Whether it’s a family celebration, a corporate dinner, or a spontaneous night out with friends, finding the perfect restaurant to accommodate a large group can be a challenge. You need somewhere that not only has ample space but also offers a menu that appeals to a variety of tastes, plus a vibe that suits the occasion. Thankfully, many restaurants cater specifically to large groups, offering expansive dining areas, family-style menus, and private dining options that make group dining an enjoyable and stress-free experience.
Here’s a roundup of some of the best restaurants for large groups where you can gather around the table, share delicious food, and create memories, no matter the occasion.
1. The Capital Grille (Multiple Locations)
Best For: Corporate Dinners, Celebrations
Vibe: Upscale, Elegant, Professional
Group-Friendly Features: Private Dining Rooms, Large Party Menus, Family-Style Options
If you’re looking for a sophisticated setting to host a large group, The Capital Grille offers a perfect blend of upscale ambiance and group-friendly accommodations. With locations across the country, The Capital Grille specializes in fine steaks and seafood, and they’re known for their exceptional service. Their private dining rooms can host anywhere from a handful to several dozen guests, and their family-style meals—like prime rib, lobster mac and cheese, and creamy mashed potatoes—are perfect for sharing.
Pro Tip: Reserve a private room for a more intimate experience, where you can enjoy a tailored menu and even request a personalized wine pairing to impress your guests.
2. Buca di Beppo (Multiple Locations)
Best For: Family Gatherings, Casual Group Meals
Vibe: Fun, Lively, Family-Oriented
Group-Friendly Features: Family-Style Portions, Large Sharing Platters, Private Rooms
For a more casual yet festive dining experience, Buca di Beppo offers an authentic Italian family-style meal that’s perfect for large groups. With its cheerful, colorful decor and vibrant energy, this chain delivers hearty Italian classics served in large, shareable portions. Think platters of spaghetti and meatballs, chicken parmigiana, and lasagna—all perfect for passing around the table and enjoying together.
Pro Tip: Ask for a private dining room if you want a more intimate experience for your group. The restaurant also offers party packages that include appetizers, entrees, and desserts for a set price.
3. Benihana (Multiple Locations)
Best For: Group Celebrations, Fun Dining Experiences
Vibe: Interactive, High-Energy, Entertaining
Group-Friendly Features: Teppanyaki Grills, Large Table Seating, Entertaining Chefs
If you’re looking to make your group dinner a little more entertaining, Benihana is the way to go. This Japanese hibachi chain offers an interactive dining experience where the chef prepares your meal right at the table on a teppanyaki grill. It’s not just a meal; it’s a show. Their hibachi grills are designed for groups, and the menu includes everything from shrimp and chicken to steak and scallops, all cooked to perfection.
Pro Tip: Reserve a large grill for your group to ensure everyone sits together, and be sure to enjoy the show—your chef will perform tricks like flipping shrimp tails into their hat or catching flying egg flips.
4. Family Meal (Richmond, VA)
Best For: Casual Gatherings, Family Meals
Vibe: Warm, Cozy, Welcoming
Group-Friendly Features: Large Tables, Family-Style Meals, Seasonal Menus
Family Meal offers exactly what its name suggests: a family-oriented dining experience with a focus on comfort food and generous portions. The restaurant’s menu changes seasonally, but you’ll often find roast chicken, pot roast, and hearty sides like mac and cheese, roasted vegetables, and biscuits. It’s the ideal spot for a laid-back gathering, whether you’re hosting a family celebration or a group of friends.
Pro Tip: They offer large family-style platters that are designed for sharing, so you can ensure everyone at the table gets a taste of all the delicious comfort food.
5. Fogo de Chão (Multiple Locations)
Best For: Group Celebrations, Meat Lovers
Vibe: Elegant, Festive, Interactive
Group-Friendly Features: Continuous Service, Large Group Menus, Private Rooms
For groups that love meat and want an interactive dining experience, Fogo de Chão delivers in spades. This Brazilian churrascaria serves a continuous dining experience where servers bring skewers of various grilled meats to your table, allowing you to sample everything from sirloin to filet mignon and picanha. The restaurant offers extensive group packages and even private rooms for larger parties, making it a perfect place to gather with friends or colleagues.
