Hosting a birthday or group dinner is different from just going out to eat. You need:
- A place that can handle a group without chaos
- Food that works when you’re sharing lots of dishes
- Staff who understand that celebrations need a little extra care
- A vibe that’s fun and relaxed, not stiff or formal
Inforno works for exactly this. Whether it’s a 4-person birthday celebration, a 10-person
work catch-up, or a larger milestone party, we’ve got the space, food and approach to make
your group dinner actually enjoyable.
This guide walks you through planning a birthday or group dinner at Inforno in Newcastle,
from how many people we can take to what to order to what makes a celebration feel special
without being pretentious.
Why Inforno Works for Group Dinners and Celebrations
There are restaurants that technically can fit a group, but they make you feel like you’re
inconveniencing them. Then there are places that actually welcome groups.
Inforno is the latter.
Pizza Is Built for Sharing
The best way to eat at a group dinner is to order multiple pizzas and share them around the
table. Everyone gets to try different things. It’s collaborative and fun.
This is how Italian food is meant to be eaten – communal, shared, everyone having a bit of
different things. We’re built around that style.
Pasta Works for Groups Too
Mix in a couple of pasta dishes to share alongside the pizzas. Pasta dishes can feed 2-3
people when you’re sharing. Add pizza + pasta together and you’ve got the perfect group meal.
Flexible Ordering
Unlike places with set group menus, we can be flexible. You want 5 pizzas and 2 pastas? Done.
You want some vegetarian options mixed in? Easy. Special requests? No problem.
Relaxed Atmosphere
Celebrations don’t need to be formal. At Inforno, groups feel welcome. If your group is loud
and happy, that’s fine. If you want quieter conversation, that works too. No one’s going to
tell you to keep it down or make you feel like you’re in the way.
Good Value for Groups
When you’re feeding a group, costs matter. Wood-fired pizza and good pasta are filling and
reasonably priced. You’re not paying premium venue fees or forced group menus. You order what
you want and pay for what you eat.
Both Locations Available
Have a smaller group (4-8 people)? Either location works great.
Larger group (8-15 people)? We can accommodate, but check availability and let us know in
advance.
Group Sizes: How Many People Can We Take?
Small Groups (4-8 people)
- Most comfortable size
- Easy to have at a regular table or couple of tables pushed together
- No special coordination needed
- Just call ahead to book
Medium Groups (9-15 people)
- Still manageable at both locations
- Usually requires a bit more planning
- A phone call in advance is important
- We can arrange seating and timing to work
Larger Groups (15+ people)
- Possible but requires advance notice
- Need to call well in advance (at least 1-2 weeks)
- May need special arrangements
- Check availability with manager
The Bottom Line: Call us and tell us your group size. We’ll let you know what we can do.
Phone: 02 4961 4031 (Hamilton or Charlestown)
Types of Group Dinners We Host
Birthday Celebrations
- Milestone birthdays (18th, 21st, 40th, etc.)
- Surprise parties
- Adult birthday dinners with friends
- Kids’ birthday parties
- Casual or fancy celebrations
Work Gatherings
- Team dinners
- End-of-year celebrations
- Client appreciation dinners
- Work anniversary celebrations
- Friday night drinks (food included)
Milestone Celebrations
- Engagements
- Promotions
- Retirements
- Anniversaries (couple or business)
- Graduation celebrations
Social Groups
- Friend groups catching up
- Sports team gatherings
- Book club dinners
- Family reunions
- Uni friends getting together
Corporate / Special Events
- Business meetings with dinner
- Investor or client dinners
- Board dinners
- Company celebrations
We handle all of these. No “special occasions only” pretence. Whatever you’re celebrating,
we’re here to feed you well and make it feel special.
Booking a Group Dinner: The Process
Step 1: Call and Book Early
For groups of 4-8: Call a few days ahead
For groups of 9-15: Call at least 1-2 weeks ahead
For groups of 15+: Call 2-3 weeks ahead
What to tell them:
- Your group size
- What you’re celebrating (birthday, work event, etc.)
