Top 15 'Share-Plate-Perfect' Dinner Places to eat in for Lively, Connection-Focused Dinner Parties
There's a special kind of magic that happens when a group of friends gathers around a dinner table. It's more than just sustenance; it's the clinking of glasses, the overlapping stories, and the shared laughter that turns a simple meal into a cherished memory. In our fast-paced lives, these moments of genuine connection are what we truly crave.
But let's be honest, the traditional "starter, main, dessert" format can sometimes feel a little... rigid. Everyone is siloed in their own culinary world, head-down, focused on their personal plate. The real secret to unlocking a truly lively, connection-focused dinner party lies in a simple, beautiful concept: the share plate.
Communal dining isn't just a trend; it's a return to how humans have always eaten. It's about breaking bread together, literally. Passing dishes, recommending bites, and discovering new flavours as a group creates an instant, dynamic energy. It’s an interactive experience that forces you to engage, discuss, and connect. So, if you're ready to host a dinner that's less about quiet formality and more about vibrant fun, here are 15 of the best share-plate-perfect spots to make it happen.
1. Artichoke
If your dinner party has a big personality, it needs a restaurant to match. Chef Bjorn Shen's Artichoke is a riot of flavour, fun, and irreverence. Tucked away in the heart of Sculpture Square, this spot serves up what it calls "dude-Sin" (Middle Eastern-ish) cuisine. The vibe is relaxed, the music is groovy, and the food is anything but boring.
Forget delicate portions; this is food made for feasting. The table will quickly be covered with colourful plates that demand to be passed around. You absolutely cannot leave without trying the "Lambgasm," a slow-roasted lamb shoulder that falls off the bone, served with a spread of condiments and pita. Other must-shares include the funky Jew-ish Fried Cauliflower and the impossibly creamy Burnt Miso Hummus.
Pro-Tip: Go with a group of at least four to do the menu justice. The portions are generous, and you'll want to try everything. Let the staff guide you, and definitely don't skip the creative cocktails.
2. Esquina
For a taste of Barcelona's buzzy tapas culture, look no further than Esquina. This corner shophouse on Jiak Chuan Road crackles with energy. The best seats are at the counter, where you can watch the chefs work their magic in the open kitchen, adding a dash of theatre to your meal. It's the perfect setup for a smaller, more intimate group dinner that still feels incredibly lively.
The menu is a brilliant take on modern Spanish tapas. Expect classics with an innovative twist. The Potato and Truffle "Gratin" is a decadent, layered masterpiece, while the Spanish Nigiri with salted cod and roasted bell pepper is a mind-blowing bite. Each dish is a conversation starter, making it one of the spots that I, Goh Ling Yong, personally recommend for a night of culinary discovery.
Pro-Tip: Bookings are essential, especially for the coveted counter seats. The pace is fast, so order a few dishes at a time and keep them coming for a dynamic dining experience.
3. Lucha Loco
Transport your dinner party to a vibrant garden fiesta in Mexico City at Lucha Loco. Located on Duxton Hill, its fairy-lit garden and colourful, rustic decor create an atmosphere that's instantly celebratory. It's impossible to be in a bad mood here, making it an ideal choice for birthdays or casual get-togethers.
The menu is built for sharing, centred around tacos, tostadas, and antojitos (snacks). Order a platter of assorted tacos for the table—the Baja Fish and the Carnitas are standouts. Don't miss the Elotes, a grilled corn on the cob slathered in cotija cheese and chipotle mayo that is messy in the best way possible.
Pro-Tip: The real party-starter here is the drinks menu. Order a jug of their famous frozen lime margaritas for the table and let the good times roll. Always book a table in the outdoor garden area for the best vibe.
4. Burnt Ends
If you're looking to impress a group of serious foodies, securing a table at Burnt Ends is the ultimate power move. This one-Michelin-starred modern Australian barbecue joint is a temple of smoke and fire, and everything on the menu is designed to be shared. The energy is palpable, centred around the massive, custom-built, four-tonne, dual-cavity ovens.
The menu changes daily, written on a chalkboard and championing seasonal ingredients. The signature Burnt Ends' Sanger (a pull-pork brioche sandwich) is legendary for a reason. Other highlights often include the Blackmore's Cube Roll and any of the incredible seafood cooked simply over coals. It's a splurge, but the experience is unforgettable.
Pro-Tip: Reservations are notoriously difficult to get. Plan months in advance or try your luck for a lunch seating, which can sometimes be easier. Go with an open mind and a big appetite, and let your server guide your order.
