hit for your birthday night.

A cozy and cute choice for the best birthday restaurants in NYC!


The Dutch

The Dutch is our next suggestion for the best birthday restaurants in NYC. This beloved neighborhood restaurant will make your birthday feel extra special.

They’re known for their oysters mainly, so if you’re feeling a little fancy, and want to celebrate your birthday with oysters, then this is a great pick.

You’ll also find an array of perfectly cooked entrees on their menu; we personally love the smoked ricotta ravioli, and the pecan duck.

It’s a great choice for the best birthday restaurants in NYC, and we think you’ll love it.

Read more NYC recommendations: 18 best happy hours on the upper west side!


The Boil

The Boil is first on our list of the best birthday restaurants in NYC – and it’s unlikely to disappoint.

It’s best known for serving incredible Cajun-style seafood and bags of crab legs and lobster for the ultimate seafood boil.

Everything melts in your mouth, and the enviable Astoria Location makes it one of our best birthday restaurants in NYC for a trendy celebration in Manhattan.

This has to be one of the best restaurants in NYC for birthday celebrations, especially for seafood lovers!


Pastis

Pastis is next up on our list of birthday restaurants in NYC and it’s slap-bang in the middle of NYC’s Meatpacking District. And it’s a great choice if you’re looking for the best best birthday restaurants in NYC.

It’s a bougie representation of Paris’s classic bistros, and the high-energy atmosphere paired with the chic feel makes it one of the best birthday restaurants in NYC – hands down!

This French brasserie is suitable for everything from lunch to boozy dinners, so don’t miss out.

Image credit: https://pastisnyc.com/

Sugar Freak

Are you on the hunt for the best birthday restaurants in NYC that are laid-back with a New Orleans vintage feel?

If so, you’ll LOVE Sugar Freak.

This Astoria restaurant nails Southern flavors, cocktails, and comfort food, making it one of our top restaurants in NYC for a girly brunch.

Just remember to book a table in advance if you choose this as the best restaurant in NYC for birthday celebrations! It’s super popular!

Read more NYC food recommendations: 50 amazing places to grab breakfast in NYC

Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/sugarfreaknyc/

Al Di La

Al Di La is next on our list of the best birthday restaurants in NYC and is the place to be for glorious Italian food and good vibes.

This hidden gem in Brooklyn isn’t that great for huge groups, but it’s probably one of our favorite birthday restaurants in NYC for couples and small families.

So, grab a few pizzas, cocktails, and black ink spaghetti, and enjoy the night of a lifetime!


Oceana

Next up on our list of the best birthday restaurants in NYC, it’s Oceana in Midtown. This place serves up some of the best seafood in Midtown!

Oceana is a great choice if you’re looking for birthday restaurants in the Midtown area, especially Midtown restaurants with a little flair and fanciness.

Ocean definitely feels like a special occasion, and we think you’ll love it. Oh, and they have nice big booth tables for larger birthday groups, making it an ideal choice for the best best birthday restaurants in NYC.


Birthday restaurants in NYC: Quality Meats

Next on our list of the best birthday restaurants in NYC, it’s the wonderful Quality Meats.

Now, if you love steak… and you want to celebrate your birthday with a t-bone (not a cupcake) this might be the best birthday restaurant in NYC for you!

This place is definitely somewhere for a special night out, the atmosphere and energy oozes ‘special occassion’. And the quality of the food matches that too!

It’s my favorite steak in the city, and also the best mashed potato in the city too! A great choice for the best birthday restaurants in NYC!


Lola Taverna

If you’re looking for birthday restaurants in NYC that serve incredible Greek fusion cuisine, then you’re bound to love Lola Taverna.

This Manhattan spot is perfect for a rowdy birthday dinner with your closest friends as you can chow down on Gyro bao buns and sip drinks until late.

And if you want to commemorate the moment on your Insta feed, this is one of the birthday restaurants in NYC with an amazing flower setup out back!

Another great pick for the best birthday restaurants in NYC for birthday celebrations!


Skirt Steak

There’s something wonderful about picking birthday restaurants in NYC as the day AND the meal is all about you.

And Skirt Steak is one of the best birthday restaurants in NYC that just gets that.

From the delicious menu to the unlimited fries (yup – you read that right!), this is one of our top picks for meat lovers who appreciate a dash of Bearnaise sauce on their steaks.

We’re salivating already!

Image credit: https://www.skirtsteaknyc.com/

Kyu NYC

Kyu NYC is an incredibly successful spot in NYC that deserves a spot on our list of the best birthday restaurants in NYC.

Not only does it serve delectable Asian dishes made on a wood-fired BBQ, but the interior is intimate, cozy, and ideal for upscale birthday dinners.

And if you need birthday restaurants in NYC that can support large parties – just call ahead! 

They’re always willing to accommodate you if you can give enough notice, making it a great choice for the best birthday restaurants in NYC.

Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/kyunyc/

Boqueria

If you want to find the best birthday restaurants in NYC that specialize in Spanish Tapas and serve amazing sangria – then consider the search over with Boqueria.

You can expect classic small plates like paella and croquetas, but the craft cocktails are where the party gets started.

Oh, and this is one of the birthday restaurants in NYC with several locations city-wide.

So, just take your pick and book a table!

Read more NYC recommendations: Our top 23 themed restaurants in NYC


Maison Pickle

If you’re looking for the best birthday restaurants in NYC on the Upper East Side, then we can’t recommend Maison Pickle enough!