- Preferred date and time
- Any dietary requirements
- If it’s a special occasion (they may add a small extra touch)
Step 2: Confirm Numbers a Few Days Before
If your group size changes, let us know. This helps with seating and prep.
Step 3: Arrive On Time
Groups have momentum. If half your people arrive early and half late, it messes with the
flow. Try to have everyone there within 10 minutes of your booking time.
Step 4: Order
You can:
- Pre-order a set menu (if arranged in advance)
- Order from the full menu (most flexible)
- Mix and match based on group preferences
We’ll make recommendations on quantities based on group size.
Step 5: Enjoy
We’ll handle the logistics. You focus on celebrating.
What to Order for Your Group Dinner
This is the fun part. Here’s how to build a great group meal:
The Golden Rule: 1 Pizza Per 2 People + 1-2 Pasta Dishes
For a group of 8:
- 4 pizzas (different varieties)
- 1-2 pasta dishes
For a group of 12:
- 6 pizzas
- 2-3 pasta dishes
This gives everyone variety, lets people mix and match, and usually works out food-wise.
Pizza Selection for Groups
Order a mix of flavours:
- 1-2 Margherita (the classic, everyone eats it)
- 1 Prosciutto and Rocket (crowd pleaser)
- 1 Spicy Salami or Meaty option (for those who like it)
- 1 Seafood (if your group likes seafood and it’s available)
Why This Mix Works:
- Vegetarian and meat options covered
- Mix of light and rich flavours
- Everyone finds something they like
- People can try different things
Pasta Selection for Groups
Order 2-3 pasta dishes to share down the middle of the table:
- 1 Carbonara (always popular, works with pizza)
- 1 Bolognese (comfort food, broadly appealing)
- 1 Seafood Pasta (if available and your group wants it)
Each pasta dish feeds 2-3 people when sharing.
Starters (Optional)
If you want to start the meal:
- Garlic bread or focaccia (shareable)
- A simple salad (balances the richness)
Order 1-2 for a group of 8. Keep it simple.
Drinks
- Wine (bottle or by glass)
- Beer
- Non-alcoholic options
- Order what suits your group
For celebrations, wine or beer works. Nothing fancy required.
Dessert (Optional)
You can order from the menu, or grab gelato after if you’re still out. Most groups skip it,
but it’s available if you want it.
Group Menu Options: Pre-Order vs. Order From Menu
Option 1: Full Menu Ordering (Most Flexible)
You sit down, look at the full menu, everyone orders what they want. Staff brings things as
they’re ready.
Pros:
- Everyone gets exactly what they want
- Easy if group has different tastes
- No deposits usually needed
Cons:
- Food arrives at different times (some get pizzas first, others wait for pasta)
- Takes longer to coordinate
- Less controlled pricing
Option 2: Pre-Arranged Group Menu (If Booked in Advance)
You discuss in advance with the restaurant, they prepare a set selection of pizzas and pastas
to come out together.
Pros:
- Everyone eats at similar times
- Better coordination
- Can get group discount sometimes
- Feels more like a planned celebration
Cons:
- Need to book in advance
- Less individual flexibility
- Need to confirm numbers
Our Recommendation:
For groups of 4-8: Order from the full menu (easier, less coordination needed)
For groups of 9-15: Pre-arrange if you have time, or do a mix of ordering ahead + some
special requests
Most groups do a hybrid: “We’ll do 4 pizzas and 2 pastas, and anyone can add anything extra
they want.”
Special Touches for Birthday and Celebration Dinners
Want to make the celebration feel extra special?
Tell Us It’s a Birthday or Special Occasion
When you book, mention it. Staff will:
- Remember it’s a celebration
- Might add a small complimentary gesture
- Be extra attentive
Bring Your Own Decorations (Check First)
For a birthday, you might want:
- A small banner or balloons (check if it’s okay first)
- Candles on a dessert (we can help with this)
- Special place cards or name tags
It’s a nice personal touch without being over-the-top.
