Ordering for a large group can feel as complicated as negotiating world peace at the United Nations. With varying dietary needs and preferences in play, it’s often tempting to have everyone pick their own dish and call it a day. But there’s little joy in sticking to one plate when communal dining offers a chance to taste a bit of everything.

Abhi Dey, executive chef at North & Common in Coburg’s Pentridge precinct, believes sharing enhances the dining experience – especially with a bigger group, where there’s even more to sample. But he also knows that navigating the art of communal dining can feel overwhelming, so he’s shared his top tips to streamline the process.

Aim for one-and-a-half dishes per person

While every restaurant’s portion sizes vary, Dey suggests aiming for roughly one-and-a-half dishes per person as a guideline for sharing. “Ordering too many dishes might look exciting, but it can lead to waste,” he says. “The main thing is not to overwhelm the whole table.”

We think you might like Access. For $12 a month, join our membership program to stay in the know.

SIGN UP

The goal here is balance – not so few dishes that people feel short-changed, but not so many that good food goes untouched.

Order a mix of textures and temperatures

When ordering for a group, variety is key. “The balance of the menu is very important,” Dey explains. Rather than doubling up on similar dishes, he suggests mixing and matching to keep the meal interesting.

For instance, if someone orders fish, pair it with something contrasting like a vegetable or meat option. Try to get a mix of noodles and rice, hot and cold dishes, creamy and dry textures, and soft and crunchy elements. This diversity keeps the table dynamic and ensures there’s something for every palate.

Tackle large protein dishes together

Group dining is the perfect opportunity to order large-format protein options that might be daunting for a more intimate dinner. Dey recommends indulging in dishes meant for sharing, like North & Common’s 500-gram pork belly or 1.2-kilo lamb shoulder, which feeds around four to five people. These larger serves can be the centrepiece of your order that encourages everyone to share, and they’re a great way to get a taste without committing to a hefty main.

Consider all dietary requirements

Dietary restrictions and allergies are increasingly common, so it’s likely at least one person in your group will have special requirements. Few things are worse than attending a group dinner and discovering you’re stuck with just a side salad or bowl of chips, so Dey stresses the importance of considering everyone’s dietary needs upfront.

He advises choosing naturally diet-friendly dishes, like North & Common’s white asparagus, king mushroom, and celeriac risotto, which accommodates vegetarians and those with gluten and nut intolerances. Fresh options like seasonal salads and vegetable-forward dishes are also versatile choices that cater to a range of diets (and often the surprise highlight of a produce-driven menu).

When in doubt, order the chef’s selection

If managing the entire group’s order feels daunting, the chef’s selection is a reliable fallback – these handy picks are designed to highlight the best of the menu and provide a well-rounded experience with little hassle. It’s also a great way to guide your order if you’re overwhelmed by all the options.

Many restaurants offer a share menu or tasting option that can be tailored to suit the group size and dietary needs. At North & Common, the chef’s selection includes a spread of snacks, entrees, mains and dessert – a curated experience to avert decision fatigue.

Dessert is a solo affair

When it comes to dessert, Dey says it’s every diner for themselves. Sharing dessert can be awkward and, no one wants to feel they got shortchanged on sweets. North & Common’s set menu follows this approach, offering individual single-serve desserts to each guest.

“You don’t want to share, to be honest,” Dey says with a laugh. “Individual desserts for everyone.”

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with North & Common restaurant. Find North & Common at Pentridge Coburg in Melbourne’s north.