Lafayette Grand Café & Bakery is a sprawling everyday French brasserie located in the landmark NoHo neighborhood of the East Village. Housed in an iconic corner building on Lafayette Street, the venue channels the spirit of traditional French dining through the lens of modern New York, featuring arched windows, towering gold-leaf ceilings, and zinc-topped bars. Beyond its famed bakery and bustling main dining room, the restaurant offers a refined subterranean world designed specifically for private gatherings and celebrations.
The culinary program led by Andrew Carmellini focuses on reimagined French classics, from rotisserie meats to delicate seafood bouillabaisse. For private events, the atmosphere shifts from the airy, sun-drenched café vibes upstairs to more intimate, exclusive settings below ground. Whether guests are gathering for a business lunch or a celebratory dinner, the venue combines the classic charm of a Parisian brasserie with the professional infrastructure required for seamless Manhattan events.
Reviewers often mention the impressive architectural details like the high ceilings and the warm, golden-hour atmosphere of the main space.
Guests appreciate the separation of the private event areas, noting that the downstairs spaces feel exclusive and tucked away from the main restaurant bustle.
Many hosts highlight the quality of the French-inspired catering, specifically praising the bread and pastry program.
Lafayette features two primary event spaces: the Salle Privée for intimate groups and the Cave du Vin for larger gatherings. The Salle Privée seats 8-20 guests, while the Cave du Vin can accommodate between 30 and 150 guests depending on the layout.
the Salle Privée is specifically equipped for business needs, featuring an enclosed flatscreen TV suitable for presentations, along with space for a pre-dinner cocktail hour.
The Cave du Vin is a fully self-contained event suite, offering a full private bar, dedicated restrooms, and a private coat check to ensure guest comfort and exclusivity.
Inquiries and bookings are handled through the restaurant's dedicated events team via their website or by phone; given the venue's popularity in NoHo, advance booking is highly recommended for weekend dates.
Our Salle Privée seats 8-20 guests with space for cocktailing and an enclosed flatscreen TV.