I hosted a 15 person dinner at Seven Reasons and Ceibo, which were both great. They might each be able to host up to 40 as well, but you’d have to contact them.

Also have hosted similar dinners at Cranes, Nobu (I can’t recall if these had private rooms or not, I think so). The Jefferson has a private room and the food is good but there wouldn’t be much room to stand and mingle.

If price isn’t a concern you might be able to buy out Rooster & Owl, which is fantastic. I don’t think they would fit 40 though.

Chef Geof's

Not Maydan.

Zaytinya

Went to one at Carmines years ago

You really need to decide if you want a seated dinner for a small group or a larger standing reception. In either case your budget will start at 3k+

Have you looked at Barcelona in Cathedral Heights?

I did mine at the private room at Le chat noir for around 12; it was a great space.

Hay-Adams

The private rooms at Del Mar are really nice

Joe's Seafood

Sonoma in SE has a nice space
https://media-cdn.getbento.com/accounts/e7ea421f00f8ce7bee14eeccfb233cb5/media/f0bg2Fg6RWe2exZaeu0i_Sonoma%20Event%20Kit%202026.pdf

The restaurant at the Lyle hotel has a private room and does a nice job, for 15 people though not more.

The Henri in DC has multiple dining rooms

You are going to need to decide on 15 vs 40 -- not every restaurant is going to have a room for one or the other.

At any rate, we attended a birthday party at Carmine's recently for a group of about 15 and it was nice; the family style food works well for a group that size.

Looking to host a 40th bday party for DH. I haven’t decided on a sit down dinner with 15ish people or a party with more like 30-40. Anyone done either at a DC restaurant or bar that went well?? Requirements: in DC proper, preferably NW; not a dive bar; nice space (I’ve looked at a few places where the event space is meh compared to the actual place, like in a basement).