The best communal dining restaurants for big groups

Located on the ground floor go Millenia Walk, Plentyfull is a modern casual restaurant that’s as spacious as its name suggests. Smaller tables cater to those that come in pairs, but they can be joined together – thanks to the open layout – to form a long dining area that easily fits everyone. 

THE FOOD

Brunch sees the usual avocado toast ($16) and full works of eggs, bacon, sausage, tomatoes ($26) that’s available till 5pm. The comprehensive menu also has a selection of mains that range from hearty proteins and healthy dishes to suit diverse tastebuds. Try the pumpkin gnocchi with seasonal vegetables ($24), or cut into an Angus steak with herb butter ($32). A series of small plates (from $6) is also available for easy sharing. 

At COMO Cuisine, the restaurant brings together the best dishes from the luxury hotel’s various properties. So while you might be dining at COMO’s hip Dempsey enclave, your tastebuds will be taking a journey across the globe, sampling Bhutanese momo ($12) or digging into lobster biryani ($48). The space, much like its menu, is also expansive. A simple colour palette and adorable air plants streaming down from the ceiling add a modern, minimalist charm to the restaurant.

THE FOOD

Here, the menu leans healthy, thanks in part to a series of signatures from COMO Shambala, the brand’s wellness arm. Share the popular tandoor cauliflower ($22), which is marinated in an aromatic spice bath of yoghurt, turmeric, garlic, ginger, and coriander before going into a tandoor oven to earn a smoky char; or the unique Bhutanese dumplings served with a side of essay chilli. 

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.

THE FOOD

Artichoke prides itself on serving the least authentic Middle Eastern food in town. Start off with a serious of meze best scooped up with warm triangles of toasted Turkish bread, or order the crunchy sea asparagus ($12) served with a side of Greek yoghurt. For mains, get the smoked black Angus rump cap ($45) that’s best paired with some housemade hashbrown ($14). 

A dining experience at Six Senses Brasserie begins even before you step through its doors. You’ll first be greeted by an elegant 19th-century colonial-style building, Six Senses Maxwell, which the restaurant is housed in. Inside, the space is just as grand: warm lighting and ornate furniture makes it a sight to behold. There’s even a 10-seater private dining room for those special occasions.

THE FOOD

Like all Six Senses properties, sustainability is a key feature here. The Southern European menu uses sustainable, organic local produce to give you dishes like the earthy mushroom cappuccino ($18) and dill salt and thyme baked seabass ($52). But for true indulgence, consider The Weekender’s Brasserie Brunch ($68). It starts off with seven starters served on an impressive (and recycled) metre-long wooden board, before moving on to your choice of mains that include the classic chicken and waffles and Eggs Benedict. Dessert is equally impressive with seven different treats served on a dessert board.

The Spot is an all-day dining café, restaurant, bar and cigar lounge in one right in the heart of Singapore’s Downtown district. Pick up a coffee and a sandwich during the day but come at night for a taste of chef Lee Boon Seng's food. Despite the restaurant's casual appearance, don't expect standard bistro fare.

THE FOOD

Try the pan-fried red snapper ($28) served in a green curry emulsion and torched eggplant and local skate ($25) that lies on a bed of pearl rice risotto covered in a coriander broth that evokes familiar memories of fish soup elevated through technique and novel combinations. The pork cheek barbecue ($26) is another winner. Thick slices of pork jowl are marinated and grilled bak kwa style and plated with potato mousseline and Chin Kiang vinegar caramel.  

Having been around for over a year, Blue Jasmine offers a lovely alternative for those looking to graduate from the likes of Nakhon Kitchen or Thai Express. Located in Farrer Park Hotel, the 100-seater restaurant has consciously followed the culinary ethos of balance and harmony – a virtue the countrymen of Thailand have so steadfastly abided by. The restaurant reaches out for a hug with its cosy and rustic interior of plush seating, high ceilings, and patterned tiles that line the floors. The space is then illuminated by warm lighting and just outside, lush greenery partially conceals its restaurant front.

THE FOOD

Blue Jasmine is your one-ticket around the Land of Smiles. Built on the five taste pillars of sweet, sour, spicy, bitter and umami, the restaurant’s refreshed menu sends forth a parade of crowd-pleasing classics, and lesser-known regional creations that may change the way you think of Thailand. The former will certainly quell Thai cravings with the familiars of stir-fried pad Thai prawns ($16), classic tom yum soup ($20), and the signature green curry (from $24). But if you’re up for it, opt for tom yum ‘Poh Tek’ ($20) that has fried sea bass swimming in its fiery soup, Cham-Om fried egg ($12) paired with a handful of fresh vegetables and prawn paste-based Nam Prink Kapi dipping sauce, and turmeric-laden Yellow River prawn curry ($26).

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. More recently the restaurant has been certified Halal so all the better for your Muslim guests in the group. 

THE FOOD


While there are menus for all-day, breakfast and brunch dining – which include the signature dishes like paper bag oven-baked halibut ($33) and the Halia's Singapore-style chilli crab spaghettini ($26), you can also opt for their communal dining menu ($240, serves four). Don't worry, some of the all-time favourites are so available on the menu. 

Residing in a colonial building, Botanico is easily accessible by car or a short stroll from the nearest MRT station. Housing two dining concepts, Bee's Knees on the first floor, you have to climb up a flight of stairs to reach this modern bistro. While you're going to be dining at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, opt for the terrace seating for the full experience. 

