Whether you're getting to know someone new or want to celebrate an occasion with your significant other, it's always good to have at least one killer romantic restaurant in your back pocket. Here are five places around town where the vibe is relaxed, the lighting is dim, and the wine is flowing—creating an intimate atmosphere for two.
Juvia
Miami Beach
If your daily hustle often gets in the way of rest, relaxation and ultimately romance, whisk your special someone a few hundred feet above the city. This elegantly modern rooftop restaurant's 360-degree views, craft cocktails with a punch and eclectic mix of French, Japanese and Peruvian cuisine will instantly take your minds off the daily grind. If it's too chilly to brave the outdoors, don't fret. You'll find picturesque views and just as cozy whicker seating indoors as well. Just come prepared to spend a pretty penny, and don't expect heaping portions.
Mandolin Aegean Bistro
Design District
Thanks to the Design District's Mandolin Aegean Bistro, you can transport your date to the Mediterranean coast without leaving the city. This labor of love by husband and wife duo Ahmet Erkaya and Anastasia Koutsioukis serves up light, authentic Greek and Turkish dishes—including ingredients pulled from the edible garden onsite. Take a seat in the quaint courtyard, order a batch of sangria and a sampler platter to share, and you're well on your way to a perfect night.
Café Roval
Little Haiti
It's hard to believe you're not far from home once you step foot inside Café Roval's zen garden. Local restaurateur Mark Soyka (of Soyka a few blocks down and the late Van Dyke Cafe) transformed this historic coral house into a tropical oasis with a Mediterranean slant. In the lush wooded garden, candlelit tables line a large pond overlooked by Buddha—and a tiki bar. But the main house's interior, complete with oversized chandeliers, feels just as magical for drinks or dinner for two.
Casa Tua
South Beach
For an unforgettable night, Casa Tua has it all: an art-filled Mediterranean villa, a lantern-lit garden and a four-star hotel. The menu features northern Italian cuisine and a seemingly endless wine list. While the villa exudes a chic beach house vibe, it's a sophisticated place: shorts, sneakers and flip flops are all banned, and if you don't take heed, you will be turned away.
Love Is Blind Food & Wine
Coral Gables
While your love may be blind, you will enjoy taking in the kitschy decor at this Coral Gables hot spot. You are your sweetie will be greeted at the door by an ornate candlelight display that begs you to capture the moment. The moody interior is lined with sultry portraits and gaudy chandeliers that help set the mood. But once you get to your table, the focus is on the two of you—each table is equipped with a box that suggests relinquishing your phones for the evening. You'll need both hands anyway to dig into the worldly menu borrowing elements from a wide range of cuisines, including Mexican, Italian, Creole, Spanish and Thai.
