Where to host a private dinner right now in NYC
Holiday season is finally here, and there is always that lucky someone that gets tasked to find a space to host friends and family for dinner. With so many new openings in NYC, it’s tough to know which are able to offer intimate private dining spaces. We have gathered up a few of our new favorites where it would be dreamy to host an intimate gathering this season.
We have also linked our NYC Private Dining Guide for reference.
Crane Club
Crane Club is the newly opened TAO Group restaurant led by Veteran Chef Melissa Rodriguez who runs the kitchen at Mel’s and formerly was the Chef at Del Posto. Crane Club is opening in the Former Al Coro and Del Posto space set in a glamorous dining space with a rich history. The menu focuses on wood-fire cooking and seasonal ingredients from small farmers and fisheries.
Crane Club will have two private dining spaces, one is set on the beautiful mezzanine overlooking the dining room that can accommodate up to 40 guests as well as the Crane Room for a more intimate setting that fits 12 guests at one round table.
Manuela
Manuela, located in the heart of Soho, is a sustainably focused restaurant from the husband-and-wife duo behind Hauser & Wirth, one of the most esteemed galleries in the art industry. The space is unique and features local artists as well as some of their personal collections. The eye-capturing chandelier made out of recycled plastic is designed by Mika Rottenberg. There’s a 70’s inspired touch to the space featuring pops of color and structures made of wood to enhance the room.
The private dining room showcases a beautifully decorated 24-seat table, complete with a custom red rug by Rashid Johnson and a striking mural by Pat Steir.
Quarters
Quarters is a concept store and gathering space created by Felicia Hung and Nick Ozemba, founders of the design studio In Common With that is styled as a residence in a 19th-century Tribeca loft. Guests are welcome to explore the entirety of space that is filled with curated vintage furnishings, rare books, specialty pantry items, and art. After hours, community-focused events range from live performances and dinner parties. There is also a bear that specializes in wine and small plates open day and night.
The apartment takeover is perfect for hosting a private cocktail reception for up to 125 guests. You can also choose to host an intimate cocktail hour in our Bar and Lounge, followed by a dinner in the Great Room.
Kiko
Kiko is a new Restaurant opening in Hudson Square neighborhood founded by Lina Goujjanem, alum and former Sommelier at Sushi Noz and her husband, Chef Alex Chang, formerly of Il Buco Alimentari. Kiko is a seasonal American restaurant influenced by Chef Changs West Coast and Chinese roots while also focusing on his experience cooking in Japan.
The Sun Room is their private space that is filled with natural light during the daytime and an intimate space to fit 24 guests for a cocktail party or dinner gathering.
Le Veau d'Or
Le Veau d'Or was established in 1937 and reopened as a neo-bistro from the team behind beloved Frenchette and Le Rock. The space has a rich history, so the space still has a nostalgic feel with wooden panels, mirrored walls, and red and white checkered tablecloths. The dishes are elevated French bistro fare along with a French dominated wine list as well as martinis and specialty cocktails.
The private dining room on the second floor offers a grand mirror and fireplace from the original building as well as a private bar and one long table to host a dinner. The capacity for a seated dinner is 23 and for a cocktail reception, 30. It’s intimate, cozy, and a hidden gem.
Contributor — Lace Miller | Head of Dining
Lace has lived most of her adult life in NYC working in Hospitality. She has worked almost every position you can work in restaurants and immersed herself in the culinary world where her main passion lies. When she isn't finding your perfect restaurant to go to on a Friday night, she is at the farmers market gathering produce to thoughtfully prepare a home cooked meal while sipping on a negroni and lending an ear to some of the greats like Nina Simone and Billie Holiday.