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The best restaurants to rent for private dining in Manhattan

From Little Italy to Chinatown, the melting pot of Manhattan has much to offer in terms of culture and cuisine. If you’re struggling to nab that Carbone reservation, booking a private dining room instead might be the ultimate power move. Take your time, avoid the crowds, and enjoy the echoing voices of only your nearest and dearest.


Here are five of the best private dining spots in Manhattan – wow your friends and family, impress a client or just go by yourself.


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Lafayette French Cafe Private Dining Manhattan NYC
Lafayette French Cafe Private Dining Manhattan NYC

1. A Manhattan private dining space with a certain je ne sais quoi: Lafayette

NoHo, New York

This hip French spot is famous for its viral cream-stuffed croissants that cost $10 each and warrant hour-long lines at peak times. But behind the initial cafe-like interior and their prestigious selection of pastries is the real bread and butter of the place. Lafayette is primarily known for their everyday French cooking and market-dictated bistro menu, which pays homage to the diversity of the country’s famously delicious cuisine. Housed inside a landmark NoHo building, the tiled floors, mahogany features, and arched windows certainly evoke that of a hidden Parisian gem, but with an added Manhattan flair.


Two spaces in the restaurant are dedicated to private dining: the Café Du Vin is in the atmospheric wine cellar and can fit up to 150 guests, and the intimate Salle Privée can hold smaller dinners for 8 to 20. Dishes are country classics done right, like fondue, French Onion Soup, and Steak au Poivre, and they boast a lengthy wine menu to choose a perfect pairing. Sure, it’s not the trip to Paris you’ve had planned since high school. But, well, c’est la vie.



Freemans Private Dining Rent Venue LES Manhattan NYC
Freemans Private Dining Rent Venue LES Manhattan NYC

2. A private dining experience straight out of Little Women: Freemans

Bowery, New York

If they could time travel, Louisa May Alcott’s characters would probably frequent this tavern-style restaurant. It would feel comforting and familiar, with early American cuisine and a rustic interior, where they could recover from seeing today’s…well, everything. Walk into Freeman’s and you’ll want to leave your iPhone at the door –reject modernity, embrace tradition.


Three private rooms are available to book, hosting anywhere from 10 to 200 guests. The Wine Room is a working wine cellar for an intimate gathering of 10. The Blue Room, the second-floor dining space full of antique armoires and historic prints, can host 10-20 guests, and the Red Room can accommodate 30 people banquet-style. The two rooms can be combined with the Drawing Room for an 80-person sit-down dinner, with an added 20 for a cocktail reception. If that’s not enough, a full buyout is available for 200.


Menu items include artichoke dip, oysters, and Half Amish chicken. Cocktails are classic with a twist, with whiskey, bourbon, and an intriguing fig vodka.



3. For a taste of Tuscany in Manhattan: Peasant

NoLiTa, NYC

Peasant, a NoLiTa staple, is a rustic Italian restaurant that uses the ancient method of cooking with live fire and smoke. Staying true to its Tuscan roots, the menu focuses on simple food, good quality ingredients, and generous portions, just like Nonna used to make.


The menu boasts daily handmade pasta, wood-fired dishes, and a selection of Italian wines. The specialty is The Whole Pig Dinner, a three-course meal with pork at every corner: guanciale in the salad, rotisserie suckling pig for primi, followed by brick-oven bacon apple crisp.


The building's original wine cellar has been converted into an intimate, subterranean, private dining area. Book for up to 25 for a cozy room with a private entrance and bar. For larger events, the entire venue can be hired exclusively for up to 120 guests, offering views of the live fire kitchen.



The Meatball Shop Private Dining Manhattan NYC
The Meatball Shop Private Dining Manhattan NYC

4. A Manhattan private dining venue for family-style comfort food: The Meatball Shop

Hell's Kitchen, New York

A meal at The Meatball Shop will remind you of weeknight meals in your suburban kitchen: after-school spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread, and a sneaky swig of wine when your parents turn their backs. The restaurant specializes in elevated casual dining, with an accessible, familiar menu and a light-filled interior.


There are three options for private dining. The Sidepiece dining room is a fully private space for up to 30 people for a seated dinner, with frosted glass windows and a bar with dedicated bartenders. For smaller groups of below 20, you can reserve the banquet table in the main dining room, or for larger parties, a full buyout is available for 130.


