New York City’s mom-and-pop restaurants are vital to its soul, and it’s these independent places that led to fame for chefs like Ivan Orkin, Melba Wilson, and Roberto Santibañez.In a city that’s spoiled for choice with locally owned restaurants, some overtake the pack. These are the spots we go to when making dinner feels like a drag, where we meet up with neighbors for drinks and laughs, and where our server knows what we want before we even sit down.There’s a Harlem neighborhood staple that’s famous for its knockout chicken and waffles, an easygoing Mexican faithful where locals eat in sweats, and one especially family-friendly Cobble Hill steakhouse. Read on for a guide to 14 neighborhood restaurants that New Yorkers fiercely love.Brooklyn Gus’s Chop House (Carroll Gardens)Various plates of food including steak, a radicchio salad, roasted sweet potatoes, and French fries on a table at NYC restaurant Gus’s Chop HouseGus’s Chop House is a go-to destination for local families. | Photo credit: Gus’s Chop HouseGus’s is the kind of does-it-all place that’s just as great for an all-out celebration as it is for a weeknight dinner. That’s because chef and owner Chris McDade’s (Popina) menu has plenty of sophisticated steakhouse faves like lamb loin, wedge salad with leeks, and more. But the laid-back vibe, complete with black leather banquettes and spaced-out tables, makes this an inviting Carroll Gardens mainstay—it’s why families with babies always feel comfortable eating here, too. Book nowManhattan Afghan Kebab House (Upper East Side)New York has several solid Afghan restaurants, but Upper East Siders know to head to Afghan Kebab House for chef Izmir Rouzyi’s next-level kebabs and pilaus. The restaurant has more than half a dozen versions of the rice dish—arguably Afghanistan’s most famous delicacy. Consider getting an order with tender lamb or baby okra, and pair it with sizzling charcoal-grilled shrimp kebabs. Hot tip: BYOB is encouraged.Book now Atlas Kitchen (Upper West Side)The Upper West Side has one of the strongest Sichuanese food scenes in the city, but Atlas wins the most local hearts for its especially massive menu. Homesick Columbia University students and families pack the place for Kaiyuan Li’s cooking, which also includes dishes from his home region, Hunan. The move here is ordering everything to share—whole-steamed fish heads covered in red chiles, Sichuan-style sautéed pig trotters, and more—so you can do justice to all the regional Chinese hits.Book now Fonda (Chelsea, Park Slope, and Tribeca)An oval plate of mole with cilantro leaves and sesame seeds sprinkled on top at NYC restaurant FondaFonda’s vibe is so casual that it’s not uncommon to find neighbors dining in their sweats here. | Photo credit: FondaEven though this Mexican star expanded to new locations since opening in Park Slope in 2009, one thing remains the same: chef and owner Roberto Santibañez’s focus on running an unpretentious spot where locals feel comfortable dining in sweats. They can’t get enough of the rich Oaxacan mole, queso fundido with chorizo, and lamb birria—and the best part is knowing that lingering comfortably over a meal here is welcome.Book Fonda Chelsea Book Fonda Park Slope Book Fonda Tribeca Bhatti Indian Grill (Murray Hill)Manhattan’s South Asian community knows that Bhatti is a one-stop-shop for rich North Indian specialties like creamy dal and buttery kebabs. Silky smooth galouti kebabs, based on gold-standard versions from Tunde Mian in Lucknow, India, are the main attractions on chef Gaurav Anand’s (Moti Mahal Delux, Awadh) menu. Plus, Bhatti has a serious natural wine collection, busting the myth that only certain reds pair well with Indian food.Book now Melba’s (Harlem)Melba Wilson cooked at her aunt’s renowned Harlem soul-food restaurant Sylvia’s before opening her namesake spot in 2005. Wilson makes frequent appearances in the dining room, giving out hugs and walking through to check on how everyone’s doing. Plus, her top-notch cooking, including her TV-famous chicken and eggnog waffles has famous fans like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.Book now Ivan Ramen (Lower East Side)A bowl of