Where to Dine With a Group in Miami

You’ll instantly feel the love when you step into chef Timon Balloo’s restaurant. The James Beard-nominated chef excels in the kitchen while his wife, Marissa Katherine, reigns over the charming dining room with a warm smile. Balloo draws inspiration for his small plates from their blended cultures and travels, so you’ll find creamy clam chowder fries sharing the menu with his mom’s oxtail. Their whimsical semi-private group table adorned with bright peacocks is the perfect place to sit back, relax, and enjoy Balloo’s international fare among friends.

Even grill masters want to be wined and dined. This Michelin-starred Korean barbecue steakhouse boasts a dimly lit, sexy dining room with intimate booths where your group can admire the meat sizzling on your personal tabletop grill while sipping wine from one of the more than 1,000 bottles on the menu. For first-timers, we suggest the Butcher’s Feast prix fixe menu, a standout introduction to Cote’s cuisine. It’s understandably popular, so be sure to read our primer on how to get in.

If you’re still dreaming of your summer European vacation, Yaya’s polished, laid-back aesthetic, sparkling waterfront views, and Mediterranean-inspired menu will transport you right back to it. Travel to Greece with its hummus and flaming saganaki, and then over to Italy with its lobster risotto. Pro tip: arrive by boat to truly feel like you’re still on holiday.

It might be an exaggeration to say everyone in Miami was waiting for Sunny’s to reopen, but everyone was anxiously standing by. So, what better way to celebrate the steakhouse’s triumphant return than with your best mates? Sip on one of its famous martinis while choosing which pasta and meat dishes you’ll share. It won’t be an easy task.

At this second outpost from celebrated Argentine winemaker Alejandro Vigil, chef Rafael Godoy, formerly of Itamae, blends Basque and Peruvian influences with Argentine flavors to create a well-focused menu. Try the wagyu carpaccio, grilled octopus, and churrasco empanada before indulging in his braised lamb bucatini or NY strip a la parrilla. After dinner, steer your group upstairs to El Cielo, its recently opened speakeasy rooftop bar, for drinks.

This hidden gem, tucked into a dead-end street, serves up some of Miami’s best pasta and Italian classics. Depending on your group’s mood, sit in its buzzy dining room, romantic verdant patio, or secluded private dining room, and let owner Luca Lomonaco’s unrivaled hospitality guide you through your culinary journey. Pro tip: don’t miss the delicate zucchini blossoms.

Slip into those sexy heels you’ve been eyeing in your closet and sashay into this Brickell hot spot for a buzzy (and boozy) night out. Komodo shines with its see-and-be-seen vibe throughout its multi-story venue that’s expansive as it is energetic.  Expect the ambiance to be boisterous, but you’ll still be able to hear one another when you slip into one of its dimly lit nooks. Asian-inspired shareable plates abound, including a variety of dumplings and sushi alongside its famed Peking duck. When you’ve had your fill, head to the upstairs lounge and dance the night away. 

With its retro design that feels reminiscent of 1980s Miami glam blended with contemporary details, your out-of-town guests will never know what hit them. The space is a sensory overload in the best way possible, from its jungle-themed cocktail bar and zebra-printed chairs to its savory steakhouse dishes with hints of French inspiration.  Start with the mushroom millefeuille, an import from its Manhattan counterpart. For a large group, the chicken and crêpes are also an excellent shareable start to the meal. Follow that with your steak of choice and a few sides for the table. Desserts here are served table-side and make for an Insta-worthy moment to top off the meal. 

Sharing is caring, so make sure to show up hungry and order several rounds of Phuc Yeah’s Vietnamese-inspired plates. The green papaya salad will wake up your palate, and the braised oxtail or millionaire fried rice (think black truffle and quail egg) will bring a new level of joy to the table. And if you want to elevate your usual group dinner experience, the Michelin Bib Gourmand concept hosts monthly wine and spirits-tasting dinners for an extra fun evening out with friends.

Call 305-602-3710 for reservations.

This quaint bar keeps things simple: come here if you love wine, live music, and charcuterie boards. It also has an expansive outdoor patio where your group can spread out a bit more and enjoy our stellar Miami winter weather. Remember, it’s first come, first served, so getting there for happy hour to beat the evening rush will benefit your group.

No reservations.