The best restaurants in Chelsea for birthday celebrations

Named after the owner's dog, LOULOU is a quirky brunch and dinner spot that would be the perfect place for a lavish birthday party. The main dining room transports guests to a rustic Parisian bistro, while the outdoor cabanas are covered in elaborate floral arrangements and chandeliers. Be sure to look out for a vintage soda machine, which disguises the entrance to Adélaïde's Salon, an immersive speakeasy inspired by the groundbreaking 19th-century traveler, Isabella Bird.

The menu includes twists on classic French dishes, with options for people following strict pastry-based diets. The brunch menu includes the option to order croissant French toast as an entree and then croissant bread pudding for dessert. In honor of the restaurant's namesake, they also have some very decadent pet-friendly options if you'd like to celebrate your special day with your furry friend.

The main dining room can host parties of up to 150 and a full buyout, including the speakeasy and cabanas, can accommodate 250+ guests. They also offer add-ons of extra staff, entertainers, and AV equipment.

It's your party and you can be a drama queen if you want to! Make an entrance at Buddakan, a luxurious space inspired by 16th-century Paris. The Renaissance paintings, ornate wooden interiors, and sky-high chandeliers will make you feel like royalty on your birthday.

The lavish European decor is juxtaposed with a Pan-Asian menu, which includes a vast selection of dim sum and indulgent dishes like lobster fried rice. For friend groups that struggle with being indecisive, they have a tasting menu so you can try a bit of everything. And if your birthday usually sends you into an existential crisis, the "Crying Chocolate" dessert might be just what you need to stop thinking about getting older.

There are several private dining rooms available to rent for between 24 and 96 guests, or book a reservation for up to 13.

If a birthday trip to Florence isn't in the cards this year, a gorgeous, flower-covered Italian restaurant in Chelsea is not a bad substitute. Da Andrea Ristorante evokes the serenity of a Tuscan villa, with its stone interiors draped in vines and lemon trees.

Italian food is always a safe bet for a crowd and Da Andrea's traditional menu includes quintessential pasta dishes as well as Mediterranean meat and seafood main courses. You can replace a boring birthday cake and stick a candle in a slice of tiramisu or ricotta cheesecake instead.

Da Andrea can accommodate larger groups of 8-14. They also have a location in Greenwich Village.

Worthwild would be a great birthday restaurant for anyone who would prefer to spend their birthday hiking a mountain instead of navigating a crowded city. Its homey, laid-back atmosphere would be the ideal setting for spending quality time with friends and enjoying a wholesome, comforting meal.

Inspired by the owners' love of the great outdoors, Worthwild's chefs worked with Upstate farmers to create refined versions of their favorite American dishes. The menu is packed with fresh ingredients and includes classics like chicken and dumpling soup, fried green tomato sandwiches, and warming apple cider.

The restaurant has different private dining options, including a private room for up to 36 guests. Book events with the restaurant directly for their brunch, lunch, or dinner offerings.

If you had a Little Mermaid-themed birthday party as a kid and now want a more sophisticated version, The Mermaid Inn is just the place. This quaint seafood spot looks like it was plucked from a New England fishing village and dropped in the middle of Chelsea. The restaurant has a tasteful nautical theme with bright interiors and coastal-inspired decor.

From lobster rolls and speciality oysters to their extensive wine list, The Mermaid Inn is a seafood lover's dream and a great place to grab a birthday drink. However, the venue also has several options for those who are less keen on seafood or alcohol but still want to join in on the celebration. The pan-roasted chicken sounds delicious, and a creative mocktail menu ensures that everyone can have a fun little drink in hand.

The Mermaid Inn can host private lunches, dinners, and cocktail parties for up to 60 people. They also have oyster bar locations in Greenwich Village and Times Square.