The food here is amazing, the setting is great, and the staff are super friendly.

We’d actually recommend Maison Pickle for a ‘birthday brunch’ rather than a birthday dinner – because their brunch menu absolutely kills it. Everything on there is 10/10.

Personally, we’d be going for the French Dip, or the Friday Chicken and French Toast. Yummmm!


Lil’ Frankie’s

If you’re hanging around the East Village this year, then you’ll want to head to Lil’ Frankie’s to get your Italian fix.

It’s a great choice for the best birthday restaurants in NYC, but it’s probably more suited to smaller groups – as there isn’t a lot of space here.

This is among our favorite birthday restaurants in NYC and it serves everything from huge portions of spaghetti to perfect wood-fired pizzas.

Throw in the buzzy atmosphere, and it’s no surprise that it’s one of our top birthday restaurants in NYC!


Red Rooster

Although Red Rooster is one of the best birthday restaurants in NYC, it is slightly out of the way in Harlem. Although it’s a total keeper, trust us!

Not only is there a resident DJ who keeps the discs spinning each night (with soul and funk!), but the food is amazing.

And if that wasn’t enough, there’s also a dedicated area for groups to make things easy!

So, you can see why it’s among our top picks for the best birthday restaurants in NYC, right?

Image credit: https://www.redroosterharlem.com/

Vatan

Vatan is an authentic Indian restaurant that deserves a coveted place on our list of the best birthday restaurants in NYC!

It’s an ideal pick for a slightly bougie birthday with no guesswork as it serves an amazing prix-fixe menu packed with gorgeous spices.

So, if you struggle to decide what to order, this is one of the best birthday restaurants in NYC that has your back!


Kyma

Kyma is one of our top picks for birthday restaurants in NYC that can accommodate large groups at short notice.

It has a nice central location, but the fact that there’s always plenty of space in the dining room is ideal for quieter birthday dinners.

Everything from the seafood tower to the delicious fresh fish is divine.

So, if you need to find birthday restaurants in NYC for seafood lovers, this is the place to book.


Let’s Meat

Not only is Let’s Meat one of the best spots for Korean BBQ in NYC, but it’s one of our favorite birthday restaurants in NYC!

Guests always love the all-you-can-eat layout and it’s also perfect for introverts who want to cap their birthday celebrations at 100 minutes of eating time.

Hey, no judgment here – we get it!

Image credit: https://www.letsmeatnyc.com/

Rolo’s

Are you on the hunt for birthday restaurants in NYC that serve delicious American dishes and great desserts?

Consider the search over with Rolo’s!

This popular spot is incredibly easygoing, hosts a DJ on certain nights, and serves wonderful cocktails too. 

So, if you’d like to dance the night away until closing, this is one of the birthday restaurants in NYC that has you covered.

Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/rolosnyc/

Sushi On Me

Sometimes, you want to find birthday restaurants in NYC that serve top-notch dishes and drinks.

If that’s what you’re searching for, then you’ll need to head to Sushi On Me.

Not only does it serve unlimited sake for an hour of your visit, but the restaurant includes all-you-can-drink beverages in the deal too!

It’s a slightly expensive pick for guests on a budget, but it’s one of the more unique birthday restaurants in NYC for lovers of Japanese cuisine.

And drinks of course.


Benare’s

Next on our list of the best birthday restaurants in NYC, it’s Benare’s.

If you love Indian food, then you’re going to love celebrating your special day at Benare’s!

We also love their big booth seating, which are ideal for hosting big birthday celebrations! Such a great choice for birthday restaurants in NYC.


Shuka

Next on our list of the best birthday restaurants in NYC, it’s Shuka!

This contemporary Mediterranean Restaurant is a South Village staple and it’s just so darn cute.

From the stylish blue exterior to the quaint floor-to-ceiling windows and immaculate plates, this is one of the birthday restaurants in NYC you can’t beat.


Insa

Insa is a wonderful Korean BBQ restaurant in NYC that’s cool, casual, and ideal for low-key birthdays. Making it a great choice for the best birthday restaurants in NYC.

As one of the top birthday restaurants in NYC, you can expect this place to accommodate large groups and get you served quickly.

And to make things even more celebration-worthy, there’s a karaoke bar attached to the restaurant for post-dinner revelry!

Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/insabrooklyn/

Playa Betty’s

We adore Playa Betty’s for its beachy vibes, Mexican/Californian fusion fare, and amazing Happy Hour deals.

Although we’ll never turn down their amazing veggie bowls or tacos, what makes this one of our top picks for birthday restaurants in NYC are the drinks.

Margaritas? Check. Bottomless Brunch? You bet!

It’s a fantastic pick if you’re searching for the best birthday restaurants in NYC – so, make sure you book a table online before heading down.

Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/playabettys/

Fish Cheeks

To round off our list of the best birthday restaurants in NYC that’ll make turning older feel easier, we’ve got Fish Cheeks.

It might not sound that appealing, but this Thai restaurant is a budget-friendly spot that’s tucked away in the vibrant Noho area.

Serving immaculate seafood and super-spicy dishes that every guest will love, this is one of the birthday restaurants in NYC that’ll have you returning for seconds.


We hope this list of the best birthday restaurants in NYC has given you loads of inspiration!

Which of these birthday restaurants in NYC will you be booking for your celebration? We can’t wait to hear!

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