Planning a Group Dinner or Private Party in Miami: A Simple Checklist

A great group dinner is part food, part planning. Whether it is a birthday, an anniversary, a rehearsal dinner or just a big table of friends, a little preparation makes the evening easier for you and the restaurant.

1. Decide the occasion and the headcount

Before you call anyone, know the date, the approximate number of guests and the kind of evening you want: a relaxed meal, a toast and speeches, or a long dinner with dessert. The more precisely you can describe it, the better the restaurant can help.

2. Book early and call for larger groups

Online reservations are great for small tables. For larger groups or special requests, a phone call is usually the safest route, because the team can plan seating and timing for you. At Meze Miami you can reserve a table online or call us at (786) 485-4185 and we will take care of the details.

3. Ask these questions before you commit

• What days and hours are best for a group?
• Can the restaurant seat everyone together?
• Is there a set menu, or can you order from the regular menu?
• How are dietary needs and allergies handled?
• Can the bill be split or paid by one person?
• How long can the table stay?

Write the answers down and share them with your guests so everyone knows what to expect.

4. Order family-style

Sharing is the easiest way to feed a crowd and keep everyone happy. A menu built around small plates makes this simple: order a mix of cold and hot meze for the table, then add a few main courses to pass around.

• Start with several meze for the table. New to the style? Read What Is Meze?
• Share a few mains. Dishes like the Mix Grill (for two) are made for sharing.
• Add sides for the table, such as rice or French fries.
• Finish with desserts to share, such as baklava or kunefe, and Turkish tea or coffee.

Need ideas? See what to order at Meze Miami.

5. Think about the details

• Dietary needs: collect them from guests ahead of time and share them with the restaurant.
• Timing: tell guests an arrival time slightly earlier than the reservation so everyone is seated together.
• Celebration extras: if there is a birthday or anniversary, mention it when you book.
• Directions: send guests the address and a map link.

Can't host at the restaurant? Consider catering

If the celebration is at home or at another venue, ask about catering. We cater birthday parties, holiday parties, corporate events, wedding festivities and more. Tell us about your event and we will help with the menu, timing and setup. Learn more on our catering page.

Plan your group dinner at Meze Miami

Birthdays, anniversaries, rehearsal dinners and private gatherings: tell us the date, the number of guests and any dietary needs, and we will take care of the rest. We are at 6730 Biscayne Blvd in Miami and open every day from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM. See our groups and private parties page or call (786) 485-4185.