Best restaurants for groups London: Where to book for your next group dinner

The Beatles famously once sang about getting by with a little help from their friends. Well, considering the rise of sharing-style menus in London over the last decade, it would seem that The Fab Four clearly had a crystal ball. The best London restaurants for groups have really upped their offering in recent years, armed with feast-style menus, flexible private and semi-private spaces, and drinks packages priced per head.

There are considerable perks to getting the gang together for dinner - namely that you can try quite a lot of the menu between you. There’s also a lot of choice. London’s best restaurants for group dining range from venues that have large dining rooms complete with comfy booth seating or long banquettes, through to actual private dining spaces where you can enjoy a meal with friends or loved ones in total privacy. The best group dining restaurant in London for you will depend on a couple of things: Does it accommodate your group size? Is it a private space or semi-private? And what are the menus like?

To lend a hand, we’ve divided our long list of group dining restaurants into the key sizes, slicing up our top favourites according to group size, highlighting the exact capacities available, private and main dining room options, and giving you a little background on the food and ambience too. All that means you’ll discover a restaurant to suit all your needs in no time. And once you’ve spotted one you like, simply click through to find out more and get the ball rolling.

We’ve also made sure to include a nice range of cuisines and price brackets, from fancy sushi to more relaxed burger and taco joints, across a range of capacities from the classic ‘catch up over dinner’ spots to the best London restaurants for large group occasions.

Best restaurants for groups of up to ten guests

Finding a restaurant with the right vibe for a smaller group isn’t as easy as it sounds, particularly if you’re marking a more special occasion. While most restaurants in this list will offer larger tables in the main dining room, this is where we’d look first:

Dishoom, Covent Garden

What: The original Dishoom, and the one that started it all back in 2010, will always be a classic for group dinners. Recently given a cinema-inspired refurbishment for its tenth birthday – think blown-glass lighting, ornate wooden dividers and black-and-white stills paying tribute to Bombay's Parsi theatre and silent-film era – it's still got the Bombay cafe-inspired interiors and vibrant menus of authentic Indian fare that made the restaurant group a phenomenon. The restaurant takes bookings for groups of six or more, making it a great, buzzy option everyone will enjoy. And if you need something bigger, Dishoom King's Cross offers varied spaces, including a 14-seater Chef’s Table, while Dishoom Shoreditch’s Family Room hosts 28, or 42 on The Veranda.
Capacity: Groups of six or more are welcome in the main restaurant
Where: 12 Upper St Martin's Lane, WC2H 9FB
Book now: Dishoom Covent Garden

Pizarro, Bermondsey

What: For a group dinner in a picture-perfect setting, head to Pizarro in Bermondsey, a stylish restaurant with a Spanish menu. Groups of up to six can enjoy the a la carte menu in the main restaurant, while groups of eight or more will receive a family-style group menu with showstopping plates like whole suckling pig, either in the main restaurant or the private dining spaces. We, however, would highly recommend the semi-private dining room, with its chic wooden panels and blue and white ceramic tiling.
Capacity: Up to six in the main restaurant, up to ten in the semi-private dining room
Where: 194 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3TQ
Book now: Pizarro

Bánh Bánh, Brixton

What: A family-run Vietnamese favourite started by five siblings, Bánh Bánh is inspired by the recipes of their grandmother, who worked as a chef in Saigon in the 1940s. The menu is all about com nhà – home-style, sharing food – including the likes of prawn pancakes and betel-leaf beef to punchy papaya salad, making it a natural fit for a table that wants to order everything and pass it round. This one’s a firm favourite for groups of up to ten, looking for great food and a buzzy, casual main dining room setting.
Capacity: Semi-private spaces host up to ten, while semi-private hire can accommodate larger groups
Where: 326 Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8QH
Book now: Bánh Bánh

Best restaurants for groups of 11-20 guests

Birthday, anniversary, or team dinner, these are the spots worth your time. From very impressive views to the tried and tested classics, these are the ones we keep coming back to.

