10 stellar special-occasion restaurants in Miami

The paper lantern-decked patio at Phuc Yea screams birthday party, and so do the ’90s hip-hop tunes. But this artsy Vietnamese Cajun spot 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. To level up your big night, get the special oysters experience available via OpenTable.

This beloved BYOB pizza spot is set in a cozy neighborhood courtyard and best for special occasions that don’t require dolling up. That’s because a night here is all about killer Neapolitan food and company (Ironside is especially great for large groups). A casual celebration features wood-fired pizzas, calzones, pastas—including vegan and gluten-free options—and the kind of easygoing party vibes you won’t find anywhere else in this fast and furious town.

Those looking to celebrate in style—and maybe spot a celeb or two—should head straight to Swan. The glamorous Design District spot is owned by nightlife mogul David Grutman and artist Pharrell Williams, for starters. Swan is also as Insta-worthy as it gets with soft pink velvet seats, a stunning horseshoe bar, and leafy garden accents. The Euro-style share plates don’t hold back on high-roller touches like caviar and lobster. Stretch your big night with a nightcap at Bar Bevy, Swan’s sultrier sibling upstairs.

Impress out-of-towners (or anyone, really) with a fancy celebration at this sleek oasis. 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 major reason to celebrate just about anything here. The elegant American restaurant is led by Top Chef winner Jeremy Ford and known for a blockbuster tasting menu with the freshest finds from local farms. Lucky for you, that means a new meal every time you celebrate here. A Stubborn Seed spread almost always features freshly baked bread, wagyu, and sensational local fish, depending on what’s in season. Outdoor tables promise a breezy al fresco celebration, but dine indoors and you’ll spot all the action in the glass-walled kitchen.

Thanks to its dark and velvety interiors, Byblos is where you go to dial up the romance. 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—it’s garnished with fresh rose petals and tastes as good as it looks. Then choose from feasts-for-two that include lamb shoulder with sumac, pickles, and house lavash. A DJ spins on weekends, making Byblos especially celebration friendly.

As its name suggests, Mignonette is where you go for oysters, flown in from both US coasts on a daily basis. Its retro-cool digs call for low-key celebrations (read: flip-flops and tanks are welcome), complete with lobster rolls and clams casino. 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.

Komodo is another Grutman-owned restaurant that’s fluent in all things flashy. The massive three-story spot is known for attracting celebs and can do celebration drinks with just as much swag as an intimate dinner (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 lettuce wraps dominates the pan-Asian menu. But you’re really here for the OTT atmosphere, accomplished by 40-foot ceilings and sexy treehouse-chic decor.

Lido is far from your average hotel lobby restaurant. Instead, it’s a transportive special occasion spot that 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. If you’re here for Sunday Funday, there’s a prix fixe brunch with family-style apps, Italian-accented mains, and a stunning dessert buffet.

Make-or-break client dinners call for LPM’s Cote d’Azur-inspired flavors. The glossy Brickell Bay Drive spot serves gorgeous French and Mediterranean food, but its claim to fame is the dessert menu, stacked with hits like lemon sorbet with vodka and a cloud-like cheesecake. Bonus points for the impressive French wine list with lots of shoutouts to Provence.