The best communal dining restaurants for big groups

This pristine 158-seat casual dining space stays true to its namesake with its pristine white and grey tonality, and natural yet luxurious finishes such as mother-of-pearl mosaic. Coupled with convivial Mediterranean dishes that are meant to be shared in communion, it is perfect for the family night out or large teams. Chow down on Chef Otto’s grilled skewers that range from fresh seafood to large chunks of Australian lamb. But if novelty is what you're looking to experience, make sure to swing an order of the highly praised chicken leg bone-in Tagine and savour it amongst yourselves.

At casual family diner Kota88 Restaurant along East Coast Road, they’re offering up an Indonesian-Chinese menu filled with street food you certainly can’t find from Singapore’s streets. Since it’s a relatively large space that’s filled with old-school tables, it’s an ideal joint for friends and family to gather. 

It’s the sharing dishes that’ve caught our eye here, perfect to pair with a bowl of rice. This includes the Udang Goreng Mentega ($28.88), prawns decadently fried in butter, as well as the Sapi Cah Sayur Asin ($16.88), stir-fried beef with salted vegetables. 

Do also order the Sate Babi ($10.88) to share – mix and match 10 pork satay sticks, choosing between either sweet marinated pork or pork skin. Otherwise, the Mie Goreng Spesial Kota88 ($11.88), a mee goreng that’s chock-full with ingredients is also a solid choice. 

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The hottest hot pot joint in town - literally and figuratively. The popular Chongqing-style hotpot restaurant's 80-seater space stands out for its mix of modern and traditional interiors. A private room for groups of eight and above is readily available and the best part? Each diner is only charged a small fee for the soup bases. Gather round your troops and brave the heat as you lot tuck into true-to-style numbing spice and premium ingredients.

Jigger & Pony’s latest concept, Rosemead, is perfect for communions over special occasions. Ease into the grand Quadrant at Cecil for a fine feast of modern Californian fare and revel in the luxuries of a Californian country retreat. Expect large-format dishes that highlight natural flavours from lean cuts of meats and seafood and an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. A must-order, especially for groups, is the Wood-Fired Lamb Shoulder with Tahina and Lebanese Pickle ($120). But if absolute privacy is what you're searching for, opt for the clandestine private dining room. Set in a refurbished former bank vault, it definitely keeps the prying eyes away.

With mismatched tables and stools for seats, this OG zi char joint is loud, crowded and unrefined – just the way we like it. Whether it's dining out with the family or a reunion with friends, plan ahead and reserve a table to skip the snaking lines. Some wait is still expected but when the dishes arrive, you'll know they are worth it. Popping up at almost every table is a glistening plate of prawn hor fun ($16-$48) that sports a fierce wok hei and a flavourful umami sauce – a definite must-order. Other sharing specialities include claypot yong tau foo ($14-$28), vegetables and tofu stuffed with fish and squid paste, and braised pork ribs in black bean sauce ($14-$28).

The farm to table concept is set in an idyllic edible garden that has large tables sprawled around kampong-like surroundings. Tuck yourselves indoors or enjoy a light tan under the sun in the al-fresco area and tuck into a farm feast ($88) dinner – omakase-style – where the ever-changing menu is a delicious reflection of what nature has to offer.

Set against the backdrop of the Singapore Straits, this alfresco restaurant along Changi Coastal Walk welcomes all to feast under the stars – or sun, if you're here for an afternoon munch. But trust us, it's most picturesque during sunset. It is no secret that the best seats are on the boardwalk or under one of the shady Bali-style cabanas, just make sure you snag them early with your entourage.

This speakeasy came up with a reason to visit (or revisit) with a new menu of innovative eats that are meant to be shared. Of course, the novelty of uncommon ingredients such as the crocodile paws and pig’s tail remain. But look forward to reinvented classics such as a ‘kou shui ji’ (translating to saliva chicken) and the soft shell crab with scallop crispy noodles. Communal tables can fit up to 8 hungry adults but just be sure to book them beforehand.

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.

One of Barcelona’s buzziest – and busiest – tapas bar has arrived in Singapore. Tapas 24 has long been drawing big crowds with its small plates ever since it opened in 2006 by Michelin-started chef Carles Abellan. And its sharing menu is best experienced by rounding up some hungry friends to partake in dishes of large-format Paellas, Pan Con Tomate ($8), Spanish tortilla ($12), and more.

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, can book out Koma’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.

At contemporary Indian restaurant Yarana, they pride themselves on the vibrant flavours of North Indian cuisine. The must-try dish is the marinated Kanpur to Singapore lamb chops ($32), a fork-tender lamb paired with a lightly spiced dipping sauce. Otherwise, the fish mappas ($22), a Kerala coconut fish curry, is also a solid choice. There’s both alfresco dining and indoor seating, so if it’s a breezy evening, make sure to bask in the ambience of the pet-friendly outdoor terrace. For larger groups, Yarana also has a Bollywood-themed party space called The Private Room that fits up to 65 people – it’s also open for private bookings. 

12 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.

Those looking for a meatless meal in town now have a cool, new option to consider: Green Common. It’s a one-stop destination for all your plant-based needs; the roomy interior houses a 112-seater eatery, and a retail nook that stocks a wide selection of international meat-free brands. The all-inclusive menu also makes sure that everyone's dietary requirements are well taken care of. 

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. From the menu, look forward to bistro-style offerings prepped with European and 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.

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.