Private dining in Boston has never been hotter. Food lovers around the world are taking notice of this city upon a hill. Beyond the red-brick Freedom Trail and various other landmarks steeped in history, you’ll find a thriving and innovative dining scene.
PartySlate sat down with some of Boston’s top event planners for insider tips on where to host a food-forward fête. With an eye for both room configuration and menu curation, event planners know what to look for — and the best spots to find it.
Wedding planner Phoebe Allen of AE Events tells us that private dining celebrations are perfect for “the people who want to prioritize their menu and atmosphere.” She adds, “Restaurants have already worked really hard to create their environment. These types of spaces already come with beautiful rentals. You don’t have to bring in things like lighting, for example.”
Additionally, a private dining space creates an intimate feel. “It’s sort of like hosting a dinner party in your home instead of renting out an entire event space,” Allen tells us.
From French menus to quintessential New England cuisine, these 19 restaurants with private rooms in Boston (or full-restaurant buyouts) offer a feast worth celebrating. Book your private dining event now to impress your close friends, clients, or employees.
Top Picks From Top Planners
*In no particular order…
For a Venetian-inspired repast…
Taking inspiration from Venetian baracos, SRV (Serene Republic of Venice), brings a modern interpretation to traditional Italian cuisine.
“SRV would be a top favorite from an event planner’s perspective,” Phoebe Allen of AE Events shares. “They have an amazing dining room that opens up onto a beautiful patio. We have had rehearsal dinners here and everyone loves the space. However, the patio even hosts wedding ceremonies.”
Allen continues, “SRV is homemade Italian food done right. Think of all homemade pasta, just the way you want it.”
SRV Boston Private Dining Room Capacity: up to 65 guests; Full-Restaurant Buyout Capacity: up to 200 guests
For delectable Mediterranean cuisine in a sophisticated venue…
“A long-running Back Bay classic, Mistral offers high-end French-Mediterranean cuisine with excellent service,” Ty Kuppig of TYGER | Event Design + Production explains. The in-house team works with each client to create a customized celebration with an extensive wine list and broad menu.
“The private dining space, Le Salon du Mistral, is one of our favorite spots for private events,” Kuppig shares. “Offering plentiful space for up to 50 guests for cocktails and dinner with a private bar, fireplace and tasteful, understated ambiance — it’s ready to be elevated with our signature decor, florals and lighting.”
Mistral Bistro Private Dining Room Capacity: up to 60 guests
3. Bar Lyon – Permanently Closed

For a taste of Lyon in South End Boston…
Phoebe Allen of AE Events describes Bar Lyon as a “traditional French restaurant with just the perfect vibe.” Bar Lyon models itself on “the bouchon,” a classic Lyonnaise restaurant. The traditional menu features classics such as coq au vin and cervelle de canut.
With a cozy ambiance complete with candlelight, Bar Lyon is perfect for intimate celebrations. An open kitchen allows guests to watch the art of the meal in action — as they mingle and enjoy wines from the Beaujolais region and the Côtes du Rhône region just outside of Lyon.
Bar Lyon Private Dining Capacity: up to 50 guests
For a lush rooftop bar inspired by an old-world European resort town..
Perched atop the luxurious Newbury Boston, Contessa wows with dramatic views of Back Bay and the Boston Public Garden. This “garden in the sky” features retractable glass panels for elegant al fresco dining.
“It’s chic, colorful yet elegant, has the best views in the city, and the food is beyond delicious,” Sara Kovel of Sara Kovel Events shares.
For intimate celebrations, Phoebe Allen of AE Events recommends the private dining room. “It used to be a room for the general manager before the hotel got redone. The room fits around 25 guests, and the food is outstanding.”
Contessa Private Dining Room Capacity: up to 25 guests
For a Cuban-inspired setting where grand meets edgy…
Situated inside a former bank, Mariel brings a pre-revolutionary Havana vibe to this architecturally-grand setting with graffiti-accented walls, unique murals, and a curated rum bottle collection.
