The holiday season is upon us! Yes, we are already thinking about what phenomenal places we will be dining and dishing at ahead of the upcoming Halloween festivities.
If you are left perplexed over which restaurants to eat at then look no further because we are here to help! Take a look at 5 wonderful spots worth checking out in the upcoming weeks and beyond.
Aquavit (65 East 55th Street, NYC, 212-307-7311, www.aquavit.org)
Located in the heart of midtown, two Michelin star restaurant Aquavit offers two private dining rooms perfect for intimate yet socially distant holiday gatherings. There are two spaces to choose from: The Linné Salon and Nobel Room, both located beyond the bar and lounge and featuring their own dedicated kitchen. The former space can seat up to 85 people; the latter seats up to 35. The Scandinavian aesthetic of the restaurant provides the perfect backdrop for a variety of events. Guests can enjoy banquet menus by Chef Emma Bengtsson highlighting the restaurant’s seafood-driven Scandinavian fare.
Chef’s Dinner Table (132 Mulberry St, 5th Floor, NYC, 212-431-3468, www.chefsdinnertablenyc.com)
Chef’s Dinner Table (CDT) is a culinary salon tucked away in Manhattan’s Little Italy neighborhood that’s perfect for gastronomically-inclined parties. CDT has welcomed celebrities such as Martha Stewart, Busy Philipps, and Blake Lively, who shot her Vogue “73 Questions” segment in its fully-equipped chef’s kitchen. Food-world darlings such as restaurateur Bobby Flay, Geoffrey Zakarian (Iron Chef, Chopped, Food Network), Top Chef contestants Gail Simmons, Tiffany Derry and Carla Hall CDT have also frequented the venue. CDT is especially ideal for the growing micro-weddings trend. Celebrated Chef David Kirschner is a collaborator at DCT, though guests can bring their own chef — or even take the helm in the kitchen if they so choose. Up to 14 can be accommodated for seated affairs with a maximum of 20 persons in the space based on current city regulations.
Lucciola (621 Amsterdam Ave, NYC, 347-536-1335, www.lucciolanyc.com)
Want privacy? Why not host dinner in a bubble? Available for one party a day (to allow for proper disinfection) Lucciola boasts the instagrammable Alvantor bubble tent, a stylish 15×15 clear, waterproof and wind-resistant little sanctuary. Located on their patio, the tent features excellent warmth retention and can comfortably seat up to 8 guests (minimum of 4). While there, try the two-course prix-fixe menu by Chef Michele Casadei Massari. For $119 per person, it includes urbani truffles from Alba, Italy, and is paired with Prunotto wine by Antinori. To reserve the bubble call (347) 536-1335.
15 East@Tocqueville (1 East 15th Street, NYC, 212-647-1515, www.tocquevillerestaurant.com)
Recently, the two iconic Union Square restaurants — 15 East and Tocqueville — merged. From modest and intimate to grand and elaborate, 15 East @ Tocqueville will meet anyone’s private dining expectations. The mezzanine skybox hosts up to 10 diners in luxury, including a private powder room, zoned music, and dedicated climate control. For private dining, the restaurant offers American-French fare and Japanese cuisine, paired with a vast wine menu featuring old world wines and a large selection of champagne.
Socarrat Paella Bar (Locations in Chelsea, Midtown East and Nolita, www.socarratnyc.com)
Classic Spanish dishes are meant to bring people together and with three locations in NYC, Socarrat Paella Bar offers extraordinary options for meetings, rehearsal dinners and other special events. Socarrat’s Midtown East location offers the option of a charming balcony that can seat up to 10 people, or a private dining room for up to 16. The Chelsea outpost can accommodate dinner for up to 40 people in its Andalusian-inspired backyard. An indoor communal table can also accommodate 10. Socarrat Nolita offers seating for up to 10 people in its private room. For all parties of 10 or more, the restaurant offers several family-style menus; menu choices are pre-selected by the guest prior to dining and portioned to the size of the party. Guests can inquire via phone (917) 656-8939, email [email protected]; or on their online form.