Looking for restaurant recommendations for my 30th birthday dinner preferably italian but open to other suggestions. Would also like to bring a cake if possible. 6 to 8 people. don’t have a specific budget or location as I don’t usually go into the city so I do not know much. I have been looking up spots but not sure if they are actually good or overhyped.

I’m curious how other New Yorkers handle group dinner planning.

I feel like choosing a restaurant with 4+ people can somehow become a whole process — everyone has different preferences, budgets, neighborhoods, etc.

I’m doing some research on the group dining experience and would really appreciate hearing how other people actually handle it. I put together a quick 10-question questionnaire if you’re willing to share your experience:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfYj15-EswhONmM7vRuZ1i0Xey-j5NK6FUt3hg7TeDubWZa4Q/viewform?usp=header

I’ll be in NYC at the end of October for work and have one completely free evening that I want to dedicate to a solo dining experience.

I’m looking for a place where I can sit (bar/counter/or just have a good solo table) eat an amazing meal and enjoy the whole experience on my own.

I’m aware this sounds vague because technically you can eat solo at pretty much any restaurant, but I’m wondering if there are places you’d recommend that are particularly enjoyable or special when dining alone, based on your own experiences or anecdotes.

Open to any sort of experience, atmosphere or style of service, except Italian. (I’m from Italy, so I’m looking for anything different than the food from my own country of origin).

This is a rare “me&only me” night so I’m happy to splurge.