5 Lively Miami Restaurants for Big Groups

When it comes to dining out with a group of friends, family, or colleagues, the atmosphere of a restaurant can make all the difference. Get the gang back together at one of these five spots that are home to great vibes and great food.

Carbone

Miami Beach’s Carbone continues to be one of the hottest dining spots in town, and snagging a reservation during prime time can still be quite the challenge. Rest assured: The hype is well-deserved.

Get your taste buds ready for exquisite pasta alongside a tantalizing array of authentic Italian delicacies. If your group is flexible with its dining hours, aiming for an early or late seating improve your odds of securing a table – especially for bigger groups. Personally, we’re partial to the 5:30 p.m., but if you’re seeking a livelier atmosphere, opt for 9 p.m. or later.

Trust us, you’ll be handsomely rewarded for your efforts. Must-try delights include the fragrant baked clams, indulgent lobster ravioli, and exceptional dover piccata. To make the most of your time here, we highly recommend sharing everything to get the most bang for your buck.

Carbone is located at 49 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their official website.

CHICA

CHICA is niceeeeeeee. Step inside and be prepared to pick your jaw off the floor. Once you’ve done that, expect to find a wealth of delicious Mexican cuisine that’s equally impressive. Some favorites for your group to consider include the asado negro arepas, the smoked cauliflower flower and the Venezuelan braised short rib.

If you and your friends don’t mind splurging, the wood-fired meat parillada is enough to feed 3-4 people; the platter comes with skirt steak, steak pinchos, short rib, Oaxacan chicken and chorizo; the tomahawk steak is another large plate that could feed the table. Don’t forget some cocktails like the Spicy Papasito, a fun take on a Kentucky mule, and stop by on a weekend for dinner and a show.

CHICA is located at 5556 NE 4th Court, Miami, FL 33137. For more information, visit their official website.

Giselle Miami

You can tell Giselle Miami is a party just based on its location – it’s located on top of E11EVEN nightclub (and strip club). Enough said.

While you might think this restaurant is all style and substance, that’s not the case. The upscale venue pulls out all the stops flavor- and presentation-wise with a globally inspired menu consisting of elevated items like caviar “bumps,” wagyu dumplings, mushroom escargot, crispy whole snapper and Peking chicken. This place is far from cheap, but your money is well spent here. Make sure you and your group dress to impress.

Giselle Miami is located at 15 NE 11th Street, Miami, FL 33132. For more information, visit their official website.

The Lobster Shack

The Lobster Shack can get lively, but it can also be laidback. We’re big fans of this duality, and odds are you will be too. This go-to spot for all things lobster has two convenient locations: Lincoln Road or South of Fifth.

Either venue provides the ideal backdrop for good times, good food, and good company. One of the most popular menu options is the lobster roll, which is offered chilled or warm. You can stick to the lightly dressed classic roll, get a little adventurous with the Cajun lobster roll, or go all out with the Poseidon roll (lobster, king crab, blackened shrimp).

Guests can also indulge in tacos, fried fish baskets and snow crab dinners—to name a couple entrees. Pro tip: Bring a hungry crew.

RED South Beach

There are places that just make you feel cool when you walk in. RED South Beach is exactly that place – the restaurant is one of South of Fifth’s culinary gems; everything about it is memorable.
Case in point: the steaks.

You’re going to find some amazing cuts here. Think C.A.B. filet mignon, and prime selections like ribeye and tomahawk. You’ll also find an assortment of exquisite seafood options like whole Maine lobster and Alaskan king crab as well as pastas galore in the form of carbonara, linguini and clams, and lobster fra diavolo. There truly is something for everyone here, making RED a perfect spot for big groups.