1. Lock in the basics first
Before anyone suggests a restaurant, agree on the date, a rough time and an approximate headcount. Venues can't tell you whether they have space until they know how many people and when — and the group can't agree on a place while those are still moving.
2. Gather the constraints (privately)
Send one short message asking everyone for:
- Dietary needs — allergies, vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free.
- Budget comfort — offer ranges so nobody has to say a number out loud.
- Location or travel limits — who's driving, who's on public transport.
- Accessibility needs — step-free access, quieter spaces.
Ask people to reply to you directly. A private answer about budget or diet is much more honest than a public one in the group chat.
3. Build a shortlist of 3–5 places
Now filter. A great group restaurant usually has:
- Options for every dietary need on your list — not just one token dish.
- Space for groups: a large table, a private room or a set group menu.
- A menu that's easy to share: tapas, mezze, Korean BBQ, family-style Italian and dim sum all work brilliantly for groups.
- A noise level that suits the occasion: a buzzing room is fun for a birthday, less so for a catch-up.
- Good ratings and a central location for most of the group.
4. Let everyone vote — privately
Public polls drift towards whatever the loudest or first person picked. Private voting gives you a truer answer, faster.
The easiest way: start a group session in the Dinner app, share the link or let people scan the QR code, and everyone swipes on nearby restaurants on their own phone. You can filter by rating, price, cuisine and what's open, and the app shows you where everyone matched.
Swipe through restaurants near you, alone or with friends. When everyone swipes right, dinner is decided.
5. Book it properly
- Book early. Large tables go first, especially on Fridays, Saturdays and in December.
- Call, don't just click. For bigger groups, a quick phone call lets you ask about set menus, deposits and how long you can keep the table.
- Share dietary needs in advance so the kitchen can prepare.
- Ask about deposits and cancellation rules — and collect money for a deposit before you pay it.
- Confirm the final number a day or two before.
6. On the night
- Arrive a few minutes early to settle the table.
- For groups of ten or more, a set or sharing menu speeds up service and makes the bill simpler.
- Let latecomers know they can order when they arrive — nobody likes waiting hungry.
7. Splitting the bill without awkwardness
Decide how you'll split before you sit down, and say it in the invite:
- Split evenly — simplest, works when everyone orders similarly.
- Pay for what you ordered — fairest when budgets differ; ask the restaurant if they can do separate bills.
- Set menu price per person — no maths at all.
- Birthday rule — agree in advance whether the group covers the birthday person.
Group dinner checklist
| When | To do |
|---|---|
| 2–4 weeks before | Date, time, headcount, dietary needs, budget range |
| 2–3 weeks before | Shortlist, private vote, book and pay any deposit |
| 2 days before | Confirm numbers and dietary needs with the restaurant |
| On the day | Share the address and time; remind everyone how the bill works |
Frequently asked questions
How do you choose a restaurant for a large group?
Fix the date and headcount first, collect dietary needs and budgets privately, shortlist 3–5 places that have space and suitable menus, then let everyone vote privately and book the winner.
How far in advance should you book a group dinner?
Two to four weeks is a good rule, and earlier for weekends or December. Large tables are the first to go.
What type of restaurant is best for groups?
Places with sharing-style menus — tapas, mezze, dim sum, Korean BBQ or family-style Italian — plus a large table or private room and options for every dietary need.
What is the fairest way to split a group dinner bill?
Agree before the dinner. Splitting evenly is simplest; paying for what you ordered is fairest when budgets differ; a set menu price per person avoids any maths.