Dining Guide
Corporate Holiday Team Building: The 2026 Guide
Looking to spark connection outside the conference room? Our Team Building Dining Guide highlights in-network restaurants that offer memorable group experiences—from bowling alleys to golf simulators and everything in between.
Use the category jump links on this page to skip straight to the kind of team experience you’re looking for.
Team building doesn’t have to mean awkward icebreakers or another Zoom call. This guide is packed with restaurants and venues that take collaboration to the next level – some might call it Eatertainment. Think pickleball over lunch, arcade games after a client win, or golf swings alongside sliders. Whether you’re planning an offsite, celebrating a team milestone, or just want to break up the workweek, these spots offer the perfect mix of good food and great energy.
Every restaurant featured participates in your company’s preferred dining program. Don’t forget to use your corporate card to earn myDinova points while you play.
Why Team Building Is Essential for Modern Workplaces
Getting people together with no agenda is important to creating a community in the modern workplace. Most teams talk to one another through Slack messages, calendar invites, and “Team Sync” meetings – that’s fine for getting work done, but it doesn’t build trust. At the end of the day, we’re all people and deserve to be treated as such! A couple hours at mini golf does something a meeting can’t do – get people to relax and enjoy one another’s company. This creates better work, and better work makes your company more productive.
How to Choose the Best Venue for Team Building
There are three key factors to identifying the best venue for a team building activity: size of group, type of event, and length of event.
Your group size determines how large of a venue you need. A group of 40 people isn’t going to fit well on a mini-golf course, and they’re going to be completely separated into small groups. Bigger the group, larger the venue. Then, we need to look at type of event: is this a holiday gathering of your company’s sales team, or a small get-together for a birthday? That’s going to determine what type of activity might be appropriate. You certainly do not want to misinterpret what activity would be appropriate for your gathering. Then, you want to take a look at your preferred length of event and compare that to how long your activity might take. Mini-golf might take an hour or so, versus a visit to the arcade could go on for a long time.
Team Building Dinner Ideas and Experiences
Not every outing needs a big activity for everyone to do. Sometimes the best team building experience is a good meal somewhere everyone wants to go – a private room at a steakhouse, a long table at the best Italian spot in town, or a cooking class. Our list below has a few options, or you could search to find a restaurant near you.
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Bowling, Arcades, & Pickleball
Golf & Mini Golf
Puttshack | Locations Nationwide
Puttshack leads the field with its one-of-its-kind, upscale tech-infused mini golf game, powered by their proprietary Trackaball technology. And, when you’re done with the mini golf, you’re just steps away from their globally inspired, mixologist-obsessed signature bar and restaurant.
- Tech-infused mini golf
- Huge, variety cuisine
- Private events and parties
Popstroke | Locations Nationwide
Popstroke blends tech-infused mini-golf with a laid-back outdoor dining experience that encourages casual competition and connection. With chef-crafted meals, craft beer, and space to roam, it’s ideal for teams looking to unwind while fostering camaraderie.
- Casual American Cuisine
- Tech-enabled mini golf courses and mobile app companion
- Outdoor lounges perfect for social events
Swing Social | San Diego, CA
Swing Social merges state-of-the-art golf simulators with a high-energy hospitality experience. Whether you’re hosting a brainstorming brunch or a friendly competition after hours, it’s a hole-in-one for team engagement.
- Contemporary American menu
- Indoor golf simulators and lounge seating
- Flexible event packages for all groups
Yeoman’s Topgolf Swing Suite | Tampa, FL
Yeoman’s blends British pub charm with cutting-edge Topgolf Swing Suite technology, plus a full lineup of bar games to keep every personality on the team engaged. Whether the crew is celebrating a big win or just trading the conference room for some friendly competition, every visit feels like a party.
- British-inspired pub fare, weekend brunch, and daily specials
- Topgolf Swing Suite bays – 84 virtual courses
- Custom pool, shuffleboard, and arcade boxing
Bowling, Arcades, & Pickleball
Dave & Buster’s | Locations Nationwide
Dave & Buster’s is a classic choice for groups seeking a dynamic environment. With arcade games, sports viewing areas, and spacious private rooms, it’s a go-to for hosting team challenges or celebrating company wins.
- American bar and grill fare
- Private event spaces and game packages
- Interactive arcade games and sports bar vibes
Main Event | Locations Nationwide
Main Event offers an all-in-one experience for team outings, combining bowling, laser tag, billiards, and dining under one roof. Their group-friendly setup makes planning easy and encourages friendly competition across departments.
