The most romantic restaurants in Miami for your next swoon-worthy meal

What is it? Real-life chef couple Luciana Giangrandi and Alex Meyer own and operate this cozy Little Haiti spot that oozes with charm. If your date doesn’t make you swoon, watching these two cook together will.

Why we love it: Sit side by side at the counter while you slurp excellent fresh pasta together and trade sips of your organic wines. Bonus: The tightly edited menu keeps quarrelsome couples from agonizing over dishes they’ll both like.

Time Out tip: Reservations are tough, but if you arrive at opening, you can usually snag a couple of seats at the bar. Or consider making a break for Walrus Rodeo, Boia De's more casual wood-fired sister just a few doors down.

Address: 5205 NE Second Ave, Miami, FL 33137

Opening hours: Daily 5:30–10:30pm

Expect to pay: $150 per person should get you about two to three plates and a glass of wine or two.

What is it? Glowing under bistro lights, Sunny's transforms an unassuming industrial Little River corner into a romantic escape. The dining room's vintage mirrors and French doors create the perfect backdrop for lingering over handmade pasta and perfectly aged steaks.

Why we love it: Out on the tree-shaded patio, couples share oysters and cocktails while inside, the warm lighting makes every booth feel like your own private corner of Miami. Between the thoughtful wine list and a menu that ranges from caviar service to comforting Parker House rolls, it's designed for those nights when you want to lean in close and take your time with someone special.

Time Out tip: Dress up, spend some cash on top-notch steaks and turn this into something special; or stay casual, order the shrimp cocktail and the hanger steak and still leave very happy.

Address: 7357 NW Miami Ct, Miami, FL 33150

Opening hours: Daily 5:30–11pm

Expect to pay: About $200 to $250 per person, including springing for a requisite martini, something from the raw bar and dessert.

What is it? This go-to Greek/Turkish restaurant feels like a mental trip to the Greek Isles on the edge of the Miami Design District.

Why we love it: Mandolin’s satisfying homemade sangria really evokes the feeling of an island vacation, but don’t take too many sips: You might just confuse its whitewashed exterior for Santorini. The spacious outdoor patio’s rustic blue-and-white design helps to keep up the illusion, while dishes such as the whole fried fish and the authentic Greek salad (without lettuce!) dupe your taste buds almost instantly. 

Time Out tip: Any table in the restaurant’s courtyard is sure to impress, but on nights when it’s too hot, take a seat inside by the window. Nothing ruins a date like sweating through a meal.

Address: 4312 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137

Opening hours: Daily noon–11pm

Expect to pay: The average check here is about $150 per person.

What is it? Four-time James Beard semifinalist chef Niven Patel follows up his bold, farm-to-table Indian restaurant Ghee with the island-inspired Paya in South Beach.

Why we love it: This is a neighborhood spot that feels lived in and welcoming while still delivering plenty of style and understated romance. Pulling from extensive experience working in the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and the islands of Spain, Patel has crafted a vibrant menu that incorporates ingredients grown on his own farm in Homestead.

Time Out tip: The indoor bar can get quite packed with hip-looking locals. For a quieter vibe, book a table on the garden terrace, where poolside tables are ensconced in bistro lights and flowering bougainvilleas.

Address: 1209 17th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 5:30–10pm; Fri, Sat 5:30–11pm

Expect to pay: Around $100 per person

What is it? If it's a pedigree that gets them all hot and bothered, you'll want to go ahead and lock in a reservation at Bouchon Bistro, the latest Miami offering from the famed chef-restaurateur Thomas Keller. Bouchon's wine country origins and French bistro-inspired menu coalesce in a neat, classically romantic space in Coral Gables' historic La Palma building.

Why we love it: The menu arrives folded up on parchment like a little love letter; take it as a cue to treat your boo. The dishes here might be simple, but the service and the well-heeled crowd will make the whole affair feel extra special.

Time Out tip:  Get the soupe à l'oignon loaded with caramelized onions in beef jus and Comté cheese, while the boeuf bourguignon shows why Keller's team earned that Michelin star, braising short rib until it falls apart in Bordelaise sauce.

Address: 2101 Galiano St, Coral Gables, FL 33134

Opening hours: Wed, Thu 4–10pm; Fri, Sat noon–10pm; Sun noon–9pm

Expect to pay: $100 or more per person

What is it? This sunny North Miami spot serves authentic and inventive Ecuadorian food in a charming space that feels like it could be your friend’s living room. The concept comes courtesy of Ecuadorian chef Alejandra Espinoza, whose Quito restaurant, Somos, is a World’s 50 Best award winner.

Why we love it: This fun and laidback restaurant has an all-day menu that translates beautifully from day to night, making Cotoa a charming neighborhood spot for both lunch and dinner. The food is flavorful, and the portions are large enough for sharing, yet won’t leave you overly full (that’s thanks to the quality ingredients and simple yet elegant preparations). Whatever you order will be great, just be sure to start with the Pan de Yuca—pillowy cheese bread rolls with mamey chutney that traditionally kick off every meal in Ecuador.

Time Out tip: Cotoa is sweet and subdued, best suited for a date who appreciates excellent, authentic food, warm service and a volume level that encourages long conversations over a shared bottle of wine.

Address: 12475 NE 6th Ct, North Miami, FL 33161

Opening hours: Wed, Thu 5:30–9:30pm; Fri–Sun 12:30–3:30pm, 5:30–9:30pm

Expect to pay: $50 to $75 per person

What is it? A staple in the Miami food scene since before there was one, chef Michael Schwartz elevates boho-chic with this multi-level waterfront gem that features a recently updated menu of Latin-inspired fare. 

Why we love it: Minutes from Wynwood, downtown and the historic MiMo district, Amara is in a sweet spot for any occasion and boasts sweeping bay views ideal for taking in a perfect Miami sunset. Don't skip the yuca cheese puffs, arriving warm and airy. Follow them with the seafood parillada and the slow-roasted short rib.

Time Out tip: Happy hour is every day from 4 to 7pm at the bar and main dining room, where a selection of craft cocktails goes for just $10, along with discounted spirits, wines, and snacks. It’s honestly one of the best happy hours around, especially considering the dreamy waterfront locale. 

Address: 3101 NE 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33137

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 11:30am–10pm; Fri, Sat 11:30am–11pm; Sun 11am–10pm

Expect to pay: $100 or more per person

What is it? One of the city’s finest and fussiest big-bucks restaurants, Casa Tua is a sleek, chic country-Italian-style establishment set in a refurbished 1925 Mediterranean-style two-story house. 

Why we love it: With several living-room-style nooks, Casa Tua offers the cozy familiarity of a night in—with much, much better food. The ricotta cavatelli showcases handmade pasta at its finest, while the burrata arrives so fresh it barely holds shape when cut.

Time Out tip: If you’ve ever dreamed of hiring a notable chef to come over and cook you a fancy dinner, book a table at Casa Tua for an equally pricey experience with zero cleanup.

Address: 1700 James Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Opening hours: Wed–Sat 6–11:30pm; Sun–Tue 6–10:30pm

Expect to pay: $100 or more per person

What is it? The website for this sexy, Catalonian hotspot in Downtown offers a simple description of the concept: “Old world, new frequency.” This makes NIU an ideal spot to test a date’s willingness to try new things. 

Why we love it: Creative riffs on Iberian Peninsula dishes include Galician octopus, brothy clams and, if you're lucky to find it on a night it's available, big plates of rice or noodle paella studded with seafood and the most perfect aioli this side of Madrid. Coal-branded oysters with ponzu-mayo sauce shine alongside the cold tomato soup topped with mustard ice cream and basil oil that might be the most unique take on gazpacho you’ve ever had.

Time Out tip: Next door, sister restaurant NIU Wine offers an even tinier, more intimate nook to sip wine and devour tapas for hours on end.

Address: 104 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33132

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 5–10pm; Fri, Sat 5–10:30pm

Expect to pay: Around $100 per person

What is it? Claudie is a certifiable Brickell hot spot—but even with her good looks and atmosphere that borders on a nightclub the later it gets, she still delivers delicious French-Mediterranean fare, buttoned-up service and high-energy romance in spades.

