Restaurant for a group of 8??

[erinrose]

Fun, tasty and trendy would be great - any suggestions for a place that will take 8? We're sick of the typical and want something new and exciting... Can anyone help?

[erin07nyc]

Alta could be good for your group. The plates are designed to be shared, so at the very least, your picky eaters will be able to try several different items, and hopefully find something they like. The drinks are great there, and it's very cozy. They handle groups your size very well. and the food is creative and excellent.

[NyuStern]

Spring Natural on Lafayette and Spring or Cookshop on 20th and 10th ave

[chow_gal]

There are literally thousands of restaurants in Manhattan. "fun, tasty and trendy" are not enough criteria. Can you provide more? area? price? upscale? down and dirty? ethnic foods?

[erinrose]

We have 2 people joining us that think Olive Garden is the best food ever, so we're limited by menu choices - seafood can't be the staple of any restaurant we go to; but at the same time the rest of te group would like to try new dishes in any ethnic food (Afghani, Cuban, Brazilian, ethopian). Otherwise, we'd like a place that has an atmosphere condusive to long conversations while having too many drinks as well as food other than Italian, American and Indian (last 3 places we've eaten)

[cervisiam]

delicia
cafe espanol
blue ribbon bakery
anywhere in k-town
congee village
orchard
dinosaur

if you want to be rushed through a meal and have your plates bussed away before you're actually done with the food on it, also try turkish kitchen

also, you could try a search: http://www.chowhound.com/search?item_type=Topic&board_id=18&query=group+8&x=0&y=0
http://www.chowhound.com/search?item_type=Topic&board_id=18&query=group+10&x=0&y=0
http://www.chowhound.com/search?item_type=Topic&board_id=18&query=group+dinner&x=0&y=0
http://www.chowhound.com/search?item_...

[RGR]

I have heard that complaint about Turkish Kitchen before, but I've never understood it. We've been there too many times to count, and it's never happened to us. They always ask us if we are done before taking any plates away. Not trendy, but extremely popular for a good reason -- the food's always well-prepared and delicious. Nice atmospherics, as well. Reservations a must!

http://www.turkishkitchenny.com

Parea, on 20th St., b/t Park Av. S. & B'way, serves very good modern Greek cuisine. Service is friendly and efficient. The space is huge, with some tables that can easily accommodate large groups, and the minimalist decor has a very trendy feel. They accept reservations.

http://www.parea-ny.com

[jrazzle]

We went to Turkish Kitchen on Saturday night (Feb. 17) and thought it was great. We didn't feel rushed, and the food was delicious. We loved it and will definitely go back. I think Turkish Kitchen would be great for a group. Ali Baba, up the street on 34th, is also a fun, tasty spot.