Covid-19 really made us appreciate our lively gatherings with loved ones, eating and being merry together. Now that there are no longer limits on social gatherings or group sizes when dining out, we are rejoicing over communal dinings and catching up with people we haven’t seen in a long time. Got an upcoming family gathering? Or having a school reunion of sorts? These communal dining spots with big plates and sharing platters will be ready for you and your entourage!
1. Tapas 24
For a great feast with a Spanish twist, look no further than one of Barcelona’s most famous tapas bars. Since arriving on our shores, Tapas 24 has been drawing crowds to its outlet at Robertson Quay. Decked in bright reds and blues, the restaurant no doubt captures the lively Spanish spirit, and you’re sure to rejoice over sharing plates like the “Tapas 24” Bikini Sandwich, Barceloneta’s Bomba, Mcfoie-Gras Burger and Paella De Arroz Negro!
2. The Dragon Chamber
For an unconventional twist on Chinese dining, The Dragon Chamber is hidden behind an unsuspecting fridge door within a humble kopitiam. On the menu are creative eats meant to be shared, and you can expect uncommon dishes like Dragon Claw (which is really a crocodile foot) and pig’s tail, or reinvented classics like the Roasted Kou Shui Chicken. Communal tables can fit up to 8 adults but be sure to make a booking beforehand!
3. The Butcher’s Wife
Got a gathering with the girlfriends, or someone in your group has diet sensitivities? The Butcher’s Wife is the perfect dinner spot of choice for a meal of gut-friendly food and natural wines. Its hearty dishes are gluten-free and celiac-friendly, and dishes like the 200g Wagyu Picanha and Marinated Chicken Thigh Dosa are perfect for sharing. They’ve also got The Wife’s Feast which is a chef’s menu that includes desserts and curated wines. Simply let them know what dietary requirements you are adhering to and you’re all good to go!
4. Meatsmith
For the carnivorous, Meatsmith is fitted with large smokers all the way from the US, so you know they’re serious about their grills and meats. If you’re coming in a big group, the Mother of All Platter is practically made for you, featuring pastrami burnt ends, sausage, fried buffalo wings, brisket spring rolls, beef brisket, dry-aged steak and spiced pork ribs!
5. Firangi Superstar
We all know that Indian cuisine is great for communal dining, now let’s take it further with modern Indian plates! Firangi Superstar evokes a certain cinematic quality, with architecture taking inspiration from Kashmir, Chennai, Bombay and Rajasthan. Try their Prata Waffle and go for plates to share like the Tikka Takeaway, Pakoreos, Sacred Earth Samosa. Every dish here is vegetarian, but some also have non-veg versions, creating a menu that’s as “flexible as a yogi”.