Love, Melissa
Being located in New York City as a boutique wedding photographer means I get to see some super unique areas of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, and all of upstate New York. I’m so grateful that this job allows me to see some truly incredible places, and work with some super talented individuals. I put together a list of the Best NYC Restaurant Wedding Venues.
I’ve had the privilege of working at most of these venues before, and I can’t wait to get the opportunity to explore some new spaces. Choosing a location for your wedding will likely be one of the first big decisions you make while planning. It is also likely to make the biggest dent in your budget. Picking a venue among so many iconic places can be difficult, but I’m here to help!
A perk of having your wedding at a restaurant, to sum up: food is the easiest part of the day. You’re in luck if you love the food at the restaurant and if it’s a beautiful venue. Additionally, this eliminates the hassle of bringing in a caterer and any restrictions that may bring up. On the other hand, you can also use a restaurant as your rehearsal dinner space. Not every restaurant will be able to accommodate your wedding reception size or needs, so be sure to look into plenty of options. Some of my favorite restaurant NYC wedding venues are below (in no particular order).
Best NYC Restaurant Wedding Venues
- Bryant Park Grill
Unquestionably one of my favorite venues in NYC! Bryant Park Grill is cozily situated behind the New York Public Library. The park also serves as a stunning backdrop for all events. They can accommodate large parties in their dining room, rooftop and garden, which of course has a heated tent in the winter. If you’re not hosting your wedding here, just go for the food experience. Everything is delicious, plus you can spend your day in the park afterward!
Bryant Park Grill Wedding Venue
Capacity: Up to 275-1500 guests
Neighborhood: Bryant Park, Manhattan
Address: 25 W 40th St., New York, NY 10018
Contact: Contact form
2. River Cafe
A beautiful waterfront restaurant wedding venue is the River Café. It is nestled in DUMBO on the Manhattan skyline. Not only is it a Michelin-starred restaurant, but also is a perfect wedding venue, especially for more intimate affairs. It’s complete with a beautiful garden, unbeatable views, and delicious food. A classic, intimate NYC dining experience that is sure to wow your guests.
The River Café Brooklyn Wedding Venue
Capacity: 100
Neighborhood: DUMBO, Brooklyn
Address: 1 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
Contact: privateevents@rivercafe.com
3. Cathédrale Restaurant
Another on my list of best restaurant wedding venues in NYC is Cathédrale restaurant. You’ll find it inside the Moxy hotel in the East Village, which in and of itself is an equally amazing location. With a carefully curated menu, Chef Jason Hall adds his own unique twist on classic French-Mediterranean cuisine that paints a picture of the coastal cuisine of Southern France, with brushstrokes of Italy, Spain, and Greece in a rather staggering setting. I recommend having a post-ceremony drink or maybe even cocktail hour at the bar while the reception space is finished being set up. I’ve only been here once, but that’s all it took for me to want to come back ASAP.
Cathédrale Restaurant
Capacity: 400 standing
Neighborhood: East Village
Address: 112 East 11th St New York, NY 10003
Contact: Contact form
4. MyMoon Brooklyn
This Williamsburg restaurant is a stunningly renovated 19th-century boiler room – exposed brick, reclaimed wooden floors, twenty-foot ceilings, and an enviable private garden. MyMoon is undoubtedly a perfect and versatile venue to host an intimate gathering or a larger, more extravagant reception. Above all, MyMoon is a beautiful, unique venue with amazing food. Another thing: who doesn’t love Brooklyn?
Capacity: 120+
Neighborhood: Williamsburg
Address: 184 N 10th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Contact: Contact Form
5. Brooklyn Winery
I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about Brooklyn Winery. In just a short while, a new location will be opening up in Williamsburg! This (new) modern, industrial space will feature chic accents and lush backdrops, like their signature living plant wall, as well as the winery production space and barrel room. Above all, it’s a full service venue with an extremely dedicated events staff. You’ll be in good hands here.
Capacity: 175
Neighborhood: Williamsburg
Address: 61 Guernsey St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Contact: Contact Form
6. Sunday in Brooklyn
I love discovering new, unique places for weddings; Sunday in Brooklyn is an amazing place. Since they are equipped with a variety of unique event options, Sunday In Brooklyn is available for large party bookings and full restaurant buyouts. Not only can they host an intimate, seated private dining experience, but they also can hold receptions throughout the space. Additionally, consider having cocktails on their stunning roof-top garden.
Sunday in Brooklyn Wedding Venue
Capacity: 200 max
Neighborhood: Williamsburg
Address: 348 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Contact: Contact form
7. Brandy Library
Brandy Library is located in Tribeca, and is altogether such a fun space. It’s perfect for more intimate events, and can accommodate 70 guests on the top floor and 40 on the bottom floor. There is no room rental fee, rather a minimum spending fee. Furthermore, all of the (delicious) food is made in-house with super fresh ingredients, plus you get to learn about brandy! It’s a warm, cozy space perfect for a micro-wedding or afterparty.