Villa Mamas, Chelsea

What: Tucked away on Chelsea's Elystan Street, blending the flavours of the Middle East, Mediterranean and Persia, Villa Mamas is a haven for authentic Bahraini food. Sharing plates dominate the menu, from tangy khubus flatbreads served with mahyawa sauce to hearty stews and pomegranate-glazed chicken, making it a natural fit for a group who want to share and try a bit of everything. Group dining here is flexible, complete with the option to hire half the restaurant for tables of up to 20 guests, divided from the rest of the space by an archway and privacy curtains.
Capacity: Up to 20 with semi-private hire
Where: 25-27 Elystan Street, SW3 3NT
Book now: Villa Mamas

Duck & Waffle, City of London

What: By hosting your group dinner at Duck & Waffle, you have the opportunity to eat in one of the highest private dining rooms in the country. Floor-to-ceiling windows and mirrored walls ensure you can enjoy all of the great views on offer, peering out at eye level with The Gherkin. Group-dining sharing menus for brunch, lunch or dinner are available, created by executive chef Jonathon Bowers. And, if you're wanting to get in on the vibe and atmosphere of the main restaurant, there's also the option to host up to 16 at one table, or 26 spread across three in close proximity. Whether you're coming for the iconic breakfast, brunch, dinner, or lunch, expect sharing menus and premium food all round. 
Capacity: Up to 20 in the Private Dining Room, 16 on one table in the main dining room, or 26 spread across three in the main restaurant
Where: 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY
Book now: Duck & Waffle

UBA, Shoreditch

What: Set inside the Hart Shoreditch Hotel, UBA Restaurant pairs East London's restless energy with a proper tour of Pan-Asian cooking – think edamame with yuzu sesame, Korean crispy fried chicken and an extensive dim sum and sushi selection, all built for sharing. For a group of around 25, the Mortise & Tenon Suite is an elevated, wood-panelled private space set apart from the main room, while smaller parties can book the more intimate 12-seat private dining room, arranged around a single table.
Capacity: Up to 12 in the private dining room, 25 in the Mortise & Tenon Suite, 60 when hiring the full restaurant
Where: 61-67 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 3HU
Book now: UBA

Romy Gill at The Pem, Westminster

What: A fine dining restaurant named for Emily Wilding Davidson (also known as 'Pem'), The Pem is the flagship restaurant at the prestigious Conrad London Hotel. Now, with acclaimed chef Romy Gill at the helm, you can expect a range of menus to choose from or receive a totally bespoke menu from Gill and her team. As a hint of what you might expect, we're eyeing up pan-fried scallops with kasundi chutney, anardana lamb with dried pomegranate, and buttery quince tarts. You can also head to the main dining room if your group size is a little smaller.
Capacity: Up to 20 in The Harben Room, with smaller group tables available in the main dining room
Where: 22-28 Broadway, SW1H 0BH
Book now: Romy Gill at The Pem

El Pastor, Soho

What: Just around the corner from Regent Street, El Pastor's private dining room is a bright green, intimate space for groups of up to 12 people. Dine from one of the fiesta menus, packed full of crunchy tostadas, gooey quesadillas, juicy tacos and larger sharing plates too. Polish it off with some top-shelf tequila, and you've got yourself a great group dinner. If your guestlist is growing, however, just talk with the team about making a group booking of up to 16 in the main restaurant, and don't forget to make a trip to the Mescalaria bar for a pre- or post-dinner drink.
Capacity: Up to 12 in the Private Dining Room, or 16 seated together in the main restaurant
Where: 66-70 Brewer Street, W1F 9UP
Book now: El Pastor Soho

Hawksmoor, Borough

What: Most of Hawksmoor’s grand locations have private dining spaces attached, and even if you’re sitting in the buzz of the main dining room, this seasoned veteran makes a fantastic place to go out with a group - thanks to shareable steaks and sides. A variety of set menus at different price points are loaded with fan-favourite dishes too, making the ordering process a doddle. The Borough restaurant is one of our favourites for groups, thanks to the 20-seater Cook's Room which looks directly into the kitchen, but if you've got a group of 24, just look to the Hop House. If you need more room still, Hawksmoor Guildhall, Wood Wharf and Spitalfields can all accommodate larger groups, so it's worth asking the events team which suits your headcount best.
Capacity: Up to 20
Where: 16 Winchester Walk, London SE1 9AQ
Book now: Hawksmoor Borough

Best restaurants for groups of 21-30 guests

With up to 30 guests coming, finding the right space for your group dinner gets even more important. Fortunately, London offers a wealth of choices for this group size, perfect for birthdays, graduations, corporate events and more. 