Why we love it: The indoor-outdoor design is all blush tones, moody lighting, and gold-leafed Art Deco accents nestled between cascading tropical greenery, creating a sexy femme vibe. The large stone fountain centerpiece drives it all home, along with the roaming live musicians who will likely serenade you during your impeccably executed meal.

Time Out tip: Even with a reservation, expect to wait for your table at Claudie. No bother—grab a drink from the bar and take in the scene. Speaking of which, you’ll want to dress to impress here.

Address: 1101 Brickell Ave S-113, Miami, FL 33131

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 6pm–1am; Fri, Sat 5pm–2am

Expect to pay: About $100 to $150 per person, depending on if this is a full dinner or more of a drinks-and-a-snack affair

What is it? Let’s say there’s a first date coming up where your prospective mate says no expense will be spared. Or perhaps it’s a last date and, just before the breakup, you want to stick him or her with one last whopper of a bill. This sky-high steakhouse should do the trick. 

Why we love it: The views of Biscayne Bay and the opulent dining room are reason enough to book a reservation, but it’s the budget-busting menu that makes this a spot to go all in. Plates of Norwegian crab legs and aged steaks run well into the triple digits. Are all these prices worth it? Who can put a price on love?

Time Out tip: You’re already here; you might as well go big with the Norwegian king crab legs—they're cut tableside and served with herbed butter. Follow with a dry-aged T-bone carved straight from the skillet at your table.

Address: 1737 N Bayshore Dr, Miami, FL 33132

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 4–10pm; Fri, Sat 4–11pm; Sun 11am–9pm

Expect to pay: When your crab is flown in from Norway and each slab of meat has an origin story, then $250 per person is sort of expected.

What is it? Nestled on a quiet Downtown street, this understated, family-owned trattoria doles out fresh pastas in homemade sauces and frequently hosts live jazz and literary events in the evenings. 

Why we love it: Grab a seat in the alley-esque interior, with soaring ceilings and weathered bookshelves decorated with a hodgepodge of Italian knick-knacks and Miami memorabilia. On the sidewalk, enjoy lazy people-watching with healthy wine pours and the feeling that you and your date have abandoned Miami altogether. The homemade linguini mingles clams and bottarga with bursts of cherry tomato in each bite.

Time Out tip: If your date’s a history buff, bring them here. Soya is tucked inside the Shoreland Arcade, a circa-1925 Beaux-Arts building erected during Florida's first real estate boom. 

Address: 120 NE 1st St #2502, Miami, FL 33132

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 11:30am–4pm; Thu, Fri 11:30am–4pm, 6–10pm; Sat 6–10pm

Expect to pay: About $50 per person for dinner and a couple of drinks 

What is it? Step into the Côte d'Azur without leaving Brickell—LPM's pistachio banquettes, harlequin mirrors and gallery walls of eclectic 20th-century art set the scene for French romance done right. 

Why we love it: Fresh tomatoes and lemons grace each white-clothed table, while the kitchen serves up Niçoise cuisine that honors its French Riviera roots. Yes, you'll drop a few hundred bucks for dinner, but between the airy space, well-crafted whimsical cocktails, and meticulously crafted dishes, every cent transports you straight to the South of France.

Time Out tip: The tangy Tomatini might just be Miami's best cocktail—get two and pair them with the escargots swimming in garlicky herb butter. Those tender little snails will make a Francophile out of anyone.

Address: 1300 Brickell Bay Dr, Miami, FL 33131

Opening hours: Mon, Tue 5–11pm; Wed noon–3pm, 5–11pm; Thu, Fri noon–3pm, 5pm–1am; Sat 6pm–1am; Sun 6–11pm

Expect to pay: Dinner will run you about $150 to $200 per person.

What is it? Bright young chef Kwame Onwuachi channels his Trinidadian roots and Miami’s eclectic Caribbean influence at Las’ Lap, a lush and sexy South Beach spot that marks his first foray down south.

