Restaurant Groups to Watch in 2025 – An Event Planner’s Guide
Choosing the right restaurant is about more than just great food—it’s the ambiance, the service, and the seamless guest experience that truly elevate an event. As event planners, we build relationships with restaurant teams so our clients are taken care of again and again.
Whether you're planning a high-profile launch, a client dinner, or a milestone celebration, these are the restaurant groups to watch this year:
1. STARR Restaurants – Dramatic Design Meets Unforgettable Dining
Stephen Starr’s restaurant empire is synonymous with design-forward dining experiences. From the Parisian-inspired Le Coucou to our personal favorite, La Mercerie, his restaurants offer some of the most stunning event spaces in New York, Philadelphia, Miami, and beyond. Check out Le Café Louis Vuitton for their latest venture at the flagship store in NYC. STARR also just announced a takeover of Babbo, a West Village classic Italian spot long loved for its rustic charm and deep wine list—we can’t wait to see how they work their magic there.
Event Planner Tips:
Planning a dinner in DC? Thanks to our long-standing relationships with STARR in NYC, we recently secured a private dinner at their Georgetown newcomer, Osteria Mozza—our clients were thrilled. Electric Lemon remains a favorite of our clients in Hudson Yards, with stunning views from the 24th floor to cap off a perfect event.
2. Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) – Masters of Service
Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group continues to set the standard for hospitality. Their venues, including Gramercy Tavern and Manhatta, offer exceptional service and well-designed private dining spaces. Their strong focus on “enlightened hospitality” ensures every guest feels valued, making them a reliable choice for upscale events.
Event Planner Tips:
We love Manhatta’s private event spaces for their clean, open layout and incredible downtown views. We recently toured Ci Siamo and can’t wait to host a dinner in their private dining room, complete with an outdoor terrace. And don’t forget—Shake Shack caters! We surprised guests with late-night burgers and fries at a 50th birthday cocktail party, and it was a total hit.
3. NoHo Hospitality Group – Effortless Elegance with a Downtown Edge
Founded by Andrew Carmellini, NoHo Hospitality Group operates some of New York’s most stylish and effortlessly cool restaurants, including The Dutch, Leuca, and Locanda Verde. Their blend of approachable luxury, chef-driven menus, and warm hospitality makes them a fantastic choice for intimate yet high-profile gatherings. Their partnership with the stunning Fifth Avenue Hotel and the scenic William Vale brings hotel catering to the next level.
Event Planner Tips:
Check out the new Locanda Verde in Hudson Yards—they’ve brought their downtown sophistication and cool to the neighborhood. We also love the event spaces at the Fifth Avenue Hotel—the Club Room in Café Carmellini is perfect for intimate dinners, and the Conservatory, with its skylight and elegant décor, is a must-see.
4. Major Food Group – Luxury Dining with a Show-Stopping Atmosphere
Known for their high-energy, opulent restaurants, Major Food Group (MFG) has expanded with openings in Miami, Vegas, and beyond. Concepts like Carbone and ZZ’s Club create an unforgettable dining experience, making them perfect for VIP events, brand activations, and luxury client entertainment.
Event Planner Tips:
The Pool, formerly the Four Seasons Restaurant, is an iconic New York venue for an elegant occasion. We’re hoping to book the private room at Torrisi soon—it may be easier than snagging a dinner reservation for two at this Little Italy hotspot. And here’s a best-kept secret: You can rent out Sadelle’s and have it catered by Carbone. That’s a double win in our book.
5. José Andrés Group & ThinkFoodGroup – Social Impact Meets Culinary Innovation
José Andrés is not only a celebrated chef but a visionary in hospitality. His restaurants, spanning from avant-garde fine dining to casual Spanish tapas, offer unique global flavors and immersive experiences. His nonprofit, World Central Kitchen, is an incredible organization providing disaster relief in areas of need.
Event Planner Tips:
Nubeluz, the rooftop bar at the Ritz-Carlton NoMad, is a stunner. The buyout costs are high, but for the right occasion, it’s worth every penny. Enjoy hand-carved Iberico ham and their famous Foggy Hill cocktail—a theatrical presentation with dry ice that nods to the bar’s sky-high setting.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Restaurant Group for Your Event
For event planners, restaurant groups play a crucial role in shaping guest experiences. In 2025, the best venues will not only serve exceptional food but also provide ambiance, flexibility, and impeccable service—key factors in ensuring your event is both seamless and memorable.
Whether you're looking for a fine-dining experience, a trendy hotspot, or a sustainable option, these restaurant groups are redefining hospitality and making event planning easier (and more exciting!) than ever.