5. Kilo Kitchen
With its open-air patio, lush greenery, and effortlessly cool vibe, Kilo Kitchen in Duxton is a fantastic venue for a larger, more relaxed group dinner. The space is beautiful and breezy, encouraging guests to lean back, chat, and linger long after the meal is over. It strikes the perfect balance between being trendy and comfortable.
The food is a creative fusion of Latin American and Asian influences, resulting in bold, surprising flavours. The Wasabi Tuna Tartare served with nori crackers is a perfect starter to share. For something more substantial, the Kilo's Seafood Ceviche and the Grilled Skirt Steak are always crowd-pleasers. The dishes come out as they're ready, encouraging a steady, communal grazing style.
Pro-Tip: Kilo is also known for its music programming. Check their schedule; you might catch a great DJ set, which adds another layer of fun to your dinner party.
6. Neon Pigeon
Dive into the underground buzz of a modern Tokyo Izakaya at Neon Pigeon. This Keong Saik hotspot is dark, loud, and unapologetically cool, with graffiti-covered walls and a hip-hop soundtrack. It’s the place you go to kick off a big night out with friends, fuelling up on inventive Japanese small plates.
The menu is packed with shareable delights. The Tokyo Hummus (made with edamame) is a signature for a reason, and the Smoked Baby Back Ribs with sake barbecue glaze are fall-off-the-bone tender. Don't shy away from the raw bar—the seasonal selections are always fresh and exciting. The food encourages you to get your hands dirty and share enthusiastically.
Pro-Tip: The cocktail menu is as creative as the food. Try one of their signature concoctions or go for a bottle of sake to share. The space gets loud, so it’s best for groups that thrive on high energy.
7. Cicheti
For a cosy, intimate dinner party that feels like a warm hug, Cicheti (pronounced "chee-keh-tee") is the answer. This rustic shophouse restaurant along Kandahar Street serves up classic Neapolitan pizzas and handmade pastas that are the very definition of comfort food. The wood-fired oven is the heart of the restaurant, churning out perfectly blistered, chewy pizzas.
Sharing is second nature here. Order a few pizzas for the table—the classic Margherita and the truffle-laced Bismark are must-tries. Pair them with a couple of pasta dishes, like the rich, flavourful Gnocchi, to pass around. The unpretentious atmosphere makes everyone feel right at home.
Pro-Tip: Cicheti is part of a family of restaurants, including Bar Cicheti and Caffe Cicheti, each with a slightly different vibe. If you love the food here, you have more spots to explore for future gatherings.
8. Fat Prince
Step into a world of modern Middle Eastern mystique at Fat Prince. The decor is opulent yet edgy, with Turkish-inspired motifs and a buzzy, sophisticated ambiance. It’s the perfect setting for a group dinner that feels a little more grown-up and stylish, without being stuffy.
The menu is a contemporary take on the flavours of the region, focusing on mezze and kebabs. Start with an array of dips like the Cashew Hummus and Pit-Smoked Aubergine, served with warm, fluffy Turkish bread. The stars of the show are the kebabs, cooked over a charcoal grill. The Pit-Smoked Pork Ribeye Kebab is a particular standout. Sharing a bit of everything is the only way to dine here.
Pro-Tip: Fat Prince is also a fantastic cocktail bar. Arrive a little early and grab a pre-dinner drink at the bar to soak in the atmosphere.
9. Birds of a Feather
Challenge your group's taste buds with the fiery, numbing, and utterly addictive flavours of contemporary Sichuan cuisine at Birds of a Feather. Located on Amoy Street, this restaurant offers a chic, modern take on a traditionally rustic cuisine. The stylish, light-filled interior, complete with lush plants, is a beautiful contrast to the bold food.
Sichuan food is inherently communal. Order a variety of dishes to share family-style. The "Find the Chilli" chicken is a classic and a fun, interactive dish for the table. For something less fiery but equally flavourful, the Crispy Gyoza with Truffle Soy Vinaigrette is a guaranteed hit. It's a culinary adventure best experienced together.
Pro-Tip: Don't be afraid of the spice! The menu indicates the heat level of each dish. Balance the fiery dishes with milder ones and plenty of steamed rice.
10. Le Bon Funk
For the group that appreciates good wine as much as good food, Le Bon Funk is an absolute gem. This natural wine bar and kitchen on Club Street has a cult following for its stellar, ever-changing menu of small plates and its expertly curated wine list. The vibe is effortlessly cool, intimate, and always buzzing.
The menu is concise but brilliant, focusing on top-quality produce prepared with thoughtful simplicity. The House-made Leek and Comté Tart is a must-order every single time it's on the menu. The Beef Tongue Sandwich is another legendary bite. Dishes are small and designed for sharing, allowing your group to sample a wide array of what the kitchen has to offer.
