Birthday and group dinners in Toronto: how to book a big table

Booking dinner for two in Toronto is easy. Booking for twelve, on a Saturday, with a vegan, a celiac and someone who refuses to share plates, is a project. The good news is that Toronto has plenty of restaurants built for groups; you just need to know where to look and what to ask.

Which Toronto restaurants are good for groups?

• Chinese banquet restaurants, in Chinatown, Scarborough, Markham and Richmond Hill, with round tables for ten or twelve and set menus.
• Korean barbecue in Koreatown and beyond, where grilling at the table is the entertainment.
• Hot pot restaurants, for cooking together.
• Greek tavernas on the Danforth, with big sharing platters.
• Italian and Portuguese restaurants serving family-style dinners.
• Large pubs and brewpubs, with long tables.
• Restaurants with private dining rooms, best for fifteen or more.

Small, chef-driven rooms on Ossington or in Leslieville are often the hardest to book for groups.

How far ahead should you book a group dinner in Toronto?

Group	When to book
6 to 8 on a weeknight	A few days to a week
8 to 12 on a weekend	Two to four weeks
12 or more, or a private room	Four weeks or more
Any group in December	As early as possible

Office holiday parties fill Toronto restaurants from late November through December, so book very early for that season.

What should you ask when booking for a group?

1. Is there a set menu or minimum spend?
2. Is a deposit required, and what is the cancellation policy?
3. Is an automatic gratuity added, and from how many guests?
4. Can you split the bill, and how many ways?
5. Can we bring a cake, and is there a cake-cutting fee?
6. Is there a time limit on the table?
7. Can you accommodate our dietary needs and allergies?

Can you bring a birthday cake to a Toronto restaurant?

Often, but always ask. Many restaurants charge a cake-cutting fee per person for plating outside desserts, and some do not allow outside food. If a cake is not allowed, ask the restaurant to bring a dessert with a candle. If anyone has a severe allergy, remember the kitchen cannot vouch for an outside cake.

How should a group split the bill in Toronto?

Agree before you sit down. Splitting evenly works for shared platters and set menus; paying for your own works when budgets or drinking differ. Many restaurants will not split one bill many ways, so a payment app helps. Ontario adds the 13 percent HST to the bill, and the tip is normally calculated on the pre-tax total. If an automatic gratuity is included, that is the tip; do not add more unless you want to.

What are good birthday ideas in Toronto beyond dinner?

• Weekend dim sum in Chinatown or Markham, lively and great for mixed ages.
• Korean barbecue and karaoke in Koreatown.
• A Kensington Market food crawl, sharing snacks along the way.
• A picnic on the Toronto Islands or in Trinity Bellwoods or High Park in summer.
• Brunch in Leslieville or Roncesvalles, booked ahead.

How do you organize a group dinner without stress?

1. Collect dietary needs first.
2. Give the restaurant an accurate headcount and update it promptly.
3. Arrive on time; restaurants may not seat an incomplete group.
4. Nominate one contact for the restaurant.
5. Share the bill plan in the group chat beforehand.

How do you handle a group dinner with different budgets?

It is one of the most common sources of awkwardness. A few approaches help: choose a restaurant with a wide price range on the menu, agree to pay for your own food and drinks, or set a per-person budget when you suggest the place. If a set menu is required, share the price with everyone before booking so nobody is surprised. Covering the birthday person's share between everyone is a nice tradition, but say so in advance.

Are there good group restaurants outside downtown?

Yes, and they are often easier to book and better value. Large Chinese restaurants in Scarborough, Markham and Richmond Hill, Korean barbecue in the northern suburbs and family restaurants across the city have big tables and parking.

How do you plan a surprise birthday dinner?

A surprise needs the restaurant on your side. When you book, say it is a surprise, and use a name the guest of honour will not recognize, or book under a friend's name. Ask the restaurant to seat the group first, and tell them roughly when the birthday person will arrive.

• Arrive at least fifteen minutes early with the rest of the group, since many restaurants will not seat an incomplete party.
• Give one person the job of bringing the guest of honour, and keep them updated by text.
• Arrange dessert in advance, whether that is a candle on the restaurant's dessert or a cake you bring.
• Choose the right room. A lively room or a semi-private area suits a cheer better than a hushed dining room.

Can you get a group table without a reservation?

At popular restaurants it is hard, but food halls, large pubs, brewpubs and some Chinese and Korean restaurants can often seat a group with a short wait outside peak hours.

On Mosey you can see where people actually ate and what they ordered, follow friends for their favourite group spots, and share a list with whoever organizes next. After the dinner, rate the place and the dishes so the next planner has an easier job.

More guides to read next:

• Mississauga and Brampton food guide: Punjabi, Pakistani and Caribbean food in Peel Region
• Brunch in Toronto: the best neighbourhoods and how to skip the line
• Business lunch in Toronto's Financial District: where and how

More in the Canadian food guides and the ranked lists of places.