Private Dining Rooms for
Wakes and Celebrations of Life
After a funeral, you need somewhere for people to gather. A private dining room offers a quiet, dignified space where family and close friends can be together — with good food, comfortable surroundings, and as much time as you need.
Browse Venues →Why a Private Dining Room for a Wake
A Quiet, Private Space
A private room gives mourners space to grieve, share stories, and be together without the noise and pace of a public venue.
Nothing to Organise at Home
Catering a wake at home adds stress to an already difficult time. A private dining room handles the food, the service, and the cleanup.
Flexible and Accommodating
People arrive and leave at different times. There's no fixed schedule. The venue provides the space and the food — everything else unfolds naturally.
A Gathering That Feels Right
Wakes and celebrations of life don't follow a script, and they shouldn't have to. A private dining room gives you a warm, comfortable space where people can arrive when they're ready, eat when they want to, and stay as long as they need. The venue handles the food and service quietly and respectfully.
Venues for Wakes & Celebrations of Life
Private dining rooms seating 8–30 guests
The Gidley
Sydney CBD
A speakeasy-style steakhouse hidden beneath the streets of Sydney CBD. The Gidley offers three distinctive private dining rooms, each with its own character -- from the Norfolk Room with private bar to The Library's hidden poker table beneath an oak dining table.
Rockpool Bar & Grill
Sydney CBD
One of Australia's most celebrated steakhouses, Rockpool Bar & Grill Sydney offers five distinct private dining spaces including The Balcony and four fully enclosed rooms. Premium dry-aged beef and an extensive wine list make it ideal for corporate entertaining and special celebrations.
A'Mare
Barangaroo
Alessandro Pavoni's waterfront Italian restaurant at Barangaroo offers four private dining spaces -- the Wine Room, Library, Harbour View Room, and main Dining Room. Each brings a different character and capacity, with the harbour as a constant backdrop.
Beppi's
Darlinghurst
A Sydney institution since 1956, Beppi's offers four private dining rooms steeped in heritage charm. The Wine Cellar, Magnum Room, Vintage Room, and Sala Intima each deliver classic Italian warmth with modern hospitality for groups up to 32.
Porteno
Surry Hills
Surry Hills' celebrated Argentinian restaurant offers a converted wine bar space for 15 to 26 guests with no time restrictions on bookings. Wood-fired cooking and South American hospitality in a moody, industrial-chic setting.
Yugen Dining
South Yarra
Yugen Dining's architectural centrepiece is The Golden Orb -- a suspended, gilded pod seating 6 to 9 guests for an unforgettable private dining experience. Also offers a semi-private curtained area for up to 26, or full venue hire for 95 seated. Award-winning Japanese fine dining in a space that's a destination in itself.
Gimlet at Cavendish House
Melbourne CBD
Andrew McConnell's glamorous European restaurant in a 1920s heritage building. The Palm Room offers an intimate private dining space for up to 12 guests, with the same impeccable service and seasonal menu that earned Gimlet a place in the World's 50 Best top 100.
Entrecote
Prahran
Melbourne's beloved French steakhouse offers Le Salon Prive, an elegant private dining room for 30 seated or 50 cocktail-style with floor-to-ceiling wine fridges and marble bar. Le Jardin Terrasse extends to 80 guests. Classic French dining with Melbourne flair.
How to Book
Pick a City
Browse venues in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and more.
Check Capacity
Look for rooms that seat your group — 8 to 30 is the range for wakes & celebrations of life.
Contact the Venue
Reach out directly to discuss menus, pricing, and any special requests.
Show Up and Enjoy
The venue handles the food, the service, and the room. You handle the company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a wake be arranged at short notice?
Yes. Venues understand that funeral timelines are often short. Many private dining rooms can accommodate a wake booking with 2-3 days' notice, sometimes less. Call the venue directly to discuss.
What food format works best for a wake?
Canapés and shared plates work well because people arrive at different times and may not feel like a formal sit-down meal. Some families prefer a seated lunch or afternoon tea — the venue can advise on what works for your group size.
Is alcohol served at wakes?
That's entirely up to you. Most venues can offer a full bar, a limited selection, or non-alcoholic options only. Discuss your preference when booking.
Arrange a Gathering
Find a private, comfortable space for family and friends to come together.
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