ramen with roasted tomatoes, an egg, and scallions at NYC restaurant Ivan RamenIvan Ramen marks 10 years in NYC this year. | Photo credit: Daniel KriegerLower East Siders have serious bragging rights: Their neighborhood ramen spot is run by Chef’s Table star Ivan Orkin, whose noodle knowledge is just as respected in Japan. Most ramen shops only do one style, but Orkin goes all out with six different broths and a broth-less mazemen. Regulars swear by the red chile ramen—a spicy, vibrant bowl of thin rye noodles, tender pork chashu, and smashed soft-boiled egg. Book now Mista Oh (Flatiron)Mistah Oh made a name for itself thanks to all the family firepower behind it. Mista, Mia, Holly, and Suby Oh, who all come from Busan, South Korea, make up the team of relatives at this fuss-free Flatiron gem. The homey vibe and Korean classics like galbijjim (braised short ribs), bibimbap, sundobu (soft tofu stew), and more are ideal for a relaxed meal with family or friends.Book now Rice x Beans (Hell’s Kitchen)NYC’s Brazilians know they can get a taste of home at Rice x Beans, an unassuming restaurant by chef and owner Carlos Roberto Inácio. Inácio recreates the dishes he grew up eating in Minas Gerais, Brazil, at the cozy Hell’s Kitchen spot, including cheesy pão de queijo and feijoada, or pork and black bean stew. But as the restaurant’s name suggests, nothing hits the spot like a plate of beans and rice, and that’s exactly what many New Yorkers keep coming back for.Book now Little Ruby’s Cafe (West Village)lA breakfast burrito on a white plate at NYC restaurant Little Ruby’sLittle Ruby’s Cafe has been an Australian staple in NYC since 2002. | Photo credit: Melissa HomFew NYC spots have perfected farm-fresh Australian food the way Thomas Lim and Tim Sykes’s Little Ruby’s Cafe has since it opened its first Nolita outpost in 2002. It now has three other locations, including a new West Village edition that’s the first to take reservations, and they all make excellent brunch spots. Make sure to get the breakfast burrito overflowing with scrambled eggs, chorizo, and tater tots, and wash it all down with a—what else?—flat white. Book now Sorsó (Union Square)For a rare escape by Union Square, make your way to Sorsó, a charming Italian wine bar. Sorsó —owned by famed photographer and entrepreneur Marcho Vacchi— is where locals come to unwind over prosecco, tuna crudo, and slow-cooked octopus with sundried tomatoes. Between 4 pm and 6 pm, you can score a glass of wine and bruschetta for $15, making it one of the best pre-dinner deals in the neighborhood.Book now Oda House (Upper East Side and Sheepshead Bay)The Georgian oval-shaped cheesy bread dish khachapuri on a wooden board at NYC restaurant Oda HouseCheesy khachapuri helped Oda House become a Georgian food favorite in NYC long before the dish became a viral sensation. | Photo credit: Oda HouseEven before khachapuri became a viral hit, Oda House was where locals broke bread together—literally—over the cheesy egg-topped Georgian dish. The original East Village location is now closed, but chef and owner Maia Acquaviva still pulls in plenty of old-timers to its Upper East Side and Sheepshead Bay locations. It’s because Oda House cranks out nearly 12 kinds of khachapuri and juicy khinkali (dumplings), to name just a few—and has a Georgian wine list that’s one of the best in the city. Book Oda House Upper East Side Book Oda House Sheepshead Bay Queens Blue Sea Taverna (Astoria)This Astoria mainstay was called Akrotiri Grill when it first opened in 2018, but recently renamed itself so that owner Chris Kouvaros could go all in on Greek seafood. That means dishes like htapodi (charcoal-grilled octopus) and lavraki (whole-grilled branzino) get their main-character moments, along with excellent new additions including tender-crisp seared scallops with creamy linguine. Book now The Bronx Da’ Franco & Tony’s Ristorante (Pelham Bay)Wear your stretchiest pants when you come to this old-school red-sauce joint by brothers Frank and Tony Hasanramaj. The Italian American food here is as hearty as it comes and draws an eclectic mix of nonnas, nonnos, and younger diners. Come extra-hungry for minestrone soup, homemade gnocchi in ragu, several types of parm, and much, much more.Book nowTried them all? Check out other options here.Tanay Warerkar is OpenTable’s NYC writer and a content marketing manager.Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner is a writer based in Brooklyn, where she lives with her wife and rescue dog. You can follow her on Instagram @melissabethk and Twitter @melissabethk

