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.

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

German Gymnasium, King's Cross

What: Before you ask, yes, this really did use to be a gym. Built in 1865 for the German Gymnastics Society, this airy space is now home to a double-height restaurant and bar with private rooms. The space is filled with natural light and large group tables perfect for feasting on currywurst, schnitzel and the like. Be sure to wash everything down with plenty of German beer or cocktails. 
Where: 1 King’s Boulevard, N1C 4BU
Book now: German Gymnasium

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.

Coya, City 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

Zoom East Kitchen and Bar, Aldgate

What: You can find this bright and colourful private dining room hidden inside Zoom East, a Sicilian restaurant which is incidentally tucked inside Hyatt Place London City East Hotel. It's called The Orangery and boasts velvet drapes, tons of natural light and a botanical wall. It's impossible not to feel uplifted in here, especially when feasting on dishes such as blue cheese arancini, burrata with caramelised figs and wild boar pappardelle.
Where: 45 Whitechapel Road, E1 1DU
Book now: Zoom East Kitchen and Bar

SUSHISAMBA City, City of London

What: From the most impressive views of the city skyline to the exquisite menu, SUSHISAMBA City offers the perfect space for group dining. Sit within the bustling restaurant or for a more intimate group dinner, hire the private dining room that sits on a mezzanine on the 39th floor. Overlooking the restaurant means you keep all the atmosphere with the added privacy of your own dining space.
Where: 110 Bishops Gate, EC2N 4AY
Book now: SUSHISAMBA City

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

14 Hills, City of London

What: It's no secret that 14 Hills is a pretty glamorous spot, but the private dining room really is something else. Boasting state-of-the-art AV, mood lighting, floor-to-ceiling windows, an extensive wine list and excellent British food with a touch of French mixed in. The room seats up to 22 guests, or can host 25 for a standing reception.
Where: 120 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 5BA
Book now: 14 Hills

New Street Grill, City of London

What: With its glamorous Old Bengal Bar for drinks before dinner, New Street Grill is a great spot for private dining. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even wine tastings, it's up to you how and when you visit. Regardless of your choice, you'll be extremely well taken care of at this buzzy restaurant and bar. 
Where: 16A New Street, EC2M 4TR
Book now: New Street Grill

Best restaurants for groups in West London

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

Coppa Club Putney

What: Coppa Club’s colourful styling is instantly recognisable, and Putney’s primary colour palette is especially playful and fun. Whatever occasion you’re planning, be it a casual catch up or a birthday dinner, Coppa Club Putney is suitably swish yet relaxed for both and offers a cosy 12-seater private dining room.
Where: 29 Brewhouse Lane, SW15 2JX
Book now: Coppa Club Putney

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

Quaglino's, St James

What: Sir Terrence Conran’s vision of ostentatious theatre lives on in the main dining room at Quaglino's where small groups are welcome, but it is the private dining rooms which have forged a particular reputation for excellence in recent years.
Where: 16 Bury Street, SW1Y 6AJ
Book now: Quaglino's

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

Hans’ Bar & Grill, Chelsea

What: Found in well-heeled Chelsea, this west London spot is the perfect place to bring together friends, family or colleagues around a smart and sophisticated table. Hans’ Bar & Grill has two separate rooms which can host up to 22 people, and guests will be treated to a menu of seasonal, local fare. To make things extra special there’s the option to add wine or cocktail pairings, ideal for celebratory gatherings.
Where: 164 Pavilion Road, SW1X 0AW
Book now: Hans’ Bar & Grill

28-50 by Night, Marylebone

What: Ideally located between Bond Street and Marylebone, 28-50 by Night boasts multiple private dining areas, perfect for intimate dinners with some live jazz for good measure. The exclusive VIP Square is right next to the bar and stage, seating six to eight diners. Going larger, The Stage can seat up to 40, allowing another 17 with the additional hire of the private bar. The Upper Circle is great for receptions, while the whole venue can be hired for full-on blow-outs. 
Where: 76 Jason Court, W1U 2SJ
Book now: 28-50 by Night

Bluebird, Chelsea

What: Bluebird looks fresher than ever. Its red steel frames are softened by trees and climbing herbs, while dim lighting casts an atmospheric glow. The kitchen brings small plates (the queen scallops are delightful) to the front of the agenda, accompanied by larger dishes of charred mackerel, calves’ livers and everything in between. We like the clever semi-private dining setup at the back for more informal gatherings.
Where: 350 King’s Road, SW3 5UU
Book now: Bluebird

Best restaurants for groups in Central London

In Central London, you'll find plenty of weird and wonderful restaurants to visit in group. 

Aqua Nueva, Soho

What: A stone’s throw from the chaos of Regent Street’s shopping-mad throng is elegant Aqua Nueva, offering a pair of sleek private dining rooms and a dreamy rooftop terrace. Enjoy sharing plates of tapas and a whole section of the menu just dedicated to croquetas, with plenty of pina coladas to wash it all down with. 
Where: Fifth Floor, 240 Regent Street (entrance 30 Argyll Street), W1B 3BR
Book now: Aqua Nueva

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

Park Row, Soho

What: There aren't many restaurants as unique as Park Row. This venue is inspired by DC Comics, with five spaces each based on a different element of the Batman story. Pennyworth's is a buzzy bar named after Bruce Wayne's butler, The Iceberg Lounge is based on The Penguin, and the Rogues Gallery features all of Catwoman Selena Kyle's greatest stolen prizes. 
Where: 77 Brewer Street, W1F 9ZN
Book now: Park Row

Mint Leaf Lounge, The City

What: Sophisticated Indian restaurant Mint Leaf Lounge is a spacious spot in the heart of the city boasting a well-stocked lounge bar, mezzanine champagne bar, two private dining spaces and the main restaurant - all of which are available for private hire. Whether you're after an intimate chef's table experience that's guaranteed to impress clients, a relaxed drinks reception with bespoke cocktails or a laid-back feast featuring plenty of classic street food, there are plenty of options to suit here.
Where: 12 Angel Court, EC2R 7HB
Book now: Mint Leaf Lounge

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.