Any New Yorker who’s a fiend for Mexican food has spent a number
of evenings at one of Tacombi’s locations, whether it’s in Fort
Greene, Nolita or even Montauk to refuel after a day at Surf Lodge.
It’s the perfect place for an upbeat evening with a group of
friends, so get here early to grab a table and pitchers of spicy
margarita. The ordering system here keeps things simple, even if
you’re dealing with a group of 12, so get a few rounds of guacamole
to start and have everyone list the tacos they’d like thereafter.
Creamy corn esquites on the side is non-negotiable.

Stepping inside the wood-panelled Lure Fishbar feels as though
you’ve just set foot on the Titanic. Packed with downtown
fashionistas prepping for a night out at Socialista (just a few
blocks away), this SoHo spot nails the combination of good food and
a cool atmosphere. Book a large table and pre-order sharing plates
such as the shellfish platter brimming with oysters and king crab.
The spicy tuna on crispy rice and sushi rolls are delightful and
easy to share. Pair the meal with a few bottles of white wine and
cap things off with espresso martinis before setting out into the
night with your friends.

An East Williamsburg staple, Roberta’s makes having a party a
no-brainer. On warmer evenings, its massive outdoor seating area is
the way to go, as no reservations are required (just a keen eye to
spot picnic tables that are clearing up). Divide and conquer, with
some members of your group heading to the bar for pitchers of beer
and others going around the corner to order a stack of pizzas. For
late autumn and winter affairs, book a table for 10 to 16 people at
least a week in advance, or book out the entire space for groups of
25 plus. The prix-fixe option for larger groups doesn’t feel
stuffy; simply pick three types of pizza to share and relish in
meat and cheese platters and gelato as they drift your way.

For a girly birthday brunch or baby shower celebration, look no
further than the Meatpacking District’s Coco J’Adore. An expansive
space illuminated by golden sunburst lights, it’s a pretty take on
a French bistro that’s easy to book for private events or big group
lunches. The menu offers your classic steak frites fare turned up a
notch — think truffled scrambled eggs for brunch and
ricotta-pistachio risotto come dinnertime. Coco’s location also
makes it a great place to get the party started before walking over
to Restoration Hardware for drinks at its rooftop bar.

Amenable to group affairs, this toasty Italian eatery in the
heart of Nolita is one of your easiest options in Manhattan when it
comes to booking a large get-together at the last minute. Enjoy a
personalised menu at a candlelit table beneath the back room’s
skylight. The hearty fare is perfect for a celebration when dinner
is the main affair, and you certainly won’t want to hold back as
you dig into platters of burrata and foraged mushrooms, pasta alla
norma and pappardelle bolognese.

A SoHo favourite for moreish Middle Eastern fare, Shuka is a key
spot for those playing host in NYC. Mezze dishes are delicious –
think: grilled peaches and feta, fried halloumi and falafel with
tahini – and are one of the easiest ways to share a meal. Order one
of each of the dips for the table, fattoush salad and an array of
kebabs for a no-fuss affair. Serious foodies can indulge in the
Shuka Feast, in which the restaurant selects a mix of menu items
for the table to try. Plus, the large round tables in the back room
make it easy to block off a space for a big group.

An epicentre for the downtown cool crowd, the Bowery Hotel’s
Gemma restaurant seems to magnetically attract groups of models,
Lower East Side artists and walking Net-a-Porter capsule wardrobes.
Book your party here for an Italian extravaganza complete with a
candelabra dripping wax. The atmosphere has great vibes, so you’re
in for a fun, energetic evening. The truffled polenta fries,
stracciatella crostini topped with lemon and chilli and the chef’s
assortment of meats and cheeses are a great way to get the evening
started, followed by thin-crust pizza and steaming pasta dishes.
Copious amounts of red wine are bound to be consumed throughout
dinner here, making it the perfect pregame to an evening of dancing
to DJ beats at nearby Gospel.