Tight New York City spaces mean that escaping to an especially gorgeous restaurant is particularly exciting. And with historic buildings and stunning views, NYC’s restaurants really show out in the design department.An outrageous beauty in Columbus Circle demonstrates the best of maximalist modern design. On the other end of the spectrum, iconic architecture shines at a century-plus-old institution. And several over-the-top outdoor spaces make dining outside a luxurious treat.In praise of restaurants that make you reluctant to leave, we present to you this guide to the 17 most beautiful restaurants in New York City.Buddakan (Meatpacking District)Chandeliers hanging over a long table in Buddakan's dining room in NYCPhoto credit: BuddakanRestaurateur Stephen Starr’s stunning modern Chinese restaurant is a fitting beauty for the city’s fashion-forward Meatpacking District. The lavish duplex is anchored by a grand staircase leading down to a dining room with vaulted ceilings, carved dark wood panels, and a row of chandeliers softly lighting sumptuous banquettes and a candle-strewn communal table. It’s a very sexy atmosphere to share dishes like edamame dumplings, chili rock, shrimp, and tea-smoked spare ribs.Hawksmoor (Gramercy Park)hawksmoor-nyc-credit-hawskmoor-nycPhoto credit: HawksmoorIt’s tough to find a more magnificent steakhouse in New York City than Hawksmoor, the British import steps from Gramercy Park in the historic United Charities Building. With its 26-foot soaring ceiling, stained glass windows, and magnificent archways, the restaurant feels cut from stately New York elegance, wrapped in espresso-toned wood with hunter green banquettes. All-natural steaks seared over live-charcoal and (must-have) beef fat fries complete the picture.Veronika (Gramercy Park)veronika-interior-_-credit-alex-staniloff-for-veronikaPhoto credit: Alex Staniloff for VeronikaSecreted on the second floor of Fotografiska New York, Veronika embraces a Gilded Age grandeur with arched double-height windows, crushed velvet seating, and brass chandeliers soaring overhead, filling the room with a timeless amber glow. Whether in the low-lit intimate Bar Room or the sun-drenched Dining Room, the European menu matches the glamour of the space, with sumptuous dishes like veal sweetbreads and Dover sole meunière.Genesis House Restaurant (Meatpacking District)genesis-house-credit-genesis-houseCredit: Genesis HouseIt’s easy to lose yourself at Genesis House Restaurant, a serene oasis that boasts a library, a tea salon, and a dining room devoted to royal Korean cuisine in a tasting menu format. From the library to the dining room, every space at Genesis House is artfully designed with harmony and balance as touchstones—tones of sand and stone, rich warming textures, and a dramatic ceiling crafted from sheets of cascading natural wood that almost feels like a canopy of trees.Zou Zou’s (Hell’s Kitchen)zou-zou_s-credit-melissa-hommPhoto credit: Melissa HomStyle spills from the seams of Zou Zou, the eastern Mediterranean brasserie in Manhattan Plaza. Chef Juliana Latif’s open kitchen anchors a dining room wrapped in seafoam green tile, with cherry red banquette seating, polished wood tables, alabaster marble counters, and cafe curtains sweetly hung on street-level windows. Take a seat under brass mid-century globe lighting, and tuck in for a shareable feast of dishes like Moroccan fried chicken and Zou Zou’s signature duck borek.La Grande Boucherie (Midtown West)la-grande-boucherie-credit-la-grande-boucherieLa Grande Boucherie’s outdoor dining setup looks like a Parisian promenade in Midtown. | Photo credit: La Grande BoucherieThis Art Nouveau-styled restaurant occupies an entire city block, a stunning and ample stage for the brasserie detailed