Cocktails are classic, featuring Negronis and Aperol Spritz, and the fare is far from Chef Boyardee: the dishes use responsibly and locally sourced ingredients. Buffet packages are available for private events, including a seasonal risotto, their signature mac & cheese, and – of course – a classic spag n’ balls.



Cafe China Private DIning Event Venue Manhattan NYC
Cafe China Private DIning Event Venue Manhattan NYC

5. Intimate, elegant Sichuan cuisine in this Manhattan private dining space: Cafe China

Midtown, New York

If you can’t make it to Flushing or Chinatown, this three-story spot in Midtown might be the next best option. The husband and wife duo opened Cafe China thirteen years ago in Murray Hill, and before its relocation and redesign in 2022, it was a pioneer of Sichuan cuisine in the area. The new spot is housed in a three-story 1930s brick building, with an inviting interior that is both stylish and culturally immersive.


There are five cozy enclaves to rent for private dining experiences, seating between 12 and 30, and a full buyout of the floor is available for up to 100. Since re-opening, the menu has expanded to include unique and traditional cuisine from other Chinese regions, including its highlights of Sichuan and Cantonese dishes. Cocktails incorporate oriental flavors such as lychee and plum, and the menu has everything from Dim Sun to seafood and braised pork. Oh, and be prepared for a lot of spice. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.



Find the perfect private dining room near Manhattan.

Private dining in Manhattan is an affair to remember, with venues that are as diverse as the city's dining scene. Book a spot where the menu is matched only by the atmosphere, and rent a room where the city's hum adds to the ambiance. In Manhattan, hiring a private dining space isn't just about exclusivity; it's about an intimate gastronomic journey tailored to your taste buds. Cheers to an event where every course is a conversation starter, and the city's vibe is the perfect pairing.

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The Ultimate Guide to Hiring a Private Dining Venue in Manhattan

So, you're on a mission to find the ultimate Manhattan private dining venue, a place where cocktails flow like poetry, and the chefsare modern-day magicians. Whether you're planning a swanky corporate event, a raucous birthday bash, or a clandestine meeting for your secret society, Manhattan is bursting with options that promise to turn your night into an unforgettable soiree. But, dear reader, embarking on this quest is no small feat. Fear not, for this exhaustive and humorous guide will arm you with everything you need to know to find the perfect private dining venue in Manhattan.

Step 1: Define Your Private Dining Vision

1.1 Know Your Vibe First things first, you need to know the vibe you're going for. Are you envisioning a sophisticated, candlelit affair with a jazz quartet in the corner? Or perhaps a more relaxed, speakeasy-style gathering where the passwords are as secretive as the ingredients in the signature cocktails? Defining your private dining vibe will narrow down your search and help you focus on venues that match your aesthetic.

1.2 Guest List: Size Matters Your guest list is crucial in determining the right space. Are you inviting a select group of 10 connoisseurs of fine spirits, or are you planning a grand shindig with 100 of your closest friends and frenemies? Knowing your guest count will help you choose a venue that can comfortably accommodate everyone without having to play sardines.

Step 2: Location, Location, Location

2.1 Central Manhattan vs. Quirky Neighborhoods Manhattan is a mosaic of neighborhoods, each with its unique charm. If you want to be in the heart of the action, consider a venue in Central Manhattan. For a more offbeat and trendy experience, explore the cocktail bars in the Lower East Side, East Village, or SoHo. Each area has its own flavor, much like the meals you're about to indulge in.

2.2 Accessibility and Convenience Think about how your guests will get to the venue. Is it easily accessible by public transportation, or will your guests need to navigate a maze of one-way streets and overpriced parking garages? Ideally, choose a venue that's easy to find and not too far off the beaten path.

Step 3: The Holy Grail – Finding the private dining venue

3.1 Seek Recommendations Word of mouth is powerful. Ask friends, family, or colleagues if they've attended any fantastic private dining events in Manhattan. Their firsthand experiences can provide invaluable insights and potentially save you from booking a dud.

3.2 Research, Research, Research In the age of the internet, finding the perfect private dining venue for private hire is easier than ever. Just enter your requirements and HeadBox can start matching you with private venues asap.

