While some restaurants simply aren't cut out for large gatherings, these restaurants will embrace you with open arms. From quirky private hire locations to banquet-style tables, great for families or big friend groups combined, our carefully selected locations are sure to cater to your occasion (often hosting menus exclusively for larger bookings). Take the guesswork out because we've got you covered with our guide to group dining in Manchester.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 14th November 2025
Located in the bustling Ancoats district, Canto is a perfect spot for groups seeking a relaxed yet stylish dining experience.
With a menu inspired by Portuguese and Mediterranean flavours, you can share a variety of small plates in a lively setting. The open kitchen adds theatre to your meal, while the curated drinks list - featuring Portuguese wines and classic cocktails - keeps the celebrations flowing for gatherings big and small.
Not only is the Foundry Project one of the Northern Quarter's most stylish eateries, but it also offers two private areas that are perfect for larger groups of up to 30. Its central location, excellent bar menu and kitchen bursting with American-inspired eats are sure to satisfy most, with a downstairs cocktail bar if you're looking for drinks after.
Looking for the best restaurants in Manchester for groups? Fronting a bar, dining space and theatre spread across three floors, there's no better destination for your group than Impossible. The immersive night life and hidden gin palace here are second to none.
Looking for the ideal group dining spot in Manchester? El Gato Negro offers a spacious, multi-level venue on King Street, perfect for sharing tapas with friends or colleagues. From lively cocktails at the ground-floor bar to full tapas feasts by the open kitchen upstairs, plus a stylish rooftop terrace for drinks and mingling, this restaurant delivers bold Spanish flavours and an energetic atmosphere that makes any group gathering special.
After good places for large groups to eat in Manchester? Hosting a party? Have it at Piccolino for an Italian dinner with friends in a stylish venue. Enjoy a menu of meaty and vegan-friendly eats, from mushroom and vegetable ragu to king prawn linguine and pizzas with truffle cream and courgettes.
After group bookings at Manchester bars? You might see The Alchemist as a watering hole that's ideal for up to 12 guests, but did you know it also whips up a range of internationally inspired food too? Think bao buns, pork bonbons and burgers, with lashings of theatrical cocktails to boot.
For party restaurants, look no further than BLVD. Inspired by the happening late-night spots of LA, New York and Miami, this dining den offers up an international food menu topped off with a whole host of live entertainment.
With its gorgeous interiors and contemporary feel, Banyan is one of the best bars for large groups in Manchester. Its ample drinks selection offers 2 for 1 cocktails all week, while the diverse food menu is sure to please vegans, veggies and omnivores alike.
Found in the Spinningfields area, Banyan is a top shout for a chilled meal and cocktails with mates. If their 2 for 1 drinks offers aren't enough to tempt you, then check out their delicious eats like halloumi skewers, deluxe burgers and spicy curries, finishing up with an indulgent chocolate orange brownie.
Fronting the chef's table private dining room, James Martin Restaurant is a sophisticated, adults-only eatery serving affordable tasting menus and an ever-changing offering of seasonal British fare. To top it off? Those suave, vintage interiors.
The light and airy open-plan layout of BAB is perfect for holding group bookings, complete with top-notch nosh and a great atmosphere. The menu here is ideal for sharing too (or stealing entirely), thanks to a selection of kebabs, mezze and salads. There's even a basement cocktail bar for when the sun goes down...
Whether you hit up their brunch social, complete with bottomless pizza and a bottle of bubbles each, or make a large group booking for high-tech darts, there's plenty to keep you refreshed at Flight Club for when you're looking for a group meal with a difference. Topping it off? A £10 lunch deal on weekdays.
Mowgli Corn Exchange is a pretty restaurant decorated in fairy lights and hanging ropes. As for the food, prepare to be blown away by authentic Indian eats from gunpowder chicken and lamb with turmeric chips, to tea-steeped chickpeas and paneer curries.
After this historic banking hall's gorgeous refurb, there's no better place to book a group meal than Browns Brasserie & Bar. It boasts a private dining room for up to 14 people, with bottomless brunch and tasty British meals all available to wolf down.
Need affordable restaurants for big groups in Manchester? Look no further than Slug and Lettuce's Spinningfields, Didsbury, Deansgate and Piccadilly branches.
