Group Dining in London: 27 Venues for Every Budget and Occasion

London is one of the best cities in the world for group dining. Whether you’re planning a birthday meal, a corporate dinner, a festive party, or a casual night out with friends, the capital has restaurants that can handle every kind of crowd. 

From cheap eats and BYOB curry houses to elegant private dining rooms and quirky venues, there are plenty of options to suit every budget and occasion. This guide brings together 27 of the best spots for group dining in London, with a mix of affordable, central, large-scale, and unique choices. 

Whether you’re planning a team dinner, an office party, or a friends reunion dinner, London has venues to suit every occasion. These restaurants also work well for team dinners in London, office parties, and special celebrations.

TL;DR – Best Group Dining in London by Category

• Cheap group dining: Tayyabs, Persepolis, Tower Tandoori
  
  

• Large group / private rooms: Brunswick House, Smith & Wollensky, The Ned
  
  

• Central London classics: Circolo Popolare, Dishoom Covent Garden, ’O Ver St James
  
  

• Unique experiences: Barge East, Dans Le Noir?, Punk Royale

Cheap Group Dining in London

A group dinner on a budget in London can still feel like a treat. These spots keep costs low, food generous, and tables lively. Perfect for student groups, birthday dinners, or casual meet-ups.

1. Tayyabs – Whitechapel

The Punjabi powerhouse for big, noisy groups. BYOB and huge sharing platters keep it affordable.
This East London landmark has hosted large tables for decades. Portions are generous, service is brisk, and the energy is always high. Groups love it because costs stay low if you stick to curries, naan, and BYOB drinks. Just book well in advance. Meals here typically average around £25 per person, making it one of London’s best-value group options.

2. Persepolis – Peckham

Middle Eastern mezze on a shoestring. Colourful, vegetarian, and designed for sharing.
This Peckham café-restaurant turns out Persian-inspired plates in a quirky, welcoming space. Mezze spreads are ideal for groups who want variety without overspending. The vibe is casual, seating is tight, and you will probably end up ordering more than planned!

3. Tower Tandoori – Bermondsey

A South London favourite serving classic Indian dishes at prices groups can manage.
Tower Tandoori has plenty of space for large tables and a menu built for sharing. Groups often go for mixed grills and curry spreads, which keep per-person costs predictable. The setting is straightforward, but the service is warm and efficient. A strong option for cheap group restaurants in London.

4. Pizza East – Shoreditch

Industrial-chic interiors and big group tables make Pizza East a reliable crowd-pleaser.
The menu leans on sourdough pizzas, antipasti, and hearty mains that suit large groups. Prices stay reasonable if you focus on pizzas and sharing platters. The lively Shoreditch setting adds to the appeal for friends meeting after work or at the weekend.

5. Bancone – Soho

Modern pasta at accessible prices, served on long counters and group-friendly tables.
Bancone is best known for handmade pasta dishes that feel premium without breaking the bank. The Soho site is buzzy, central, and convenient for groups exploring the West End. While space is tight, the counter-style seating keeps things casual and social. Great for a team dinner in central London.

Large Group and Private Dining in London

When you need more space or privacy, these restaurants offer dedicated rooms or exclusive hire for groups of 15 to 50. These are ideal for corporate dinners in London, office team celebrations, and big birthday parties.

6. Brunswick House – Vauxhall

An elegant Georgian mansion with private rooms that fit groups from 10 to 30.
Brunswick House mixes period charm with a modern British menu. The Library and Parlour are popular choices for private dinners and work well for both corporate and social gatherings. The setting feels grand without being intimidating.

7. Smith & Wollensky – Aldwych

A New York-style steakhouse with private rooms made for celebrations.
Smith & Wollensky offers several event spaces, including the Theodore Roosevelt Room for up to 40 guests. Groups come for prime cuts, bold flavours, and the sense of occasion. The service is polished and experienced in handling larger tables.

8. The Ned – Bank

One of London’s most impressive venues for group dining, with a choice of private rooms.
The Ned has spaces ranging from intimate lounges to grand halls. Corporate groups book here for scale and style, while social parties enjoy the atmosphere of the converted banking hall. 

Minimum spends apply, but the range of options makes it flexible. Private dining menus here can reach premium levels, with options like the Chairman’s set menu starting at around £109 per person.

9. Sketch – Mayfair

Famous interiors and a playful approach to fine dining, with private rooms for medium groups.
Sketch has several spaces that can host groups of 20 to 40. The menus are creative, the décor is bold, and the experience feels theatrical. Sketch is best suited to groups looking for something stylish and memorable.