with Renaissance sculptures and oil paintings from the turn of the century. There’s no better seat than the glass-enclosed outdoor plaza filled with swaying palm fronds and round café tables lined up under an arched skylight. The effect is transporting, like you’ve just come from shopping on the Champs-Élysées, ready for a bottle of Bordeaux and flawless steak frites.RH Rooftop (Meatpacking District)rh-rooftop-restaurant-credit-rh-rooftop-restaurantPhoto credit: RH Rooftop RestaurantAn all-glass elevator takes you to this penthouse beauty. Named after the fancy furniture store it’s perched on top of, RH Rooftop is peak luxe. The same ornate accents feature here as the floors below, such as a chandelier hanging over every table. But it really shines for nailing the indoor-outdoor vibe with trickling fountains and a massive skylight. Naturally, the menu is just as larger-than-life, featuring Black Forest bacon-topped cheeseburgers and massive banana splits.Montesacro BK (Williamsburg) A retractable glass ceiling and large potted plants at the outdoor dining space at Montesacro BK in New York CityPhoto credit: MontesacroMontesacro’s highly regarded Roman-style pizza gets exceptional ambiance in an enchanting enclosed garden, a sun-filled room cheerfully filled with plants and capped off by a soaring living wall. The garden has a convenient retractable rooftop, making it an oasis of flowers and greenery. It’s ideal for any sort of weather—but on a sunny day munching on crispy pinsa, there’s nothing quite like it.Temple Court (Financial District)temple-court-credit-temple-courtPhoto credit: Temple CourtLocated in the magnificent Beekman Hotel in FiDi, Temple Court is a twofer that makes for a special evening. Start with a drink in the dramatic atrium lobby bar with wrought-iron staircases, tufted couches, and oversized armchairs tucked into corners for lingering over perfectly stirred cocktails. Then move to your reservation in chef Tom Colicchio’s highly seasonal New American restaurant, where the sexy dining room is all soft curves and low lighting from striking stained glass.Grand Central Oyster Bar (Midtown East)grand-central-oyster-bar-credit-grand-central-oyster-barPhoto credit: Grand Central Oyster BarDesigned by Rafael Guastavino and his son, Rafael Guastavino Jr., this absolutely iconic room has changed little since it opened in 1913. The design is classically old-school: wood-paneled walls, vaulted, herringbone-tiled ​​archways, tables covered in red-and-white gingham linen, and a serpentine lunch counter with original swivel stool seating—the best way to dine on the James Beard Award-winning restaurant’s stunning menu of shellfish and, as you might expect, over 30 varieties of oysters.Tavern on the Green (Midtown West)taven-on-the-green-credit-taven-on-the-greenPhoto credit: Tavern on the GreenSince 1934, Tavern on the Green has been serving a classic American menu in its timeless space on Central Park’s western edge. The restaurant is practically synonymous with “special occasion,” with several different dining rooms. There’s the famed glass-enclosed atrium; a more formal dining room; an A-framed, ski lodge-like space; and an elegant bar. Then there’s the garden, where in the winter a massive Christmas tree is an obligatory seasonal stop.Bad Roman (Columbus Circle)bad-roman-credit-christian-harderPhoto credit: Christian HarderNew Yorkers flock to Bad Roman for its vibe: The space is downright outrageous, lined with unapologetically red banquettes and filled with tightly spaced bistro tables flanked by floor-to-ceiling mirrors, glass tiles, stretches of polished wood, and emerald slab marble—all of which gives the space a decidedly maximalist energy and buzz. The vibe marries well with the menu of bold Italian favorites like chicken Milanese, veal chops, and rich short rib pappardelle. Cecconi’s (Dumbo)A black and white awning covers the outdoor seating area at Cecconi’s Dumbo, with views of the Brooklyn Bridge.Photo credit: Cecconi’sCecconi’s Dumbo is housed in a converted coffee warehouse and packs a triple punch with an unbeatable Brooklyn Bridge Park address, stunning Manhattan views, and classic Italian