7 great restaurants for group dining in the Philly suburbs

Crowding a table to share hearty dishes is easy. But finding a table to seat a big party of varying tastes and budgets can be tricky.

Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a birthday celebration, the Philly suburbs have plenty of restaurants ready to accommodate a large group of diners. From tasting menus to drink-and-dessert packages for the budget-conscious, seafood and veggie options for those with dietary restrictions, and outdoor seating for up to 100 guests — there’s something for everyone. To wrap up the night, consider apps like Tab or Splitwise to divide the bill evenly.

Go forth and feast merrily with these great suburban restaurants.

Impress family and friends with a table at one of the Philly area’s best Brazilian steakhouses. Tableside gauchos serve sizzling grilled meats, and the salad bar features more than just veggies. Reservations for groups in the main dining room are based on availability. Book online for parties of 10 or more, or call the restaurant for larger parties. They have three rooms that can seat between 35 to 75 people. For parties of 12 or more, menu packages with drink options (alcoholic or nonalcoholic) and desserts are available, ranging from $72 to $162 per person, including a three-hour open bar.

📍220 N. Gulph Road, King of Prussia, Pa. 19406, 📞 610-946-6480, 🌐 gauchosprimeusa.com

Take the crew to this retro seafood spot, where the kitschy 1960s vibes pair perfectly with fried oysters, broiled scallops, and, of course, clams. Host up to 20 guests in the back room or reserve the private dining room for larger parties. After 8 p.m., you can even book the entire restaurant. Guests are welcome to bring celebratory desserts like birthday cakes. Reservations are made by phone.

📍339 E Broadway Ave., Clifton Heights, Pa. 19018, 📞 610-623-9537, 🌐 clamtavern.net

Whether it’s a family reunion or a friends gathering, Vecchia Osteria offers bookings for parties of 15 and up. You’ll get family-style packages from $50 to $75 per person. Fill the table with fried calamari, clams casino, insalata Gorgonzola, eggplant Parm, veal, Italian sausage, and homemade meatballs. And then dive into handmade limoncello cake, cannolis, and espresso tiramisu for dessert. Reserve tables by filling out the online form and expect a phone call within 24 to 48 hours to confirm booking specifics. Note: For parties of less than 15 people, bookings are done via phone.

📍20 Richboro Road, Newtown, Pa. 18940, 📞 215-860-7774, 🌐 vecchiaosteriabypasquale.com

This contemporary BYOB in Bristol is ideal for seafood-loving groups of 20. Order hamachi crudo, avocado toast with blackened shrimp, Thai curried mussels — just to name a few of Inquirer food critic Craig LaBan’s favorites — for the table. Across the street, the restaurant’s Jules at Courtyard offers an outdoor venue with seating for up to 100 people for private events (tents are available). Note: In about a month, a second dining room will open for bookings of up to 75 people. Submit inquiries for group reservations online.

📍111 Market St., Bristol, Pa. 19007, 📞 267-214-9937, 🌐 julesatmarket.com

If you’re looking for an intimate dinner with a semi-large group, this West Chester restaurant from the owners of Philly’s Vedge is for you. Enjoy Ground Provisions’ multicourse farmer’s feast Wednesday through Saturday. You’ll get rye sourdough baguette with carrot pastrami and seared caraflex cabbage with braised lentils, portobello mushroom steak, and other veggie dishes for $79 per person and a wine pairing for $45. The tasting menu is by reservation only and is capped at at eight people. Book on Resy up to 30 days in advance.

📍1388 Old Wilmington Pike, West Chester, Pa. 19382, 📞 610-355-4411, 🌐 groundprovisionspa.com

Located in Chester Springs’ Eagle Tavern, Bloom Southern Kitchen offers farm-to-table menus for lunch, midday meal, or dinner. Share plates of fried oysters, baked mac and cheese, pickled fried green tomatoes, braised short rib, corn bread skillet, and buttermilk biscuits. The dessert menu includes Texas sheet cake, apple crisp, and pumpkin cheesecake. The first-floor dining room seats up to 20 guests, while the second floor accommodates up to 48. Preset menus are available for parties of 12 or more. Bloom also books events for the nearby Stables Beer Garden, which can host up to 320 guests indoors or outdoors. Call to reserve.

📍123 Pottstown Pike, Chester Springs, Pa. 19425, 📞 484-359-4144, 🌐 bloomsouthernkitchen.com

Jose Garces’ Amada in the Radnor Financial Center accepts bookings for up to 11 people online. For larger parties, you’ll have to call to reserve for pre-set menus (up to $75 to $80 per person) in private and semiprivate rooms. No matter the party size, you’ll share meat and cheese boards, ham croquettes, Galician-style octopus, paella, and other menu items.

📍555 E. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, Pa. 19087, 📞 484-429-2158, 🌐 amadarestaurant.com