The Best Miami Restaurants for Last-Minute Group Dinners

If your friend group wants to hang out at the last minute and you need a table somewhere, keep reading: These six Miami restaurants always welcome big parties. 

Barsecco

Barsecco tends to fill up fast, but if you’re looking for a last-minute group dinner that’s on the earlier side, look no further than this Brickell hotspot. This neighborhood gem doesn’t fill up until later in the evening, so if you arrive early, you should probably have no issue grabbing a table for your crew.

The food menu pulls from various cuisines, so expect delicious tacos, burgers, pastas, and the kitchen sink. It’s perfect for friend groups with diverse palates. And of course, there’s no shortage of tasty drinks, either. 

CJ’s Crab Shack

CJ’s Crab Shack is an Ocean Drive institution, and one that has no shortage of tables. The enormous seafood eatery offers plenty of space indoors or outdoors for parties of all sizes. Whether you’re a party of three or a party of 10, CJ’s will be happy to accommodate you and fill you up with some of the tastiest seafood in town. 

Of course, no visit to CJ’s is complete with their signature snow crab, but if you don’t want things to get too messy, there are a lot of other items to enjoy; fried shrimp, crab cakes, and grouper fingers are just a few examples. Plus, there’s a full bar!

Ironside Pizza

Sharing is caring at Ironside Pizza, a neighborhood joint that serves up some of the area’s best pies and pastas. While you may be tempted to keep a pizza all to yourself, it’s best for your large group to order a few and spread the wealth. Everything on the menu is great, but if you twisted our arm, we’d have to point you in the direction of the funghi and speck gorgonzola pizzas and the basil pesto and butter pastas. Don’t forget to start with some homemade meatballs.

Jamon Iberico Pata Negra

There’s just something about Spanish food that’s best enjoyed with a group. At Jamon Iberico Pata Negra, guests can indulge in a number of shareable plates that pair perfectly with the restaurant’s vast wine selection.

Some of the many items that should be on your radar: the gazpacho, the beef tenderloin, the grilled seabream, the garlic shrimp, the chistorra sausage and—of course—the paellas. What we love the most about this place: Everything is priced super reasonably, especially wines by the bottle—some of these finds are quite the steal.  

Jamon Iberico Pata Negra is located at 10 SW South River Dr, Miami, FL 33130. For more information, visit their official website.

Osumi Cocktail & Sushi Bar

Over in Coral Gables, the lavish Osumi Cocktail & Sushi Bar is serving up some of the area’s top Japanese fare. The first thing you’ll notice: The restaurant is absolutely gorgeous. Once you pick your jaw up off the floor, it will probably drop again upon seeing the extensive menu. 

Expect to find specialties like coconut miso halibut, wagyu tartare, gochujang-marinated grilled octopus and a ton of specialty nigiri and maki. Our favorite: the namesake Osumi roll with shrimp tempura, Hamachi, avocado and other goodies. Make sure to save room for drinks; the cocktails are spectacular (and strong).

Osumi Cocktail & Sushi Bar is located at 110 Giralda Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134. For more information, visit their official website.

The Hampton Social

For a coastal vibe and cuisine, The Hampton Social is the spot. When you and your group step inside, you won’t feel like you’re in Miami anymore—the place has carved its own identity, and it’s just a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of Brickell. On the menu, you’ll find standouts like crab and shrimp bruschetta, spinach dip, scallop ceviche, baja fish tacos, short rib, and pesto radiator; we love the diversity of the offerings.

Drinks-wise, you could spend a day here (and we have). Items like the Starlet Espresso Martini, the tea-infused bourbon-based Honey Cove, and the mezcal-heavy Boathouse Spice are among the must-trys on a menu of impressive drinks. We strongly recommend the happy hour here; it’s one of the better deals on this side of town. 

The Hampton Social is located at 900 S Miami Ave STE 220, Miami, FL 33130. For more information, visit their official website.