Best restaurants for groups London: Where to go for your next group dining event

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. Although we are reluctant to admit it (we have no problem polishing off a meal on our own most of the time), it is true that sometimes the food burden is too great for one or two people to bear alone.

If you find yourself perusing a restaurant’s menu online and realise that it is time to call in some gastronomic reinforcements, a night of group dining is the perfect solution. Although heading out with friends doesn’t have to mean opting for a family-style meal, there are considerable perks to dining out in a group - namely that you can try quite a lot of the menu between you. In London, the best restaurants for groups 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. If you're looking for restaurants in London for big groups, many of these offer exclusive private hire, so you can make the whole restaurant your own for an evening. 

To help you find the best group dining restaurants for you, we have divided up our list into key London neighbourhoods. If you are flexible on location, scroll through our best London restaurants for groups list, or if you have a particular area in mind, use the quick links below to skip straight to your preferred section. We have also included a mixture of restaurants ideal for small group outings and those occasions for which a private room is required, so there’s really something for everyone.

There's also a nice range of cuisines and price brackets, from fancy sushi to more relaxed pizza joints. That way you'll be able to match the restaurant to what you're in the mood for (and how near payday is).

Best restaurants for groups in North London

Towards the north of London, you'll find a little more breathing room. Expect spacious restaurants with a buzzy atmosphere.

The Midland Grand Dining Room, King’s Cross

What: If goal number one is to impress your group with one of London’s most incredible dining rooms, The Midland Grand will do just fine thank you. The spellbinding Grade I listed gothic interiors of this historic site are uniquely suited to grand occasions, and The Midland Grand has a beautiful private dining room, as well as offering semi-exclusive private hire in the main restaurant.
Where: St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, Euston Road, NW1 2AR
Book now: The Midland Grand Dining Room

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, not to mention the location which is handily just a few minutes walk from Paddington, and situated right on the very serene Paddington Basin.
Where: 25 Sheldon Square, W2 6EY
Book now: Ayllu

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, so there's plenty of space for you and your group. 
Where: 90 York Way, King's Cross, London, N1 9AG
Book now: Rotunda

Best restaurants for groups in East London

Heading east to the busy offices of the City of London and laid-back edginess of Shoreditch, you'll find plenty of great spots for groups.

Boundary Shoreditch

What: Sitting on the corner of Redchurch and Boundary Streets, Boundary has nabbed some prime east London real estate (Brat and Smoking Goat sit across the road). This multifaceted space has all sorts of different dining spots for large and small groups - we love the Boundary rooftop, even in the colder months thanks to the heated glass Orangery.
Where: 2-4 Boundary Street, E2 7DD
Book now: Boundary Shoreditch

Swingers, City of London and 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. There are lots of private areas to retire to after you’ve putted out, where you can order food from the likes of Pizza Pilgrims, Patty & Bun and Breddos Tacos.
Where: 8 Brown's Buildings, EC3A 8AL; 15 John Prince's Street, W1G 0AB
Book now: Swingers City; Swingers West End

Coya, City of London and Mayfair

What: Luxuriously decorated and overflowing with colourful, geometric prints, both Coya sites are perfect if you want to make a statement with your restaurant of choice. They’re not short of private dining spaces either - each site has a variety of large and small private rooms, all uniquely designed and decorated. The menu blends South American and Asian influences, and dishes aren’t shy of making the most of luxury ingredients from Wagyu beef to lobster and truffle.
Where: 31-33 Throgmorton Street, EC2N 2AT; 118 Piccadilly, W1J 7NW
Book now: Coya City; Coya Mayfair

Nobu Restaurant, Shoreditch

What: First impressions count, and if you’re looking to impress a group with your choice of dining destination, Nobu Restaurant Shoreditch is pretty hard to beat. Here you’ll find two completely private dining rooms, or the option to hire out a section – or all of – the main restaurant complete with swanky Japanese decor. On the menu you’ll find plenty of plates that are ideal for sharing – from sushi and sashimi through to Japanese tacos and miso black cod lettuce cups.
Where: 10-50 Willow Street, EC2A 4BH
Book now: Nobu Restaurant London

Sticks 'n' Sushi Shoreditch

What: Sticks 'n' Sushi is now a bonafide sensation, with hugely successful sites sling out tasty skewers and sushi rolls all over the capital. It’s no surprise really - there’s something for everyone on a menu that glides from chicken meatball tsukune to Wagyu maki, and the interiors blend Japanese and Danish minimal aesthetics rather beautifully.
Where: 100 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JQ
Book now: Sticks 'n' Sushi Shoreditch

Duck & Waffle, City of London

What: By hosting your group dinner at Duck & Waffle, you have the opportunity to eat in the highest private dining room in the country. Floor-to-ceiling windows and mirrored walls ensure you can enjoy all of the great views on offer. Group-dining sharing menus for brunch, lunch or dinner are available - created by Executive Chef Daniel Barbosa.
Where: 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY
Book now: Duck & Waffle

Best restaurants for groups in West London

Moving to the west, everything gets rather boujie. Expect lavish spreads and stunning interiors galore.

