Love is all around us in and around South Florida especially in Miami. As always, it's so difficult to suggest just 10 restaurants in an area that are known for some of the best and most eclectic cuisine anywhere in the country, but here it goes!
ANOKHA 3195 Commodore Plaza, Coconut Grove, FL 33133 (786) 552-1030 Hours: (Tues-Sun) 11:30 am-10:30 pm To me, there is something hauntingly romantic about many of the Indian eateries I have frequented. Located in trendy Coconut Grove, sits a place that serves up more than just Indian cuisine, they do it with an attitude. I would best describe the food here as intoxicating! Lilting Indian music fills the air, which I find extremely reflective and relaxing. If you or your date are not into Curries and the Indian spices you will love their Kabobs, and I have never had rice like they prepare it here. Something very romantic about this dining experience at Anokha.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $25 - $35
Holiday Schedule: Set by discretion of management
LA PALME d'OR 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134 (305) 445-1926 (800) 727-1926 Hours: (Mon-Thur) 6 pm-10:30 pm; (Fri & Sat) till 11:30 pm One of the most romantic pieces of architecture on the South Florida scene is the classic and elegant Biltmore Hotel. From the moment you arrive you are swept up by so many who have gone before you, from movie stars to powerful politicians there is a history here unlike any other. There is also a very elegant and romantic dining experience available at the La Palme d'Or! You may have experienced French cuisine before, but few match the culinary wizardry of noted Chef Philippe Ruiz. Please do not hesitate to have an appetizer before your main course; the chef creates different tastes apart from the usual "French fair." You will not be disappointed by any of the entrées. I recall having one of the most splendid duck dishes.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $50 - $60
Holiday Schedule: Set by discretion of management
MARK'S SOUTH BEACH 1120 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 604-9050 Hours: (Mon-Thur & Sun) 7 pm-11 pm; (Fri & Sat) 7 pm-12 am Many of the eateries along Miami Beach are located in Hotels. There is something very romantic about these "one of a kind" (many totally refurbished) art deco hotels that line the beach. One such place is the Nash Hotel where you will find, Mark's South Beach. From the minute you walk in you immediately feel like a "someone!" You'll be dining with a clientele who enjoy the finer things in life. The food is as elegant as the surroundings and my personal suggestion is seafood. Mark Milatello, its proprietor, pays great attention to detail and presentation. A great wine list to compliment your meal is provided, and Mark's will help you fall in love all over again or...for the first time!
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $45 - $55
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
THE PALM 9650 East Bay Harbor Drive, Bal Harbor, FL 33154 (305) 868-7256 Hours: (Mon-Sun) 5 pm-10 pm Although you'll find The Palm in several cities around the country, I find each one to have a distinct character unto itself. If you want a romantic atmosphere and a feeling that you are part of the "in crowd" then you won't go wrong here. My suggestion for you and your love is the Lobster. I've had great lobster before, in many places, but The Palm's lobster is not only succulent but also "big!" Maybe share one of these succulent delicacies from the deep along with one of The Palm's famous salads, they do several and they do them great!
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $45 - $55
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Open, New Years Eve-Open
PELICAN CAFÉ 826 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 673-1000 Hours: (Mon-Sun) 7:30 am-midnight This is not your Grandmother's variety of Italian eateries. The Pelican Café is unique to say the least. With a name that sounds like a "fish and chips" restaurant located on a dock somewhere, Pelican Café will surprise you. The proprietors are Italian, and not from a restaurant background, I might ad. These guys were in the fashion business and it is evident the minute you walk in, as the setting can be romantic as well as eclectic. It's great for that first date or for someone you want to treat on a special night. The food is very serious here, despite the atmosphere. I would suggest one of their fabulous pizzas with some of the most unusual but delectable concoctions, topped off with a glass of Chianti, it's romance Italian style with a Miami Beach flair at the Pelican Café!
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $25 - $35
Holiday Schedule: Open for all holidays
RED LANTERN 3176 Commodore Plaza, Coconut Grove, FL 33133 (305) 529-9998 Hours: (Mon-Fri) 11:30 am-3 pm/3 pm-11 pm; (Sat & Sun) 4 pm-11 pm Of course, our top ten list has to have a little "red" after all it is the color of love so let's check out the Red Lantern for you and your special someone. Here, nestled along the famed Cocowalk (now wait, I know what you are thinking, not another cookie cutter chain restaurant)! No, far from it. Although the area has quite a few lack luster eateries, the Red Lantern stands alone. More romantic than your average Chinese restaurant with a hint of "healthy" thrown in. One of my favorites is a Kung Pau chicken it is one of the best here. You'll also find, as mentioned, more of a "health conscious" menu here, with a variety of seafood prepared in a variety of delectable styles.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $20 - $30
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Open, New Years Eve-Open
TANTRA RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE 1445 Pennsylvania Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 672-4765 Hours: (Mon-Sun) 7 pm-1 am Direct from the pages of the Kama Sutra comes a dining experience that can stir all the romantic feelings of new loves and old ones alike, it's Tantra! While enjoying a before dinner cocktail, you won't be able to avoid your surroundings, look at ancient reminders of the various Hindu philosophies that depict a relationship between two consenting adults! Now let me forewarn you Tantra is not for the "budget conscious" diners, it is pricey but for the unusual and impression factor it really works. The food is almost an aperitif of the surroundings! My favorite part of the Tantra experience is the pillows that romantically wrap themselves around you and your love. Relax, sink in and get to know each other all over again! Tantra is guaranteed to rekindle old flames or to start new ones!
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $55 - $65
Holiday Schedule: Set by discretion of management
WISH 801 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 531-2222 Hours: (Mon-Sun) 6 pm-11:30 pm Located at The Hotel, on trendy Miami Beach, Wish brings out the lover in all of us. I find the patio at Wish to be, for me, very reminiscent of some seaside European Bistros I have frequented. Kudos to the chef at Wish, Andrea Curto, you will not be disappointed by any of her splendid and often times bordering on "unusual" creations. Personally I had one of the best pork chops I've ever eaten here. Make a lasting memory with your special someone at Wish!
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $45 - $55
Holiday Schedule: Set by discretion of management
Well, there you have it once again, a list of ten of some of the best and or different dining experiences in and around Miami. May I wish you nothing but love for you and your special someone!
Until next time, Salute!
Estimated cost per person for dinner is based upon one entrée, one beverage, and 20% gratuity.
RUSTY PELICAN 3201 Rickenbacker Cswy, Key Biscayne, FL 33149 (305) 361-3818 Hours Sun-Thu 11:30am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am-12am The food here is excellent. They have a huge variety that will satisfy you hunger pangs. They have an amazing waterfront view in their patio area. This is a great place to be romantic or even to propose. I love this place! If you love seafood, you have to try out this place. Make sure to make reservations. The perfect time to go is during Sunday for lunch. Lunch time is better than dinner time to come here to avoid the crowds, but dinner time is more romantic. The view keeps bringing people back. If your going during peak hours, please be patient with the service, it is definitely worth the wait. Also, a great place to bring a group of people to. Estimated Price Per Person $30-35 per meal.
CRYSTAL CAFÉ 726 Arthur Godfrey Rd. (Chase Ave.), Miami Beach, FL 33140 305-673-8266
Hours: Thu-Sun 5pm-11pm I think Check Klime is one of the best chefs in Miami. The portions are usually really big. The place has a very nice ambiance; the service and the food are great. The prices are also reasonable. There is easy parking, which makes this place kept secret in Miami. The entrees seafood osso bucco and snapper with capers/lemon-wine sauce is really amazing.
The Top List of Romantic Restaurants - Miami, FL