Some of the newest restaurants around Miami have large dining rooms and an open layout that can easily accommodate medium-size groups for seated dinners, presentations with unobstructed views, or receptions. Here’s a look at four restaurants in Brickell, South Miami, Doral, and the design district.
1. JB Kitchen and Bar opened in early February in the former Badrutt’s Place restaurant in Brickell. The 2,500-square-foot eatery is comprised of an open 80-seat dining room that can hold 300 for receptions and a 20-seat bar area. There’s a 110-inch projection screen at the far end of the dining room with unobstructed views from all areas. JB serves American cuisine mixed with signature Latin dishes like ceviche and churrasco steak. There is also a 2,000-square-foot patio.
2. One of the newer restaurants in South Miami, Smoke’t Southern Kitchen and Tap opened in January. The 5,000-square-foot restaurant can seat 200 in the dining room or accommodate about 250 for a reception. The lounge area at the entrance has a small stage that can be used for presentations or entertainment. Smoke’t serves traditional southern dishes like fried chicken, stewed okra and tomato, and barbecue. A patio for 40 is also available.
3. Mesazul opened in February inside the former Windows on the Green space at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa. The 160-seat restaurant features a wall of windows offering unobstructed views from every seat of the resort’s TPC Blue Monster golf course. Executive chef Michael Lottermoser designed the menu with traditional steak house favorites prepared with Latin-inspired ingredients and flavors. For smaller groups, a private dining room seats 48.
4. Chef Jonathan Eismann, owner of Pacific Time and Pizza Volante, opened Q American Barbeque in the design district in late February. The 3,200-square-foot barbecue restaurant’s main dining room seats 160 or holds 350 for receptions. For smaller parties, there is a private room for 32. An additional private room for 60 and garden that can host 70 are available next door at Pacific Time.
