The Best Miami Spots For Birthday Parties

The time has come to celebrate the day you blessed this world with your presence. You have only one birthday a year, so seize the day and treat yo-self to one of the best meals in town. And while you're at it, get your friends and family to tag along, too. By the time you hang up the phone with your abuela—and if you're a true Miamian—your party has probably tripled in size. Don't worry, we've got you covered: Go big or go home at these celebration-worthy restaurants. 

① db Bistro Moderne, Downtown

Finally, an excuse to pay $32 for the best burger in town! Daniel Boulud's fine dining experience caters to all kinds of occasions, but for a private soirée, we recommend reserving the Jalousie room, which seats up to 10 people. If you don't mind leaving some pals at home, go for the custom dinner for six in the wine tower—a high-tech, two-story refrigerated room with bottles dramatically stacked from floor to ceiling.

② Smith & Wollensky, South Beach

Filet mignon, lobster and the beach—this is timeless Miami glamour at its finest. The two-story waterfront property is filled with infinite rooms, nooks and crannies to accommodate parties of all sizes. Begin with cocktails on the deco-styled outdoor patio, and customize every aspect of your dinner, down to the award-winning wine selection.

③ Shikany, Wynwood

For a more whimsical experience, head over to this 4,000-square-foot warehouse-turned-dining utopia, complete with junglelike gardens and dim lighting. Expect modern techniques and small but bracing dishes in the 10-course degustation menu, served at a 23-seat communal table in front of the open kitchen. Celebrate as the chefs make magic before your eyes.

④ Oyster River House, Brickell

If being ostentatious isn't your style, but you still enjoy the finer things in life, the hidden 25-person private room in the back of this stylish seafood spot is your best bet. We recommend a more casual approach—try ordering tapas style for all, with a few appetizers and smorgasbords ($90) including serrano ham, rabbit pâté, bacalao (salt cod) croquettes, smoked salmon or deviled eggs with accompanying lagniappes. This may be the last time you get to celebrate here, unfortunately.

⑤ Verde at PAMM, Downtown

There's something magical about Miami winters. The cool breeze and crisp nights are perfect for outdoor celebrations, which is why the PAMM's grandiose hanging garden deck has become a favorite for all sorts of special events. Make a day of it—start with a visit to the museum's exhibits and end it with dinner overlooking the skyline through Biscayne Bay.

⑥ The Dutch, Miami Beach

If your idea of treating yourself involves a modern, eclectic setting with rustic American fare and specialty craft cocktails, look no farther than this Miami Beach favorite. Its private room, enclosed with white brick columns, seats up to 14 people. If your party isn't that large, the lantern-strewn patio (ventilated by the ocean breeze) is also perfect for the season. As for what to order, well, there's an extensive selection of oysters, but you already know what we love.

⑦ EDGE Steak & Bar, Brickell

On the other hand, if your idea of the perfect meal includes locally sourced, farm-to-table fare, EDGE chef Aaron Brooks has you covered. You've got two rooms to choose from: an intimate 10-seater or a larger 22-fiesta-er. For the latter, the restaurant offers a variety of bespoke menus ($45-70).

⑧ Seasalt and Pepper, Overtown

If Beyoncé and Jay-Z, David Beckham and Steven Tyler have all hit this seafood brasserie for their respective celebrations, then surely it's worthy of hosting your special day, too. It does have private dining rooms available for special events, but we strongly suggest calling months in advance and securing table 142 for a large party—the food might be a toss up, but you'll be so mesmerized by the IMAX-like views of downtown Miami that you might not even notice.

⑨ Azul, Brickell Key

The chef's table at Azul is the equivalent of front-row seats at your favorite sporting event and the perfect gift for that home cook looking to be the next master chef. Enjoy your French-Asian meal directly from the chef at one of the city's classiest dining institutions. There's no better treat than the crispy sweetbreads ($21) with nuac cham, radish, Asian pear and mustard seeds. Score!

⑩ 1826, Miami Beach

For the all-encompassing star treatment, look for Michelin-starred toque Danny Grant's second-story VIP lounge and "concealed" private dining room at his glass-walled loft restaurant. The food is as luxe as the space itself, with carefully crafted dishes boasting ingredients like wild Alaskan halibut, Niman Ranch wagyu beef, Périgord truffles and the slightly more eccentric Everglade frog legs. If there's a dish fit for the occasion, it's the Golden Egg ($50): a hardboiled eggshell cupping a generous portion of golden Osetra caviar wrapped in thin gold foil atop a brioche crouton. Get fancy.

⑪ NAOE, Brickell Key

Let's get really intimate, shall we? But don't take your entourage along for this one, because you'll be sitting in chef Kevin Corey's innovative kitchen/restaurant hybrid, which seats no more than eight people. Witness the chef's ninja-like precision as he slices his way through fresh seafood and other ingredients, all of it served from his hand to yours in lightning speed. Prepare for one of the most memorable experiences of your lifetime.