Best Group Dining Restaurants in Upper East Side-Yorkville
30 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
A-Jiao
Sichuan restaurant where dim sum-style dumplings meet serious chili heat.
Notable Picks
#1
A-Jiao
8.7
A-Jiao is a Sichuan-focused Yorkville restaurant where chili-oil heat, numbing peppercorns, and a long list of dumplings anchor sit-down dinners. Dim sum-style bites like steamed shrimp dumplings and mini pork buns share space with bolder mains, making it the most dialed-in option in 10128 when you want real spice with your dumplings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steamed Shrimp Dumplings, Sichuan Pork Dumplings with chili-garlic soy, Steamed Mini Pork Buns
What Makes it Special: Sichuan restaurant where dim sum-style dumplings meet serious chili heat.
#2
Siena Cafe
8.5
Siena Cafe is a casual-elegant Italian spot on 3rd Avenue where house-made pastas, cocktails, and a full dinner-and-brunch menu make it a neighborhood go-to. The Lasagna Classico leans into rich beef ragù, fresh mozzarella, and grandma-style layering, backed by a large, recent review base across delivery apps and dine-in platforms.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna Classico, Rigatoni alla Vodka with Burrata, Shrimp Scampi over House-Made Spaghetti
What Makes it Special: High-volume Upper East Side Italian where a beefy, mozzarella-heavy lasagna anchors a big pasta and cocktail program.
#3
Nick's Pizza
8.4
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Quick Bites Champions
Since 2002, Nick's has operated as a family-run Yorkville institution best known for thin-crust pies but quietly turning out substantial baked lasagna from the same oven. With well over a thousand multi-platform reviews and a full bar, it works as both a neighborhood pizza stop and a sit-down red-sauce Italian for families and groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oven-Baked Meat Lasagna, Thin-Crust Margherita Pizza, Chicken Parmigiana
What Makes it Special: Long-running Upper East Side pizza institution where the same oven that chars thin-crust pies bakes a hearty, shareable lasagna.
#4
The Penrose
8.4
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
A high-energy Yorkville gastropub that’s most reliable in the oysters-and-burger lane, with a menu built to satisfy both bar hangs and full meals. The best experience comes from ordering like a regular: one cold starter, one comfort-forward main, and a smart drink pairing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Penrose Burger, Oysters, Nachos
What Makes it Special: Big-room Yorkville pub energy with a proven burger-and-raw-bar rhythm.
#5
La Voglia
8.4
La Voglia is an elegant Italian restaurant where dim lighting, plush banquettes, and a polished bar lean naturally romantic. It’s the move for couples who want lobster agnolotti, serious wine, and a room that feels special without tipping into formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Agnolotti, Porcini and Mascarpone Risotto, Tiramisu
What Makes it Special: Modern Italian cooking and polished service in a low-lit room that reads like a neighborhood special-occasion standby.
#6
Ooki Sushi
8.4
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Quick Bites Champions
Trendy Table Hotspots
Ooki Sushi is a long-running Yorkville standby pairing a clubby, dimly lit dining room with a sprawling sushi menu and full bar. Locals use it for dependable rolls, sashimi platters, and sake or cocktails, especially at lunch and early dinners when the neighborhood crowd packs the booths.
Must-Try Dishes:
Red Snapper Ceviche, O-Toro Tataki, Yellowtail Jalapeño Roll
What Makes it Special: A high-volume neighborhood sushi workhorse with a full bar and expansive menu.
8.3
LaRustica Pizza sits on Lexington Avenue just north of 92nd Street, pairing crisp-crust pies and creative toppings with hours that stretch into the night. Locals lean on it for delivery-friendly specialty pizzas and slices when they want something more dialed-in than a bare-bones corner shop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margarita Pie, Mike's Hot Honey Pepperoni Pie, Hell’s Kitchen Pie
What Makes it Special: A creative, delivery-focused pizzeria with loaded specialty pies and reliable late-night hours.
#8
Flex Mussels
8.3
Flex Mussels is a relaxed Upper East Side staple known for hearty mussels steamed in flavorful broths and locally beloved happy hour deals. The inviting space and reliable execution keep both locals and visitors returning. Service is friendly, and the menu offers accessible seafood favorites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic White Wine Mussels, Parma Mussels, Oysters on the Half Shell
What Makes it Special: Generous pots of mussels with varied broths and great happy hour energy.
8.2
A Yorkville Irish pub where wings are the point, not a side quest—crispy, sauced-to-order, and built for repeat visits during games or late nights. The best move is to stay disciplined: wings first, then one supporting pub-food item if you still need it.
Must-Try Dishes:
Famous Wings (Hot), BBQ Wings, Buffalo Chicken Fingers
What Makes it Special: A wings-forward Irish pub where hot wings headline the menu.