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. 
Where: 11B West Halkin Street, SW1X 8JL
Book now: Mosimann's

The Cadogan Arms, Chelsea

What: Beautiful 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. Groups can hire the Private Dining Room or The Rose Room for gatherings of up to 40 and choose from bespoke feasting menus.  
Where: 298 King's Road, SW3 5UG
Book now: The Cadogan Arms

The Pem, St James’s

What: A fine dining restaurant that is headed up by SquareMeal’s 2021 Female Chef of the Year Sally Abe, The Pem is one of the last few years' most notable new restaurant openings. Plush velvet seating and a menu packed full of classic dishes with a contemporary twist make this restaurant an elegant yet fun setting for your next group dinner, with restaurant dining and private spaces available.
Where: Conrad London St James, SW1H 0BH
Book now: The Pem

Best restaurants for groups in Central London

Central London is packed with incredible restaurants, and most of them are very experienced hosting groups for special occasions. You're not short of options here, but here are some of our favourites. 

Carmel Fitzrovia

What: Carmel’s mix of low-intervention wines, open fire cooking and foliage-laden dining room are very of the moment, but the team does it all extremely well and we’d never be any less than thrilled to find out we’re eating here. The flatbreads are a must-order - each one is baked to order in a custom-made tabun oven, with toppings including za’atar, tahini and fermented chilli, and lamb with pomegranate molasses.
Where: 7-8 Market Place, W1W 8AG
Book now: Carmel Fitzrovia

KOYN, Mayfair

What: Sultry, sophisticated KOYN offers a choice of Japanese or Thai dining, with each menu taking the principles of each cuisine and turning the flavours up to 11 with smart, creative and delicious cooking. The beauty of the space can’t be overstated either, and smaller groups can still enjoy the luxury of the KOYN experience by booking out the bar.
Where: 38 Grosvenor Street, W1K 4AG
Book now: KOYN

Bombay Bustle, Mayfair

What: Few restaurants in London do Indian comfort food with the style and panache of Bombay Bustle. The restaurant captures the essence of Mumbai through its unique design, which is inspired by the old first-class railway coaches of India. Smaller groups can grab a seat in the bar, or why not grab the semi-private table in The Carriage, which sits right in the heart of the action.
Where: 29 Maddox Street, W1S 2PA
Book now: Bombay Bustle

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.
Where: 20-24 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7EU
Book now: Albert’s Schloss

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 counter, all bathed in the warm amber glow of overhead lighting. It’s a gorgeous space, and an equally beautiful private dining space can be all yours, with space for up to 23 guests.
Where: 58-59 Great Marlborough Street, W1F 7JY
Book now: Bocconcino Soho

Kanishka, Mayfair

What: Atul Kochhar is synonymous with Indian fine dining in the capital and Kanishka is the culmination of his decades of experience. The food, of course, is sublime - Kochhar takes cues from India and the UK in his cooking, and the setting is suitably stylish for a group outing. You’ll find three private dining rooms inside, each catering for between 16 and 22 people.
Where: 17-19 Maddox Street, W1S 2QH
Book now: Kanishka

Riding House Fitzrovia

What: Riding House is ultra-accessible, not just because of a plum location on Great Titchfield Street, but also thanks to the menu, which is packed with internationally-inspired comfort food. The plush private dining room hosts up to 14 guests too, or there’s a large sharing table in the dining room for up to 21.
Where: 43-51 Great Titchfield Street, W1W 7PQ
Book now: Riding House Fitzrovia

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. 
Where: Criterion Building, 225-229 Piccadilly, W1J 9HR
Book now: Hard Rock Cafe

Margot, Covent Garden

What: Head to the lower ground floor of Margot and you'll find The Club Room, which seats up to 32 guests. Sip on house cocktails at the private bar before heading in for dinner. Choose from an extensive 350-bin wine list to sip on while you tuck into classic Italian dishes like vitello tonnato, ossobuco with saffron and tiramisu. 
Where: 45 Great Queen Street, WC2B 5AA
Book now: Margot

Best restaurants for groups in South London

In South London, things are a bit more relaxed. You'll find buzzy bars and trendy eateries aplenty.

Hawksmoor, various locations

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. A variety of set menus at different price points are loaded with fan-favourite dishes too, making the ordering process a doddle.
Where: Various locations
Book now: Hawksmoor Borough; Hawksmoor Guildhall; Hawksmoor Wood Wharf; Hawksmoor Spitalfields

Baccala, Bermondsey

What: This neighbourhood restaurant and wine bar is beloved in Bermondsey for top quality small plates and a brilliant wine list. The focus is largely on fresh seafood, and feasting menus for groups of eight plus include the likes of slow braised baby octopus with roasted polenta, and burrata with Tuscan tomato bread.
Where: Unit B3, 194-204 Bermondsey Street, SE13TQ
Book now: Baccala

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. Larger groups can be seated in the beautiful semi-private dining space with chic wooden panels and blue and white ceramic tiling.
Where: 194 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3TQ
Book now: Pizarro

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 scale, check out our guides to the best large summer party venues in London, and London's best garden party venues.