If you’re planning a big group gathering in Miami, finding the perfect restaurant can be a challenge. With so many options available, it’s important to choose a place that can accommodate your group size and offers a diverse range of menu options to satisfy everyone’s tastes. And what better time to dine out with your friends than during the warm weather and summer season?
As a Floridian, you may be used to sunny skies and warm temperatures all year round, but there’s something special about dining out with friends during the summer season. Even The New York Times agrees that Miami is a culinary hotspot with a vibrant dining scene, making it the perfect destination for a group dinner. Here’s our guide to the best dining options in Miami for a Big Group.
Mayami
What Makes it Stand Out for Group Dining: The ultimate entertainment destination, Mayami is located in the heart of Wynwood. Perfect for any occasion, the establishment transports guests to ancient Mayan Civilization, serving elevated cuisine, uniquely crafted cocktails, and a late-night party atmosphere with aerialists and fire dancers. The restaurant also included daily programming/dinner parties Monday through Sundays.
Best Dishes to Share: Guacamole, Oysters on the ½ dozen, Crispy Snapper, Mayami Roll
Best Shareable Drinks: Bottle Service – select a bottle of your favorite alcoholic beverage
Papi Steak
What Makes it Stand Out for Group Dining: Located in Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood, Papi Steak is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and decadent dishes. From intimate dining, to birthday celebrations, the dining destination is popular amongst locals and tourists alike.
Best Dishes to Share: Wagyu Pastrami, Chicken Schnitzel, Latkes
Best Shareable Drinks: Bottle of Wine of your choice
The Key Club
Description: Located in the heart of Coconut Grove’s CocoWalk, The Key Club offers traditional American fare, featuring a menu built around the freshest ingredients available, including fish, steak, delicious starters, signature sushi rolls and more. The Key Club is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, as well as weekend brunches and daily happy hours
What Makes it Stand Out for Group Dining: The Key Club hosts live jazz performances during its weekend brunches. Furthermore, The Key Club holds a private dining room which may be booked for events, group lunches, brunches, dinners and more.
Best Dishes to Share: ½ dozen oysters, chips and caviar, hush puppies
Best Shareable Drinks: Build your own Spirits where you get a bottle of wine , Happy Hour specials, custom signature cocktail menu, Sommelier Reserve selections by the glass, Beers & Seltzers
BAOLI Miami
What Makes it Stand Out for Group Dining: The newly reopened concept ushers in a new era of nightlife and dining on South Beach’s shores. Popular for their Wednesday dinner party, My Boyfriend Is Out of Town, the dining destination is the ultimate destination for both intimate and group dining.
Best Dishes to Share: Edamame Hummus, ½ dozen oysters, salmon, 32 oz tomahawk
Best Shareable Drinks: Bottle of wine
LPM Miami
What Makes it Stand Out for Group Dining: Located in the heart of Brickell, LPM Restaurant & Bar, an internationally-known French Riviera-inspired restaurant, boasts an exquisite à la carte menu that showcases its passion for ingredient-led French Mediterranean fare. Guests looking to be transported to the Côte d’Azur and enjoy the art of sharing, this family-style restaurant is just the place for you.
Best Dishes to Share: Encouraging guests to share each dish with one another, diners can enjoy Escargots de Bourgogne, Tartare de Thon, Coquelet Au Citron Confît (marinated baby chicken), or Crème Brûlee À la Vanille.
Best Shareable Drinks: Diners can imbibe on some of LPM’s signature cocktails such as the Tomatini, Room 22, or the Lettre à Coco.
Aba
What Makes it Stand Out for Group Dining: At Aba, all are welcome at the table. Offering guests a quick trip to the Mediterranean, guests can dine on light, shareable dishes from its mezze style menu. Some of Aba’s standout dishes for large groups are the Muhammara, Smoky Garlic Hummus, Spinach Labneh, Truffle Baked Orzo and more.
Best Dishes to Share: Indulge in the Avocado hummus w/ Maine Lobster, Muhammara and Hamachi
Best Shareable Drinks: Groupies, serves 4-5: Shady Beach; Locals Only; Paloma Picante
Glass & Vine
What Makes it Stand Out for Group Dining: When dining at Glass and Vine you can bring a big group of friends or the whole family, kids included. The perfect spot to sit back and relax with a large group, with tables that can be moved to accommodate larger parties, Glass and Vine provides an outdoor dining oasis surrounded by lush greenery and shady oak trees, overlooking Coconut Grove’s beautiful Peacock Park.
Best Dishes to Share: Try the Jumbo shrimp cocktail, watermelon salad and chorizo & manchego cheese croquettes
Best Shareable Drinks: Enjoy the bottles of wine, champagne or rose.
