From observing Valentine's Day to "cuffing season," there are many reasons to consider winter as the season for love. Couple this with Miami Beach's temperate climate and sea breeze, and you have the perfect excuse to go out with that special someone for a romantic dinner under the stars.
With the city's reputation as a culinary destination preceding itself, it should come as no surprise that Miami has plenty of options, many with al fresco dining, for date night. From steak and seafood to classic Italian and Latin-fusion fare, here are some of Miami Beach's most romantic restaurants, recommended by our Brown Harris Stevens Miami agents.
Smith and Wollensky has quickly risen in the ranks of Miami's steakhouse scene, with many claiming it to be the best in the city. Located in South Pointe Park, the restaurant offers scenic ocean views. A perfect date night meal is the Surf & Turf for Two, which includes an 18oz filet and twin lobster tails with garlic butter and chimichurri.
One of Morgan Blittner's favorite restaurants in Miami Beach, Sardinia serves authentic Italian and Sardinian fare in an intimate setting. The rustic, open kitchen, homestyle decor, and vast selection of wines make it the perfect option for a quiet evening with a loved one. Be sure to try the branzino, which comes with two sides and is cooked in a wood-burning oven.
Located on the vibrant Ocean Drive in South Beach, YUCA was among Pamela Diaz-de-Leon Sims' top recommendations for dining in the area. Miami Beach's first Cuban-Peruvian fusion restaurant, its vibrant menu is enhanced by the restaurant's opulent decor, which includes romantic chandeliers and brick walls. In addition to an extensive wine list, the menu includes crowd favorites like Vaca Frita, which consists of shredded skirt steak grilled with a curated selection of spices.
A South Beach staple known for fresh, high-quality sushi and festive cocktails, Blue Ribbon was also recommended by Morgan Blittner and is located in the newly restored Plymouth Hotel, just across the street from the Miami Beach Convention Center. Pair a Dragon Roll—eel, avocado, masago mayo, and radish sprouts—with an order of grilled lamb ribs for a succulent meal for two that's easy to share.
The restaurant's name, which translated means "your home," perfectly encapsulates the restaurant's communal vibe. Guests can either sit at a long Chef's Table overlooking the kitchen or opt for a seat on the candlelit patio outdoors, which is complemented by lush foliage and landscaping. For a romantic meal, try the farro risotto with Maine lobster followed by the beef tenderloin with seared foie gras, toasted hazelnuts, and sautéed leeks.
One of the newest and most popular restaurants in South Beach, Pamela Diaz-de-Leon Sims described Carbone as one of the best newcomers to the area's dining scene. Upon stepping into the restaurant, you feel as if you are dining at the base of a fine Venetian hotel. Enjoy burrata and caviar as an appetizer followed by zesty veal parmesan as your main and and refreshing lemon cheesecake for dessert.