Tendril, Mayfair

What: Tendril is a plant-first restaurant moments from Oxford Circus, born out of a chef's Veganuary challenge that grew into a full celebration of what vegetables can do. Terracotta-washed walls, deep blue tiling and globe pendant lighting give the space a warm, snug feel, while the seasonal menu leans on dishes like mustard mushroom skewers and Napa cabbage fritters with kimchi dust. Groups of 21 to 30 guests will feel right at home in Tendril's dedicated Back Room; for anything larger, the whole restaurant and bar can be booked exclusively.
Capacity: 21-30 in The Back Room, up to 52 with exclusive hire
Where: 5 Princes Street, Mayfair, W1B 2LQ
Book now: Tendril

SUSHISAMBA Heron Tower, City of London

What: It’s hard to get over the impact of this private dining space. Decked out with plush seating, curved lines, and blessed with incredible views, there’s nowhere quite like SUSHISAMBA’s SAMBA ROOM in Heron Tower. And that disbelief isn’t just surface level; group dining here offers an exploration of Japanese, Peruvian, and Brazilian fusion, covering all the classics and more. You'll also find its sister site in SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden has a lovely 15-seater private dining room and offers configurations for larger groups in the main restaurant at long tables. 
Capacity: Up to 30 in the Samba Room, or up to 70 on the East Terrace
Where: 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY
Book now: SUSHISAMBA Heron Tower

Nessa, Soho

What: With a modern British menu, gorgeous earthy-toned interiors, several private dining rooms and a dedicated feasting table for groups between nine and 14 guests, Nessa covers all the bases. Naturally, there’s a feasting menu to match, offering a selection of plates to share, a choice of mains, and dessert, all at an incredibly reasonable price point. It also boasts two private rooms, The Drawing Room and the Lexington & Marshall, both of which seat up to 20, while general group dining across the restaurant flexes from six right up to 30.
Capacity: Up to 14 in the main restaurant, 20 in The Drawing Room or Lexington & Marshall room, or up to 30 across the restaurant
Where: 86 Brewer Street, W1F 9UB
Book now: Nessa

Los Mochis, City of London

What: Honing in on Japanese and Mexican fusion dishes, Los Mochis is quickly becoming one of London’s best-known restaurants. It’s not so hard to see why; the atmosphere here is decidedly indulgent, but there’s a modern feel to it, thanks (in part) to impressive views over London. While there are larger tables available within the restaurant itself, the private dining room, which seats 22, adds to this appeal, while the Mezzanine lets groups extend the guest list up to 30. Over at Los Mochis Notting Hill, the original site, the Lounge area is a great option for informal dinners for 22 guests, and there are also larger tables available on the ground and first floors for bigger groups.
Capacity: Up to 22 in the Private Dining Room, 30 in the Mezzanine
Where: 9th Floor, 100 Liverpool Street, EC2M 2AT
Book now: Los Mochis London City

Ayllu, Paddington

What: Ayllu blends Peruvian and Japanese influences across a slick menu that includes contemporary small plates, sushi and colourful cocktails. We love the moody dining room, perfect for groups of 25 on a semi-exclusive basis, not to mention the location, which is handily just a few minutes' walk from Paddington. In summer, head out to the al fresco Terrace for an idyllic outdoor dinner - which can host up to 36. As for the food, expect bespoke menus build around your event, drawing from the restaurant's very best Nikkei cooking. 
Capacity: Up to 25 with semi-exclusive hire of the main dining room, or 36 on the Terrace
Where: 25 Sheldon Square, W2 6EY
Book now: Ayllu

Bocconcino, Soho

What: A favourite with celebs in the capital, Bocconcino Soho is the second London outpost from the Italian group (following a glamorous Mayfair branch), and frankly, we love it just as much. Expect smart terrazzo-tiled floors and stunning marble counters, all bathed in the warm amber glow of overhead lighting. It’s a gorgeous space, and an equally beautiful private dining space - the Sotto Private Dining Room - can be all yours, with space for up to 25 guests. The main dining room can seat up to 80, so worth asking if you've got a big gaggle of friends coming. Equally, if you fancy the original, Bocconcino Mayfair comes armed with spaces for groups between eight and 60 guests. 
Capacity: Up to 25 in the Sotto Private Dining Room; 80 in the main dining room, with smaller group tables available too
Where: 58-59 Great Marlborough Street, W1F 7JY
Book now: Bocconcino Soho

Best restaurants for groups of 31-40 guests

For group dining with up to 40 guests, you're probably looking at reserving half of the restaurant, or the largest private space for your party. Contrary to what most people think, there are actually a lot of very good options for this group size.