food. Whether you’re here for a sunset negroni under the black-and-white-striped awning outside or digging into a squash blossom and truffle pie from a cushy velvet chair inside, there’s no denying the see-and-be-seen vibes at this handsome Soho House destination.Casa Ora (Williamsburg)casa-ora-credit-casa-oraPhoto credit: Casa OraThis MICHELIN-recognized bistro takes an upscale approach to Venezuelan fare—braised short rib asado negro, lobster fosforera—and the setting matches. Rattan lighting casts a golden glow over a room with midnight blue wainscoting, deep banquettes upholstered in soft emerald green velvet, hardwood floors strewn with Moroccan area rugs, and the lush greenery of wandering vines and potted plants. There’s also an enclosable outdoor garden dressed up with string lights for pretty nights al fresco.Level Restaurant & Bar (Sheepshead Bay)level-restaurant-bar-credit-level-restaurant-barPhoto credit: Level Restaurant & BarSheepshead Bay tends to have more low-key restaurants, so this glamorous restaurant, bar, and dance hall particularly stands out. Chevron-tiled flooring, jewel-toned armchair seating, cool ebony marble tables, chandeliers, and a sleek cocktail bar backed by mirrored shelves and artisan spirits feature throughout the several rooms. An expansive menu includes steak and sushi, but come later, this place becomes a full-on party complete with a DJ and acrobatic dancers.The Tusk Bar (NoMad)the-tusk-bar-credit-the-tusk-barPhoto credit: The Tusk BarThe Tusk Bar, tucked into the historic Evelyn Hotel, marries effortless glamor with Jazz-age flair. Wildair’s Jeremiah Stone and Fabian Von Hauske are behind the seafoody small plates and rich desserts, and their famed food is the perfect match for the stunning setting and upscale cocktails. The luxurious room is filled with overstuffed armchairs, antique lamps perched on small carved end tables, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, dark velvet curtains, and the soft glow of an evening of elegance.Peak Restaurant & Bar (Chelsea)peak-credit-peakPhoto credit: PeakIt’s obvious that acclaimed architect David Rockwell designed this stunning space, wrapped in glass and offering unparalleled views from the 101st floor of 30 Hudson Yards. Inside, natural earth tones allow the beauty of the city and the Hudson River below to take center stage. Whether you go in for sunset cocktails and caviar, or a more formal dinner, chef Rose Noel’s elevated new American menu hits only high notes.

With cozy communal tables, elegant private rooms, and feasts for the whole crew, the best restaurants for large groups in NYC cater to every mood and event. There are large tables for digging into tapas and other small plates, exclusive dining rooms in eye-popping Asian spaces, and long banquettes at upscale pizzerias across the city.Indulge in towers of the freshest seafood in Chelsea. Share assortments of Mediterranean mezze at a celebrity chef’s destination in NoMad, or split sizzling steaks accompanied by indulgent sides at a swanky chophouse with locations in Midtown West and Greenwich Village.Book a table at your top choice of restaurants for large groups in NYC on OpenTable now to enjoy a memorable meal with friends and loved ones.Discover the 10 best restaurants for large groups in NYC today.For the best tapas restaurant for large groups in NYC, head to Boqueria (Gramercy Park, SoHo, Upper East Side, Midtown West)A woman holds a crostini topped with steak tartare near other Spanish tapas on a table at Boqueria, one of the top restaurants for large groups in NYC, bookable on OpenTable.With locations in several NYC neighborhoods, Boqueria is a top choice for lively brunch. Credit: BoqueriaThe top restaurants for large groups in NYC make it easy to gather comfortably, and you can do just that at the long, communal tables at Boqueria in Flatiron, Soho, UES, and West 40th Street. Groups of six or more can experience the tasting menu for the ultimate tapas exploration capped by a crowd-pleasing paella. Spring for hand-carved Iberico ham alongside pan con tomate to start like a true Barcelonian, and order pitchers of the signature shishito margarita to