From tables for two to private rooms for a party—for every type of palate and budget.
When you're in New York City, there's no shortage of places to dine out for a celebratory meal. In fact, the sheer scale of options can make planning a birthday dinner feel downright overwhelming: With nearly 24,000 establishments across the five boroughs, how could you possibly choose?
Consider this curated collection of the best restaurants for birthday dinners in NYC your cheat sheet: No matter your taste, budget, or the size of your group, there's a place just perfect for you in the mix.
Our list includes posh three-Michelin-starred restaurants for a milestone birthday when money is no object (looking at you, Per Se), as well as more down-to-earth spaces that exude energy alongside live music (Al Coro, Jalao NYC)—and even places where you can bring the whole family (Don Angie).
There's a spot for every type of cuisine you're craving: Japanese, French, Italian, Turkish, Mexican, American, and more. And there's something for every diet, from steakhouses (Smith & Wollensky, Vinyl Steakhouse) to restaurants noted for their elevated vegetarian fare (like Eleven Madison Square Park).
These birthday party-friendly restaurants also offer everything from romantic tables for two to semi-private dining areas, fully private dining rooms, or lounge spaces when the celebration calls for a big group.
Here, your guide to finding the perfect restaurant to make that special day even more spectacular.
1
Peasant Wine Bar
This NoLita destination, led by Chef Marc Forgione, offers seasonal Italian fare in a cozy and rustic setting. For a birthday, reserve a whole pig roast for a minimum of six guests, or take over the wine bar (up to 30 people) with its own entrance for complete privacy.
2
Al Coro
This two-Michelin-starred space is all about fine dining in a lively, celebratory atmosphere, with live R&B music every night and an expansive bar in the middle.
3
Ernesto's
This celebrated Basque restaurant has scooped up tons of new-restaurant accolades—plus a Michelin bib—and is a festive choice for a birthday meal, with Spanish-inspired seasonal-driven dishes.
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4
Koi
Koi at the Bryant Park Hotel is a beloved standby for a celebration dinner with signature Japanese dishes, creative co*cktails, and a sexy, dimly lit atmosphere.
5
Vinyl Steakhouse
This isn't just an ordinary steakhouse: It vibes with the energy of the 2,500-sleeve vinyl record collection that adorns the walls.
6
Bad Roman
This playful new Italian restaurant from Quality Branded has a vibrant design, with orange banquettes and greenery hanging from wood-coffered ceilings and views of Central Park from floor-to-ceiling windows. The menu is playful (think: pepperoni cups with ranch dipping sauce and a famous lobster pasta served int he shell)—plus, there are two private dining rooms for birthday dinners.
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7
Piggyback
Midtown's Piggyback offers standout Southeast Asian cuisine in a casual space that's ideal for groups, with a semi-private dining space that can seat as many as 20 or a large private event space for 100.
8
Aquavit
This two-Michelin-starred Scandinavian eatery is sleek and chic for an ultra-sophisticated birthday dinner with a Nordic tasting menu.
9
Azul
Hotel Hugo's rooftop space has an old Havana vibe, with outdoor entertainment, slushy co*cktails, and a menu of street tacos and housemade guacamole.
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10
Corkbuzz
This wine-centric restaurant is perfect for a celebratory meal with pairings. Or celebrate with copious bubbly, thanks to the venue's well-known Champagne Campaign, through which all bubbly bottles are offered at retail price.
11
Le Pavillon
Daniel Boulud's Le Pavillon offers seasonal, locally sourced ingredients from the land and sea—plus Michelin-star cachet. For a birthday dinner, book the semi-private garden table tucked amid verdant greenery.
12
The Beekman
As part of the hotel group's "A Taste of Thompson Dinner Parties" offerings, you can book a birthday dinner package for 10 to 20 at The Beekman. The experience includes a four-course menu carefully curated by Tom Colicchio, plus a selection of Champagne, in the property's Turret Penthouse. Booking includes sommelier service and personalized menus to take home. (Contact the property directly to book.)
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13
Salon de Ning
Offering skyline views from The Peninsula New York, this chic rooftop venue offers two outdoor terraces, as well as an indoor bar. Lounge seating areas allow for relaxed bites and sips amid the Instagram-friendly backdrop.
14
Kyu
NoHo's Asian-inspired eatery has a lively vibe for a birthday dinner, with family-style dishes and an inclusive menu for vegetarians and vegans. (You might also see a celeb or two.)
15
Don Angie
This West Village eatery dishes up classic red-sauce cooking—with a Michelin-starred twist. Celebrate a birthday with the family here (outdoor cabins are private and perfect for an occasion).
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16
Fouquet's Brasserie
Located in the sister hotel to the iconic Champs-Élysées location, this restaurant offers a classic menu from three Michelin-starred Chef Pierre Gagnaire. The elegant space has Art Deco details, chandeliers, and plush red leather upholstery. For birthday groups, there's a private dining area.
17
Zuma
Offering modern Japanese cuisine with a twist, Midtown's Zuma boasts an interactive dining experience with six private dining and event spaces, a second-floor bar, and a tucked-away lounge area. To cap off a birthday dinner, order Zuma's deluxe dessert platter with an array of sweets, served with seasonal and exotic fruits, ice creams, and sorbets.
18
Loulou
This Chelsea restaurant is an ideal birthday spot with outdoor seating. Part French bistro (the dining room), part speakeasy (accessed through a vintage Coca-Cola machine), the restaurant offers hearty classics, like steak frites, alongside handcrafted co*cktails.
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19
Manhatta
The skyline view from this 60th-floor restaurant makes for a spectacular birthday celebration backdrop—day or night. Creative co*cktails and an expansive wine list complement the French-inspired menu.
20
Everdene
The new Virgin Hotel's sprawling dining and drinking venue takes up the whole third floor of the hotel with craft co*cktails, music programming, terrace daybeds, and more.
Alesandra Dubin
Contributing Writer
Alesandra is a digital travel and lifestyle journalist based in Los Angeles whose work has appeared in Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Prevention, Insider, Glamour, Shondaland, AFAR, Parents, TODAY and countless other online and print outlets. Alesandra has a masters degree in journalism with an emphasis on cultural reporting and criticism from NYU, and a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley. An avid traveler, she trots the globe with her husband and their twins.