There's a range of sharing cocktails, such as pornstar martini trees, to accompany your meal of margherita arancini, BBQ jackfruit tacos or burgers.
A spacious venue that's ideal for groups of all sizes, TGI Fridays is the relaxed American restaurant that offers something for everyone. Located in the Trafford Centre, this casual destination is slinging out US-style eats and two-for-one cocktails all day long.
Munch your way through a menu of mac 'n' cheese bites, Cajun chicken pasta and glazed beef burgers, followed by one of their Instagram-worthy ice cream sundaes.
How about kicking your group dining up a notch with a fun activity? Point Blank Shooting offer hearty American-inspired eats or serve bottomless brunch on Sundays, with high-tech simulation shooting and cocktails to get stuck into as well.
The tastiest street food restaurant, where the food is pretty much to die for, Thaikhun is a piece of Thai paradise in the heart of Manny. With several venues across the UK, the menu features firm favourites such as the classic Khao Soi Gai soup and the new and unusual, like their crispy deep-fried honey pork. Decked out in traditional Thai decor, complete with tuk-tuk tables and boat seats all around, go on as a big group and enjoy a guilt-free all-you-can-eat buffet.
Large group bookings in Manchester are covered at Yard & Coop. There's a big bench to seat up to 12, where you can tuck into ginger lickin' chicken across wings, burgers, kebabs and more - all smothered in a variety of sauces.
For semi-private dining or whole restaurant hire, look no further than the swish space at Peter Street Kitchen. You'll be tucking into their mix of Japanese and Mediterranean small plates, as well as grabbing plenty of sake-laced cocktails from behind the gorgeous bar.
On the hunt for one of the best restaurants for large groups in Manchester? Riva Blu is happy to host, with a range of carefully curated menus of Italian fare and a whole bunch of delicious drinks, including cocktails and wine.
This spacious venue is perfect for big groups, thanks to an abundance of tables and a pretty interior filled with greenery and natural light. Located close to Piccadilly Gardens, this casual spot is slinging out all sorts of scrumptious Italian eats.
Their extensive menu promises something for everyone, with classic and signature cocktails from £7.95 to kick things off. As for the mains, expect the likes of burrata carbonara, aubergine parmigiana ravioli and prawn piccante pizzas.
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just want to get the whole gang together, The Oast House is simply perfect for group dining. Make your way over to scoff down dishes like grilled seabass on Romesco sauce while listening to live music.
If bars for large groups that also serve crackin' food are what you're after, Doghouse is a great shout. Think burgers, wings and vegan grub, ready to be washed down with your favourite craft beer.
The Cosy Club was built for group get-togethers. Whether it's a reunion with your uni mates or a big family Sunday brunch, the sprawling dining room makes it easy to grab a table for everyone.
Their sharing-friendly menus, from forest mushroom arancini starters to maple-roasted squash mains, guarantee a table full of smiles (and empty plates).
Ideal for groups of all sizes, Flat Iron's Manchester outpost is a spacious, two storey restaurant inside a beautifully restored Grade II-listed building. You'll find this place on Deansgate, fronting an industrial aesthetic that features original parquet flooring and brickwork.
Their simple but delicious menu centres their signature flat iron steak, which costs only £15. You can pair this with the likes of roasted aubergine, homemade beef dripping chips and truffled macaroni cheese, alongside £9 cocktails.
If your idea of Manchester Instagram restaurants for groups include beautiful cocktails, impressive small plates and late-night party vibes, then this Salford spot has your name written all over it. From birthday dinners to nights out, Menagerie has you sorted.
Complete with long tables to suit larger groups, Maray is a welcoming Eastern Mediterranean restaurant found in Spinningfields. The stylish interior features raw concrete walls, lots of greenery and framed artwork adding a pop of colour to the space.
Their affordable menu is designed to be shared, with favourites including crispy sea bass with sprouting broccoli, rump steak with bearnaise aioli or back garlic braised carrots. They also offer a set lunch menu, including one mezze and two plates for only £19.95.
Gaucho's impressive space and grand decor make it an excellent spot for group private dining in Manchester city centre. It also gets props for offering a diverse selection of group menus, ranging from classic to signature and sharing, so you can customise to your party's needs.
