Business Dinner in NYC: Top 10 Restaurants for Professional Meetings

A dinner out is a great opportunity to strengthen relationships, discuss strategy, or close a major deal. Selecting the right restaurant is just as crucial as the conversation itself. You need a venue that offers more than just great food — it should be neither too formal nor too relaxed and provide a comfortable atmosphere and impeccable service, among other important features.

If you’re about to host a business dinner in New York, read on. This article rounds up the best restaurants for business dinners in NYC and provides helpful tips on organizing an ideal business evening, so let’s delve in.

What to Look for in a Business Dinner Spot

When choosing a spot for a business dinner in NYC, there are a few key things to consider:

• Quiet atmosphere. You don’t want to strain to hear each other over loud noise, be it music or chatter, so the best option is a restaurant with a private dining room where you can have a conversation without distractions.
• Convenient location. Ideally, pick a place that is located in the city center or is easily accessible. Proximity to offices, hotels, or transportation hubs is always a plus — that way, no one will be stuck in traffic or scrambling for directions.
• High quality of food. Undoubtedly, the quality of the food speaks volumes — it demonstrates your standards and the importance you give to the meeting.
• Flexible menu. Choose a restaurant offering a diverse menu that caters to various dietary preferences and restrictions.
• Professional service. Service can make or break the entire dining experience, so choose an establishment that has favorable reviews highlighting its attentive waitstaff.
• Ambiance that matches the occasion. Look for an atmosphere that strikes a balance between formal and relaxed, a sophisticated place that will make your guests feel at ease.
• Good wine list. A great wine list can impress your guests, so make sure the restaurant offers a variety of options.

Featured Business Dinner Restaurants in NYC

Oda House

Oda House, with a private dining space for up to 25 guests, and the option to merge rooms to accommodate up to 50 guests, rightfully deserves a reputation as one of the best business dinner restaurants in NYC. Its elegant but not too formal interior and professional waitstaff create the right atmosphere for a business event.

Located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, the restaurant serves a wide variety of Georgian dishes, from traditional stews, grilled meats, and vibrant salads to their signature khachapuri and khinkali. Oda House is also a great choice if you’re looking to amaze your guests with an exciting selection of wines — the restaurant sources wines from Georgian vineyards to complement its authentic menu.

Importantly, Oda House offers vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, so everyone can indulge in delicious Georgian cooking regardless of their diet limitations and preferences.

Discover the ideal setting for your next private dining at Oda House.

Union Square Cafe

Union Square Cafe is a stylish destination in Gramercy Park, a Manhattan neighborhood known for its historic charm and upscale dining. Established in 1985, the restaurant excels in New American cuisine with notable Italian influences.

Its menu features a variety of dishes, including handmade pasta, creative salads, and grilled specialties. Union Square Cafe boasts an exceptional selection of sparkling wines, whites, reds, and champagnes. The venue offers a private dining room that can accommodate up to 40 guests and a semi-private alcove for up to 10 people.

The Grill

As its name already suggests, The Grill specializes in grilled meats, spanning honey mustard duckling, young chicken, ham steak with pickled pineapple, lamb chops with mint jelly, venison steak, and everything in between. The restaurant also serves grilled tuna, salmon, oysters, clam, and other types of fish and seafood, ensuring a comprehensive selection for all tastes.

If you decide to book The Grill for a business dinner, you can choose between their two private rooms — the Salon and the Gallery — which can accommodate up to 15 and 22 guests, respectively.

Keens Steakhouse

Keens Steakhouse, located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, is an iconic venue that blends history and exceptional cuisine, making it another ideal setting for business dinners. Founded in 1885, the restaurant exudes old-world charm, with dark wood paneling, leather seats, and a ceiling adorned with thousands of antique clay pipes.

The menu focuses on classic American steakhouse fare, featuring prime cuts of beef, lamb chops, and seafood options, complemented by an exciting choice of wines and beers. Keens offers four private dining spaces, accommodating 20 to 80 guests.

Marea

Marea is a high-end restaurant at the southern edge of Central Park, celebrated for its authentic coastal Italian cuisine. The restaurant offers a stunning choice of antipasti, pasta, and risotto, fresh seafood and truffle options, gourmet fish and meat dishes, and delectable Italian desserts.

Marea features a diverse selection of sparkling wines, whites, reds, and champagnes from renowned regions worldwide, as well as a creative cocktail menu. For business gatherings, this venue provides two private dining rooms accommodating 24 and 30 guests and a semi-private space for up to 35 people.