Root & Bone
What Makes it Stand Out for Group Dining: South Miami Root & Bone features a massive indoor and outdoor dining area and a colorful menu of comfort food dishes that cater to all types of palates.
Best Dishes to Share: Indulge in comforting southern cuisine with Drunken Deviled Eggs, Grandma Daisy’s Angel Biscuits and Smoky Bacon Board
Best Shareable Drinks: Try the refreshing Porch Punch and the Free Bird
Mi’Talia
What Makes it Stand Out for Group Dining: A restaurant where guests can get lost in conversation and indulge in Italian-inspired eats, Mi’talia Kitchen & Bar is the ideal South Miami spot to mingle and eat your favorite Italian comfort foods. With an expansive outdoor dining area and intimate private dining room, Mi’Talia is perfect for events and celebrations.
Best Dishes to Share: The Grazing Board, Whipped Ricotta Toast and Mama’s Meatballs are a can’t miss experience when dining at Mi’Talia
Best Shareable Drinks: Enjoy a variety of beer, wine and champagne options.
Gekkō
What Makes it Stand Out for Group Dining: Ideal for groups looking to dine and party all in one venue, Gekkō offers guests a luxurious experience with a menu made up of chophouse staples, seafood dishes and raw options, that caters to all guests. For more intimate celebrations, guests can reserve Gekkō’s private dining areas and following dinner, Gekkō Lounge is just steps away.
Best Dishes to Share: The Wagyu Crispy Rice, Tako Taco and Japanese Milk Bread.
Best Shareable Drinks: champagne and wine.
Hakkasan
What Makes it Stand Out for Group Dining: Best enjoyed family-style, Hakkasan offers guests a unique dining experience with every visit. The restaurant offers a modern take on Chinese cuisine where groups can discover a number of popular dishes including Peking Duck, Smoked Beef Short Ribs and more.
Best Dishes to Share: The Peking Duck, Smoked Beef Short Rib and Crispy Almond Prawn
Best Shareable Drinks: Sunset in Chateau + The Golden Buddha
Beauty & the Butcher
What Makes it Stand Out for Group Dining: Experience elevated modern dining at Beauty & the Butcher that you can enjoy group-style. The menu is built to be shared and is broken out into four sections: Table Snacks, Light & Bright, Golden & Crispy and Mains.
Best Dishes to Share: Dry-Aged Japanese Yellowtail Crudo, Truffled Papas Bravas, Charred Octopus Anticucho, Aleppo Roasted Cauliflower and the Slow Smoked Beef Rib
Best Shareable Drinks: The Mexican Mezcal Mai Tai and the Aragon Dragon
CHICA Miami
What Makes it Stand Out for Group Dining: CHICA Miami offers a unique, lively dining experience that is meant to be shared by friends and loved ones. Bring a group to experience CHICA nights and be dazzled by performers like fire dancers while enjoying a variety of delicious dishes like the Mexican “Mezze” or Compressed Watermelon. Guests can also enjoy signature pitches of CHICA-rita or Living My Best Life, which are perfect for groups. Take advantage of the private dining room for an intimate dining experience.
Best Dishes to Share: Mexican “Mezze”, Compressed Watermelon
Best Shareable Drinks: Signature Pitchers of the Chica-rita or Living My Best Life
Hutong
What Makes it Stand Out for Group Dining: Hutong seamlessly integrates traditional Chinese cuisine with contemporary entertainment by providing a large selection of dishes and handmade cocktails. Hutong is ideal for group dining with dishes perfect for sharing like the Dim Sum Dumpling Platters or Peking Duck. Take advantage of the private dining room for an intimate group dining experience.
Best Dishes to Share: Dim Sum Dumpling Platters, Peking Duck
Best Shareable Drinks: Choose from a wide variety of wine and sake
Joia Beach
What Makes it Stand Out for Group Dining: Joia Beach invites guests to share fresh plates and spreads while enjoying breathtaking views of Miami Beach as the busy city lights up the night. Upgrade your dining experience and treat your friends to Joia Nights, where weekends become legendary and nights are unforgettable. Exciting entertainment includes aerial performers, fire dancers, and electrifying DJs- all are sure to be a crowd favorite.
Best Dishes to Share: Hummus Masabacha, Truffle Pide, Joia Beach Golden Dessert Platter
Best Shareable Drinks: Choose from a variety of wine and beer, as well as Tea Service
American Social Bar & Kitchen
What Makes it Stand Out for Group Dining: At American Social, the stage is always set to create memories for life. Elevated and stylish, but approachable and comfortable, AmSo was designed specifically for socializing and offers a slew of shareable dishes, private rooms with their own bars and semi-private areas for all types of group dining. Plus guests who book for a party of 20 or more now through June 18 will receive a $100 gift card to use on their next visit.
