Private Party for 30 people

[Forsaken]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for a place to have a dinner party for about 30-35 people. It's a "formal" so everyone's going to be dressed nicely. I'd prefer a place not too far from Union Square or Chinatown. Whether it's a sit-down prix-fixe or buffet style doesn't matter too much. Open bar would be a requisite. I know there's a lot of ltalian places that would fit the bill. As of right now, I'm almost completely open to suggestions. Has anyone done anything like this and would recommend a place? I can only afford about $75-80 per person including tax and tip.

Thanks in advance.

[Vshu]

Jane Restaurant at 100 West Houston Street has a private dining room for up to 35 people (I think). It's a lovely restaurant and I've seen some pretty nice parties down there.

[bussy26]

Provence has a beautiful back room that seats 36 people that might work. I had brunch there this weekend and was impressed. Also, we did an event at 5 Ninth and that was awesome. Il Buco has the wine cellar that is a good size for a group.

[biondanonima]

Not sure this will be formal enough for you, but a friend of mine threw a party for another friend at La Mela in Little Italy a few years ago for around $45-50 per head, including tax, tip, wine, etc. The food is decent (if red-sauce-italian is your thing), the wine was barely decent, but it was a LOT of fun nonetheless. We had a private room and all the dishes were served family style - there was more food than we possibly could have eaten.

[kaffy]

I love Provence and wanted to host a dinner there as well. You did not specify a particular night of the week but FYI, they do not rent out their enclosed garden for private events on Friday and Saturday nights.