17 Most Romantic Restaurants in Miami

Amara at Paraiso

Amara at Paraiso is effortlessly romantic thanks to its dreamy waterfront setting, where lush trees, ocean breezes, and sunset views create one of the most beautiful backdrops in Miami. The atmosphere feels cozy yet elevated, perfect for lingering over cocktails like the must-try Frojito while the city fades into the background. Add consistently excellent food, especially the seafood, and outdoor seating that feels intimate and serene, and it’s an ideal spot for a memorable date night. 3101 NE Seventh Ave., Miami; 305-702-5528; amaraatparaiso.com.

Le Bouchon du Grove

Le Bouchon du Grove delivers old-school French charm in a cozy, unpretentious bistro that’s felt timeless since it opened in 1994. The relaxed, family-style atmosphere, authentic Lyonnaise dishes like boeuf bourguignon and delicious French onion soup, and warm welcomes make every meal feel intimate and comforting. It’s the kind of place that quietly transports you to France, perfect for couples who want romance without the fuss. 3430 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove; 305-448-6060; lebouchondugrove.net.

Bouchon Bistro

Bouchon Bistro, the dimly lit and romantic French bistro from Chef Thomas Keller, is intimate and classic, featuring Bouchon’s classic bistro fare like the soupe À l’oignon, caramelized sweet onions in beef jus, served with country bread and Comté cheese. There’s also the poulet rôtir, roasted chicken plated with hen-of-the-woods mushrooms and bacon lardons in a Dijon chicken jus, and Bouchon’s best-selling dish, the steak frites. Plus, the candlelit courtyard, filled with lush greenery and hanging orchids, makes for a spectacular evening on a balmy Coral Gables night. 2101 Galiano St., Coral Gables; 305-990-1360; thomaskeller.com.

The Café at Books & Books

Built in 1927, the café and bookstore feel like stepping into a love story, set inside a historic 1920s building where books, candlelit tables, and quiet conversations set the mood. Couples linger over espresso, wine, and chocolate cake while live jazz or Italian music hums in the background, making even a casual date feel cinematic. With cozy indoor corners, a charming outdoor patio, and comfort food that invites you to stay awhile, it’s romance without trying too hard. 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables; 305-448-9599; booksandbooks.com.

Café Panisse

Formerly called Café Pastis, this bistro has been a staple in South Miami for more than two decades. It’s intimate, lived-in, and full of old-school charm that only a long-standing neighborhood favorite can have. The cozy dining room, classic French comfort dishes like mussels, couscous merguez, and jarret d’agneau, and the hum of a tiny open kitchen make every dinner feel warm, familiar, and deeply personal. It’s the kind of place where years of memories, heartfelt service, and timeless French flavors turn a simple night out into something quietly special. 7310 SW 57th Ave., South Miami; 305-665-3322; instagram.com/cafe_panisse_south_miami.

Casa Tua

Casa Tua is pure romance, tucked behind lush greenery where candlelit tables and a serene garden make you feel like a guest at an intimate Mediterranean villa, not a restaurant in the middle of Miami Beach. The soft lighting, private patio seating, and impeccable, story-driven service create a sense of calm and closeness that’s rare in the city. Add in soulful Italian dishes, an exceptional wine list, and hosts who make every table feel personal, and Casa Tua becomes the definition of a truly unforgettable romantic night. 1700 James Ave., Miami Beach; 305-673-1010; casatualife.com.

Fox’s Lounge

Fox’s Lounge is secretly romantic in that moody, dimly lit, old-school way, like stepping into a Prohibition-era hideaway where time slows down, and conversations get a little closer. The dark bar glow, classic cocktails, low music, and no-rush energy make it feel intimate and effortlessly cool, especially late at night. Add in old-school steakhouse comfort food, standout hospitality, and a cozy vibe that makes you want to linger, and Fox’s Lounge becomes the kind of place where romance sneaks up on you when you least expect it. 6030 S. Dixie Hwy., Miami; 305-703-6553; foxslounge.com.

La Fresa Francesa

La Fresa Francesa is pure hole-in-the-wall romance, tucked into a humble Hialeah plaza where you’re not getting fine dining, and that’s exactly the point. Inside, vintage decor, candle-soft charm, and soulful French cooking make it feel like a secret bistro in Europe, complete with impeccable service and food cooked with real care. From an unforgettable crème brûlée to perfectly tender steak frites and warm, personal hospitality, it’s the kind of hidden gem where romance sneaks up on you and completely wins. 59 W. Third St., Hialeah; 786-717-6886; lafresafrancesa.com.

Macchialina

At Macchialina, romance lives in the glow of candlelit tables and an intimate, artsy room that feels effortlessly inviting. Chef Michael Pirolo’s menu leans into soulful simplicity with standouts like the burrata with heirloom tomatoes, tagliatelle ai funghi, the signature Macchialina pasta, and a beautifully executed veal Milanese. Paired with a thoughtful wine list and warm, attentive service, it’s the kind of place where great food and quiet chemistry do all the talking. The food is so good here, you might just fall in love with whoever you’re with. 820 Alton Rd., Miami Beach; 305-534-2124; macchialina.com.