“Mariel is lavish, sexy, and lively. A nod to pre-revolutionary Havana, there isn’t another spot like this in Boston,” Sarah Kovel of Sara Kovel Events shares.
Mariel Full-Restaurant Buyout Capacity: up to 200 guests
For a food-forward celebration…
Kava Neo-Taverna’s minimalist design serves a purpose. Here, the food speaks for itself. With most ingredients flown in directly from the Mediterranean, guests can enjoy everything from a rotating selection of seafood to rare Greek wines and liquors.
“My personal favorite would have to be Kava, a Greek restaurant on the corner of Union Park Street in the South End,” Phoebe Allen of AE Events confirms. “It has a prime location and truly the best Greek food you have ever had.”
Kava Neo-Taverna Capacity: call venue for further information
For stunning harbor views and farm-to-table cuisine…
“Located in the Seaport, Boston’s newest neighborhood, Woods Hill Pier 4 offers impeccable farm-to-table cuisine and seafood,” Ty Kuppig of TYGER | Event Design + Production tells us. Their sustainably-sourced ingredients come directly from The Farm at Woods Hill, ensuring the freshest dishes for guests.
“For a unique experience, we love the restaurant’s clear, dome-shaped igloos that are available to rent during colder months. Offering a private experience for small groups, the igloos are perfect for decorating to heighten the sense of celebration and pique the interest of passersby.”
Woods Hill Pier 4 Private Dining Room Capacity: up to 18 guests; Full-Restaurant Buyout Capacity: up to 200 guests
For a premier location…
This third restaurant from Chef Michael Serpa takes inspiration for its menu from the seafood restaurants of Portugal and Spain. In addition to the coastal-inspired cocktails, guests will love the dining room’s soaring windows that overlook the city.
“Atlántico is a really cool place right on the water with views of the Big Dig bridge,” Phoebe Allen of AE Events confirms.
Atlántico Private Dining Room Capacity: call venue for further information
For a one-of-a-kind atmosphere…
Coquette is a stylish Boston restaurant that puts as much emphasis on ambiance as its menu. “We had our holiday party at Coquette,” Phoebe Allen of AE Events tells us. “They have a beautifully-decorated private dining room. You don’t need to bring in extraneous decorations or rentals.”
Guests can look forward to pastel murals, Instagram-worthy floral arrangements, and custom-made Murano glass chandeliers. Renaissance-style artwork mixes with Pop-art details for a one-of-a-kind aesthetic for your private dining celebration.
Coquette Private Dining Room Capacity: call venue for further information
For the perfect wine pairing…
Located in South End’s Ink Block Neighborhood, Bar Mezzana wows with seasonal offerings, warm hospitality, and a sleek ambiance.
“Bar Mezzana is a full buyout,” Phoebe Allen of AE Events tells us.” They have wonderful Italian and American cuisine and do an incredible job with the wine menu.”
Bar Mezzana Full-Restaurant Buyout Capacity: up to 120 guests
For a space your friends haven’t seen yet…
“Yvonne’s has an awesome downstairs separate private room that you can rent out,” Phoebe Allen of AE Events tells us. “You walk in through a bookshelf so it’s very secretive and unique.” This private space, known as The Gallery, pairs playful décor with an award-winning menu.
Yvonne’s also features another private dining space with vintage appeal. Expect hand-clipped Calacatta marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and an original Santo Domingo mahogany bar with intricately hand-carved wood.
Yvonne’s Private Dining Room Capacity: call venue for further information
For innovative cuisine…
This globally-inspired tapas restaurant and raw bar features an innovative menu as well as outdoor seating for a summer bash.
“Little Donkey is a restaurant in Cambridge that we did a half-buy out of over the pandemic, Phoebe Allen of AE Events tells us.” “They were extremely accommodating. Their food is also very interesting.” She especially recommends the cookie dough dessert dish.