10. ROKA Charlotte Street – Fitzrovia

A sleek Japanese robata grill with semi-private areas suited to groups.
ROKA works well for groups of 15 to 30 who want a mix of sushi, robata skewers, and contemporary Japanese dishes. The semi-private dining area keeps groups together without isolating them from the restaurant’s lively atmosphere.

11. The Wolseley – Piccadilly

A London institution with a refined private dining room that seats up to 40 guests.
The Wolseley is a classic choice for formal group dining, especially corporate dinners and special occasions. The room is elegant, the menu is European, and the location on Piccadilly makes it convenient for central meet-ups. Booking early is essential.

Best Group Dining Venues in Central London

Central London has the widest mix of group-friendly venues. From pre-theatre spots to smart brasseries, these restaurants handle big tables with ease. These are go-to choices for friends’ reunions, office team dinners, and special occasion dining in London.

12. Circolo Popolare – Fitzrovia

Theatrical interiors and over-the-top Italian food make Circolo Popolare a group favourite.
This Big Mamma restaurant is known for its flamboyant décor and enormous menu. Groups come for indulgent sharing plates, pizza, and pasta in a buzzing, character-filled room. 

Expect crowds, but the payoff is memorable. Groups can also choose a £54 per person set menu, or order pizzas from around £11–18 each.

13. Dishoom Covent Garden – Covent Garden

Bombay-inspired dining in one of the busiest group-friendly restaurants in the West End.
Dishoom Covent Garden is famous for queues, but groups who book early enjoy bold flavours and generous sharing menus. The design nods to old Irani cafés, and the group set menus are well-priced for the area. A reliable pick for large group restaurants in Covent Garden.

14. Hawksmoor Seven Dials – Covent Garden

A steakhouse with group set menus that keep things simple for large tables.
Hawksmoor offers cuts of beef and hearty sides served in a relaxed but polished setting. The Seven Dials branch is central and reliable for business dinners or groups heading to the theatre. Service is efficient, and the team is used to handling groups.

15. The Ivy Market Grill – Covent Garden

A polished brasserie-style venue that handles big tables with ease.
The Ivy Market Grill combines central convenience with a wide-ranging menu. Groups appreciate the professional service, comfortable setting, and reasonable pricing for Covent Garden. It works well for celebratory dinners or casual get-togethers.

16. Duck & Waffle – City of London

Sky-high dining with panoramic views, open 24 hours a day.
Groups book Duck & Waffle for the spectacle as much as the food. Located on the 40th floor, it serves a mix of modern European plates, including the signature duck and waffle. The setting is lively, and late-night bookings add to the appeal.

17. Bob Bob Ricard – Soho

Known for the "Press for Champagne" button and glamorous interiors.
Bob Bob Ricard is a playful option for groups looking to celebrate. Semi-private booths and group-friendly set menus make it practical as well as fun. The atmosphere is decadent, and service is slick. Expect prices to reflect the luxury.

18. The Delaunay – Aldwych

A classic European brasserie ideal for business or pre-theatre dining.
The Delaunay offers a spacious dining room with plenty of room for larger tables. Groups often choose it for its location near Covent Garden and the West End. The menu is broad, covering European staples that suit a range of tastes.

19. ’O Ver St James – St James’s Market

Authentic Neapolitan food in a polished central setting, ideal for pre-theatre or corporate groups.
‘O Ver St James balances a lively atmosphere with refined service. Groups of 8 to 20 enjoy wood-fired pizzas, sharing starters, and attentive staff. The location is perfect for West End outings or business dinners near Piccadilly, and it’s also featured in our guide on where to eat in St James’s London. 

Book your table at ’O Ver St James to secure the best group dining experience.

Group Dining in North, South & West London

Not every group night out happens in central London. These picks cover North, South, and West London neighbourhoods with venues perfect for large tables.

20. Blues Kitchen – Camden

Live music, Southern BBQ classics, and a lively Camden setting built for groups.
The Blues Kitchen is one of Camden’s most iconic venues. Groups come for slow-cooked meats, sharing platters, and a buzzing bar that often features live bands. The large tables and late-night energy make it a top choice for North London group dining.

21. Megan’s – Battersea/Clapham

Mediterranean-inspired comfort food in a relaxed, group-friendly setting.
Megan’s has become a South London staple, with sites in Battersea and Clapham Old Town. Groups enjoy sharing mezze, grilled mains, and affordable wines. The vibe is casual and welcoming, making it a strong pick for birthday dinners or team nights out without breaking the bank.

