12 romantic restaurants for date night in Miami

Mignonette is the place for an impressive, early-in-the-game date. The beloved oyster bar in downtown Miami exudes a laid-back vibe that falls somewhere in between old Florida and New Orleans. Dial up the extravagance with a seafood tower or keep it low-key with a comforting lobster roll—one of Miami’s best.

Owned by Miami’s first Chopped champion, Giorgio Rapicavoli, this inviting osteria pays homage to his Italian roots. Get better acquainted with your date over Luca’s decadent, Internet-famous starter—balls of fried potato blanketed with creamy fonduta and a single, gleaming egg yolk. Then make room for family recipes such as pasta al limone and lamb chops, complemented by natural wines and negronis. For optimal romance, pick an al fresco table under the twinkling lights of Giralda Plaza.

A hidden gem among Brickell’s high-rises, this intimate Thai restaurant creates an amorous ambiance with pink lights and paper lanterns. Sleek white tables and booths line the cozy restaurant, just as suited for twentieth dates as it is for firsts. Bonding has served some of the area’s best Thai food since opening in 2012. From duck salad to drunken noodles to green curry made with coconut milk, green chile paste, basil leaf, a medley of veggies, the menu is filled with flavorful winners.

Set the adventurous mood right away at Drunken Dragon, a Korean barbecue spot where the decor includes an edgy collection of bondage ropes and steamy art. Start with popcorn and crispy bok choy before moving on to larger plates such as the ribeye, pork belly, and stone pot rice with mixed vegetables, egg yolk, kimchi, and gochujang. Wash your East Asian feast down with playful tiki cocktails before continuing your night in South Beach.

Komodo, an ultra-stylish Southeast Asian lounge and restaurant owned by nightlife king David Grutman, is one of Miami’s fanciest escapes. The restaurant’s red decor adds a sexy sheen to its sprawling, 17,000-square-foot interiors. Ask to dine in one of the nests perched above the main dining room so you can cozy up while watching diners below. On the menu, expect extravagant entrees such as dumplings stuffed with gold leaf and truffled honey salmon. If your night starts to slow down, get the baked Alaska and watch the sparks fly.

Greece comes to Miami at this lofty hideaway, known for exceptionally fresh seafood flown in from the Mediterranean multiple times a week. A meal here is both transportive and interactive; select one of the signature fish packed on ice from the market display and have it prepared to your liking. For an especially luxe date, splurge on deep-sea prawns. Round things out with baklava, best enjoyed with two spoons.

A self-styled MediterrAsian restaurant, Mila is a rooftop showstopper, dressed in warm woods, earth tones, and foliage galore. Shareable plates such as shawarma-spiced wagyu dumplings and Alaskan king crab tempura are ideal for a group and served izakaya-style, meaning they come from the kitchen as they’re ready. If your crew is all about brunch, Mila’s quintessentially Miami version features a live DJ, bottomless drinks, and a leisurely two-hour buffet.

Romance comes easy at this dimly lit Mediterranean lair. And though it’s tempting to cozy up to your date at a velvet banquette, Byblos’ mezze-heavy menu, including lamb ribs and black truffle pide, was meant for sharing. For a conversation-driven meal, bring a group here on weeknights when the vibe is calm and refined. If you’re looking for something livelier, go on the weekends, where a live DJ sets a decidedly buzzier vibe.

Wow your date at celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s pan Latin restaurant at the Edition Hotel. The moody lair features a sunken oval dining room reminiscent of a 1950s supper club with dishes such as crunchy calamari, arroz con pollo, and glazed short rib tacos. Don’t end the date with dinner—head downstairs to the hotel for ice skating, bowling, and even dancing, if the mood strikes.

When you want to toast a special anniversary, make your way to this James Beard Award-winning Austin transplant. Uchi isn’t your average sushi spot—each bite is prepared with precision by the chefs, leaving no need for embellishments. With easy-to-share small plates and stellar sashimi options, the restaurant offers an ideal menu for couples who want to try a bit of everything. Opt for the chef’s tasting or give your server a few ideas and let them wow you with a customized, no-decision-required meal.

Gianni’s, housed in the former Versace Mansion, oozes the opulence needed for an over-the-top proposal. The Ocean Drive spot is one of the more popular dining destinations in the area, set alongside the late designer’s gold-lined mosaic pool. Gianni’s Italian menu includes hits such as lobster spaghetti, octopus carpaccio, and mushroom risotto. There’s also a solid wine list that the knowledgeable staff can help guide you through to pick just the right bottle for your momentous night.

At this MICHELIN-starred Colombian restaurant, every dish is a sensuous experience. To wit, a meal here usually kicks off with a luxurious cacao bath for your hands to take the edge off any proposal-related nerves. The inimitable menu pairs ancestral cooking techniques with molecular gastronomy, and was inspired by chef Juan Manuel Barrientos’ Medellín roots. A chef’s tasting experience is a must: the leisurely, 20- to 22-course meal marries Colombian bounty with local produce, setting the stage for a memorable, one-of-a-kind proposal.