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What types of food are you looking for? Do you have a price-point that you need to watch out for?

If you like higher-end stuff, I would recommend my personal favorite - The Glockenspiel - which is actually in Saint Paul, but has authentic and amazing German food.

For sushi, try Fuji-ya, which has private rooms, too, for parties like yours where they serve it all to you in the traditional way.

For Italian on a budget, try Cossetta's over in Saint Paul, too. Fantastic, fun and great for a cheap night out!

Otherwise, what are more specific things that you are looking for? Or want to avoid?

I second Fujiya for sushi, but Seven Sushi also does a good "all you can eat" on Sunday and Monday nights, which can be fun for a group.

Chino Latino (Uptown) is fun for a birthday group, since its about two-thirds small plates and sushi, and the rest big sharing dishes. It's loud, so ask to be seated downstairs, in one of those psychedelic looking bubble tables if your group can fit!

Loring Pasta Bar (Dinkytown) is a nice, quieter, but kind of off-beat place. Food is sort of funky-creative Italian-ish. Very fun. Sometimes they have live music (a lone sax player or small trio).

St. Paul Grill (downtown St. Paul) if you're looking for the fancy and expensive meal out.

Old Mexico (Rosedale area) or Pepito's (south Minneapolis -- Lyndale& 42nd maybe?) both have great Mexican for groups.

Stella's (Uptown) for amazing seafood -- lots of fun for a group. Not too fancy, but also not as trendy as Seven or Chino Latino.

Good luck and happy birthday!

There are a lot of great restaurants in the Twin Cities….but here are a few places where I have hosted/organized birthdays & special events involving a group. They are all accommodating groups of people out for an occasion:

112 Eatery is a fantastic restaurant with an eclectic menu. It has not only received top ratings nationally, but also is considered locally to be a must visit destination by Twin Cities Foodies.

Fogo De Chao is a great place for a group…it is an all you can eat brazilian steakhouse offering a dozen plus types of meat served table side by roaming "gauchos." Ironically for a churrascaria, it has an incredible salad bar that even draws vegetarians to come in.

It's greek to me in uptown is very accommodating to groups, and I've had many birthday parties there over the years. Really good greek food, a wonderful staff & a fun atmosphere.

Oceanaire seafood room is really the best seafood, oysters & fresh fish restaurant in the city…spendy…but worth it.

Black Sheep Pizza is Minnesota's only coal fired pizza establishment. It gets packed and the place is small….so plan to come early, get your name on the list & have a glass of wine or beer while you wait. The pizza is incredible. Space is limited, so if you have a party of more than 8 it may not be the best choice…i'd call first to see if they can accommodate you….

Market BBQ has really good BBQ and can accommodate groups….a great spot to go if that's the type of food you are looking for.

J.D. Hoyt's is an old school establishment. They are a supper club that you would imagine the likes of the Rat Pack going to. Steaks, Chops, white linens…similar to the monte….but….the menu is a bit more extensive….service is fantastic.

These are the places I go back to again & again because they can accommodate groups, the food & service is fantastic….and the ambiance is conducive to having a celebration….

Like a couple other posts commented, If we knew your price range….preferred location…and tastes, we'd be able to better make suggestions....but consider these...

"Although I live here, I rarely find really great restaurants." Poor arwenb! You've obviously been running with a crowd of un-serious eaters. This city is full of great places!

I'll also recommend 112 and Fujiya for some of my favorites around here. I also love Modern Cafe in Northeast, which is also by the 331 Club (fun, small, neighborhood bar), Northeast Social (great, eclectic menu), and the new Anchor Fish & Chips, a sustainable chip shop run by true blue Irish folks.

Our go-to birthday spot is Pancho Villa on Eat Street (Nicollet and 26th). They have two-for-one margaritas, tasty and inexpensive food, and really nice staff. I'm not sure of your age, but if wearing a giant sombrero while drinking giant margaritas isn't you're thing, then this isn't the place for you.

More casual, but great places include: Brasa, Bulldog NE, and Pizza Luce.

Check out heavytable.com for more about food in the Twin Cities. It's one of my favorite blogs. And Minnesota Monthly just released (or will soon release) their annual Restaurant Issue. Their food editor, Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl, really knows her stuff and has never steered me wrong.