3.3 Social Media Stalking Instagram and Facebook are treasure troves of information. Search for hashtags like #ManhattanPrivateDining, #PrivateDiningNYC, and #MixologistMagic to see real photos and stories from people who've been there. The venue's own social media pages can also give you a feel for their style and clientele.

Step 4: The Shortlist – Narrowing Down Your Options

4.1 Create a Spreadsheet Ah, the spreadsheet – every party planner's secret weapon. Create a spreadsheet with columns for venue name, location, capacity, price range, and any special features (like an in-house mixologist or a rooftop bar). This will help you compare and contrast your options at a glance.

4.2 Visit the Venues Once you have a shortlist, it's time to hit the streets. Visit each venue in person to get a feel for the ambiance and service. Pay attention to details like lighting, noise levels, and seating arrangements. If possible, talk to the staff and ask about their experience with hosting private events.

4.3 Sample the Goods Let's be honest – this might be the best part of your research. Sample the drinks and food at each venue. A great venue should have a menu that's as impressive as its drink list. If they have a signature dish, give it a try. Your taste buds will thank you.

Step 5: The Nitty-Gritty – Negotiating the Deal

5.1 Ask About Packages Many dining venues offer private hire packages that include food, drinks, and service. Ask about these packages and what's included. Some venues might even offer customizable options, allowing you to tailor the experience to your specific needs.

5.2 Discuss Minimum Spend and Deposits Private hire often comes with a minimum spend requirement. Make sure you understand what this entails and whether it fits within your budget. Also, inquire about deposits, cancellation policies, and any additional fees that might not be immediately obvious.

5.3 Entertainment and Extras If you're planning on having live music, a DJ, or any other form of entertainment, check if the venue can accommodate this. Some venues have restrictions on noise levels or space, so it's best to clarify these details upfront.

Step 6: The Final Countdown – Preparing for the Big Day

6.1 Confirm the Details A week before your event, confirm all the details with the venue. Double-check the guest count, menu, drink list, and any special requests. Ensure that the staff knows exactly what you expect and that everything is set for a smooth evening.

6.2 Create a Timeline A detailed timeline can be a lifesaver. Outline when guests will arrive, when food and drinks will be served, and when any speeches or entertainment will take place. Share this timeline with the venue staff to ensure everyone is on the same page.

6.3 Enjoy the Moment On the day of your event, take a deep breath and enjoy the moment. You've done your homework, found the perfect Manhattan private dining venue, and planned every detail. Now it's time to sip those expertly crafted cocktails, savor the delicious food, and bask in the glow of a successful soirée.

Conclusion: Cheers to Your Success!

Finding and hiring the perfect private dining venue in Manhattan is no small feat, but with this exhaustive guide, you're well-equipped to make it happen. Remember, the key is in the details – from defining your vision to sampling the menu, every step is crucial in ensuring a memorable event. So, raise a glass to your planning prowess and get ready to party in style. Cheers!

Frequently asked questions

The cost of hiring a private dining venue in Manhattan varies widely depending on the size of the venue, the location, and the level of service. You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 or more for an evening event. Some venues charge a flat fee, while others have a minimum spend requirement that covers food and drinks.

It's advisable to book a private dining venue at least 2-3 weeks in advance, especially if you're planning your event during peak times such as the holiday season or weekends. Popular venues can get booked up quickly, so the earlier you can secure your reservation, the better.

Private hire packages often include a dedicated event space, food and beverage options, and service staff. Some venues may also offer additional amenities such as AV equipment, custom menus, event planning assistance, and entertainment options. Always inquire about what's included in the package and any extra costs for additional services.

Most private dining venues in Manhattan offer customizable menus and drink options. You can work with the venue's chef and mixologist to create a tailored menu that suits your event's theme and your guests' preferences. Be sure to discuss any dietary restrictions or special requests with the venue in advance.

When choosing a private dining venue, consider its accessibility and transportation options. Ensure the venue is conveniently located near public transportation, such as subway stations or bus stops. Additionally, check if there are parking options nearby or if the venue offers valet services. Accessibility for guests with disabilities is also an important factor to consider.

For peace of mind and an easy booking process let us know exactly what you’re looking for via our brief builder . This way we can approach the best private dining venues in Manhattan with the exact needs of your event.

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