accompany a table full of small plates.For Korean group dining in NYC: reserve a table at Dons Bogam BBQ & Wine Bar (Midtown East)A black bowl of bibimbap surrounded by small bowls of condiments at Dons Bogam BBQ & Wine Bar, an upscale Korean barbecue restaurant in NYC found on OpenTable.New Yorkers love the premium meats and tabletop barbecue of Dons Bogam. Credit: Dons Bogam BBQ & Wine BarDons Bogam BBQ & Wine Bar is a MICHELIN Plate recipient from chef Woo Kim. The large tables and interactive cooking of Korean barbecue are conducive to group dining, with larger groups meaning more selections for the communal grill. Attentive service at Dons Bogam keeps premium meats sizzling while you share bottles from the international wine list or sip cocktails like the signature Purple Rain, made with gin and black raspberry wine. Try the pork belly marinated in cabernet sauvignon for the best of both worlds.For modern seafood in a hip Chelsea spot, eat at Hav & Mar (Chelsea)Five vibrant cocktails in a variety of glassware line the bar of Have & Mar, one of the best group dining restaurants in NYC, available on OpenTable.Hav & Mar brings a Harlem legend to Chelsea for seafood indulgence in a design-forward space. Credit: Hav & MarFrom celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, Hav & Mar is a James Beard semifinalist and MICHELIN plate designee in Chelsea. Specializing in blending African and Caribbean flavors, the menu is decidedly seafood-centric, with standouts like berbere-cured salmon and shrimp fritter salad. The spacious layout and partially secluded spaces for bigger parties help make it one of the best restaurants for large groups in NYC. Vibrant decor and a high-energy playlist keep the mood upbeat and optimal for celebrations.For one of the most fun restaurants for large groups in NYC, book Kyma (Gramercy Park, Hudson Yards)A close-up of a stack of thinly sliced zucchini and eggplant chips towered on a white plate at Kyma, an OpenTable restaurant for fun group dining in NYC.Come to KYMA for great Greek food and hospitality. Credit: KymaKyma, an upbeat Greek seafood restaurant with locations in Gramercy Park and Hudson Yards, is one of the city’s go-to spots for elegant Mediterranean dishes. With weekend DJs pumping Greek music and tableside presentations of dishes like flaming saganaki, it’s fun group dining in NYC at its best. Lavraki (grilled Mediterranean sea bass) is a signature selection, as are the Kyma chips of crispy zucchini and eggplant with tzatziki. The airy, white interior accommodates groups of many sizes in an island-inspired setting.For the best pizza restaurant for large groups in NYC, go to Numero 28 (Upper East Side, West Village)Two pizzas with gourmet toppings surrounded by plates of pasta and fish on a warm-tone wood table at Numero 28 in NYC, bookable on OpenTable.Few bites are as quintessentially New York as a slice of pizza, and Numero 28 serves them in traditional Italian style. Credit: Numero 28Pizza is a New York City staple, and Numero 28, with locations on the Upper East Side and in the West Village, is a local favorite for groups looking to score quality slices together. Serving Neapolitan-style pizzas with the Roman flare of longboard presentation that’s great for groups, standouts include the decadent blend of truffle oil, mozzarella, and mushrooms on the tartufo and the spicy Italian salami of the diavola. Long banquettes and combinable tables can accommodate most groups.For elegant Chinese in a variety of refined settings, head to Shun Lee (Lincoln Square, Midtown East, Lincoln SquareAn aerial view of 4 shu mai dumplings in a bamboo steamer basket on a black plate at Shun Lee, a good NYC restaurant for large groups in NYC, available on OpenTable.With three distinct locations, Shun Lee hosts an array of group dining experiences in New York City. Credit: Shun LeeShun Lee is a celebrated name in upscale Chinese restaurants in NYC. Shun Lee Palace is the flagship known for refined Chinese classics like Beijing duck and crispy orange beef in an elegant setting of black lacquer and gold accents. Shun Lee West is more spacious, ideal for larger groups, and featuring a