Mandolin Aegean Bistro

At Mandolin Aegean Bistro, romance starts the moment you step into a charming 1930s house that feels worlds away from Miami and straight into a Greek village. The candlelit back patio strung with bistro lights sets the scene for sharing meze, housemade bread with dips, grilled sea bass, and chicken kebabs, all meant to be enjoyed slowly together. With its transportive setting and effortlessly intimate energy, Mandolin is the kind of place that makes a date night feel like a mini escape to the Aegean coast. 4312 NE Second Ave., Miami; 305-749-9140; mandolinmiami.com.

Osteria

Osteria feels romantic from the moment you walk in, with Italian greetings, candle-soft lighting, and a staff that treats every table like family. The passion shows in every dish, from the silky vitello tonnato to a can’t-miss tiramisu, making the meal feel thoughtful and indulgent. With chefs checking in, attentive servers, and genuine hospitality all around, it’s the kind of place where date nights feel intimate, special, and worth returning to again and again. 8001 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; 305-571-6249; osteria.miami.

Sapore di Mare

Sapore di Mare is a hidden gem in the Grove that features seafood dishes from Campania, a region in Italy that includes Naples and the Amalfi Coast. All of the fish is sourced exclusively from the Mediterranean, and Sapore is known for its crudo selection. If you choose to veer off the seafood path, try the tagliolini cacio e pepe served in a barrel of cheese. Sapore has achieved the kind of convivial atmosphere that attracts the most enviable clientele: year-round locals looking for romance. 3111 Grand Ave., Coconut Grove; 305-476-8292; saporedimaremiami.com.

Silverlake Bistro

Silverlake Bistro nails romance with its cozy, intimate atmosphere that feels effortlessly warm and perfect for a date night without trying too hard. The relaxed-but-special vibe, attentive service, and consistently excellent dishes make every dinner feel thoughtful and personal. Plus, the food never misses, like the burger, steak frites, and roasted chicken. Add the ability to bring your own bottle of wine, and it becomes the kind of neighborhood spot where romance feels easy, natural, and worth returning to again and again. It’s the kind of spot that makes you grateful for great neighborhood restaurants. 1211 71st St., Miami Beach; 786-803-8113; instagram.com/silverlakebistromiami.

Soya e Pomodoro

This downtown Italian spot pairs incredible food with a setting steeped in history, tucked inside a century-old arcade that still showcases its original mosaics, textured ceilings, and old-world charm. Candlelight, live Friday night jazz, and eclectic art create an atmosphere that feels intimate, timeless, and effortlessly special. Add handmade ravioli in walnut cream, pristine seafood pastas, and unforgettable gelato and desserts, and it becomes the kind of place that turns a simple dinner into a full, lingering experience worth the extra walk. 120 NE First St., Ste. 2502, Miami; 305-381-9511; soyaepomodoro.com.

The Surf Club Restaurant

If your idea of optimal romance lies in a Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movie, then Thomas Keller’s the Surf Club Restaurant is the only setting that will do. This exquisite restaurant is all “champagne wishes and caviar dreams,” as they say. Thomas Keller’s menu is a hit list of every decadent white-tablecloth classic: Caesar salad served tableside, lobster thermidor, Dover sole, and beef Wellington, all executed exceptionally. It’s truly a romantic must-do. 9011 Collins Ave., Surfside; 305-768-9440; surfclubrestaurant.com.

Sunny’s Steakhouse

At Sunny’s Steakhouse in Little River, romance is built into the setting, from the Americana-meets-Florida dining room to the dreamy patio glowing under a bistro-lit tree. Whether you’re lingering over oysters and cocktails on the terrace, sharing pastas like the corn and crab agnolotti, or splitting a perfectly cooked steak at the bar, every part of the experience feels intentional and warm. With standout hospitality, a lively yet intimate energy, and food that invites sharing, Sunny’s is made for memorable nights and special celebrations. 7357 NW Miami Ct., Miami; sunnysmia.com.

Zucca Miami

Zucca is a classic romantic restaurant thanks to its refined yet intimate atmosphere, tucked inside the historic Hotel St. Michel, where old-world charm sets the tone for a special night out. Known for traditional Italian cuisine, an award-winning wine cellar with more than 2,000 bottles, and genuinely warm hospitality, it’s a place that invites lingering conversations over exceptional food and wine. Led by chef de cuisine Manuel Garcia, whose Michelin-starred European training shines through in beloved dishes like veal parmesan and stuffed zucchini flowers, Zucca continues to win hearts and feel timeless. 162 Alcazar Ave., Coral Gables; 786-580-3731; zuccamiami.com.