The best communal dining restaurants for big groups

This well-loved izakaya might have closed its Keong Saik outlet, but Neon Pigeon has since found a new coop along Carpenter Street. And with the new address comes a bigger space to house more people, alongside an upgraded bar area and all-new raw bar. It helps that the mod-Japanese plates are made for sharing.

Publico Ristorante stands out from the many riverside eateries along Robertson Quay with its charming interior and hearty creations. Its interior offers an Italian escape; think granite floors laid in bold geometric patterns that call to mind the country’s many piazzas. Grab a seat outdoors and soak in the breeze. There, dramatic green walls double up as vertical gardens, and furniture set in neutral hues help channel coastal vibes. Indoor seating is just as attractive, with warm lighting and floor-to-ceiling windows that open out to the riverside terrace.

The stunning Japanese restaurant captures the sights, and even mythology, within its expansive four walls. Walk through the impressive torii gates, cross a traditional Japanese bridge, and settle down in the main dining room. There, the huge space comes fitted with tables that can fit groups of four to eight. Those looking for exclusivity, and better views, and book out Kola’s private dining rooms, located on the second floor of the restaurant.

Min Jiang has long been a household name. The beloved establishment has been serving up refined Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine since 1982. After undergoing refurbishments, the new Min Jiang boasts a sleeker, brighter environment. The inviting, sepia-toned space is spruced up with soft textile panels, elegant white marble tabletops, and onyx wall panels. The food has similarly been updated to celebrate the restaurant’s new chapter – and most are made for sharing. Sample its newly created dim sum dishes, or order the sesame pockets ($36) that come stuffed with shredded abalone and enoki mushrooms.

Its menu pulls together the best dishes from various properties of COMO Hotels and Resorts. So while you might be dining at the restaurant’s hip Dempsey enclave, your tastebuds will be taking a journey across the globe, sampling dishes of Bhutanese moms ($12) or digging into lobster biryani ($48). The interior, much like its menu, is also expansive. A simple colour palette and white decor makes the space feel larger – perfect for fitting in large groups without feeling cramped.

Nine years on and Artichoke is #stillnotdead – a feat considering our competitive food scene. And there’s a good reason for that: the food remains creative, the vibe is casual, and the space is colourful and unpretentious. Grab a seat by the picnic bench outside, or dine in the homey indoor space filled with mismatched furniture and eclectic memorabilia – both will have you and the gang feel right at home.

Residing in a colonial building, Botanico is easily accessible by car or a short stroll from the nearest MRT station. Head up to the second storey, and make reservations for seats at its ‘outdoor’ garden area where you get to dine in comfort, all while enjoying the close proximity to nature. Spearheading the kitchen is Singaporean chef Sujatha Asokan, whipping up the bistro-style menu with its signature European methodology, weaved in with Asian influences.

Serving dim sum and other home-style Cantonese dishes, Myo does comfort food right. At meal times, its large tables come filled with hunger diners – and almost everyone will order the signature Kia Hiang Claypot Spring Chicken ($22) that's made using a recipe that's been passed on for generations. The chicken is wrapped in a layer of Chinese cabbage and stewed for hours in a herbal gravy resulting in meat that simply falls off the bone, best eaten with a plain bowl of rice. Group set menus that range from two to even 13 pax (when it’s allowed) are also available.

Located in the lush Singapore Botanic Gardens, aesthetically this place ticks all the boxes when it comes to lush surroundings, full-height windows for beautiful lighting and the option of tranquil terrace dining. The restaurant is also certified Halal – so all the better for your Muslim guests in the group.

A hot lunchtime spot, you'll notice snaking queues outside any Hjh Maimunah store before the actual lunch hour. Of course there's a reason for this: everyone wants first dibs on the food because trust us, it will run out. How it works is exactly like any other mixed rice stall where you get to choose whatever dishes you want and face the consequences at the cash register afterwards.

Go loco for tacos and all things Mexican at Super Loco Customs House. The contemporary Mexican eatery, located in the vicinity of The Fullerton Heritage, has stunning views of Marina Bay Sands and the waterfront. For large groups of eight, grab a seat outdoors under the fairy lights, or choose to be accommodated indoors. Still, it’s best to book in advance as the restaurant fills up fast, even on weekdays.

There’s no denying you’ve stepped into a Peranakan Restaurant when you enter Chilli Padi. Red batik cloth drapes over the tables, a framed kebaya hangs on the wall and the restaurant is even located in a heritage shophouse from the pre-war era. Awards and media accolades line the walls beside colourful Peranakan art, enticing you to order more than you can manage because you know you’ll be getting the legit stuff. Some of the tables come with a Lazy Susan, so no one will have to stretch to reach that claypot filled with ayam buah keluak. Whether it’s to entertain friends from out of town or an inter-generational gathering, Chilli Padi is definitely a top pick for a cosy gathering.

Tambuah Mas has been serving its loyal customers quality Indonesian food since 1981. Its main outlet at Tanglin Shopping Centre boasts a larger space than the one at Paragon, and has a private room that can hold a party of 22. A partition adorned with Balinese wood carvings sections off another area. Here, you’ll find bigger tables that can house groups of eight comfortably, with plates of traditional Indonesian cuisine done to a tee.

Inspired by the beaches of Barcelona, FOC Sentosa is the sister outlet to the popular restaurant on Hong Kong Street, but with a more laid-back vibe. The two-storey beach house is split into two wings. On one side there’s an open-air bar that overlooks the pool and on the other is the restaurant that can easily fit groups of up to 18. For even bigger gatherings, book the private party spaces above.

Although most hotpot spots are fit for large groups, LongQing stands out for its homely atmosphere. As old-school Mandopop plays in the background, settle down by a wooden table – they’re suitable for eight – to share one hotpot. Even the smaller tables, which seat four each, can combine to form a longer table.