- American classics and shareable platters
- Bowling, laser tag, billiards, and more
- Corporate event hosting and team packages
Mission Bowling Club | San Francisco, CA
Mission Bowling Club combines boutique bowling with craft cocktails and elevated comfort food in a stylish, retro-inspired setting. Perfect for sparking camaraderie through friendly competition, it’s a lively venue for team outings, celebrations, and private events.
- Elevated American fare
- Modern bowling and craft cocktails
- Private lanes and group event bookings
Kings Dining & Entertainment | 11 Locations Nationwide
Kings combines retro-cool décor with upscale bowling, billiards, and a full restaurant and bar. With dedicated event hosts and curated menus, it’s a favorite for corporate mixers and team bonding alike.
- Elevated dining and cocktails
- Bowling, billiards, karaoke, and more
- Private rooms and customizable event options
Live Entertainment
Cinépolis | Locations Nationwide
For a team outing that breaks the mold, Cinépolis delivers luxury cinema experiences complete with plush seating, elevated food and beverage options, and full-service private theaters. Whether it’s a corporate screening, a celebratory watch party, or a relaxed offsite, teams can unwind in style with turnkey event support.
- Luxury movie theater experience
- Private theater rentals for corporate events
- On-site dining and bar service
Stress Factory | 3 Locations in NJ, CT, and PA
Laughter is the ultimate icebreaker. Stress Factory hosts top-tier stand-up comedy at three Northeast clubs – perfect for teams looking to swap the boardroom for a night of full-bellied laughs. Group ticket packages and private event options make it easy.
- Premier stand-up comedy
- Group ticket bundles and private buyout options
- Full bar and dining service
Culinary Experiences
Eataly
Turn team bonding into a hands-on culinary adventure at Eataly. Their immersive cooking classes and chef-led experiences offer a unique way to collaborate, learn new skills, and share a meal—all while exploring the rich traditions of Italian cuisine.
- Italian cuisine and cooking workshops
- Private group classes and team events
- Wine tastings and chef-led experiences
tinyB Chocolate
Bring your team together with a hands-on chocolate-making experience that’s as indulgent as it is memorable. At tinyB Chocolate, groups can participate in immersive workshops led by expert chocolatiers, crafting Brazilian-style brigadeiros in a fun, collaborative setting. Whether virtual or in-person, their events are perfect for bonding over creativity and cocoa.
- Brazilian-inspired chocolates
- Team chocolate-making classes (virtual or in-person)
- Customizable group events, corporate gifting, nationwide shipping
Il Fiorista | New York, New York
Where flowers, food, and friendship come together. Il Fiorista pairs a locally sourced Italian menu with hands-on cooking classes, intimate chef’s table dinners, and a working floral boutique.
- Italian cuisine rooted in local farming
- Hands-on cooking classes and chef’s table experiences
- Intimate private event space for celebrations and team dinners
Plan Your Next Team Building Event with Dinova
Dinova’s business dining network has over 24k in-network restaurants and experience-based brands ready to cater to your every need. And, if you are a part of our partnered network of corporations, you and the other cardholders at your company can earn rewards for every business dining purchase at our participating restaurants. Learn more about Dinova’s program.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the best team building dinner ideas for employees?
The best team building dinner ideas are ones that fit your entire team, cater to their personal preferences, and provide an experience they might not get elsewhere. If your company is a part of the Dinova program, you can search our network of restaurants to find one such restaurant near you and earn rewards.
Why are restaurants good for corporate team building?
Restaurants are great for corporate team building because they cater to your preferences, provide a level of service that can ‘wow’ your guests, and provide a culinary experience that will impress. Dinova restaurants have been handpicked to do all of those things.
How do you choose a venue for a corporate team building event?
Choosing the best venue for your corporate team building event can be difficult, even for the most experienced planners. Start with Dinova’s restaurant search tool – you can filter by location, cuisine, and offerings to identify a restaurant venue that works best for you.
What activities work best for team building dinners?
The activity that works best for team building dinners varies depending on what you’re looking for. In-person experiences like mini golf, arcades, or live entertainment. For virtual dinners, you should take a look at our Virtual Corporate Events Guide for Remote Employees.
Can restaurants host large corporate team building events?
Absolutely! Many restaurants offer large private event areas to host team building events at, and some even offer full restaurant buy-outs. Find a private event space near you using Dinova’s restaurant search tool.
What makes a successful corporate team building event?
A successful corporate team building event is one that wows your guest, caters to their needs, and is a impactful experience for everyone.
Dinova Staff | 07.02.25