Little Donkey Private Dining Room Capacity: up to 25 guests
Additional Recommendations From PartySlate
For a trendy Japanese-style tavern with vibrant décor…
Hojoko specializes in everything from robata grilling to craft sake; private event hosts can choose from seated family-style dinners, sushi stations, or passed hor d’oeuvres — with ample room to host everything from a karaoke night to a full-on rock show
See how PartySlate’s Boston Launch Party utilized marquee signage to welcome guests before embarking on a lively event with street-style inspired design, custom cocktails, and a PartySlate branded conveyer belt
Hojoko Full-Restaurant Buyout Capacity: up to 237 guests
For a personalized celebration with an elegant industrial vibe…
Guests will love the reclaimed barn board walls and tables as well as hand-blown glass light fixtures; we also appreciate how a two-way fireplace adds warmth and intimacy to the spacious venue
Catalyst Restaurant Private Dining Room Capacity: up to 200 guests; Full-Restaurant Buyout Capacity: up to 500 guests
For a globally-inspired, colorful urban garden…
Publico Street Bistro & Garden takes its inspiration from local public markets. With globally-inspired fare sourced from local farms and small production wines, guests will savor their dining experience
Publico Street Bistro & Garden Private Dining Room Capacity: up to 16 guests; Full-Restaurant Buyout Capacity: call venue for further information
For a classic steakhouse and elegant ambiance…
Grill 23 & Bar is proud to be one of Boston’s first classic steakhouses; guests can look forward to enjoying Grill 23’s collection of fine cigars and a tableside humidor presentation for an after-dinner indulgence
Grill 23 & Bar Private Dining Room Capacity: 8 private rooms for up to 140 guests
For an intimate celebration with classic New England appeal…
Located along a cobblestone pathway, Harvest boasts a private garden café with fireside dining and lush florals; while The Brattle Room combines dark woods, deep blues, and amber lighting for a dreamy seaside setting
Harvest Private Dining Room Capacity: 3 private rooms for up to 100 guests
For a coastal Mediterranean menu with New England sensibilities…
Porto Boston’s spacious patio is perfect for a cocktail reception with open-sky views and abundant greenery; the private dining room is visually stunning with its glittering light installation and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto the patio
Porto Boston Private Dining Room Capacity: up to 60 guests
For modern fine dining in a luxe environment…
Menton’s Chef Barbara Lynch, the only female in the United States to hold the title of Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux, offers a modern interpretation of fine dining with an approachable menu and rare vintages with small-grower Champagnes
- Menton Private Dining Room Capacity: up to 65 guests; Main Dining Room Capacity: up to 100 guests
Our Panel of Top Boston Event Planners
Phoebe Allen, Creative Lead and Event Manager at AE Events
We love how AE Events, a full-service event-planning company, makes party planning look easy. Clients appreciate their ability to manage the minute details — all while keeping an eye on the big picture.
Sara Kovel, Founder & Creative Director at Sara Kovel Events
We love how this team manages every aspect of perfecting your event. Sara Kovel Events can create unique and beautiful celebrations — all while taking the stress out of the planning process.
Ty Kuppig, Founder & Creative Director at TYGER | Event Design + Production
We love how this Boston and New York-based event company pairs seamless planning services with innovative and experiential design. Serving private, non-profit, and corporate clients, TYGER | Event Design + Production uses a turnkey approach to facilitate everything from planning and design to florals and in-house décor.
People Also Ask…
Where can I find vendors for my Boston celebration?
Head to PartySlate’s curated Boston vendor directory to find the best local event planners, florists, entertainment companies, and more. Make sure to use the filters to narrow your search by vendor type, event type, services, and more.
How can I decorate private dining rooms in Boston?
See how PartySlate transformed one of our favorite private dining rooms in Boston with the help of TYGER | Event Design + Production and Mavinhouse.
You can read more about this bold and eclectic vision here: PartySlate Transported Top Event Professionals to 70s-Era Tokyo With Its Edgy Boston Launch Party
Where can I find more Boston party venue ideas?
In addition to restaurants with private rooms, Boston offers a rich array of venue types. Head to our Boston venue directory to find everything from the best hotel venues to the hottest rooftop spots. You can also click on the following: