The 20 Most Romantic Restaurants in Miami Perfect for Date Night

Created by Top Chef winner Jeremy Ford, Beauty & the Butcher in Coral Gables brings the inventive culinary approach Ford is known for at Stubborn Seed with a rock n' roll edge. Perfect for couples, the dining room is intimate with a menu built to share—some of our favorites are the dry-aged Japanese yellowtail crudo; and the drool-worthy truffle tart made with foie gras, green apple and black truffles. A special dry-aging program highlights unique charcuterie cuts for the table, along with plates like the wagyu tomahawk served with all the fixings; a 48-hour smoked beef rib; and Florida red snapper. End your evening on a high note with dessert by executive pastry chef Ana De Sa Martins. (Psst: Go for the Apple Dutch Baby with caramelized apples and creme fraiche toffee.)

6915 Red Rd., Coral Gables; 305-665-9661 or beautyandthebutchermiami.com

Nothing says romance like sweeping views of Biscayne Bay. Bayshore Club in Coconut Grove elicits a vacation state of mind, marrying the best of waterfront dining with an all-day menu of comfort food favorites that are sure to satisfy even the pickiest of dates. With a robust seafood menu, opt for the chilled oysters, smoked wahoo fish dip or island conch fritters to share, plus the blackened mahi sandwich as a main. 

3391 Pan American Dr., Miami; 305-209-1200 or bayshoreclubmiami.com

No time to book a romance-fueled vacation for two in Europe? Head to Aba instead. Taken from a scene off the Mediterranean coast, Aba evokes everything we love about summer in faraway places like Italy, France or Greece. With an indoor-outdoor dining room made of earthy tones and natural elements like olive trees, climbing ivy and hanging plants and potted trees, this dreamy spot lends itself to an intimate, romantic evening out. Go for the smoky garlic hummus; green falafel with avocado tzatziki; crispy chicken thigh with piparra pepper and green harissa; and the bougatsa as a finishing touch, a light and sweet phyllo pastry filled with vanilla custard, cinnamon sugar streusel and orange blossom. 

9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour; abarestaurants.com/miami

You’ve dined at Planta’s buzzy Miami Beach location. But have you made the trek up to West Palm Beach? Take our word for it: It’s worth it, especially for date night. Not only is the food beloved by all—including both vegans and meat-eaters alike—but the location tends to be quieter and more intimate. Make a day out of it by taking the Brightline to The Square. Spend a few hours perusing the neighborhood, have a drink at Planta’s lively outdoor bar, and then head inside for dinner.

700 S Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach; plantarestaurants.com

One step inside Acqualina Resort & Spa, and you’ll feel like you’re in an episode of White Lotus. This property—consistently ranked the best waterfront hotel in the country by USA Today—instantly transports you to a warm, European coastline, complete with oceanside, chef-driven eateries to boot. This is a great option for couples who can’t settle on exactly what they’re in the mood for. Make a game-time decision with intimate Italian dining at Il Mulino, spirited Japanese-inspired fare at Ke-Uh or savory Greek specialities at Avra. No matter where you end up, grab a table with a front seat view for sunset, and order yourself an Aperol Spritz.

17875 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach; acqualinaresort.com

Top Chef power couple Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth, who fell in love while working in restaurants together, are behind this dreamy Italian concept in South Miami. At Mi’talia Kitchen & Bar, the couple serves made-from-scratch food for the soul. Think: sunflower pizza, made with Sun Gold tomatoes, yellow squash, pistachio pesto, ricotta and sunflower seeds, and a big bowl of chili mussels with spicy salami and Calabrian chilis served with crunchy sourdough. Because everyone knows that there’s no better way to say “I love you” than with a generous glass of wine and a big bowl of pasta.

5958 S. Dixie Hwy., South Miami; mitaliakitchen.com

With its dim, intimate interior and charming outdoor courtyard, it’s no wonder chef Michael Beltran’s Ariete is a date-night go-to. This Michelin-starred restaurant has a chic farmhouse vibe, and the food is next-level. Plan to share just about everything, including the wood-grilled oysters and the signature Chug Burger, which is one of the best in the city.