Pro Tip: Make sure to try the Market Table to complement the meat feast with a variety of salads, cheeses, and Brazilian sides. And don’t forget the pão de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread) for a treat!
6. P.F. Chang’s (Multiple Locations)
Best For: Corporate Dinners, Special Celebrations
Vibe: Modern, Elegant, Social
Group-Friendly Features: Large Tables, Shareable Plates, Private Rooms
P.F. Chang’s is a great choice for larger groups, especially if you’re looking for something a little more refined but still fun. Their Chinese-inspired menu includes a variety of dishes that are ideal for sharing, like Chang’s lettuce wraps, kung pao chicken, and beef with broccoli. The restaurant offers private rooms for groups, ensuring a more intimate experience while still enjoying their full menu.
Pro Tip: Order the Dim Sum Platter for a sampling of several shareable bites, or go for their P.F. Chang’s Family Style Dinner which offers a well-curated selection of dishes at one set price.
7. The Cheesecake Factory (Multiple Locations)
Best For: Casual Gatherings, Variety
Vibe: Comfortable, Casual, All-American
Group-Friendly Features: Huge Menu, Large Tables, Group Menus
One of the most reliable options for large groups is The Cheesecake Factory, which has locations all over the U.S. The extensive menu features something for everyone, from pasta and steaks to sushi and vegetarian dishes, making it an easy choice when dining with a diverse group. The restaurant also offers large tables and group-friendly portions, so you can easily order a variety of dishes to share.
Pro Tip: Their small plates and appetizers are perfect for sharing, and the famous cheesecake is a must-have to end the meal on a sweet note.
8. Sushi Samba (Multiple Locations)
Best For: Fun, Group Dining, Fusion Cuisine
Vibe: Trendy, Lively, Vibrant
Group-Friendly Features: Sushi Platters, Large Sharing Plates, Private Rooms
Sushi Samba brings together Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian flavors for a unique dining experience perfect for adventurous groups. The fusion menu includes creative sushi rolls, ceviche, and small sharing plates, offering a little something for everyone. With locations in major cities like New York and Miami, Sushi Samba also offers private rooms for large groups, allowing for an intimate yet fun atmosphere for celebrations.
Pro Tip: Opt for one of their sushi platters to sample a variety of flavors, and be sure to try their famous Brazilian lime pie for dessert.
9. Eataly (Multiple Locations)
Best For: Italian Food Lovers, Casual Gatherings
Vibe: Energetic, Market-Inspired, Social
Group-Friendly Features: Communal Tables, Italian-Style Sharing Platters, Private Dining Rooms
For a large group looking for something casual yet distinctly high quality, Eataly is a great option. This Italian marketplace has restaurants, cafes, and counters serving everything from pasta to pizza and charcuterie, perfect for sharing. The open, bustling atmosphere encourages a social dining experience, and they offer communal tables that are ideal for larger groups. Plus, their family-style Italian platters are perfect for passing around the table.
Pro Tip: Order a charcuterie board or Antipasti platter to start, and make sure to visit the gelato counter for a sweet treat to finish.
10. Maggiano’s Little Italy (Multiple Locations)
Best For: Family Dinners, Celebrations
Vibe: Cozy, Classic, Family-Oriented
Group-Friendly Features: Family-Style Menus, Large Portions, Private Rooms
Maggiano’s Little Italy offers a classic Italian dining experience, perfect for large groups celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a delicious meal together.
Their family-style menu includes large, shareable portions of pasta, chicken parmesan, veal marsala, and plenty of sides. With private dining rooms and a cozy atmosphere, this restaurant creates the perfect setting for both intimate and festive gatherings.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the Tiramisu or Chocolate Cake for a sweet end to your family-style meal.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a family celebration, a corporate dinner, or a fun evening with friends, these restaurants offer excellent options for large groups. From lively, interactive dining experiences to intimate private rooms and family-style feasts, these spots have you covered. No matter what your group’s size or vibe, you’re sure to find the perfect place to make your gathering a memorable one.