The top birthday party restaurants on the Upper East Side

Situated in a historic brownstone on 65th Street, the East Pole is a great option for hosting a small birthday brunch or dinner. Their menu is focused on fresh, seasonal ingredients, with a focus on elevated, home-style cooking. Menu highlights include grilled Lamb with Japanese eggplant and lemon potatoes or their housemade Tagliatelle, with Italian sausage, pesto, and Chinese broccoli. It has three distinct areas that can be used separately or adjoined to suit your birthday party needs. The first floor is dedicated to the bar and main dining room while the second floor has two semi-private event spaces: the Map Room and Copper Room.

The Map room, fittingly named for the antique maps adorning its walls, has floor to ceiling windows that overlook a quaint and charming, tree-lined street. This space comfortably seats up to 25 guests around a single long vintage farmhouse table, perfect for an intimate birthday dinner. Directly next door is the Copper Room, named for the sleek copper bar that runs along one side. With a stunning skylight that floods the space with natural light, this space is perfect for gathering with up to 20 of your closest friends and family, or it can be rented alongside the Map Room for a larger event.

A birthday celebration at Daniel embodies the quintessential “Upper East Sider” vibe. This Michelin-starred French restaurant exudes luxury, with rich wood accents, high ceilings adorned with intricate designs, tasteful artwork, and thoughtfully curated floral arrangements. From the moment you step through the door, you are enveloped in its elevated atmosphere.

The venue offers exceptional flexibility, with the elegant Bellecour Room accommodating up to 90 guests, or the option for a full restaurant takeover, perfect for lively gatherings of up to 150. The menu, created by acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud, offers both a five-course pre-fix menu and a more elaborate nine-course tasting option. Celebrate your special day by indulging in signature entrees like the mouth-watering Scharbauer Ranch Beef Striploin or the Roasted Veal Tenderloin, both designed to provide a luxurious dining experience.

Have you always dreamed of celebrating your birthday in the warmth of summer, only to find yourself born in the frigid depths of January or February in NYC? Fear not! Uva’s enchanting back garden is open year-round for a dreamy birthday dinner for up to 45 guests, regardless of the season. With charming circular wooden tables, twinkling fairy lights, and a cozy, rustic vibe, you'll feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. Think of it as celebrating the magic of summer in the depths of winter. You’ve heard of Christmas in July, well welcome to 4th of July in December… or something like that.

Not an outdoor person? Uva’s Wine Cellar is a warm and inviting space for an intimate birthday dinner of up to 35 people. With its warm wooden tables and soft lighting mimicking the glow of candlelight, the space is a comforting escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The menu offers simple Italian dishes like eggplant parmesan and prosciutto and mozzarella ravioli, ideal for sharing family style. There’s nothing like inhaling carbs and laughing with your loved ones on your birthday.

Upon entering The Penrose NYC, you’re welcomed by warm, earthy tones and inviting wood accents that create an incredibly cozy atmosphere. With 2,500 square feet of beautifully designed space, The Penrose can accommodate private events of up to 250 guests, making it an ideal choice for your next birthday party. Some famous clientele include L’Oreal USA, National Geographic, and JP Morgan. If it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for you.

For private events, this venue features customizable food and drink menu options and a dedicated staff to ensure your special day goes as planned – it only comes once a year, after all. The Penrose offers classic American fare. Highlights include a fried chicken sandwich marinated in buttermilk and their indulgent mac & cheese made with a trio of Cheddar, Monterrey Jack, and Gruyere cheeses. Pair these with one of their craft cocktails for a well-rounded dining experience.

The Carlyle is an iconic venue in NYC that has captured the admiration of generations of celebrities, dignitaries, and socialites. Café Carlyle, nestled within the Carlyle Hotel, provides a luxurious backdrop for celebrating life’s milestones, making it a great venue for your next birthday. Renowned for its cabaret performances, this elegant space features dark wood paneling, plush banquettes, and soft lighting, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that can accommodate up to 100 guests for a reception.

The rich history of the café, highlighted by its legendary roster of performers, infuses each evening with nostalgia and charm. Guests can indulge in a refined menu of American cuisine, paired with an extensive wine list, all while enjoying live music that enhances the enchanting ambiance. Menu highlights include, their Faroe Island Salmon, smothered in a delicious miso glaze, and their Roasted Pumpkin Risotto for all the vegetarians and vegans out there.