Cosme

If you’re in search of a business dinner-appropriate venue that serves vibrant and zesty Mexican fare, Cosme in New York City’s Flatiron District could be your ideal option. The restaurant serves contemporary cuisine rooted in Mexican flavors and traditions, with a beverage program that mirrors the cuisine, focusing on artisanal spirits and sourcing inspiration from Mexican culture. Cosme provides a private dining room for up to 16 guests.

Gramercy Tavern

A popular spot in the Flatiron District, just a short walk from Union Square, Gramercy Tavern is an excellent choice for hosting a business dinner in Manhattan. The establishment presents top-notch seasonal cuisine, with a menu featuring a curated choice of elegant dishes with rustic influences, which is complemented by an amazing selection of wines, ciders, and champagnes.

Contemporary American cuisine, warm hospitality, and first-class service make Gramercy Tavern one of the best business restaurants in NYC. You are welcome to reserve their private dining room that can seat up to 22 guests around a single stately table.

Carbone

Carbone is a stylish venue in the heart of Greenwich Village, inspired by the great Italian-American restaurants of the mid-20th century, where delicious, well-prepared food was served in classy yet relaxed settings.

A rich variety of flavorful Italian dishes is complemented by a gorgeous selection of wines from around the world. Carbone features two semi-private spaces, Back Room and Front Room, which can accommodate 50 and 30 guests, respectively.

Le Bernardin

If you’re looking to treat your guests to sophisticated French cuisine, Le Bernardin could be your best choice. Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the restaurant serves the freshest seafood with the simple philosophy that the fish should be the star of the plate. Besides its exceptional seafood offerings, Le Bernardin is renowned for its vegetarian Périgord truffle menu and luxurious desserts.

The restaurant’s cellar features an impressive range of wines from Burgundy, Rhône, Austria, and Germany, as well as a 15,000-bottle global collection, including vintages that date back to 1875.

For business dinners, the establishment offers Les Salons Bernardin, a private space one level above the restaurant that is accessible by a separate entrance. It can host between two and sixty guests and can be subdivided to accommodate different seating plans for various group sizes.

COTE Korean Steakhouse

Another great venue for business dinners in the Flatiron District, COTE is the only Michelin-starred Korean Steakhouse in the US. The restaurant combines the social vibe of Korean barbecue with the features of a classic American steakhouse, resulting in a unique atmosphere enhanced by the premium-quality beef, an award-winning 1,200+ label wine list, and a splendid choice of classic-but-creative cocktails. For private dining, COTE offers a subterranean speakeasy, Undercote, which can seat up to 24 guests.

Benefits of Hosting Business Dinners at Top NYC Restaurants

The top NYC restaurants boast an impeccable reputation for their food, beverage programs, and service, which is key to a memorable dining experience. In addition, the best business dinner NYC venues on our list offer elegant private and semi-private spaces that create a comfortable environment for discussions. These restaurants provide everything you need to impress clients or partners, showcasing your professional attitude and excellent taste.

Plan Your Business Dinner

Whether you’re meeting with clients, partners, or colleagues, the right preparation can leave a lasting positive impression. Here are some steps to help you plan a successful business dinner.

• Define the purpose of the dinner. Are you building relationships, closing a deal, or celebrating a milestone? The purpose of the event should guide its tone and structure.
• Choose the venue. Pick a restaurant that aligns with the dinner’s purpose. Look for a place with a quiet atmosphere, professional service, and a diverse menu.
• Schedule a convenient date and time. Business dinners typically take place on weekdays, starting around 6.30 or 7.00 p.m. Make sure the date works for everyone.
• Send out invitations. Send invitations via email or phone, specifying the time, date, location, and any special instructions, such as the dress code or parking information.
• Plan the menu in advance. Consult with the restaurant to ensure a balanced selection of appetizers, main courses, and desserts. Also, remember to check with the guests about their dietary preferences or restrictions in advance and communicate these to the restaurant early so all needs are met.
• Handle the bill discreetly. If you’re hosting, take care of the bill without drawing attention. Speak with the restaurant staff beforehand to arrange payment so it doesn’t interrupt the flow of the evening.
• Be prepared for small talks. Business dinners aren’t just about business — have some topics up your sleeve to break the ice and discuss while enjoying the dessert (social media research is sometimes helpful).
• Don’t forget about follow-up messages. Add to your planner to compose and send follow-up messages thanking your guests for their time and conversation. The best time to do this is the next morning (or the next Monday if the dinner takes place on a Friday). In your follow-up message, you can also reiterate important points discussed during the evening.