Top Ten Rehearsal Dinner Restaurants in NYC
There’s so many amazing private dining rooms in NYC. Almost too many that google really isn’t helpful in finding the right options. So, we’ve decided to list some of our favorite rehearsal dinner restaurants in New York City. Take a look below!
To say we’re obsessed with the Tin Building and Pier 17 is an understatement. Its like Eataly meets Vegas meets Harrods. There’s tons of private dining options here, from Malibu Farm, to the Fulton, to House of the Red Pearl…and even more private dining spaces where the Jean Georges team caters with a perfect backdrop of NYC.
Okay, okay…maybe you’re sick of us talking about Shun Lee but we’re obsessed, (rightfully so)! NYC’s dining scene would be nothing without Shun Lee - the inventor of General Tso’s chicken! If you’re having a traditional wedding reception, shake things up a bit by having a traditional New York City chinese dinner with peking duck, lo mein, etc. With spaces for 100 people, its the perfect place for a larger private dining room.
Honestly, there’s not too many private dining spaces like Locanda Verde’s Tribeca PDR. We love it because its spacious, warm and the food is top notch. Its kind of the perfect menu pre-wedding - it’ll probably be different than the menu you offer at your wedding and its a bucket list NYC restaurant so its the perfect add-on to your wedding weekend…guests will be impressed! Just make sure to include the sheep’s milk ricotta!
I feel like there’s not many restaurants like Rule of Thirds - first, the Japanese menu is fun for a crowd - but most significantly - the space is huge by our city’s standards. I love family style for a rehearsal dinner since weddings most typically are plated (not always). And the menu here is perfect for sharing and getting to know your neighbors before the big day. Two words. Fried Chicken.
Sadelle’s is NYC classic - whether you choose to go with salmon and caviar or Sadelles x Carbone and indulge your guests in one of NYC’s most coveted menus the night before your wedding. The space is lovely and in one of the best neighborhoods, Soho, so you can take some cute cobblestone street shots beforehand without having to go to another neighborhood. You’re here for the food, though, don’t forget!
Amali’s location is perfect if you have the bulk of your guests staying in Columbus Circle / Central Park South (Think Park Lane, The Pierre, The Mandarin Oriental, The Plaza, JW Marriott Essex House, 1Hotel, or the Ritz Carlton). There’s so many hotels nearby, and venues (Tavern on the Green, all the hotels I just listed, Rainbow Room, 620 Loft & Garden) so if your wedding is in the area, Amali is the perfect spot for rehearsal. There’s two private spaces depending on your size, and the family style, Mediterranean menu is perfect for a rehearsal.
Arte Cafe is an Upper West Side classic - it's big and bustling and there’s multiple spaces that can be made private. There’s a pretty enclosed garden with attached cocktail space that’s great for larger dinners (50 - 100 ppl). The menu is Italian and also family-style usually. Think - salads, pizzas, tuna tartare, pastas, meats - actually my last dinner there had the perfect menu (I think) - Tuna Tartare, Arancini, Caprese and Caesar to start, Two pasta dishes Chicken Piccata and Eggplant Parm for mains.
Gran Morsi is always on my referral list for rehearsal dinners. Its a great space, can accommodate a bigger group, and its another perfect family-style dining option downtown. Its become sort of my fall back option honestly - simple and easy to book. The food is great, service is great, its not too cramped or fussy, and good for all generations.
If you want an impressive dining experience for your rehearsal dinner, go to Crown Shy. The private dining rooms are on the smaller side, (dining rooms ranging from 15 - 50 person capacity), but the menu and space are incredibly impressive. It's formal and special, and probably one of the coolest restaurants in NYC at the moment. And if you don’t go for your rehearsal, make a date night reservation asap.
Balaboosta has a gorgeous private dining room for up to 20 people and if your group is closer to 50, you can do a buyout of the entire restaurant. The food and drinks here are amazing (and I’m not just saying that because I used to work for the owners)! From the fried olives, to the ceviche and bamba cauliflower, the menu is so unique but so classic that its almost too good to be true.
There’s so many great private dining options in NYC - from hotels, to restaurants and venues. It was hard just to pick ten. If it helps, go with convenience for your rehearsal dinner - lots of people are just getting into town and won’t have time to check into hotels and then get to dinner. Good food, good vibes and convenience are key!
Photos taken directly from vendor’s websites or social media (linked within article)