Capacity: 70
Neighborhood: Tribeca
Address: 25 N Moore Street New York, NY 10013
Contact: info@brandylibrary.com
8. Il Buco
For those having a smaller wedding , I cannot recommend Il Buco enough. The downstairs private dining area is a charming wine cellar, fitted with ladders to reach the very top shelves. Moreover, the staff couldn’t be more welcoming, and the food is incredible and innovative. It has medieval dungeon meets underground club in NYC vibes, which to me is a perfect combo overall. I know you’ll fall in love with this space.
Capacity: 20 in the wine cellar
Neighborhood: NoHo/Bowery
Address: 47 Bond St, New York, NY 10012
Contact: events@ilbuco.com
9. Tavern on the Green
What’s more New York than a wedding venue in Central Park? Tavern on the Green is nestled just inside Central Park and is a historic landmark restaurant like no other. This NYC restaurant wedding venue invites its guests to celebrate the spirit of New York all while being a warm, welcoming, personal place. Plus, I’m pretty sure there’s a checkerboard dance floor.
Tavern on the Green Central Park
Capacity: Up to 550
Neighborhood: Central Park
Address: 67th Street & Central Park West, New York, NY 10023
Contact: Contact form
10. Frankies 457 Spuntino
Frankies is one of those restaurants where the second you enter, you feel all warm and fuzzy. I had the privilege of both dining and working here, and trust me when I say this is a perfect place for a Brooklyn wedding. Their event space includes the iconic Frankies Gardens as well as the Stable, making it ideal for weddings. Their next-door neighbor and sister restaurant Franks Wine Bar boasts an idyllic tavern atmosphere and two gorgeous dining areas that are exceptionally suited for indoor gatherings. Frankies regularly caters events at a number of New York’s most in-demand venues, including Brooklyn Grange, Pioneer Works, 501 Union, The Green Building, The Bordone LIC, and 26 Bridge. Make your next dinner (or event) resy at Frankie, you won’t regret it.
Frankies 457 Spuntino
Capacity: Up to 100
Neighborhood: Carroll Gardens
Address: 457 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
11. Radio Star
Radio Star in Greenpoint, Brooklyn is one of the coolest (and tastiest) NYC restaurant wedding venues I’ve worked at. It is a relatively new space, and part of the Glasserie Events family. It is located in Transmitter Park, and is an homage to the radio era of the 1940s — hence the name, Radio Star. Even the fixtures and furniture of Radio Star are original from the time period.
Radio Star
Capacity: Up to 150
Neighborhood: Greenpoint
Address: 13 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
12. Celestine
Celestine opened its doors in October 2017. The goal with this space was for it to be special enough for a birthday, anniversary, or event, but still cozy enough for a weeknight bite or a glass of wine. At Celestine, the staff strives to make every person who comes through their doors feel comfortable in our space. Equal parts unique and accessible, anyone is welcome at Celestine. Though I’ve never been here, just browsing through their menu has me thinking I should book a table.
Capacity: Up to 80 guests
Neighborhood: DUMBO
Address: 1 John St., Brooklyn, NY 11201
Contact: Contact form
13. Scarpetta
The name of this restaurant is derived from the Italian expression “fare la scarpetta,” which means to savor a meal until the very last bite. Essentially, if you’re the kind of person who uses their bread to soak up all the remaining red sauce, this is the place for you. Scarpetta is conveniently located at the James Hotel in NoMad, offering a true full-service wedding weekend, with room blocks, rehearsal dinner & reception space, and even an option for a morning-after brunch.
Scarpetta
Capacity: Up to 180 guests
Neighborhood: NoMad
Address: 88 Madison Avenue at the James Hotel Nomad, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Inquiry form
14. Bar Primi
Bar Primi has two locations and is a casual Italian pasta shop, and they pride themselves on making pasta the traditional way. Their wine is also straight from Italy, so you know it’s the good stuff. Every second of dining here feels so authentically Italian, while still being the perfect balance of chic and cozy. If you’re in the neighborhood and curious about Bar Primi hosting your wedding, I recommend going in for a quick bite and letting the food do the talking.
Capacity: Up to 175
Neighborhood: Bowery
Location: 325 Bowery, New York, NY 10003
Contact: Inquiry form
15. Union Square Cafe
Union Square Cafe is a neighborhood restaurant founded in the 80s, and remains one of New York’s most essential restaurants. The experience you’ll have here is one centered around warmth, comfort, celebration, and hospitality. The upstairs dining room is perfect for smaller gatherings, but you also have the option of reserving the entire restaurant. Either way, you’re in for a fabulous night here.
Capacity: Up to 200
Neighborhood: Union Square
Location: 101 E 19th St., New York, NY 10003Contact: Contact form