22. Little Yellow Door – Notting Hill

A supper club-style restaurant that feels like a quirky house party.
The Little Yellow Door is designed to look and feel like a friend’s living room. Groups come for playful décor, sharing menus, and a lively, informal atmosphere. It is especially popular with younger crowds celebrating birthdays or casual nights out.

Unique and Quirky Group Dining in London

Sometimes a group night out needs more than good food. These unusual venues make the experience as memorable as the meal. Great for birthday parties, work socials, and unforgettable nights out in London.

23. Barge East – Hackney Wick

A converted canal boat serving modern British food, great for groups who want something different.
The boat is cosy inside, with a deck that shines in summer. Groups share long tables and seasonal menus built around local produce. It is one of East London’s most original dining backdrops.

24. Dans Le Noir? – Clerkenwell

Dining in total darkness for a sensory experience unlike any other.
Dans Le Noir? is famous for its pitch-black dining room, where groups are guided by visually impaired staff. The food is creative, but the focus is on the experience and conversation. It works best for adventurous groups looking for a shared memory.

25. Cahoots – Soho

A 1940s-themed cocktail bar with immersive décor and lively group energy.
Cahoots is built around the feel of a post-war underground station. Groups come for cocktails, light bites, and plenty of atmosphere. It’s not the spot for a formal sit-down dinner, but it works well for fun gatherings and parties.

26. The Tent at the End of the Universe – Fitzrovia

A moody, immersive fine-dining restaurant with an artistic edge.
This Fitzrovia spot combines bold interiors with creative tasting menus. Groups who want something unusual book here for the sense of drama. The space is intimate, so it works best for smaller groups that want a high-impact experience.

27. Punk Royale – Mayfair

A wild, avant-garde dining experience where the night feels part theatre, part party.
Punk Royale is not for the faint-hearted. Groups are served a progression of playful dishes in a high-energy setting that blends fine dining with performance art. It is a one-of-a-kind choice for groups who want to push the boundaries of a night out. Expect to pay around £220 per person for the full experience, including drinks.

Prices mentioned are indicative and correct at time of writing. Always confirm directly with the restaurant when booking.

Why London is Perfect for Group Dining

London is built for group dining. The city’s mix of cuisines, venues, and neighbourhoods means there is always a setting that fits the occasion. Office teams often book private dining rooms for focus and formality, while friends look for lively spaces with sharing menus. 

Families value casual restaurants that keep costs predictable, and birthday groups often choose quirky venues to make the night feel special. Whatever the reason, London restaurants are experienced at handling large tables and know how to keep the service smooth.

Editor’s Picks: Best Group Dining Spots

If you only remember five names from this list, make them these. Here are our top recommendations for different needs.

• Best budget option: Tayyabs
  
  

• Best private dining rooms: The Ned
  
  

• Best for central location: ’O Ver St James
  
  

• Best quirky experience: Punk Royale
  
  

• Best all-rounder: Dishoom Covent Garden

FAQs on Group Dining in London

Where can I host a large group dinner in London?

Many restaurants offer private rooms for groups of 15–50. Good options include The Ned, Smith & Wollensky, and Brunswick House.

What is the cheapest way to book group dining in London?

BYOB curry houses like Tayyabs, casual mezze spots such as Persepolis, and pizza restaurants like Pizza East are some of the most affordable group dining choices.

What counts as a large group in restaurants?

Most London restaurants treat bookings of 8 or more as group dining. Private dining rooms typically start at 10–12 guests.

Do London restaurants charge for private dining rooms?

Some charge a room hire fee, while others work on a minimum spend basis. Always ask in advance to confirm the policy.

Where can I find unique group dining experiences in London?

Try Barge East (a converted canal boat), Dans Le Noir? (dining in darkness), or Punk Royale (immersive fine dining theatre).

How far in advance should I book group dining in London?

For popular venues in central London, aim for 3–4 weeks ahead. Around Christmas or peak summer weekends, book 2–3 months in advance.

What are the best group dining restaurants in London for 20 guests?

Many London restaurants can comfortably host large groups of 20 guests or more. Options like Dishoom Covent Garden, Hawksmoor Seven Dials, and Barge East are especially popular for bigger parties.

Bringing People Together in London

London makes group dining simple and memorable, whether you are planning a budget-friendly night out, a polished business dinner, or something quirky to remember. With options across every neighbourhood and price point, there is always a restaurant ready to welcome a crowd. From affordable group dining spots to high-end private rooms, London makes it easy to find the right venue for your celebration.

Book ahead, pick the right venue for your group, and enjoy one of the city’s most social dining experiences.

Looking for pre-show dining options? Explore our guide to pre-theatre dinner in London. Want a taste before you book? View the ’O Ver St James food menu.