Miami is full of special spots for special occasions, both indoor and outdoor — and at every price point. So whether you’re looking to impress a first date or keep the romance alive with that special someone, it can be a little overwhelming when it comes to picking a dining option that’ll leave you and your date absolutely smitten.
Luckily for you, we’ve done all the work so you don’t have to! Without further ado – and as the most romantic day of the year approaches – here’s our rundown of 20 of the most romantic restaurants in Miami:
1. La Mar, Brickell
At La Mar, you’ll be able to enjoy Peruvian cuisine in all its glory, from the most local novo-Andean dishes to the latest Asian-Peruvian fusion ones. Indulge in their excellent cebiche dishes while you sip on some pisco sours, an unmissable Peruvian aperitif. The top-notch cuisine comes with a side of beautiful Miami skyline views, the perfect backdrop for the perfect date.
Find La Mar at the Mandarin Oriental at 500 Brickell Key Dr.
2. Mandolin Aegean Bistro, Design District
Travel to the Aegean coast at this small, 1930s house turned restaurant serving delectable Greek-Turkish food. At Mandolin Aegean, you’ll be able to enjoy authentic Mediterranean cuisine in a candlelit taverna setting, making it the perfect spot for an intimate yet relaxed dinner date. Its meze-style dishes are easy to share and will give you and your date the opportunity to bond over some of the best Greek food in the city.
Find Mandolin Aegean Bistro at 4312 NE 2nd Ave.
3. Elcielo, Brickell
If you’re looking to take your loved one on a unique, fine dinner date then this Michelin-starred restaurant is the way to go. Chef Juan Manuel Barriento’s innovative cuisine is inspired by his Colombian roots and molecular gastronomy featuring exciting plates with bold flavors. They serve a 21-course dinner, so we suggest going with an empty belly and let yourself be guided by your waiter for an exciting and surprising dining experience.
Find Elcielo at 31 SE 5th St.
4. KÓMMA, Miami Beach
Encapsulating the romantic energy of foreign travel, KÓMMA Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar offers a sexy, sensory journey into the Mediterranean. Its intimate garden, adorned with jewel-toned lanterns and perfectly lush greenery, offers diners an escape from the day-to-day in an environment for guests to wet their pallet with signature crafted cocktails like the KÓMMA Kiss while indulging in aphrodisiac oysters off the signature seafood platter.
Find KÓMMA at 560 Washington Ave.
5. Kiki on the River, Downtown
Cozy up with your date in one of Kiki on the River’s plush booths and enjoy some of the finest food in the city while basking in the warmth of the beautiful Miami sunset. Indulge yourselves with fresh oysters and tomato salad and octopus or share one of their large platters for a relaxed yet upscale dinner.
Find Kiki On The River at 450 NW N River Dr.
6. Soya e Pomodoro, Downtown
What screams romance more than excellent Italian food and live music? At Soya e Pomodoro, you can get the best of both for a traditional yet totally romantic dinner date. Plus, it’s run by two native Italian expert restaurateurs, so you know you’re in for the real deal. We suggest trying their Fazzoletti di Formaggio e Pera — pear and cheese stuffed pasta sautéed with baby shrimp in a delicious ricotta sauce!
Find Soya e Pomodoro at 120 NE 1st St #2502.
7. Byblos, Miami Beach
At Byblos Miami, diners can dive into romance in a dimly lit setting featuring soft velvet tones with hints of color. Every detail conveys Eastern Mediterranean sophistication, from the decor to the menu. Dishes are meant to be shared and includes favorites like black truffle pide, branzino and their take on Middle Eastern fried chicken. Pair it with a Rose Gulab cocktail, made with vodka, pomegranate and fresh flowers.
Find Byblos Miami at 1545 Collins Ave.
8. Amara at Paraiso, Edgewater
For the quintessential Miami waterfront dining experience head over to Amara at Paraiso. At Amara, you’ll be able to experience South Florida’s diverse food culture with some of the best Latin American dishes made with coastal ingredients. Indulge in the restaurants’s beautiful views of the Miami coastline while enjoying some hearty Latin dishes for a night you won’t forget!
Find Amara at Paraiso at 3101 NE 7th Ave.
9. Cecconi’s, Miami Beach
Cecconi’s cozy, fairy-like courtyard is the perfect setting for an intimate, uber-romantic date. At this world-class eatery, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the best home-made pasta and seafood in town cooked in the Venetian style.
Find Cecconi’s Miami Beach at 4385 Collins Ave.
10. Jaya at The Setai, Miami Beach
Housed at The Setai, Jaya is the perfect spot for a sleek and stylish dinner. Enjoy delectable Indian-accented Asian dishes like sea bass tikka, peking duck and dim sums, and choose from their red-tinted interiors or courtyard for dinner under the stars.
