On The Town NYC

Cafe China

117 E 18th St, New York, NY 10003

About Cafe China

Located at the intersection of Union Square and the East Village, Cafe China offers a transportive event experience inspired by the glamour of 1930s Shanghai. The restaurant, known for its Michelin-recognized Sichuan cuisine, balances sophisticated aesthetics with the fiery, authentic flavors of spices sourced directly from China. The interior design features a nostalgic palette of seafoam greens, vintage posters, and elegant wood finishes, creating a moody yet refined backdrop that stands out from typical Manhattan event spaces.

For private events, Cafe China excels at hosting multi-course family-style feasts. The venue is uniquely flexible, offering everything from intimate floral-themed private rooms to full-floor buyouts. Whether guests are gathering for a celebratory banquet or a business presentation, the atmosphere is deliberately curated to feel like a private residence, providing an air of exclusivity and warmth in the heart of Gramercy.

Best For

  • Intimate birthday dinners for 8–12 guests in the Breeze, Flower, or Snow Rooms
  • Corporate presentations and business dinners for up to 18 guests in The Parlor
  • Rehearsal dinners and large family celebrations for up to 30 guests in the Moon Room
  • Cocktail receptions for up to 60 guests in the combined Moon & Parlor space
  • Full-floor corporate buyouts for up to 100 guests on the third floor with custom music capabilities
  • Accessible large-scale celebrations for up to 100 guests via a ground floor buyout

What Guests Are Saying

Guests frequently mention the stunning 1930s Shanghai-inspired decor as a highlight for photography and atmosphere.

Event hosts praise the seamless transition between the smaller private rooms when combined for medium-sized parties.

Private diners often comment on the high quality of the authentic Sichuan menu, noting it maintains restaurant-level excellence even for large groups.

Corporate clients appreciate the professional setup of The Parlor for business dinners and presentations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What private dining rooms are available at Cafe China?

The restaurant features several distinct areas, including the Breeze, Flower, and Snow Rooms for small groups, the Moon Room for medium-sized parties, and The Parlor for semi-private events. For larger crowds, the third floor and ground floor are available for full buyouts.

What is the maximum capacity for a private event?

Cafe China can accommodate a wide range of group sizes, from intimate dinners of 8 guests in a single private room to large-scale events for 100 guests during a full floor buyout.

Are audiovisual amenities like projectors available for corporate meetings?

Yes, the third-floor buyout offers flexible seating, a projector for presentations, and the ability to play custom music. The Parlor also accommodates a projector setup for business meetings.

Is the venue ADA accessible?

The ground floor buyout is fully wheelchair accessible, making it an ideal choice for large celebrations and corporate gatherings requiring easy entry.

What style of food is served during private events?

Cafe China specializes in authentic Sichuan cuisine, typically served family-style for events. This format allows guests to sample a wide variety of traditional dishes and signature spices.

Breeze, Flower, or Snow Room

Breeze, Flower, or Snow Room

Up to 8-12 seated

An intimate private room suitable for smaller gatherings and private group dining.

Available For
Birthday Parties, Private Dinners, Corporate Gatherings, Celebrations
Breeze & Flower Room Combination

Breeze & Flower Room Combination

Up to 16-24 seated

A combined private space ideal for medium-sized seated dinners and social celebrations.

Available For
Birthday Parties, Private Dinners, Corporate Gatherings, Rehearsal Dinners
Flower & Snow Room Combination

Flower & Snow Room Combination

Up to 16-24 seated

A double private room setup offering an inviting atmosphere for social or corporate dining.

Available For
Birthday Parties, Private Dinners, Corporate Gatherings, Rehearsal Dinners
The Breeze, Flower & Snow Room Combination

The Breeze, Flower & Snow Room Combination

Up to 24-30 seated

A larger combined suite of private dining rooms designed for larger family style dinners and events.

Available For
Birthday Parties, Private Dinners, Corporate Events, Rehearsal Dinners
The Parlor

The Parlor

Up to 18 seated

A stylish semi-private space perfect for business dinners or casual celebrations, with the option to set up a projector.

Available For
Corporate Meetings, Business Dinners, Birthday Parties, Social Gatherings
The Moon Room

The Moon Room

Up to 30 seated

A spacious private dining room suited for private celebrations and corporate dinners.

Available For
Birthday Parties, Private Dinners, Corporate Events, Social Gatherings
Moon & Parlor Combination

Moon & Parlor Combination

Up to 48 seated / 60 reception

An expanded semi-private combination space accommodating seated dinners or cocktail reception-style events.

Available For
Cocktail Receptions, Corporate Events, Birthday Parties, Large Dinners
3rd Floor Buyout

3rd Floor Buyout

Up to 78 seated / 100 reception

An exclusive buyout of the entire third floor featuring flexible seating arrangements, optional projector setup, and custom music capabilities.

Available For
Full Buyouts, Corporate Events, Wedding Receptions, Large Celebrations
Ground Floor Buyout

Ground Floor Buyout

Up to 66 seated / 100 reception

A full buyout of the ground floor dining space with full wheelchair accessibility for large celebrations and corporate gatherings.

Available For
Full Buyouts, Corporate Events, Large Receptions, Birthday Parties