As a host, planning a precise and exclusive dinner party with exemplary cuisine and alluring ambiance can be tiring, stressful and takes you away from enjoying the moment with others. A dinner party or business dinner calls for the perfect venue: quiet. elegant, elevated and known for excellent food. We've rounded up the 12 best private rooms for your next dinner party–whether it be for a special occasion, or just because.
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Charlie Bird
5 King St. / Website
Charlie Bird is so New York that even The Beastie Boys rave about the eclectic vibes in their love letter to the establishment in 2005. Tucked behind the bustling bar lies an exclusive private dining room complete with an “Italian-inspired menu, great wine service and a fun NYC vibe.” With commendable dishes like spaghetti cacio e pepe, 36-month prosciutto and a chocolate budino with caramelized rice krispies and olive oil gelato, even the pickiest of eaters will find a dish to devour. Full or partial buy-out options for both indoor and outdoor seating are available, ensuring your next dinner party to be a success.
American Cut Tribeca
363 Greenwich St. / 212.226.4736 / Website
The trifecta of Tribeca is steaks, oysters and most importantly, martinis. Diners can sit in the Black Room, a fully private room great for an executive dinner, or the Morrison Room, a private bar and dining room ideal for social events or corporate meetings. Alternatively, guests can peruse the semi-private lounge, a space that maintains the liveliness of the restaurant while simultaneously offering a more intimate dining experience. With meats like filet mignon, Miyazaki wagyu and a Tomahawk chop, cut to the chase and book this upscale hot spot for your next get-together.
Il Buco
Multiple locations / Website
Translating to “The Hole” and originally opened as a rustic antique store in 1994 has transformed into one of New York’s beloved spots twenty years later. Located down a flight of stairs, the private Wine Cellar is full of “old warm charm” along with a carefully selected wine collection making it a magical setting. Additionally, the Il Buco Vita Showroom is a fully customizable event space where the Executive Chef creates a remarkable six-course family-style menu. Guests can also choose to sit in the Loft, a “rustic meets modern” space linked to an outdoor terrace, or the Rooftop Terrace, a chic garden space perfect for any time of the year.
Blackbarn
19 E 26th St. / 212.265.5959 / Website
After two high school friends combine their passions for the culinary arts and equestrianism, this barn-inspired setting is sourcing local ingredients and is proud to be a farm-to-table establishment. Offering eight different spaces depending on party size and vibes, guests can sit in the main dining room, which can accommodate a seated party of 160 or a reception for up to 250 guests. The Loft is their premier function space with a bird’s-eye view of the main dining room, or for a cozier vibe, diners can nestle into the rustic-chic wine cellar, a farm-table-filled shed, or an intimate cabin. Whether you crave high-end luxury with intimacy or the perfect place for after-work drinks, Blackbarn has a room for every dinner party imaginable.
Forgione
134 Reade St. / 212.941.9401 / Website
This new and eponymous restaurant is just one of three places operated under Chef Marc Forgione’s talent and culinary skills. Perfect for any occasion, Forgione is available for full and partial buyouts and now offers a private dining room alongside an outdoor patio. Plus, the innovative yet approachable New American cuisine is consistently rotating incorporating the best and seasonal local ingredients in addition to world-class wine. Make sure your plans are set in stone before booking out this place because reservations drop as early as two weeks in advance, so claim the space early for guaranteed excellence.
David Burke Tavern
135 E. 62nd St. / 212.988.9021 / Website
Award-winning and internationally celebrated Chef David Burke is sharing his take on modern American cuisine through his signature but creative approach to food. Offering both private and semi-private dining options ranging from eight to 250 guests, indulge in a delicious meal in the north dining room, witness culinary magic in the ever-so-intimate chef’s studio, chat in the main dining room, or enjoy a drink in the ultra-hip pink salt room. Join the friendly atmosphere in the first two stories of this Upper East Side townhouse because there’s something for everyone at David Burke Tavern.