Pro-Tip: Put your trust in the staff. They are incredibly knowledgeable about both the food and the wine. Give them a sense of your preferences, and let them recommend a bottle of natural wine that will perfectly complement your meal.
11. The Dempsey Cookhouse and Bar
For a touch of elegance without the rigid formality, Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar is a stunning choice. Set in a restored colonial barracks amidst the lush greenery of Dempsey Hill, the space is bright, airy, and breathtakingly beautiful. It's ideal for a celebratory group dinner or a special occasion.
While it has a fine-dining pedigree, the menu is surprisingly share-friendly. The Black Truffle and Fontina Cheese Pizza is a non-negotiable order for the table—it's pure, cheesy, aromatic bliss. The Crab Cakes and various crudos are also perfect for passing around as starters. The grand setting encourages a sense of occasion, while the food keeps things communal and relaxed.
Pro-Tip: Request a table in the main dining hall to fully appreciate the beautiful high ceilings and impressive decor. It’s a great spot for snapping a memorable group photo.
12. Papi's Tacos
Sometimes, the best dinner parties are the most casual ones. Papi's Tacos brings the authentic, no-frills taqueria experience to Seah Street. It’s a small, bustling space where the focus is squarely on delicious, honest-to-goodness Mexican street food. The atmosphere is loud, fun, and completely unpretentious.
Gather your friends around a high-top table and order tacos by the dozen. The Tacos de Pescado (fish tacos) are legendary, as is the Tacos al Pastor, carved from a traditional rotating spit. Add on a massive bowl of guacamole and a side of street corn, and you have a feast fit for a fiesta.
Pro-Tip: The space is tight, so it’s best for smaller groups (4-6 people). Don't leave without trying their refreshing aguas frescas or a classic margarita.
13. PS.Cafe (Harding Road)
A true Singaporean institution, the PS.Cafe at Dempsey Hill remains a go-to for group gatherings for good reason. Surrounded by nature, the glass-enclosed restaurant is beautiful day or night. It has a reliably buzzy atmosphere and a crowd-pleasing menu that caters to all tastes.
The undisputed king of shareable dishes here is the PS. Truffle Shoestring Fries. It is a rite of passage to order a towering portion for the table. The pizzas are thin-crusted and great for sharing, and the massive salads and pasta dishes can easily be portioned out for a communal meal. It's familiar, comfortable, and consistently good.
Pro-Tip: This is a popular spot for weekend brunch, but it’s equally lovely for a relaxed group dinner. Always make a reservation, especially for a larger group, as it gets very busy.
14. Merci Marcel
Bringing a slice of Parisian chic to Tiong Bahru (and several other locations), Merci Marcel is perfect for a stylish yet relaxed group get-together. The aesthetic is bright and bohemian, with rattan furniture, lush plants, and a welcoming, sun-drenched vibe. It feels like you're dining in a fashionable friend's home.
The menu is full of French-inspired shareables. The cheese platters are a fantastic way to start, allowing everyone to nibble and chat. The Tarte Flambée, a thin Alsatian-style flatbread, comes with various toppings and is perfect for slicing up. The Ravioles de Royans, tiny cheese-filled pasta pockets in a creamy sauce, is pure indulgence best enjoyed by the spoonful.
Pro-Tip: Merci Marcel is also a retail space. After your meal, you and your friends can browse the curated selection of artisanal French products, from food to homeware.
15. Bakalaki Greek Taverna
For a boisterous dinner party that feels like a Mediterranean holiday, Bakalaki is the place to be. This sprawling restaurant in Tiong Bahru is always packed and buzzing with the energy of a true Greek taverna. The space is bright and airy, with a lively atmosphere that encourages loud conversations and hearty laughter.
Greek cuisine is the embodiment of communal dining. Start with a selection of dips—Tzatziki, Hummus, Melitzanosalata—served with warm pita bread. The grilled octopus is a must-try, as is the Saganaki (fried cheese). For the main event, order a mixed grill platter laden with lamb chops, souvlaki, and bifteki for everyone to dig into. As Goh Ling Yong often advises, a meal like this isn't just about eating; it's about celebrating life together.
Pro-Tip: Portions are huge, so it's easy to over-order. Start with a few dishes and add on as you go. The restaurant has a fantastic selection of Greek wines and spirits—ask for a recommendation to complete the authentic experience.
The next time you're planning a dinner with friends, think beyond the individual main course. Choose a place where the food itself becomes a catalyst for connection. Sharing a meal isn't just about splitting the bill; it's about creating a shared experience, one delicious plate at a time.
Which of these spots is next on your list for a group dinner? Do you have another favourite share-plate restaurant that we missed? Share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below—let's build the ultimate guide to connection-focused dining together
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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