For Large Groups

Note: Restaurants are listed in alphabetical order and not in order of preference.

Below is a list of places that I would recommend that can accommodate a large group reservation (8+ people). Note that large group reservations should be made well in advance; I typically reach out 30 days before.

  • Bar Pasquale  (Italian) – A Sicilian-inspired spot featuring handmade pasta, sfincione-style pizza, and small plates
    • Location: Nolita 
    • Atmosphere: Unassuming, casual 
    • Suggestions: Rigatoni alla vodka, pizza, 
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get 
    • A Good Place For: A group dinner, a last minute dinner 
    • Sister Restaurant: Charlie Bird, Bar Pasquale

  • Chinese Tuxedo (Chinese) – Two-story spot in a former opera house, offering contemporary Chinese dishes and stylish touches
    • Location: Chinatown
    • Atmosphere: Loud music, trendy, spacious, club vibes, family style dining
    • Suggestions: Strange flavor burrata, crispy eggplant
    • Reservations: Required 
    • A Good Place For: Large groups, celebrations, party dinner 
    • Note: The food here is good, but it’s not the best Chinese you’ll have. You’re coming here for the vibes, and they are worth it. After dinner, check out the speakeasy below the restaurant, Peachy’s

  • Emmets on Grove (Pizza) – Sophisticated hangout dispensing boozy drinks & Italian plates, including Chicago-inspired pizzas
    • Location: Greenwich Village 
    • Atmosphere: Loud, energetic, bustling
    • Suggestions: Hot girl pizza, Mona Lisa pizza, Nadine pizza, meatballs
    • Reservations: Required for large groups; for groups of 8-14 they offer a prix fixe, family style, dinner at their party table. You can select the prix fixe menu options
    • A Good Place For: A birthday party, a large group dinner

  • Lil Frankies – Old-school joint offering wood-fired pizza and other casual Italian eats, plus a full bar
    • Location: Bowery 
    • Atmosphere: Casual, traditional Italian, loud 
    • Suggestions: Spaghetti limone, gnocchi 
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get
    • A Good Place For: Large group dinners, a birthday party 
    • Note: Lil Frankies is cash only 
    • Sister Restaurants: Supper, Frank, Daddies

  • Loring Place – Upscale-casual American restaurant for seasonal, wood-fired dishes, handmade pastas, and pizzas
    • Location: Greenwich Village
    • Atmosphere: Minimalistic, welcoming, cute casual 
    • Suggestions: Everything is good; nothing is the best you will ever have but it’s all consistent and satisfying 
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get 
    • A Good Place For: Large parties, a dinner date, a good back up dinner on the weekends when you can’t get into your top choice restaurant

  • Puglia (Italian) – Big portions of Italian basics served up in a throwback space lined with murals and memorabilia
    • Location: Little Italy
    • Atmosphere: Party, loud, young 
    • Suggestions: The menu is fixed for large parties; the food is subpar, but if you’re going to Puglia, you’re not going for the food. You’re going for the bottomless wine / beer and 3 hours of dancing on the tables and chairs
    • Reservations: Required for large parties; DM them through Instagram or Facebook, or call Wednesday – Sunday 
    • A Good Place For: A birthday party, a large group celebration 
    • Note: Puglia is a party restaurant; it’s massive family style portions of pasta and chicken parmesan and 3 hours of bottomless beer and wine (though note that the entire table has to participate). The majority of the restaurant is standing on chairs and waving napkins in the air before the entrees even arrive

  • Rubirosa (Pizza) – Casual spot serving reinvented Italian-American classics and thin-crust pizzas, including the standout Tie Dye pizza, in a cozy space
    • Location: Nolita 
    • Atmosphere: Casual, bustling
    • Suggestions: Tie dye pizza, vodka pizza, meatballs, mini rice balls, cacio e pepe
    • Reservations: Required; for group dining Rubirosa welcomes groups of 8 -22 guests for family-style lunch or dinner party. The family-style menu is fully customizable to select antipasti, pastas and pizzas
    • A Good Place For: A birthday celebration, dinner with out of towners

  • Tao (Asian) – Pan-Asian eatery is known for a huge Quan Yin centerpiece and a trendy crowd
    • Location: Chelsea, Midtown East
    • Atmosphere: Trendy, extravagant, high-end 
    • Suggestions: Shishito peppers, chicken satay 
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get 
    • A Good Place For: Group dinners, corporate dinner, celebration