From MICHELIN-starred tasting destinations to oceanside escapes, Miami restaurants promise a memorable time no matter the celebration.
LessThe paper lantern-decked patio at Phuc Yea screams cool birthday vibes, and so do the ’90s hip-hop tunes. But this artsy Vietnamese Cajun spot in Mimo/Upper East Side is just as ready for casual date night or a group brunch. Owners Ani Meinhold and chef Cesar Zapata use their heritages as a launching pad for unexpected cultural mashups like wok-fried noodles with oyster sauce, Parmesan, and garlic butter. Bonus points for an affordable happy hour with oyster and drink specials.
Impress out-of-towners (or anyone, really) with a celebration at this sleek oasis, one of Miami’s most beautiful restaurants. Jaya lives in the Setai Miami Beach, and the hotel’s glam vibe extends to its signature restaurant. Jaya’s tandoor-roasted, wok-fried menu is a trip through India, Thailand, and China. Book a table around the water-filled courtyard, and saddle up for a nightly entertainment lineup that includes fire dancers and acrobats—this is dinner and a show, Miami style.
Stubborn Seed’s MICHELIN Star is one reason to celebrate here. Led by Top Chef winner Jeremy Ford, the elegant American spot—one of Miami’s most upscale restaurants—is known for a blockbuster tasting menu with the freshest finds from local farms. That means a new meal with freshly baked bread, seasonal local fish, and luxe toppers like caviar on every visit. Outdoor tables promise a breezy al fresco celebration, or dine indoors to watch the action in the glass-walled kitchen.
One of the fanciest restaurants in Miami, Byblos is all dark and velvety interiors—ideal for romantic celebrations. Most of its Eastern Mediterranean dishes are served family-style, confirming that sharing is definitely caring here. Toast to each other with the vodka and pomegranate Gulab cocktail, garnished with fresh rose petals. Then choose from feasts-for-two like lamb shoulder with sumac, pickles, and house lavash. A DJ spins on weekends, making Byblos especially celebration-friendly.
As its name suggests, Downtown Miami’s Mignonette is where you go for oysters, flown in from both US coasts daily. Its retro-cool digs are great for first dates and low-key celebrations (read: flip-flops and tanks are welcome), complete with lobster rolls, seafood towers, and lots of caviar. Snap a photo by the charming marquee showing off the bivalve selection of the day, and add a bottle of bubbles—or a slice of key lime pie—to make things extra festive.
This David Grutman-owned restaurant in Brickell is fluent in all things flashy. A celebrity favorite, the massive three-story spot works equally well for celebratory drinks and intimate dinners (request one of its bird’s nest-like seats if you’re here for a romantic occasion). Easy-to-share food like wagyu beef dumplings, rock shrimp, and duck lettuce wraps dominate the Asian-inspired menu. But you’re really here for the OTT atmosphere—think 40-foot ceilings and sexy treehouse-chic decor.
Lido is far from your average hotel lobby restaurant. Instead, every meal at the Surfside special-occasion spot shuttles you to the Italian coast. Start with a glass of bubbles from Miami’s largest Champagne collection, then dive into a sophisticated surf-and-turf dinner. Tucked away inside Lido, you’ll find a crudo bar with a separate menu of specialty dishes by executive chef Marco Calenzo for an extra-special treat.
As Florida’s only two MICHELIN-Starred restaurant, this Design District location is perfect if you’re looking for a sophisticated celebration spot. Whether you opt for a table or counter-style dining, you’ll bask in a dark red glow while feasting on luxe, French-inspired fare like cold-poached Maine lobster and sea urchin-topped capellini pasta with optional caviar. For extra-special celebrations, book the “chef experience” tasting menu with fancy add-ons like Japanese A5 wagyu.
The first US restaurant for chef Henrique Sá Pessoa of Lisbon’s two MICHELIN-Starred Alma, Sereia brings gorgeously plated Portuguese-inspired seafood to Coconut Grove. You’ll find an array of imported and local catches in dishes like snapper tartare and a salted cod served with confit egg and fries. Ask to sit at the crudo bar for an immersive experience featuring a specially curated menu—perfect for that milestone anniversary celebration.
This Austin transplant in the bustling Wynwood area is perfect for a date night celebration. Sit at the raw bar with a hand-drawn chalk mural of jellyfish to choose your own sushi adventure, or settle into a wooden banquette in the plant-decked room for the standout ten-course omakase experience. And with 50% off bottles of bubbles (which is something to celebrate in its own right) and well-priced bites and drinks starting at $4, happy hour at Uchi is a must.