Group Friendly Restaurants: Top Picks for Large Parties and Gatherings

London is a city that is well-known for its diverse culinary scene. However, when it comes to finding a restaurant that can accommodate a large group of friends or family, the task can become challenging. With so many options to choose from, it’s not always easy to find the perfect spot that can cater to everyone’s needs.

Fortunately, there are plenty of group-friendly restaurants in London that can provide a great dining experience for all. In this article, readers will find a comprehensive guide to the best restaurants for big groups in London. From practical tips for exploring these restaurants to the top recommendations for group-friendly dining, this guide has everything one needs to know to have a successful group dining experience in London.

Key Takeaways

  • London has a diverse culinary scene that offers plenty of options for group-friendly restaurants.
  • It can be challenging to find the perfect restaurant that can accommodate a large group of friends or family, but there are many options available.
  • This guide provides practical tips and top recommendations for group-friendly restaurants in London.

Best Group-Friendly Restaurants in London

Tayyabs

Tayyabs is a renowned curry house located in Whitechapel, East London. It is a go-to place for large groups as it offers spacious tables that can accommodate even the biggest of groups. The restaurant is famous for its barbecue and tandoori grillwork, which are some of the best in London. The curry dishes served at Tayyabs are also highly recommended and are considered some of the best in the city.

Brasserie Zédel

Brasserie Zédel is a French restaurant located in Piccadilly Circus. The restaurant has a massive and baroque space that can accommodate large groups. The food served at Brasserie Zédel is meat-heavy and is best enjoyed with copious amounts of wine. The restaurant also has a live band that plays for diners, making it a great place for group gatherings.

Ave Mario

Ave Mario is a classic Italian restaurant located in Covent Garden and is part of the Big Mama Group. The restaurant is known for its over-the-top atmosphere with bright, shiny, and red decor. The food served at Ave Mario is not to be missed, and the restaurant offers a touch of theatre to its dishes.

Dishoom

Dishoom is a popular Indian restaurant with multiple locations in London. The restaurant has gained a reputation for serving some of the best Indian food in the city. The curry dishes are highly recommended, and the sharing menu options are great for large groups. However, the sharing menu is only available for groups larger than eleven.

La Bodega Negra

La Bodega Negra is a Mexican restaurant located in Soho. The restaurant offers a feast of Mexican food that is both pretty and delicious. The restaurant has a subterranean sex-shop vibe, which adds to the overall experience of dining with a large group.

Hoppers

Hoppers is a Sri Lankan restaurant with several sizable locations around the city. The restaurant offers plenty of space for large group gatherings and a menu of food that won’t disappoint anyone. The restaurant also has a pretty good list of drinks to choose from, making it a great spot for special occasions.

Four Seasons

Four Seasons is a Chinese restaurant located in Chinatown. The restaurant is known for its Peking duck, which has won awards and recognition. The menu is stacked with more than enough dishes for a sumptuous feast to feed the entire group.

Ciao Bella

Ciao Bella is a popular Italian restaurant located in Bloomsbury. The restaurant offers plenty of space for large groups and has both indoor and outdoor seating options. The atmosphere is just as important as the food, and Ciao Bella delivers on both fronts.

Acme Fire Cult

Acme Fire Cult is a restaurant located in Dalston, which specializes in live-fire cooking or BBQ. The restaurant offers plenty of space inside and out and some feeds that will stick to your ribs. The meat and veg dishes are all pretty on point and are best shared among a big group.

The Pelican

The Pelican is a gastropub located in Notting Hill. The restaurant has a suave dining area that offers broadly British food sourced with sustainability in mind. The menu changes regularly to reflect the season, and the pub atmosphere is perfect for after-dinner drinks.

Mercato Metropolitano

Mercato Metropolitano is a giant food court and bar space located in Elephant and Castle. The space offers plenty of options and ample space for massive groups. The food court has enough choice to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters, making it a great spot for big dinners.

Max’s Sandwich Shop

Max’s Sandwich Shop is a small restaurant located in Crouch End. The restaurant may not have the biggest space, but the staff is more than happy to cram you around one table if you’re happy to eat that way. The restaurant is known for its chunky sandwiches that riff off cuisines of the world, making it a great spot for messy group dining.

Sexy Fish

Sexy Fish is a swanky Asian-inspired seafood restaurant located in Mayfair. The restaurant is OTT enough to give the Big Mama Group a run for their money, with a full-on coral reef fish tank and Damien Hirst-designed interiors. The restaurant is perfect for special occasions and offers some of the best sushi and sashimi in London.

Practical Tips for Exploring the Best Group-Friendly Restaurants in London

Booking a table in advance is a crucial tip when exploring group-friendly restaurants in London. With the city’s high demand for dining, securing a table for a big group can be challenging. It is recommended to book well in advance to avoid disappointment. To make the meal more special, one can call ahead and request a specific table if they are familiar with the restaurant.

Speaking to the manager in advance about a set menu is another practical tip. This approach not only simplifies the process for the group but also helps in getting a good deal. Managers may be keen to offer a deal for large groups, taking the burden of choice away from the diners. Overall, planning ahead and communicating with the restaurant can make the dining experience smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.