Planning a celebration, corporate event, or family gathering in Winnipeg? Whether you're organizing a wedding reception, birthday party, or business dinner, finding the right restaurant that can accommodate your group is essential. Winnipeg offers an impressive selection of restaurants with private dining rooms, large party capabilities, and catering services that can make your event memorable.

From intimate private rooms for 12 to grand venues that can host up to 1,000 guests, Winnipeg's dining scene has options for every occasion. Here's your complete guide to the best restaurants for group dining in the city.

Large Event Venues & Catering Services

Clay Oven Restaurant - Blue Cross Park

When it comes to large-scale events, Clay Oven Restaurant stands out as one of Winnipeg's premier catering destinations. They specialize in working with hotels and venues for weddings, parties, and special occasion dinners, accommodating groups from 25 people up to an impressive 1,000 guests.

Clay Oven provides comprehensive catering services at all temples in Winnipeg, making them a trusted choice for cultural celebrations and large gatherings. Their expertise in handling events of all sizes, combined with their authentic cuisine, makes them an excellent option for significant celebrations.

Capacity: 25 to 1,000 guests. Perfect for weddings, large parties, and special occasions. Catering services available at various venues throughout Winnipeg.

Fine Dining with Private Rooms

529 Wellington

For an upscale group dining experience, 529 Wellington offers an elegant setting in a renovated 20th-century mansion on one of Winnipeg's most prestigious streets. This tony steakhouse serves top cuts of Canadian beef prepared perfectly, along with market-fresh seafood.

The swank setting provides an impressive backdrop for business dinners, anniversary celebrations, or any occasion that calls for sophisticated dining. The refined atmosphere and impeccable service make it ideal for groups seeking a premium experience.

Bailey's Restaurant & Bar

A fine dining stalwart in Winnipeg's restaurant scene, Bailey's Restaurant & Bar is known for impeccable service and an elegant British-inspired atmosphere. Dark woods, deep rich tones, and a statement staircase leading to the upstairs dining room create a sophisticated setting.

The upstairs dining room is perfect for private group events, offering an intimate yet grand space for special occasions. Bailey's commitment to excellent service ensures your group will be well taken care of.

Hy's Steakhouse

This classic steakhouse on Portage Avenue serves top-drawer cuts including their famous "Only" steak with Hy's special sauce. The menu features porterhouse, filet mignon, New York Strip, and prime rib, making it a meat-lover's paradise.

Hy's elegant atmosphere and commitment to quality make it an excellent choice for business dinners, special celebrations, or any group that appreciates classic steakhouse dining.

SMITH

SMITH celebrates honest food created from the diversity of Manitoba's lands and waters. Built on craftsmanship and dedication to finer points, this restaurant offers fine fare done right. The menu showcases the bounty of local ingredients, making it perfect for groups who appreciate quality and local sourcing.

The Gates on Roblin

Located just west of the city limits in Headingly, The Gates on Roblin offers a pan-Canadian menu in a riverfront dining room. This upscale steakhouse features meat and seafood as the stars of the show, with a menu that changes seasonally to showcase the best ingredients.

The picturesque riverfront location adds to the appeal for group dining, making it a memorable choice for celebrations and special occasions.

Private Dining Rooms & Intimate Group Spaces

Nicolino's

Owner Nick Zifarelli has created a hip neighbourhood hangout in the south suburbs with rustic Italian classics that sparkle with innovation. Nicolino's features a private dining room perfect for 12 guests, ideal for luncheons, private parties, and intimate celebrations.

The combination of traditional Italian flavours with modern twists, plus the dedicated private space, makes Nicolino's a great choice for smaller group gatherings.

Peasant Cookery

A favourite amongst Winnipeg's downtown business and creative crowd, Peasant Cookery offers a dance between classic and modern French cuisine with a helping of down-home sense. House charcuterie is a must-try, and the restaurant's atmosphere makes it perfect for group dinners.

Located in the Exchange District, Peasant Cookery provides an excellent setting for business dinners, birthday celebrations, or any group looking for elevated comfort food in a welcoming atmosphere.

Rudy's Eat & Drink

This retro chic steakhouse is Mad Men incarnate, with classics like pot roast and meatloaf getting contemporary updates from talented chef/owner Michael Schafer. Chicken Cordon Bleu, signature salads, and other comfort food favourites make Rudy's a crowd-pleaser for groups.

The nostalgic yet modern atmosphere creates a unique dining experience that's perfect for celebrations and group gatherings.

Family-Friendly Group Dining

Old Spaghetti Factory

Set in a century-old railway storage building at The Forks, the Old Spaghetti Factory is a family-friendly pasta and pizza eatery that's a popular venue for celebrations with families and friends. The historic setting adds character to any group gathering.

With a menu that appeals to all ages and a location at one of Winnipeg's most popular destinations, the Old Spaghetti Factory is an excellent choice for multi-generational family gatherings.

Park Café (Qualico Family Centre)

Located in Assiniboine Park, Park Café offers floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking verdant lawns and a duck pond. This family-friendly spot serves soups, sandwiches, salads, and burgers that are a cut above typical park fare.

The unique venue setting, combined with views of the park, makes it perfect for casual group gatherings, especially when combined with a visit to Assiniboine Park Zoo or The Leaf conservatory.

Unique Group Dining Experiences

Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar

This downtown stalwart, in business for more than three decades, delivers outstanding Japanese cuisine with entertainment, teppanyaki style. Talented chefs hold court at dual-purpose kitchen and dining tables, creating an interactive dining experience that's perfect for groups.

The combination of excellent food and entertainment makes Ichiban ideal for birthday celebrations, corporate team building, or any group looking for a memorable dining experience.