#10
Pascalou
8.2
Pascalou is a cozy Madison Avenue bistro where classic French onion soup, duck, and Mediterranean-leaning specials are served in a small, art-lined room. Regulars treat it as a neighborhood dining room for date nights, quiet celebrations, and prix fixe evenings that feel personal rather than polished.
Must-Try Dishes:
French onion soup with gruyere, Duck breast with cherry sauce, Crème brûlée
What Makes it Special: Intimate French bistro from longtime chef-owners where onion soup and duck feel old-New-York French.
8.2
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Hidden Gems Heaven
A Sichuan-leaning neighborhood favorite where the best plates hit that clean, spicy balance—numbing heat, savory depth, and enough freshness to keep you eating. It’s at its best when you commit to a focused Sichuan order instead of mixing in too many Americanized classics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dan Dan Noodles, Peking Duck, Kung Pao Chicken
What Makes it Special: Sichuan spice discipline that rewards a focused, heat-forward order.
#12
Delizia 92
8.2
Delizia 92 operates as a hybrid pizzeria and red-sauce Italian spot, with a counter up front and a more traditional dining room for parm platters, pastas, and big family meals. Decades of neighborhood traffic and a huge takeout business make it one of Yorkville’s most relied-on Italian addresses.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Parmigiana, Grandma Thin Sicilian Crust Pizza, Chicken Parmigiana Hero
What Makes it Special: Long-running Yorkville spot where pizza slices share billing with serious parms and pastas.
8.1
Opened in 2024 behind the long-running Fillmore Deli, Fillmore Backroom operates as a K-pub-style bar serving Korean fried chicken, seafood pancakes, and deli-inspired plates alongside soju and sake-forward cocktails. The room mixes rock-and-roll memorabilia with low lighting, making it feel more like a neighborhood bar than a formal restaurant. It works best for small groups who want to graze on shared plates while drinking rather than sit through a structured meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Korean fried chicken wings, Seafood pancake, Wasabi burger with fries
What Makes it Special: Backroom K-pub inside a classic deli serving Korean fried chicken, soju cocktails, and late-night snacks.
8.1
Korali Estiatorio is a whitewashed Greek dining room opened in 2015 that leans into whole fish, mezze, and grilled meats in a setting meant for slower, more polished dinners. It’s the move when you want a proper sit-down Mediterranean meal on the Upper East Side with a real wine list and table service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Octopus, Lamb Chops / Paidakia, Horiatiki Salad
What Makes it Special: Upscale Greek spot focused on whole fish, grilled chops, and polished service.
8.1
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Instagram Worthy Wonders
A cozy, old-school Yorkville townhouse vibe that’s especially strong for private gatherings when you want a slower, more intimate pace. It shines in afternoon-tea mode—finger sandwiches, scones, and sweets—where the experience feels built for conversation. Private room energy here is warm and personal rather than flashy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Afternoon Tea Box, Finger Sandwiches, Warm Dark Belgian Chocolate Ganache Torte
What Makes it Special: A townhouse-style room that suits private tea parties and intimate events.
#16
Felice 83
8.1
A Tuscan-leaning neighborhood room that can work for a slower, more ‘meal’ style brunch when you want pasta energy and a polished setting. Order like a regular—one signature starter, one main lane—and you’ll avoid the occasional menu drift that shows up when a table tries to do everything.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ricotta toast with figs and honey, Cacio e pepe, Tiramisu
What Makes it Special: A wine-and-Italian classics room that turns brunch into a real meal.
#17
Bocado Cafe
8
Bocado Cafe is a corner Upper East Side spot that leans European café by day and wine-friendly bistro by night, with a long brunch menu that runs from omelettes to pastas. It’s the move when you want a sit-down brunch with larger groups and don’t mind spending a bit more for the room and location.
Must-Try Dishes:
French Toast, Egg White Chef's Omelette, Mushroom Pappardelle
What Makes it Special: Large, corner café-bistro with an expansive brunch and wine list.
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Comfort Food Classics
Hidden Gems Heaven
An old-school Yorkville German institution that’s ideal for group celebrations: hearty plates, a lively bar, and a menu that rewards committing to the classics. If it’s a birthday-style night, order family-style with one shank platter plus schnitzel to cover the table.
Must-Try Dishes:
Schweinshaxe (Pork Shank), Wiener Schnitzel, Sauerbraten
What Makes it Special: A century-plus Yorkville German anchor built for big meals.
#19
Saperavi UES
8
Saperavi brings a Georgian wine bar and kitchen to 2nd Avenue, with khachapuri, khinkali, and amber wines served in a softly lit space that works surprisingly well for adventurous date nights. Sharing big bread-and-cheese pies and dumplings feels interactive without being fussy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Adjaruli Khachapuri, Beef Khinkali, Chicken Tabaka
What Makes it Special: Khachapuri, khinkali, and a deep Georgian wine list turn dinner into a share-everything experience that’s both cozy and a little different for the neighborhood.
