Best Cambridge Restaurants for Groups & Large Parties
Where to eat when there are too many of you for a normal table
Overview
Group dining is where restaurants show their true character. Some places that are wonderful for two become nightmares at eight. These Cambridge restaurants actually welcome large groups with shareable menus, flexible seating, and the kind of noise level where you won't have to shout across the table. Whether it's a birthday, a work dinner, or a reunion, these are the places that make group dining fun.
Our Picks
These restaurants handle groups of 6-12+ with grace. Many offer family-style menus, private or semi-private dining, and the kind of atmosphere that encourages lingering.
Little Donkey
The small-plates menu was built for sharing. Order a spread for the table and let everyone try everything. The energy is lively enough that your group won't feel like it's disrupting the room. Central Square location with good bar seating for pre-dinner drinks.
Alden & Harlow
Every dish is designed for sharing, making it ideal for groups. Order broadly — the secret burger, raw bar, and vegetable dishes all shine. The underground space is buzzy enough to absorb a large group's energy. Book the main dining room for larger parties.
The Middle East
A Cambridge institution with multiple rooms, including spaces that can accommodate large groups. The Middle Eastern menu is perfect for communal eating — mezze platters, kebabs, and shared bread. Plus, live music downstairs if your group wants to extend the evening.
Cambridge Common
The ultimate low-pressure group spot. Wide-ranging menu (burgers, salads, bowls), extensive beer list, and a relaxed atmosphere where nobody feels out of place. They're used to handling large groups of students and families.
Grafton Street
Harvard Square gastropub with private event space and a crowd-pleasing menu. Good for work dinners and casual celebrations alike. The bar area is large enough to accommodate groups waiting for a table.
Russell House Tavern
Multiple dining levels including a lively downstairs bar area perfect for larger gatherings. The menu has something for everyone, and the atmosphere is energetic without being overwhelming. Easy to get to via the Red Line.
State Park
Kendall Square's large-format American spot with a menu built for communal eating. Whole smoked meats, shared sides, and a beer list that keeps the table happy. The space is big enough that your group won't feel crammed.
The Asgard
An Irish pub with a surprisingly good food menu and plenty of room for groups. Great for casual gatherings where good beer and comfort food are the priority. Central Square location with easy T access.
Tips for Group Dining
Always call ahead for parties of 6 or more — even restaurants that accept walk-ins appreciate a heads-up for large groups. Ask about family-style ordering, which simplifies decision-making and usually costs less per person. For work dinners, consider Russell House or Grafton Street, which have private or semi-private spaces. And designate one person to handle the check situation before you sit down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Russell House Tavern, Grafton Street, and Henrietta's Table offer private or semi-private dining spaces suitable for groups of 12-30. Alden & Harlow can arrange semi-private group dining with advance notice. For larger events, The Middle East has multiple rooms available for booking.
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This guide is updated regularly to ensure accuracy.
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