La Brasserie Nonsuch Brewing Co.

Anchored in the heart of Winnipeg's Exchange District, La Brasserie Nonsuch Brewing Co. crafts Belgian-style beers featuring elevated ABV – designed to be cellared and shared in good company. The brewery setting makes it perfect for casual group gatherings, beer tastings, and celebrations.

Resto Gare

Dine on contemporary French cuisine with a touch of Manitoba flair inside a 19th-century refurbished rail station and attached rail car. Touches of industrial chic mingle with French salon elegance at this unique venue.

The historic railway setting provides a one-of-a-kind atmosphere for group dining, making it perfect for special occasions and memorable celebrations.

Casual Group-Friendly Restaurants

King's Head Pub

Everybody knows your name, or they will soon enough, at this friendly and welcoming Exchange District haunt. The King's Head Pub offers a unique menu where East Indian curries, kormas, and butter chicken mix and mingle with traditional pub fare.

The welcoming atmosphere and diverse menu make it perfect for casual group gatherings, especially for groups with varied tastes.

Chaise Café & Lounge

This St. Boniface brunch institution serves brunch family style and also offers great prix fixe menus at night, plus some pretty great pizza. They've recently opened a second, much larger location, making them well-equipped for group dining.

The family-style service model is perfect for groups, creating a shared dining experience that brings people together.

Cibo Waterfront Cafe

Cibo Waterfront Café is a fresh food, Mediterranean-inspired café located right on the banks of the Red River. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the waterfront location provides a beautiful setting for group dining.

The combination of fresh Mediterranean cuisine and river views makes Cibo an excellent choice for group brunches, lunches, or dinners.

Gusto North

The first outpost of local favourite Pizzeria Gusto, Gusto North brings you the flavours and feelings of Italy. Inspired by its original location on Academy Road, the Gusto team has created another excellent destination for group dining.

Pizzeria Gusto

Named one of Canada's top restaurants in 2013 by Maclean's magazine, Pizzeria Gusto deserves its accolades. Owner Bobby Mottola has the recipe for success: serve contemporary pizza pies with exceptional ingredients in a welcoming atmosphere.

The combination of excellent food and a relaxed setting makes Pizzeria Gusto perfect for group dinners, especially for pizza lovers.

Saddlery on Market

The Saddlery on Market offers a place for Winnipeggers to meet in style and comfort. Inspired by Winnipeg's past, they serve homey, comforting food made with ingredients that express the bounty of Manitoba.

The comfortable atmosphere and locally-sourced menu make it ideal for group gatherings that celebrate local flavours.

The Merchant Kitchen

There are many things that make The Merchant Kitchen cool. For starters, it features a massive rooster mural by local artist Pat Lazo, which overlooks a stately open kitchen. The combination of art, atmosphere, and excellent food creates a memorable group dining experience.

Wasabi Sabi

With three locations across Winnipeg, this Winnipeg-owned restaurant serves outstanding old and new-school sushi. Creativity reigns in the kitchen at all locations, with inspired and unexpected entrées and signature rolls that make it perfect for group dining.

The multiple locations mean you can find a Wasabi Sabi convenient to your group, and the diverse menu ensures everyone will find something they love.

Prairie's Edge

A globally inspired menu is served inside this modern dining room at Kildonan Park. The picturesque park setting matches the picture-perfect plates inside Prairie's Edge. Chef Alex Wong heads up the kitchen, creating dishes that celebrate international flavours.

The combination of excellent food and park views makes Prairie's Edge an excellent choice for group dining, especially during warmer months when you can enjoy the park setting.

Planning Tip: When booking group dining, always call ahead to confirm capacity, private room availability, and any special requirements. Many restaurants require advance reservations for groups of 8 or more, and some offer special group menus or prix fixe options that can simplify planning and ensure smooth service.

Accessibility & Special Considerations

Many of Winnipeg's group-friendly restaurants offer wheelchair accessibility, though it's always best to confirm when making your reservation. Restaurants like Park Café at Assiniboine Park and venues at The Forks are designed with accessibility in mind.

For groups with dietary restrictions or special requirements, most restaurants are happy to accommodate with advance notice. Whether you need vegetarian options, gluten-free alternatives, or specific cultural dietary requirements, Winnipeg's diverse restaurant scene can usually accommodate your needs.

Making Your Reservation

When planning group dining in Winnipeg, keep these tips in mind:

  • Book early: Private rooms and large party reservations often book weeks or months in advance, especially for popular dates and weekends.
  • Confirm details: Verify capacity, menu options, pricing, and any special requirements when making your reservation.
  • Consider timing: Some restaurants offer better group rates or availability during off-peak hours or weekdays.
  • Ask about catering: For very large groups, inquire about off-site catering options, which many restaurants offer.
  • Check parking: Confirm parking availability, especially for downtown locations, as this can be important for group events.

Location Advantage: Staying in Crescentwood puts you within easy reach of many of these group dining destinations. The Corydon neighbourhood is home to several excellent restaurants, and downtown venues are just a short drive or transit ride away. Our location makes it easy to host out-of-town guests and coordinate group dining experiences.

Conclusion

Winnipeg offers an impressive range of restaurants perfect for group dining, from intimate private rooms to large-scale catering services. Whether you're planning a wedding reception for 1,000 guests, a business dinner for 12, or a family celebration, you'll find the perfect venue in Winnipeg's diverse restaurant scene.

The key to successful group dining is planning ahead, communicating your needs clearly, and choosing a restaurant that matches your group's size, style, and budget. With so many excellent options available, you're sure to find the perfect spot to create lasting memories with your group.