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
The Red Grill is a casual Yorkville Mexican spot that leans on fajitas, enchiladas, and shareable nachos, serving a steady stream of neighborhood families and groups. It’s more about reliable portions and all-day hours than polish, with a menu that can easily cover both dine-in and delivery cravings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cali Nachos, Carne Asada Fajitas, Churros with Chocolate Fudge
What Makes it Special: An everyday Mexican option where nachos, fajitas, and churros anchor an extensive, family-friendly menu.
Worthy Picks
7.9
A sleek kosher restaurant that works for business lunch when you need a polished setting and straightforward, protein-forward plates. It’s best approached with a simple grill-and-sides order that keeps the meal efficient and meeting-friendly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Kebab, Mixed Grill Kebab Combo, Beef Kebab
What Makes it Special: A kosher, polished room that stays professional for lunch meetings.
7.9
Isohama is an old-guard Upper East Side Japanese restaurant that has served Yorkville for nearly two decades with sushi, sashimi, and warm noodle dishes. It functions as a dependable neighborhood option for maki, combo platters, and bento-style meals in a no-frills, slightly dated room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sushi and Sashimi Combo, Rainbow Roll, Manhattan Roll
What Makes it Special: Long-running neighborhood Japanese spot balancing classic rolls, sushi combos, and hot dishes.
#23
The Supply House
7.9
Vibes:
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Happy Hour Hotspots
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
A beer-forward neighborhood tavern that wins with straightforward comfort dishes and an easygoing bar-and-booth flow. Order in the classics lane—fried chicken sandwich, chili, mac—and it feels like the kind of place you can return to without overthinking it.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken Sandwich, Chili, Mac and Cheese
What Makes it Special: Beer-first Yorkville tavern with comfort-food staples done reliably.
#24
Sushi Para
7.9
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
A high-traffic option built around value and volume, with a broad menu that makes it easy to assemble a full sushi night without overthinking it. The strongest experience comes from focusing on a few reliable standards and one cooked item, rather than trying to “sample everything.”
Must-Try Dishes:
Sushi boat, Ika yaki (grilled squid), Sashimi lunch special
What Makes it Special: Value-forward sushi with a big-menu, group-friendly setup.
#25
Gaf East
7.8
Gaf East is a low-lit Irish-leaning pub where darts, jukebox playlists, and strong pours carry the night until 4am. The compact bar menu leans on burgers and wings for fuel, making it more of a drinks-first late-night hang that still has enough food to qualify as a post-shift stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
House pub burger, Buffalo wings, Loaded fries
What Makes it Special: Classic neighborhood pub where drinks, darts, and sports keep the room full until closing.
#26
Wok 88
7.8
Wok 88 is a full-service Chinese restaurant with a bar where Peking-style ribs, barbecued ribs, and boneless ribs headline a large, family-friendly menu. It’s the move when you want plates of ribs at a sit-down table rather than takeout containers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Peking Spare Ribs, Barbecued Spare Ribs (5), Boneless Spare Ribs
What Makes it Special: Long-running 3rd Avenue Chinese restaurant where multiple rib preparations and big combo platters meet a full bar.
7.7
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
An all-you-can-eat-driven sushi spot where rolls are the main event and the winning strategy is discipline, not volume. Treat it like a curated AYCE run—pick a few repeatable rolls, add one or two nigiri staples, and stop while everything still tastes fresh and sharp.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy salmon roll, Eel avocado roll, Tuna roll
What Makes it Special: AYCE sushi that rewards a focused, repeatable roll strategy.
7.7
A classic Yorkville pub built around old-school neighborhood energy, big pours, and dependable bar-food comfort. It’s best approached as a wings-and-a-pint spot where the food supports the hang, not the other way around.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wings, Shepherd's pie, Burger
What Makes it Special: A long-running Yorkville pub where the room’s the main attraction.
#29
The District
7.7
The District is a 3rd Avenue pub where burgers, fried appetizers, and draft beers run alongside a steady sports-bar crowd until late. With a big drink menu and a surprisingly broad food lineup, it works best for groups that want a full night out without leaving the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
House burger, Buffalo wings, Nachos platter
What Makes it Special: Lively avenue pub with a full kitchen, long bar, and TVs that keep food and drinks flowing late.
#30
Tacos & Tequila
7.5
Tacos & Tequila is a small, mostly sidewalk-seating spot built around tacos, sizzling fajitas, and oversized margaritas. It closes around 10 p.m. but functions as a de facto late-night taco patio on warm evenings, especially when happy hour rolls into a casual, tequila-heavy dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas tacos, Tinga tacos, Grilled beef quesadilla
What Makes it Special: Sidewalk-focused taco bar known for strong margaritas and flexible outdoor seating.