The Best Restaurants for Groups in New York City

Located in Brooklyn Heights, Al Badawi proudly declares itself a “Family Style Palestinian Restaurant,” and from the moment you walk in, it’s clear that this is a place built for groups. Feasting feels like the only option at this lively spot. Begin with the towering mezze filistini — generous spreads of hummus, baba ganoush, labneh, tabbouleh and muhammara — served with thin, unleavened saj bread pulled hot from the domed oven by the door. Then move on to abundant platters of rice piled with chicken, lamb, beef, seafood or vegetables. Group dinners are welcomed at $35 per person, and the BYOB policy means you and your friends can bring your beverage of choice with no corkage fee.

Imagine the communal spirit of Korean barbecue paired with the pomp of a classic American steakhouse. Dining at Cote is raucous and fun, making it a dream for big groups. Booths accommodate up to seven guests, while larger tables in the main dining room and outdoor cabanas can seat upwards of 20 people. The menu spans prime cuts from Cote’s in-house dry-aging room, including American Wagyu, USDA Prime beef and Korean staples like galbi (marinated short ribs), all grilled tableside on smokeless grills in traditional Korean barbecue style. Beyond the meat, look for playful takes on steakhouse classics like shrimp cocktail with gochujang sauce and wedge salad with sesame dressing, alongside comforting Korean favorites like spicy kimchi stew.

With its sweeping dining room, high ceilings and banquets galore, West Chelsea's Crane Club feels built for communal dining, so it's no surprise that they can seat groups of up to 15 people. Two different raw bar towers, a 50-ounce porterhouse steak, Dover sole, lasagna and generous salads like gem lettuce with grilled leeks and hazelnuts or chicories with black truffle vinaigrette are ideal for sharing. Desserts are also portioned for group dining, including a tiramisu-inspired version of a classic supermarket ice cream cake. The wine program features many large-format bottles; those that cross over the 5- or 6-liter size are served using a wine crane — a hand-cranked device that holds large bottles to slowly pour the wine into a glass or decanter.

Sharing a table with strangers is typical at many dim sum spots, but instead of sitting with people you’ve never met, bring a group of friends and get your own table at the bustling East Harbor Seafood Palace. Dim sum is inherently built for communal dining: as steaming carts circulate through the room with dumplings, rice noodle rolls, buns and more, everyone can point to what they like, order and share. MICHELIN Inspectors are especially keen on the siu mai (dumplings), rice noodle rolls wrapped around shrimp and doused in sweet soy sauce, and zongzi — tea leaf–wrapped sticky rice filled with pork and mushrooms. Insider tip: weekends are always busy, so try to go on a weekday.

This Red Hook institution, located in a sprawling warehouse, serves Brooklyn-style barbecue representing the diversity of the borough. That means a variety of wood-smoked meats turn up on the menu in items like Vietnamese wings, Caribbean jerk baby back ribs, lamb belly banh mi, Oaxacan-style tacos and fried Korean sticky ribs. For Southern barbecue purists, MICHELIN Inspectors shout out the tender, juicy, spice-rubbed brisket and the homemade jalapeño sausage enriched with melted cheese. Hometown is a casual, counter-service spot that’s ideal for low-key group gatherings, especially on Fridays and Sundays, when live music pumps into the room.

Harlem’s much-loved Melba’s is a go-to for soulful cooking and a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere. The restaurant accommodates parties of up to 12, and groups of 10 or more can opt for a three-course, family-style menu ($65 per person) featuring shared appetizers, entrées and desserts. MICHELIN Inspectors advise not to miss the Southern fried chicken — darkly bronzed and perfectly seasoned — especially when paired with Melba’s signature eggnog waffles. Come with friends, and you may be greeted by owner and born-and-bred Harlemite Melba Wilson, whose restaurant is a heartfelt tribute to the neighborhood’s flavor, culture and history.