Organize a Group Gift or Speech
No restaurant pressure here, but if your group wants to:
- Give a toast
- Present a gift
- Make a speech
We’ll give you space and quiet to do it. Just give a heads up.
Time It Well
- Late Friday/Saturday evening: More party atmosphere
- Weeknight: More relaxed and intimate
- Lunch: Quieter, sometimes better for multi-generational groups
Cake or Dessert
If you’re bringing a birthday cake:
- Let us know in advance
- We can provide plates and cutlery
- We’re happy to have you celebrate with it
If you’re ordering from us:
- We have dessert options
- Or you can grab something special after
Pricing and Payment for Group Dinners
How It Works
You order, everyone eats, you pay. Simple.
For groups of 10+, we might ask:
- A deposit to hold the booking (usually 20-30% of estimated cost)
- Final headcount a few days before
- Balance paid on the day
Deposits
- Smaller groups (4-8): Usually no deposit needed, just a phone booking
- Medium groups (9-15): May ask for a small deposit to hold the date
- Larger groups (15+): Usually require a deposit
Deposits are credited toward your bill on the day.
Splitting the Bill
How you split payment is up to you:
- Everyone pays their own
- One person pays and collects money
- Split evenly
We can:
- Put items on separate tabs if you organize it
- Split one bill a few ways (usually easier to do yourself)
- Process multiple cards if needed
Just let us know what works for your group.
Group Discounts
For larger groups, ask when you book. Sometimes we can offer something, sometimes not –
depends on the date and circumstances. Worth asking.
Budget Estimate
Per person (rough guide):
- Pizza (shared): $10-15
- Pasta (shared): $10-15
- Drink: $6-12
- Total per person: $26-42
For a group of 8: $200-340
For a group of 12: $300-500
(These are rough – depends on what you order and drink choices)
Why Wood-Fired Pizza Is Perfect for Group Dinners
There’s a reason Italian dining is so popular for groups:
Everyone Can Eat
Pizza isn’t fussy. You don’t need special cutlery, complex instructions, or anything fancy.
Just pick up a slice and eat.
Visual Appeal
A beautiful wood-fired pizza coming out of the oven is theatre. It makes the meal feel
special and gives people something to watch and talk about.
Shareable by Nature
One pizza feeds 2-3 people. This is perfect for groups. Everyone gets their own slices, but
it’s communal. You’re sharing.
Mix and Match
Different pizzas with different toppings let everyone try different things. At a group
dinner, that variety matters.
Filling Without Heavy
Good wood-fired pizza with fermented dough is filling but not heavy. You don’t end the night
feeling stuffed or uncomfortable.
Relaxed Vibe
Eating pizza is casual. It’s not stuffy. Groups can be loud and happy without feeling out
of place.