THE FOOD

Spearheading the kitchen is Singaporean chef Sujatha Asokan, whipping up the bistro-style menu with its signature European methodology, weaved in with Asian influences. With a refreshed East-meets-West menu, expect dishes like the seabass ceviche ($17) served with a blend of cold ceviche and assam laksa that's topped with savoury shrimp paste ice cream and ginger flower, the curry lamb neck ($32) that's slow-cooked for 24 hours, slipper lobster chittara ($32) featuring fresh pasta smothered in house-made Chinese XO sauce that's finished with sous-vide slipper lobster and pickled baby turnips, as well as Iberico char siew ($34), a top loin smoked and chargrilled, served with carrot noddles, carrot puree and honey pork jus.

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. 

THE FOOD

If you've tried the tahu telor, Sundanese grilled chicken and the beef rendang, you'll understand why so many keep coming back for more. If you're feeling adventurous, try the lemak siput sedut – sea snails in a rich coconut broth. Stick around for some traditional Malay kueh and desserts after your meal. Best part? It won't cost you more than $20 ($10 if you're real frugal with your dish choices).

Themed restaurants are enjoying a resurgence in Singapore, and Picnic is looking to get in on the action. An assortment of ferns and succulents hangs from the walls of this park-themed restaurant, and there’s even an Astroturf lawn in the middle of the space that’ll make you feel as though you’re really picnicking in the park. The plants change in accordance with the seasons and the lighting adjusts with the time of day, so you can catch the ‘sunset’ while indoors. There are multiple tables for groups – we recommend zooming in on the one near the bar with a built-in ice-bucket for drinks – so head down early to picnic at the best spot.

THE FOOD

Order from any of the stations that are set up as independent food trucks. Seizan Uni Ramen is a Japanese concept that serves a rich stock made from sea urchin uni ($21), or try the new Supergreek, which serves healthy souvlaki bowls topped with grilled chicken steak ($9.90), lamb kebab ($10.90), or flamed grilled steak ($13.90). 

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

THE FOOD

In a group, small plates are way more fun. Specialties include tlayuda cecina ($20) – a Mexican flatbread topped with black bean hummus, fresh queso Oaxaca, rocket and wagyu that’s been air-dried for three months – and de cangrejo ($14), a taco filled with soft shell crab, barbecued pickled pineapple, radish and lime mayo. If you’d prefer larger dishes to share, order the pescado asada con chile rojo y perejil ($46), a barbecued, locally sourced sea bass served with red and green salsas.

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 to 12, giving your gathering some privacy even if you don’t hit the minimum spend of $600 for the room.

THE FOOD


Expect traditional Indonesian cuisine done to a tee here. Take a quick glance around the room and you’ll find gracing every table a beautifully golden tahu telor ($10.50) that, despite being deep fried, isn’t overwhelmingly greasy. The fork-tender rendang lembu ($10.50) completely absorbs the flavours of the spices after hours of stewing. And heap everything over a mountain of nasi kuning ($2.50), yellow rice cooked in coconut milk and spices, to complete the experience.

For 15 years, Sawadee Thai has been serving legit Thai food in Singapore – saving you a trip to Bangkok when cravings strike. Fresh Thai produce lands in the restaurant every day, ensuring all its dishes deliver a genuine taste of the Land of Smiles. The recently renovated restaurant is modern and comfortable, letting you enjoy a fleet of dishes in a relaxed setting. While the dining area clocks in at a relatively paltry 1,389 square feet, the staff are cool with squeezing three tables for eight in the middle of the restaurant. And smaller tables flanking the dining room can also be combined for bigger groups.

THE FOOD


You’ll find tom yum soup and mango sticky rice here, but why not try something different? Meat lovers will enjoy the pan-seared black Angus beef rib-eye ($32) that’s served with a homemade green curry sauce. Thais like their beef medium to well-done, though, so let your server know your preference when you order. End the meal with the mao shan wang durian sticky rice ($12) that’s available all year round.

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. It holds up to 240 people standing or 150 seats for a sit-down meal. 

THE FOOD


Get the king crab cannelloni ($22) to start. The classic Italian dish gets a Mediterranean twist, where zucchini ribbons replace pasta to wrap around sweet slivers of Alaskan king crab. Also try the cod fish and spinach caldoso rice ($36-$72), a variation on the traditional paella that’s cooked over a low fire on a cast iron pan. Unlike the Spanish rice dish, which has a crispy base of slightly burnt rice, this dish has a creamy, almost risotto-like texture that soaks up the flavours of the cod tripe.

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.

THE FOOD


It won’t be a proper Peranakan meal without ayam buah keluak ($12.80/$17.80) at the table. Chilli Padi’s rendition comes the closest to what you’ll find in the home of a Nyonya grandmother, with generous chunks of chicken and whole kernels of buah keluak that have been conveniently cut to fit the length of your fork. Another must-have is the cabbage roll ($5). Homemade otah is wrapped in Chinese cabbage and then steamed before it’s covered in a rich and spicy coconut curry.

Although most hotpot spots are fit for large groups, LongQing stands out for its homely atmosphere: owner James Chiew tends to each table personally, and a portrait of his wife and son is painted on the wall. 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. Alternatively, book out the whole restaurant and throw a hotpot party for up to 40 friends.

THE FOOD


Instead of bogging down customers with too many options, LongQing keeps its menu simple. There are only four types of soup available: the signature pork bone soup, mala, tomato and wild mushroom ($18 for a choice of two). After spending years living in Shanghai and learning from his wife – a native of Chong Qing – Chiew has perfected his soup base recipes to appeal to both traditional Chinese and Singaporean palates. Premium ingredients like the Mangalica pork collar ($30), US short rib ($22) and Canadian scallops ($12.80) are delivered daily while specialty pork balls ($12) and prawn paste ($14) are made fresh every afternoon.