The Cadogan Arms, Chelsea

What: Beautifully refurbished but still every bit a buzzy neighbourhood pub, The Cadogan Arms delivers everything you could want from a boozer - delicious pub grub, great atmosphere and an excellent drinks selection (including some very good Guinness). Seat up to 14 at the Window-Lit Banquette, while groups after more privacy can hire The Rose Room for gatherings of up to 35 or the Dining Room for 40. Bespoke options, feasting menus, and drinks packages are all on the table.
Capacity: Up to 14 in the main dining room, 35 in The Rose Room, or 40 in the Dining Room
Where: 298 King's Road, SW3 5UG
Book now: The Cadogan Arms

Rotunda, King's Cross

What: This bar, restaurant and private dining room in the heart of King's Cross is an ideal spot for groups. Sip cocktails on the terrace before tucking into the delicious British fare on offer, along with an extensive wine list to peruse. The private room seats up to 30 and can be extended to form a semi-private space for up to 40 with access to a shared terrace space, so there's plenty of space for you and your group. We know first-hand how lovely the team here is, so just get in touch to discuss all your options. 
Capacity: Up to 30 in the Private Room, or 40 when extended
Where: 90 York Way, N1 9AG
Book now: Rotunda

The Maine, Mayfair

What: Looking for a private dining room in Mayfair? Few restaurants deliver extravagance quite like The Maine, with its Hollywood glamour and extravagant chandeliers. Large groups can take over the main Brasserie, but for more intimate celebrations you'll be better suited to the 20-person Tavern or the light-filled Drawing Room, which can host 30. Expect menus packed full of fresh seafood and prime cuts straight from the grill, and an enduring sense of glam throughout the evening. 
Capacity: Up to 30 in the Drawing Room, or 40 on the Terrace
Where: 6 Medici Courtyard, W1S 1JY
Book now: The Maine Mayfair

Isabel, Mayfair

What: For a private dining room full of Mayfair glamour, Isabel is an obvious choice. Upstairs, the golden-lit main dining room makes quite the impression, and the team can often arrange tables for larger groups, whilst the downstairs Dragon Room offers a moody, low-lit feel that’s perfect for groups of 40. Menus showcase modern European cooking with a Latin flair, with an extensive collection of classic and bespoke cocktails to enjoy too. 
Capacity: Up to 40 in the Dragon Room
Where: 26 Albemarle Street, W1S 4HY
Book now: Isabel

Hard Rock Cafe, Piccadilly Circus

What: Arguably one of the most famous franchises in the world, Hard Rock Cafe is a great place for lively dinners and bespoke events. The entire venue can seat up to 650, while the smaller Legends Room seats up to 40. The latter features music memorabilia, customised lighting and a projector screen, while The Stage can host up to 50 with a view of the entire restaurant. Bigger group dining events can combine the two to seat up to 100. 
Capacity: Up to 40 in the Legends Room, 50 at The Stage, or 100 when combining both
Where: Criterion Building, 225-229 Piccadilly, W1J 9HR
Book now: Hard Rock Cafe

Best restaurants for groups of 40+ guests

At this size, most venues offer either a large semi-exclusive room, a private space that flexes across a wide range, or a full restaurant hire. It's worth checking minimum spends and date flexibility, as these tend to be the venues' most in-demand spaces.

The Gate Restaurant, Hammersmith

What: Founded in 1989 by brothers Michael and Adrian Daniel, The Gate has spent more than three decades proving that plant-based food deserves a proper seat at the table – hidden, in this case, behind the Hammersmith Apollo in a converted artist's studio. It opens up into a bright, high-ceilinged space with a summer terrace for warmer months. The Arabic, Indian and Jewish-inflected menu (aubergine schnitzel, along with a properly punchy Dragon salad, are particularly appealing) is fully vegan, and the team will build a bespoke menu around your event, right down to the seating layout and decor.
Capacity: Up to 50 seated
Where: 51 Queen Caroline Street, W6 9QL
Book now: The Gate Restaurant

The Italian Greyhound, Marylebone

What: A progressive Italian restaurant with the relaxed conviviality of a neighbourhood tavern, you’ll find The Italian Greyhound inside a Grade II-listed corner building in Marylebone, complete with al fresco terraces. Menus celebrate classic Italian flavours and plates with a contemporary spin, often borrowing inspo from other cultures and drinking. You’ve got a couple of options for group dining here. Group dining hosts between nine and 24; semi-private dining (including use of the bar) offers space for 24 or 34 seated, while the Private Dining Room can seat up to 50. Alternatively, exclusive hire can seat a whopping 108.
Capacity: Between nine and 24 for group dining, 24-34 for semi-private, or 50 in the Private Dining Room
Where: 62 Seymour Street, W1H 5BN
Book now: The Italian Greyhound