Group Dinner Timeline: From Booking to Celebration
2-3 Weeks Before (For Larger Groups 15+)
- Decide on date and group size
- Call and book
- Potentially pay deposit
1-2 Weeks Before (For Medium Groups 9-15)
- Call and book
- Confirm rough headcount
- Discuss special requests or dietary needs
Few Days Before (All Groups)
- Confirm final headcount
- Confirm dietary requirements or special touches
- Make sure everyone knows time and location
Day Of
- Arrive 5-10 minutes early (gives staff time to prepare)
- Bring any decorations or special items
- Order promptly (knowing what you want helps things move smoothly)
- Enjoy your celebration
After
- Pay your bill
- Leave happy (staff really notices and appreciates it)
- Leave a review if you had a great time
Kids Birthday Parties at Inforno
If you’re throwing a kids’ birthday party:
What Works:
- Kids love watching the wood-fired oven
- Pizza is universally kid-approved
- Relaxed atmosphere means kids can be kids
- Smaller portions available for little ones
What to Keep in Mind:
- Let us know in advance you’re bringing kids
- 4-8pm is usually best (not too late)
- Have a plan for keeping kids entertained (some places are good for this, we’re a restaurant
not a kids’ venue) - Keep group size reasonable (12-14 kids max)
Food for Kids:
- Margherita or simple pizzas (kids prefer basics)
- Ask for smaller slices if you want
- Have fruit or light options available
- Dessert is easy (ice cream or cake)
Special Touches:
- We can help with plates and cutlery
- Space for a small cake or cupcakes you bring
- Heads up about any balloons or decorations
Work Functions at Inforno
Using Inforno for a work dinner? Here’s what works:
Team Dinners
- Builds camaraderie through shared meal
- Food is non-threatening (pizza is casual, not too formal)
- Relaxed vibe lets people connect
Client Dinners
- Shows you value relationships
- Good food demonstrates care
- Less formal than high-end restaurants (works for some occasions)
End-of-Year Celebrations
- Pizza and pasta feel celebratory but not stuffy
- Group setting works well
- Easy to accommodate different dietary needs
Timing Tips:
- Friday evening: More celebratory vibe
- Weeknight 5:30-7pm: Professional but not too late
- Avoid during lunch rush for quieter feel
Booking Tips:
- Tell us it’s a work function (helps with service approach)
- Have a rough budget in mind
- Confirm dietary requirements (work groups often have various needs)
- Give clear headcount a few days before
Frequently Asked Questions About Group Dinners
How early do I need to book for a group?
- Groups of 4-8: Few days ahead
- Groups of 9-15: 1-2 weeks ahead
- Groups of 15+: 2-3 weeks ahead
Can I bring my own cake or decorations?
Check with us first – usually yes, but we like to know. Brings adds a personal touch.
Do I have to order a set menu?
No. We can do fully flexible ordering from the menu, or a mix of pre-arranged + flexible.
Your choice.
What if someone in the group is vegetarian/gluten-free?
No problem. Pizza can be made any way. Pasta options available. Just let us know when you
book.
Can I reserve a specific area for a larger group?
Depends on the group size and how our space works that day. Call and ask – we’ll do our best
to accommodate.
What’s the noise level like?
Friendly, busy, normal restaurant noise. Good for celebrations. If someone needs quiet, that
might not be ideal.
Can I do a surprise party?
Absolutely. Just give us a heads-up when you book so we know to be discreet about it.
How long does a group dinner usually take?
Plan for 1.5-2 hours. You’re sharing food, talking, celebrating. It’s not rushed.
Do you have high chairs or kids’ seating?
For younger kids – check when you book. We try to accommodate but can’t promise.
Can we do speeches or toasts?
Yes. Just let us know – we’ll make space and quiet for it.
What if the group size changes at the last minute?
Let us know ASAP. We do our best to accommodate, but last-minute changes are harder. Give us
as much notice as you can.
Final Thoughts: Host Your Birthday Dinners Newcastle at Inforno
A good celebration isn’t about complicated rules or expensive venues. It’s about good food,
good people and enough space to have fun together.
Inforno delivers exactly that.
Whether it’s a 6-person birthday dinner, a 12-person work function or a 20-person group
celebration, we’ve got the food, the space and the vibe to make it work.
Book your group dinner. Tell us what you’re celebrating. Come hungry. Leave happy.
Contact and Location
Inforno Hamilton
Beaumont Street, Hamilton NSW 2303
Phone: 02 4961 4031
Inforno Charlestown
Pearson Street, Charlestown NSW 2299
Phone: 02 4961 4031
Email: info@inforno.com.au
For group bookings, call ahead.
Deposits may be required for larger groups.
Both dine-in and special arrangements available.
🍕 Hamilton, Newcastle – Come to In Forno and taste the difference.
📍 Come to charlestown, Newcastle, or reserve your table online today!
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