Best Dishes to Share: Spinach and Artichoke Dip, Steak Bomb Pizza, East Coast Oysters, Pork Belly Tacos and more. For a formal group event, the restaurant can make a customized menu for a sit-down dinner.
Best Shareable Drinks: Groups can enjoy Amso’s hand-crafted cocktails like the Cucumber Fiz, Cactus Pear Mojito, PB&J Old Fashioned and more.
Bakan
What Makes it Stand Out for Group Dining: Located in the heart of Wynwood, Bakan is an indoor and outdoor restaurant that transports guests to Mexico with each bite in an exciting atmosphere. Perfect for group dining, Bakan’s menu features shareable plates and something for everyone, from authentic regional and exotic dishes to vegetarian options.
Best Dishes to Share: Sharing is encouraged for the maximum enjoyment with the delicious Queso Fundido, Tostaditas de Atun, Ceviche Bakan, Flor de Calabasa Quesadillas and more.
Best Shareable Drinks: Indulge in Bakan Classica Margarita, The Wall Cocteleria, or Classica Sangria.
Rusty Pelican
What Makes it Stand Out for Group Dining: Famous for its beautiful views of the Downtown Miami skyline, fresh local seafood and top-notch service, Rusty Pelican offers a sophisticated ambiance perfect for any group dine big or small and is sure to impress. Sit on the stunning al fresco patio with the sound of waves crashing behind you or enjoy the stunning views inside the dining room with its floor-to-ceiling windows.
Best Dishes to Share: Guests can enjoy Arroz Meloso for two (Shrimp & Mahi Mahi Anticuchero), Caviar Frites, the Seafood Tower, the Rusty Pelican Board for two and more.
Best Shareable Drinks: Diners can enhance their dine with some of Rusty Pelican’s signature cocktails such as the Belle, Maracuya and El Mariachi.
Osaka Nikkei
What Makes it Stand Out for Group Dining: Osaka Nikkei, Brickell’s hotspot, is a place where guests can indulge in a multi-sensory Nikkei group dining experience. The dinner menu offers a variety of raw and seafood and meat dishes such as popular ceviches, tiraditos, Peruvian Izakaya dishes and more.
Best Dishes to Share: Guests can maximize their dining experience by sharing the Nikkei Bar Omakase Platter, Ceviche Sampler, Mariscos Al Fuego, Crispy Inca Gyoza and more.
Best Shareable Drinks: Diners can enjoy some of Osaka’s signature cocktails such as the Lapsang Negroni, Penishirin and Hokkaido Mule.
Calista Greek Seafood Taverna
What Makes it Stand Out for Group Dining: Be transported to the Greek islands at Calista Greek Seafood Taverna’s brand new location on the revitalized Española Way. Offering authentic Greek specialties and signature cocktails in a Mykonos-inspired setting, Calista’s expansive indoor and outdoor dining areas and shareable dishes make it the perfect spot for your next group outing.
Best Dishes to Share: Pikilia (trio of dips), Calista Veggie Chips, Souvlaki Kotopoulo, Whole Branzino and more.
Best Shareable Drinks: Athen’s Cosmo, Mykonos Mule, Santorini Sunset
One restaurant that should be at the top of your list is Yardbird Southern Table & Bar. This lively restaurant is known for its delicious Southern-style cuisine, including their famous fried chicken and waffles. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, making it the perfect spot for a fun night out with friends. And with its large dining area, it’s the perfect place for a big group gathering.
If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience, Komodo is a fantastic option. This modern Asian restaurant offers a range of dishes, from sushi to steak, and has a stylish atmosphere that’s perfect for groups. They also have private dining options that can accommodate large groups.
For those in search of a lively atmosphere with live music and salsa dancing, Havana 1957 is the place to be. This Cuban restaurant offers a range of traditional Cuban dishes, including ropa vieja and empanadas, as well as refreshing mojitos to keep the party going.
Finally, for those seafood lovers out there, Joe’s Stone Crab is a must-visit. This Miami institution has been serving up delicious stone crab claws since 1913 and is perfect for a group dinner. Their menu also includes a range of seafood dishes, including lobster, shrimp, and crab cakes, as well as classic sides like creamed spinach and hash browns.
In conclusion, Miami offers a diverse range of dining options that are perfect for big group gatherings. Whether you’re in the mood for upscale dining or a more casual experience, there’s a restaurant in Miami that can meet your needs. So, gather your friends and head out to one of these fantastic spots for a memorable meal in the Magic City.