Find Jaya at The Setai at 2001 Collins Ave.
11. Matador Room, Miami Beach
For a glamourous, old-school dinner date head on over to the Matador Room. Inspired by its 1950s glam atmosphere, chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten reinvented the famous room with a menu featuring Caribbean, Spanish and Latin American dishes with a twist. It couldn’t be a better date spot — but you’ll have to make sure you reserve ahead.
You can find Matador Room at 2901 Collins Ave.
12. Amal, Coconut Grove
Nothing short of magical, with lush interiors and a relaxing terrace, Amal Miami is a modern Lebanese restaurant that aims to provide a calming aura amongst the bustle of Miami. Diners can expect hot mezze, skewers and new takes on traditional dishes like the Truffle Rakakat, Black Cod, Kibbeh and Lamb Chops.
Find Amal Miami at 3480 Main Hwy #100.
13. Makoto, Miami Beach
If you’re looking to impress, this sexy and chic modern Japanese eatery is located in the heart of the luxurious Bal Harbour Shops, and nothing embodies romantic date night better than that! Sip on a glass from their extensive drink menu, relax, and enjoy some of the most high quality sushi, sashimi and omakase the city has to offer.
Find Makoto at 9700 Collins Ave.
14. Watr at the 1 Rooftop, Miami Beach
There’s a reason this rooftop restaurant has been voted as having the best scenic views and best late night find by OpenTable. Overlooking the ocean, the iconic 1 Hotel South Beach’s rooftop, Watr, allows you to soak in the breeze while enjoying delicious Peruvian-Japanese fare. There’s Kumamoto Oysters, served with spiced mignonette and chives, or the Togarashi Tuna Tayat, with truffle ponzo, to share. Complete your meal with the Otoro Roll or the Miso Glazed Seabass.
Find Watr at the 1 Hotel South Beach at 2341 Collins Ave.
15. The Deck at Island Gardens, Watson Island
Nestled inside the Island Gardens mega-yacht marina, this unparalleled setting offers live entertainment and late-night vibes to match the sensational views of Downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay. The decadent menu includes fresh seafood, brick-oven pizzettas, pastas, meats, large plates, desserts and more to pair with a signature house cocktail like the Passion-ista cocktail.
Find The Deck at Island Gardens at 888 MacArthur Causeway.
16. Osaka Nikkei Miami, Brickell
Located in Brickell, this upscale Nikkei restaurant blends the millenary precision of Japanese techniques with the unique flavors of Peruvian cuisine to perfection. But beyond the myriad of flavorful dishes lies an elegant, dim-illuminated space accented with natural materials and a serene vibe of Peruvian and Japanese touches.
Find Osaka Nikkei Miami at 1300 Brickell Bay Dr.
17. Dōma, Wynwood
How does Whole Bronzino and Bucatini Cacio E Pepe sound for date night? If you ask us, it sounds amazing. Modern Italian eatery Dōma serves Mediterranean-inspired, Southern Italian cuisine artfully crafted by Executive Chef Marco Giuliano. In addition to the food, the artsy restaurant boasts a 800-bottle built-in wine cellar, a private dining room and an intimate bar space.
Find Dōma at 35 NE 26th St.
18. Orno, Coral Gables
Is it hot in here or is it Orno’s wood-fired cuisine? Treat your loved one to the modern American menu of steakhouse favorites, high-end seafood and ingredients that have been plucked straight from Chef Niven Patel’s own garden. Located on the ground floor of the THesis Hotel, the restaurant artfully marries wood-fired dishes with refined, handcrafted cocktails following a literary theme and a thoughtfully crafted wine list.
Find Orno Miami at 1350 S Dixie Hwy.
19. Glass & Vine, Coconut Grove
With a dining room that’s entirely outdoors, this charming restaurant in Peacock Park sets the scene for the perfect romantic date. At Glass & Vine, savor modern American favorites surrounded by shady oak trees, twinkling lights as far as the eyes can see and live music.
Find Glass & Vine at 2820 McFarlane Rd.
20. Café La Trova, Little Havana
What speaks to romance better than some of the best cocktails in the world? This awesome Cuban bar has continuously been voted as one of the best in the world, earning itself a spot on the World’s 50 Best list. Here, you’ll be able to indulge your partner with world-class drinks while enjoying some equally amazing Cuban dishes by award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein. Plus, La Trova also has live entertainment every night with authentic Trova musicians which is perfect for a fun date night out!
Find Café La Trova at 971 SW 8th St.