Why we love it: This vibey, sliver of a restaurant has a patio that overlooks a thicket of mangroves over a slow-moving canal. The ambiance strikes the perfect balance of lively yet intimate, and the food is an exhilarating convergence of West Indian flavors accented by Miami’s playful decadence. Try the caviar service with warm roti, oysters with tamarind mignonette, pimento-smoked hot honey sticky wings and rasta pasta served Italian-style with jerk clams bianco.

Time Out tip: On Fridays, Las’ Lap extends up to the Daydrift rooftop for dance parties that bring the island vibes and go until late. Check their Instagram for the latest events and RSVP links.

Address: 2216 Park Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Opening hours: Sun, Mon, Thu 5–11pm; Fri, Sat 5pm–midnight

Expect to pay: Around $100 per person

What is it? The only time you might actually hope for rain in the forecast is when you have a reservation for a date at Pastis. That's not to say the French restaurant's outdoor patio isn't an idyllic spot to swoon over a steaming bowl of top-notch moules frites. But with the orange glow of the pendants, the wrought iron furnishings and rustic mosaic tile, a gentle pitter-patter of raindrops is the perfect final detail to mentally send you and your lover to Paris for the night.

Why we love it: The French onion soup starts strong, but the cheeseburger à l'Américaine steals the spotlight at this scene-y Parisian-style bistro.

Time Out tip: At the end of a meal at Pastis, get the black licorice liqueur that inspired the name, and an order of the profiteroles, puffy vanilla ice cream sandwiches draped in bittersweet chocolate sauce tableside.

Address: 380 NW 26th St, Miami, FL 33127

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 11:30am–11pm; Thu, Fri 11:30am–midnight; Sat 10am–midnight; Sun 10am–11pm

Expect to pay: Around $100 per person

What is it? Soho Beach House’s Italian restaurant (the club’s only area open to non-members) is a one-stop for good food and a good time—the menu of house-made pasta and an outdoor dining area practically set the mood for you.

Why we love it: Reserve a center table near one of the trees covered in bistro lights: The soft yellow glow is subtle and sexy, and it will keep you from accidentally knocking anything over—which happens after one too many Picantes de la Casa, the club’s delish spicy margarita. Try the lobster spaghetti that comes with a nice kick, though you can’t go wrong with any wood-fired pizza topped with goat cheese.

Time Out tip: Make it a day date: Cecconi’s recently relaunched its weekend Feast Brunch, which includes an ample buffet spread, DIY Prosecco bar, sushi station, caviar service, seasonal dishes, gelato and live music for $115 per person.

Address: 4385 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140

Opening hours: Daily 7am–midnight

Expect to pay: $100 or more per person

What is it? Restaurants that transport you to far-flung places are always a good idea for a date night. Andalusian-inspired Tropezón promises rustic charm and mood-setting lighting in a cozy dining room that borders on cramped. 

Why we love it: Sit elbow to elbow with your beau, sipping on sherry and noshing on sliced jamón from the enormous cured pig leg hanging just behind the bar. The boquerones come crispy in charcoal tempura, paired with churros that get an unexpected companion: olive oil-infused ice cream.

Time Out tip: Ask for a window seat for some extra privacy and spend the evening peering out at buzzy Española Way as though you were really on vacation.

Address: 512 Española Wy, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Opening hours: Daily 5pm–midnight

Expect to pay: Around $100 per person

What is it? Fourth-generation Cipriani brothers, Maggio and Ignazio, follow in their family’s footsteps with this upscale Italian restaurant perched on the rooftop of Coconut Grove’s trendy modern hotel, Mr C. In keeping with the luxurious, contemporary space, the cuisine is rustic Italian but with a modern twist. 

Why we love it: Enjoy lighter versions of traditional pasta dishes plus Italian staples like polenta and branzino with a birds-eye view of Miami’s sparkling bayfront skyline. The cacio e pepe is classic and perfectly executed, while the endive salad with Bosc pear adds pecorino for a salty kick.

Time Out tip: There’s no leaving Bellini without trying the namesake cocktail, which Giuseppe Cipriani, founder of Harry’s Bar in Venice, Italy, invented in the late 1930s. 

Address: 2988 McFarlane Rd, Coconut Grove, FL 33133

Opening hours: Daily 7am–11am; noon–4pm; 5–10:30pm

Expect to pay: $100 or more per person