Restaurant recommendation for Large Family group
 

Having a family dinner in mid town Manhattan . Likey to be 16 of us including two toddlers. Looking for an early 4 or 5pm reservation on a Sunday. Embarassed to say I work in the city and am coming up blank because of the size of the group. Have been focusing on Italian or Steak places due to varied group. Any suggestions?

Carmines serves family style, the food is good, and I think they even take reservations online... seems perfect for a large group!!! There are two locations in midtown manhattan.

you've obviously never been to carmine's :)

to the PP =- - price point? when is this happening?

Are you looking for a separate room? Or to be accommodated in the regular restaurant - hard with a group that large. Also - for so many, they may require a deposit up front.

Agree that a budget would help.

And I assume you want someplace casuale - due to the kids and the very early for for dinner (many places that are open serve only brunch until 3 or 4pm).

mztery, I might add "I guess YOU'VE never been to Carmines with a group looking for a fun dinner". It seems to suit exactly what the OP is asking. If they specify world class dining or a group of foodies in tow, then of course not. Is that what we're looking for here?

The place excels at serving that many people and making it happen effectively. They may even suggest platters to serve the group and the price point becomes little short of amazing for the quantity and quality of the food served.

I agree with nytraveler that it is normally hard for a regular restaurant to accomodate a group that large -- but not Carmine's. It's actually what they do best of all.
Is it a favorite of mine or a place I'd ever go to with just one or two people? Absolutely not. But if looking for decent food and effective service at a pretty moderate price for a group of 16 I honestly can't think of a better option. Can anyone?

About Carmine's: it is certainly not my favorite - decent red sauce Italian. But it does make sense for a group - that will appreciate the overly large portions and not be bothered by the rather hectic atmosphere. Also, a place where those with small kids don;t need worry that they won;t be ewlcome.

But I'm willing to make other suggestions if you give a budget.

Carmine's is not a favorite of mine either (it is SOOOO loud) but it does sound like exactly what you need. Tony di Napoli is a similar type place (family Italian) and might be worth comparing. I've heard the steak at Carmine's is actually very good. Landmarc in the Time Warner building is another idea.

Hee Hee. mclaurie, you're right. Why do you think Carmine's is so loud? Because there are always so many large groups having so much fun there! Groups having fun tend to be loud.

The eggplant is pretty good also...sliced thin and piled high... sorry mztery... sfuzi(fun food) seems to win the popular vote!!!!

Don't know if this would work but Tony diNapoli also has a small dining room downstairs usually booked for groups.

While I cannot comment on Carmine's, thought Tony's food was outstanding. Well presented and good service too. This was
in Times Sq & other resto is uptown.

Hi-- Another option and one in my opinion is superior to Carmines (but in that "category" is Pomodoro on Columbus and 71st. As decent italian food as I've found (for very extensive italian menu with great "red sauce" and seafood dishes). They take reservations for large groups. Great location and easy to get to--
I live near Tony's east side location and while its fun and lively, I've never loved the food.
The minute they bring you the endless garlic foccacia basket at Pomodoro you're hooked. Always very crowded but friendly lovely service.

Carmine's also has a big open room, that might not be conducive for people for people speaking to one another.

How about the Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station? They have some dishes for the fussy and it is a beautiful tiled room.

A bit more expensive is Bar Americain but a pleasant place for a gathering.

THis is for next Sunday (20th) and in Zagat terms 30-40pp sounds right. Private room would be great especailly since we have toddlers and the parents are the types that actually don't want the kids to run wild and ruin other diners meals.

Um, you're not going to find any restaurants where toddlers are allowed to run wild - except perhaps Chuck E Cheese or similar. Anybody with toddlers is expected to keep them under control.

When reserving suggest you ask if the restaurants have booster seats - most don't - and that will tell you if small kids are welcome.

I am not looking for the kids to run wild - notice I said their parents are the type that don't go for ruining other people's meals....

Compass has perfect separate room and good prices. West side 70th west of Broadway. Very nice restaurant.

Beacon on W. 56th Street has a nice area down a few steps off the main dining room - really good American "wood-fired" grill cuisine that would work for you - lovely atmosphere, very family friendly. Might be a bit more but they have a Sunday supper special dinner menu at $42 per person for 3 courses - really good food
http://www.beaconnyc.com/