3540 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove; arietecoconutgrove.com

Surprise your sweetheart with a quick trip to the Mediterranean—and by that we mean a reservation at Mandolin. Snag an alfresco table on the restaurant’s whitewashed outdoor patio and say cheers over a few orders of the cheese saganaki and kefte meatballs. Dinner will be so satisfying that your S.O. might finally agree to that European vacation you’ve been dying to go on.

4312 NE Second Ave., Miami; mandolinmiami.com

We’re not kidding when we say this place is romantic: Chef Adrianne Calvo’s Kendall restaurant always includes a massive bouquet of fresh red roses (which she purchases herself once a week) at the center of the dining room. If you go, Calvo suggests sharing the steak for two with a bottle of red. Classique.

11510 SW 147th Ave., Kendall; chefadriannes.com

When Grammy Award-winning musician Pharrell Williams announced the opening of his first restaurant and lounge with hospitality wiz David Grutman (OTL, Planta, Komodo), we had high hopes—and they more than delivered with this flat-out gorgeous space. The restaurant serves modern American-French cuisine by Top Chef Europe winner Jean Imbert and a line of inventive cocktails in the dining room of our dreams. Date night just got real classy, real quick.

90 NE 39th St., Miami; swanbevy.com

James Beard Award winner Michael Schwartz calls Amara at Paraiso his “love letter to Miami” and we couldn’t agree more. With a stunning location on Biscayne Bay, this is low-key one of the best spots to catch the sunset with a chilled malbec. Oh, and don’t forget a couple platters of Argentine meat and cheese. Yeah, this place is heaven.

3101 NE Seventh Ave., Miami; amaraatparaiso.com

When a restaurant’s tagline is “Sexy Sushi Thai,” you know your dining experience will be anything but ordinary. Chef Piyarat Potha Arreeratn (aka Chef Bee) puts a swanky, modern spin on the typical Thai meal, with offerings like kimchi chicken wings and Wagyu beef dumplings served alongside fruity cocktails and clubby music. Let’s just say it’s worth pulling out your heels for this.

1854 Bay Rd., Miami Beach; 786-275-6005 or naiyara.com

A Miami Beach date-night favorite, this intimate bar offers a romantic, low-key energy that feels like South Beach… just at lower decibels. Depending on how drinks go, make it an evening and stay for dinner at chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s iconic Matador Room.

2901 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; matadorroom.com

This adorable restaurant located within Peacock Park is an ideal spot for a daytime date. The alfresco environment is as picturesque as ever, with tables scattered throughout a large garden. The menu changes with the season too, but the food is always handmade, local and downright delicious. Don’t worry about sitting outside during peak humidity: Glass & Vine is prepared with outdoor fans. Bless.

2820 McFarlane Rd., Coconut Grove; glassandvine.com

Cecconi’s may be in one of the touristy spots of town, but you’d never know it once you’re in. Here, the courtyard tables are quiet, the lights twinkle, and the fresh ahi tuna tartare with avocado, chili and mint set the mood for an intimate evening.

4385 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; cecconismiamibeach.com

Is it the unbelievable waterfront views of downtown Miami or the ridiculously good Mediterranean food that makes us love this place so much? We don’t know and, frankly, we don’t care—we just want another cheese plate and glass of merlot.

422 NW North River Dr., Miami; seaspicemiami.com

Sometimes life works out: One of our favorite patio bars happens to be in the same building as our favorite restaurant (oh hey, 27 Restaurant & Bar). Which means you don’t have to choose between date night dinner or drinks.

2727 Indian Creek Dr., Miami Beach; freehandhotels.com

Do you and your beau need an escape? You’re in luck: Eat super-authentic fare in a bustling brasserie, just like on the coast of France. Head to LPM in downtown Miami, where a little champers and a warm dish of crème brûlée will go a long way

1300 Brickell Bay Dr., Miami; lpmrestaurants.com/miami

With locations around the world (Paris, Tokyo, New York), L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon is finally open in South Florida. Offering modern French cuisine, this outpost features several of L’Atelier’s iconic dishes, including the famed pommes purée, alongside seasonal items. Nearby, Le Jardinier, created by a longtime Robuchon protege, serves a vegetable-forward menu with ingredients sourced from an on-site garden. If you ask us, we suggest cocktails and appetizers at Le Jardinier, followed by an all-out meal at L’Atelier.

151 NE 41st St.; Miami; latelier-miami.com