Beast, Oxford Circus

What: Billing itself as the world's greatest surf-and-turf restaurant, this cavernous restaurant off Oxford Street pairs dry-aged steaks with king crab, all served beneath glowing candlelight at enormous group banqueting tables. Beast is a proper occasion restaurant, built for big appetites and bigger groups. The full venue, with its long banquet tables, can be hired for up to 120 guests, but Beast is just as happy to host a smaller part-hire or a single large table if you don't need the whole space.
Capacity: Up to 120 when hired exclusively; part-hire and single large tables also available
Where: 3 Chapel Place, W1G 0BG
Book now: Beast

Swingers West End, Marylebone

What: Nothing says fun like mini golf, and Swingers has nailed the experience by providing a brilliant food and drink offering, with the latter even delivered to you whilst you’re out on the course (yes, seriously). There are lots of private areas to retire to after you’re all putted out, where you can order food from the likes of Pizza Pilgrims, Patty & Bun and Breddos Tacos. For summer, The Terrace is the place to look for up to 70, and the team will always offer standing hire options with finger food. Alternatively, seat 20 in The Sun Room or President's Committee Room, or 30 in the East Bandstand or Boathouse. 
Capacity: Up to 70 on The Terrace, with smaller spaces available too
Where: 15 John Prince's Street, W1G 0AB
Book now: Swingers West End

Albert’s Schloss, Leicester Square

What: The massive space once occupied by the famous Trocadero is now Albert’s Schloss London, an enormous alpine-style dining room and drinking hall, which comes complete with plenty of entertainment. The location couldn’t be more central, and Albert’s Schloss has everything needed to entertain a big group, from beer steins to a menu full of easy-going comfort food. The Vault is a great option for groups of 30 to 50 guests, while the Bier Halle Tables can host up to 54 guests in total across a few benches. 
Capacity: Between 30 and 50 in The Vault, or up to 54 with Bier Halle Tables
Where: 20-24 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7EU
Book now: Albert’s Schloss

Mosimann's, Belgravia

What: Taking a prime spot in the heart of Belgravia, Mosimann's sits in the upper echelons of London's private dining scene. Boasting spaces with capacities ranging from two to 110, this elegant space is home to cooking fit for royalty - literally. One only needs to read a testimonial or two to get an impression of just how excellent the food, wine and service supplied by Mosimann's really is. Plus, there's plenty of choice on the room front: Casa Luiza is an impressive pick for groups up to 50, and the Davidoff and Lanson Library can each accommodate up to 30 for something more intimate. 
Capacity: Up to 50 in the Casa Luiza room, or 30 in either the Davidoff or Lanson Library
Where: 11B West Halkin Street, SW1X 8JL
Book now: Mosimann's

1776 at 1 Lombard, City of London

What: Tucked away behind the popular 1 Lombard restaurant, you’ll find 1776, an impressive private dining room with high ceilings, chandelier lighting, and a central table. Menus here reflect the seasons, offering set courses informed by British classics and elevated by pure skill. With great transport links nearby, a sophisticated atmosphere, and flexible menus to choose from, this one’s a real treat for corporate groups and dinners that require a little extra finesse. 1776 itself holds up to 50, whereas smaller groups of around 20 need only look to the intimate Lombard Club. 
Capacity: Up to 50 in the 1776 private dining room, or 20 in the Lombard Club
Where: 1 Lombard Street, EC3V 9AA
Book now: 1776 at 1 Lombard Street

The 71 Grill & Lounge, South Woodford

What: A slick, moody spot in South Woodford built around halal Pan-Asian fusion cooking and a proper shisha offering, The 71 Grill & Lounge pairs a central skylight and dark, plush interiors with a menu ranging from bao buns and tempura cauliflower through to Argentinian fillet steak and signature wagyu. It's a genuine East London favourite for birthdays, baby showers and big celebratory get-togethers, with a flexible layout that reconfigures for anything from a seated feast with around 15 guests to a livelier, drinks-led evening. For the biggest groups, the whole restaurant can be hired exclusively.
Capacity: Hire a single long table, or take over the whole restaurant with 160 guests
Where: 190-192 George Lane, E18 1AY
Book now: The 71 Grill & Lounge

If you are planning a summer event, don't miss our guide to the best outdoor private dining rooms in London. Or for something slightly larger, check out our guides to the best large summer party venues in London and London's best garden party venues.