Restaurants to host your birthday in Lower Manhattan

Despite sounding like invasive surgery, Epistrophy is actually a charming Italian hideaway in SoHo, perfect for brunch or dinner. The modern space is designed with exposed brick and cozy bookshelves, creating a warm, inviting ambiance. For a birthday brunch, indulge in the lemon ricotta pancakes and a mimosa, or for a celebratory dinner, enjoy the classic cacio e pepe. The extensive wine list includes unique selections like orange wine, while their house cocktails add a playful touch, including the "OMG: Oh My Gimlet, I found my love in Portofino!"

Jajaja is a vibrant, all-vegan Mexican eatery with multiple locations across Manhattan. The menu features plant-based renditions of Mexican favorites, including tacos, bowls, quesadillas, and enchiladas. Pair your meal with expertly crafted cocktails, like the matcha-coconut-tequila blend or a refreshing pineapple mezcal, or, if you’re more of a wine or beer drinker, they have those too. The West Village spot can hold up to 70 guests, making it an ideal spot for a lively birthday celebration.

Nestled in the Lower East Side is Kiki’s, a beloved hotspot known for its homestyle Greek cuisine. We’re talking all-you-can-eat tzatziki, hummus, pita bread, zucchini chips, lamb, and so much more. The cozy, rustic space features wooden tables and vintage decor, attracting a lively, trendy crowd. Reservations are available for a birthday party of 11 or more, while smaller parties should anticipate a wait—sometimes up to 1.5 hours during peak dinner times. But rest assured, the food makes it well worth the wait.

Found in Tribeca, Zutto is a cozy Japanese eatery perfect for a laid-back birthday celebration. The menu offers a wide array of choices, from ramen and sushi to poké bowls and even a $58 premium sashimi box. Pair your meal with a selection of sake, wine, beer, or signature cocktails like the matcha colada or the zesty yuzu margarita. The warm, relaxed atmosphere can accommodate up to 75 guests indoors or 20 outdoors, with options for full or partial buyouts.

Experience classic French cuisine at Boucherie, a West Village bistro, with other locations across Manhattan. The intimate, 5,000-square-foot, two-story space has multiple rooms perfect for any birthday party: the wine room (8 guests), gallery (45), chef’s table (16), or mezzanine (18). For a birthday extravaganza, you can rent the entire venue for up to 200 guests. Enjoy traditional French fare for brunch with crème brûlée, French toast, and espresso, or for lunch and dinner with soupe à l'oignon, escargots, steak frites, and a drink from their signature cocktail menu.