Amali
115 E. 60th St. / 212.339.8363 / Website
Mouthwatering Mediterranean food, an abundance of wine and gorgeous interiors await at Amali. Inspired by the Mediterranean way of life and the menu reflecting cuisines shared in modern-day Greece, Italy, France and Spain, diners can sit in the Skylight Room, a breathtakingly airy room with an 18-foot high skylight, or cozy up in the elegant yet inviting Fireplace Room. Additionally, guests can congregate at Sopra, a “handsomely appointed loft apartment” with a white marble chef’s kitchen designed to feel akin to “dining in the home of an old friend.” For an elegant and memorable night, The Ballroom on 74th is a brand-new space equipped with a private bar, a built-in projector, two drop-down screens and even a surround sound system.
Locanda Verde
377 Greenwich St. / 212.925.3797 / Website
Locanda Verde’s family-style menus perfectly complement the family-style vibes of the rustic Italian hot spot serving soul-satisfying urban Italian cuisine. Described as a “warm and versatile space designed to create a setting that is both comfortable and transportative,” Locanda Verde’s private dining room allows for a refined, yet welcoming dining experience. “Detailed with recycled New England oak and pine, a working stone fireplace, brick-lined arched windows, and a striking ceiling inlay overhead constructed from 90,000 wine corks,” the space will immediately transport each guest to the cobblestone streets of Italy. Plus, dinner isn’t complete without a trained sommelier recommending the best drink pairing for your meal.
SAGA
70 Pine St. / 212.339.3963 / Website
Look up in the sky and feast your eyes on New York’s premiere private dining sitting 62 stories in the air. With two floors specifically dedicated to private dining, each with windows that frame views of the city skyline and Brooklyn Bridge, SAGA is the epitome of all things private dining. Parties can rent out SAGA Restaurant, a fine dining area with three large outdoor terraces, or their Overstory, a cocktail lounge with a stunning wraparound balcony. Coming soon, The Observatory, originally intended to be an observation deck, sits on the 66th floor and can accommodate up to 20 guests at one single table.
Aretsky's Patroon
160 E 46th St. / 212.883.7373 / Website
Six private dining rooms and a fully heated and covered rooftop? Yes, please! Guests can convene in the beautifully decorated Gibson Room, the vintage men's club-esque Sporting Room, the cigar and old-school photograph-adorned Match Room, the discreet and intimate Spanish Cedar lined Humidor Room, the World War II-inspired Airplane Room, or the speakeasy-like Wine Cellar. Be sure to try their legendary steaks that are dry-aged for 36 days, along with their craft cocktails and wines. Like many other spots on this list, Patroon offers an impeccable Chef’s Table experience that boasts what the restaurant embodies; an elegant family restaurant.
Scarpetta
88 Madison Ave., Manhattan / Website
Deriving from the Italian saying “fare la Scarpetta,” meaning savor a meal to the last bite, this restaurant is no exception to delicious dining and decadent decor. Offering three private dining rooms and one gala space onsite, guests can choose from The Scarpetta Private Dining Room, The Studio Room, The Library Room, and the Maidson Room. Their signature pasta is made in-house daily and paired with the highest quality and locally sourced ingredients, their menu is designed for sharing to embody the essence of a carefree dinner party for you and your guests. Manga!
Don Angie’s Don’s Next Door
103 Greenwich Ave. / 212.889.8884 / Website
After seeing great success and quickly becoming a favorite restaurant among New Yorkers, Don Angie’s decided to open a new space adjacent to the main restaurant. Don’s Next Door is the perfect place to catch up with old friends or create new friendships with its separate entrance, cocktail area and kitchen. Their Italian-American-inspired menu includes dishes like BBQ Calamari and Scallop Crudo or split the mouthwatering lasagna or whole roasted lobster for two with a guest. This quaint but special area will make it feel like you never left Nonna’s kitchen, making it perfect for a loving family dinner.
Be the "hostess with the mostest" by suggesting any of these remarkable restaurants to have your next private dinner party. From laid-back catch-up sessions to high-brow business meetings, these spots are guaranteed to meet your needs and provide excellent service, dishes and vibes.