broader menu of both traditional favorites and creative chef specials. Next door, Shun Lee Café is more casual, serving dim sum and other small plates in a relaxed atmosphere suited for less formal group dining in NYC.For chic and swanky steakhouse group dining in NYC, get a table at Strip House (Greenwich Village, Midtown West)A tomahawk steak, head of roasted garlic, and sprig of rosemary rest in a pan on a kitchen cloth atop a reflective copper counter at Strip House, an upscale NYC steakhouse bookable on OpenTable.Get impeccably charred steaks and all the classic chophouse sides at Strip House. Credit: Strip HouseThe deep reds and blacks of Strip House set a distinctive scene for the ultimate group steakhouse dinner. The original Greenwich Village location charms with moody lighting and vintage photos, though Strip House Midtown has more space, which is better for the largest groups. Feel free to share the 20-ounce bone-in ribeye and a massive slice of 24-layer chocolate cake at either location, but don’t overlook coveted sides like truffle creamed spinach or goose fat potatoes at this top restaurant for large groups in NYC.For inventive Asian at one of the best restaurants for groups in NYC: make your way to TAO (Chelsea, Midtown East)An enormous Buddha sculpture flanked by bamboo pots overlooks tables under the amber glow of the two-story dining room at TAO, available on OpenTable for fun group dining in NYC.Towering sculptures anchor cavernous dining rooms at TAO’s two New York City locations. Credit: TAOThe opulent dining rooms of TAO make it one of NYC’s most popular restaurants for large groups looking for style. TAO Uptown wows with a dramatic Buddha and dim, lounge-like lighting for a lively night out. Known for bold flavors and upscale presentation, pan-Asian plates include miso-glazed Chilean sea bass and Peking duck. TAO Downtown presents a more eclectic fusion menu in a soaring temple-inspired space with private dining options ideal for larger groups seeking a celebratory meal.For heaping portions of Italian classics begging to be shared, dine at Tony’s Di Napoli (Theater District, Upper East Side)Plates of shrimp scampi, chicken piccata, and chicken parm on a black counter at Tony’s Di Napoli, a prime Italian restaurant for large groups in NYC, found on OpenTable.Family-style plates of Italian comfort food abound at Tony’s Di Napoli. Credit: Tony’s Di NapoliTony’s DiNapoli, with locations in Midtown and the Upper East Side, is beloved for its family-style Italian dining, making it a top restaurant for large groups in NYC. Both spots serve generous portions of classic dishes like chicken parmigiana and rigatoni Bolognese, which are portioned for sharing. The Midtown location is lively and often bustling with tourists and theatergoers, while the Upper East Side has a more relaxed neighborhood feel. Friendly staff and large tables keep the family feeling flowing.For sharable Mediterranean fare from a celebrity chef, book a table at Zaytinya (NoMad)Light wood tables and chairs with a deep blue banquette sit under a cluster of cream hanging lamps of various styles at Zaytinya, an NYC Mediterranean restaurant on OpenTable.The Mediterranean menu at Zaytinya draws inspiration from Türkiye, Lebanon, and Greece. Credit: ZaytinyaZaytinya from renowned chef José Andrés is a go-to for groups looking to share an array of flavorful, Mediterranean-inspired small plates. The sleek, spacious NoMad setting of high ceilings with elegant touches lends the space well to larger parties. Homemade labneh with pistachios and olive oil joins aromatic lamb baharat among Zaytinya’s top dishes. The shareable mezze menu adds to Zaytinya’s rank among the best restaurants for large groups in NYC seeking a memorable experienceThe best restaurants for large groups in NYC range from family-style Italian spots dishing overflowing plates of pasta to sophisticated steakhouses dripping in style. Communal tables, private dining spaces, and secluded nooks cater to various group dining moods, but you’ll need to plan ahead to score one of these coveted tables.Secure reservations today at one of these top NYC restaurants by booking on OpenTable.