Becca Knows Best: Private Dining Destinations for Every Occasion

You can always trust the Becca team with a recommendation. For this second dispatch of “Becca Knows Best” (read the first one here), the bi-coastal team dishes on where to go when it comes to group dining and hosting private events.

This handy guide matches venues with a Prosek occasion, from intimate team dinners to networking cocktail hours. But whether you’re a Prosekian or just need a great spot to network and nosh, this list has got you covered!

The Occasion: You’re Going “Out-Out” to Celebrate

The Spot: Chinese Tuxedo (NYC – Chinatown)

For a venue steeped in history, Chinese Tuxedo’s Moon Room draws from the mysticism of the lunar calendar to create a moody setting for celebration and ceremony. Tucked behind the main bar of the restaurant, itself a lovingly restored Chinese opera house from the late 19th century, this private dining room transports guests through a circular “moon door” entrance, a traditional doorway decorated with Chinese characters that bless the space and its occupants. With views of Chinatown’s historic Doyers Street and an evocative menu of reimagined traditional Chinese banquet dishes and inventive cocktails, Chinese Tuxedo’s stylish atmosphere sets the tone for a memorable and unexpected evening. The space can accommodate groups between eight to 28 people.

The Occasion: You’re Hosting a Heavy-Hitter

The spot: The Polo Bar (NYC – Midtown)

Planning an event for a major client? Surpass all expectations by securing the Equestrian Room at Ralph Lauren’s The Polo Bar, an exclusive New York classic that is constantly in high demand. Accommodating up to 16 guests, the Equestrian Room has all the finishings to be expected of Ralph Lauren, including warm wood paneling, an array of equestrian paintings, and pintucked leather seating. Hidden behind the main dining room and supported by a dedicated and discreet team, the space is ideal for catering to high profile figures looking for a moment of privacy, glamor and fantastic food. Pro tip: plan a Polo Bar breakfast or lunch—both of which are only offered for private events.

The Occasion: You’re Planning a Large-Scale Event

The Spot: Le Bernardin (NYC – Midtown)

Take your next press presentation to new heights with the finest dining that New York has to offer. At Eric Ripert’s Le Bernardin, the private dining space Privé is comprised of two elegant salons that can be combined to host events for up to 150 people seated. Enclosed in etched glass with wood coffered ceilings, the rooms reflect the understated luxury of Le Bernardin to a tee. The sophisticated space is fully equipped with multimedia capabilities, Wi-Fi and an integrated audio-visual system; and it’s even accessible through a private entrance. In such a setting, guests can enjoy exquisite canapes, a perfectly coursed menu, and even an edible parting gift for an extra sweet finish. With seamless Michelin-starred service to complement, Le Bernardin Privé sets a new bar in harnessing the power of hospitality to create a memorable impact.

The Occasion: You’re Looking to Meet and Mingle 

The Spot: Crossroads (LA – Melrose)

Bring soul to your next networking event, whether that be for prospective clients or exploring new media connections. The plant-based pioneer Crossroads Kitchen has two private dining options that both set a welcoming tone for a get-to-know-you gathering. If the vision is for a larger scale cocktail hour, its wine room accommodates 75 standing guests who can enjoy a menu of beverages and passed hors d’oeuvres. If you’re veering towards offering both drinks and dinner, the room can also accommodate 40 guests seated for a family style meal. For smaller groups, the private dining room comfortably fits 10-20 people in an intimate yet dramatic space, complete with an arched, old-world plaster ceiling, antique mirrored walls, and an extravagant chandelier hanging overhead. Its plant-based menu of classic dishes, such as stuffed zucchini blossoms and tagliatelle bolognese, are sure to be crowd pleasers for all.

The Occasion: You’re Seeking to Impress with Culinary Cachet

The Spot: Damian (LA – Art District)

For entertaining (and impressing) clients who are already up on the cultural pulse, there’s Damian. From the celebrated chefs Enrique Olvera and Santiago Perez, Damian is a contemporary Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles’ Art District that consistently hits the mark with its creative menu that celebrates both the seasonal ingredients of the West Coast and Mexican culture. Helmed by James Beard Award semifinalist chef Jesus “Chuy” Cervantes, Damian offers group diners a family-style set menu of its signature dishes, such as dry aged branzino and chayote, which will not only impress your guests but have them coming back for more. Its private dining area retains the charm and convivial atmosphere of the main dining room; simply closed off by curtains, it accommodates up to 11 guests. For groups of 15-20 guests, the restaurant’s outdoor patio makes the most of the Californian climate.

The Occasion: You’re Eager to Show that You’re ‘In the Know’ of New Hotspots

The Spot: Papa San (NYC – Hudson Yards)

Papa San is the newly opened Nikkei-style izakaya from the partners behind Llama Inn and Llama San, Juan Correa and chef Erik Ramirez, located in The Spiral, a dynamic skyscraper designed by Bjarke Ingels Group in Hudson Yards. A showcase of Erik’s groundbreaking blend of Peruvian cuisine and global flavors, Papa San also offers a daring cocktail program from the team behind Buenos Aires-based Tres Monos (#7 on World’s 50 Best Bars 2024). Perched above the restaurant’s main dining space is a private dining room with seating for up to 20 guests. A spiral staircase (a nod to the building’s namesake) leads up to the intimate aerie from the restaurant’s bar, which is ideal for welcome receptions. The restaurant can also fit up to 250 for a standing reception for lunch, dinner or cocktails.