It’s time for a Miami date night! Treat yourself, and your special someone, to a romantic dinner at one of these five restaurants:
Café Roval
Occupying a historic coral pump house in upper east side Miami, Café Roval {5808 NE 4 Court, Miami, Morningside; 786.953.7850} was practically designed for lovers. Its modern farm-to-table menu aside—think Stracciatella with avocado, tomato, and sumac; Crispy Squash Blossoms with fenugreek and curry; cheese and charcuterie plates; and mains like NY Strip steaks with salt-roasted potatoes, romesco, and bordelaise—jazz music is always playing, and the cocktail and wine list is on point. What really causes the spark, however, is the ambiance. Grab a table outside at dusk, by the Buddha pond and torchlit gardens, and you’ll forget you’re even in Miami.
Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante
Here, wine surrounds you… literally. The walls are filled with floor-to-ceiling wine shelves, and to go with all that free-flowing vino, there are plates like make-your-own cheese and charcuterie on garnished wooden boards, Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pizza, Rabbit with Brussels sprouts and bacon, and a salt-crusted Sea Bass. The kitchen is run by Sardinian chef and Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante {1801 Purdy Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.531.2228} co-owner, Pietro Vardeu, so it’s kind of like having a date night in Italy.
The Strand Bar & Grill
The Strand Bar & Grill {6801 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.514.7474} at the Carillon Miami promises good-for-you-good American fare in a beautiful, oceanfront setting. The menu is inspired by what’s in season, and many of the dishes pay a nod to South Florida’s organic community. Grab a seat on the terrace, which has endless views of the Atlantic Ocean, and pair cocktails like A Beet Up Mule with plates like Sea Scallops with Jerusalem artichoke, pomegranate, Brussels sprouts, and black truffle; Kampachi Crudo with asparagus, yuzu, radish, and rice crisp; and one of our favorites, the Lamb Trio, which serves lamb loin, lamb belly, and merguez sausage with smoked yogurt, za’atar, confit tomato, and a cucumber gremolata. We have the recipe for that last one here!
Seaspice
Dining at Seaspice {422 NW North River Drive, Miami;  305.440.4200} isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience! And it’s one you want to share with someone you love. Sitting right on the Miami River, this haute, trendy restaurant and lounge is decked out in natural woods and soft white fabrics, boasts a see-and-be-seen crowd (many of whom arrive by yacht), and at night, serves a Mediterranean menu under the stars. You and your love can start by sharing a Truffle Brie Tart with black truffle and mascarpone or Burrata with crispy kataifi and olive tapenade, and move onto Maine Lobster Pizzetta and Salt-Crusted Market Fish flambéed tableside with black truffle risotto. To end on a sweet note, split the Guanaja Chocolate Cremoso with cocoa nib crumble, seaweed “snow,” and toasted rice mousse. Pro tip: Make a reservation at table #86 or #87, and you’ve snagged the most romantic table at the restaurant. Both sit right on the river and have dim lighting and direct views of the Downtown Miami skyline.
Old Lisbon
This Portuguese restaurant is a classic for a reason. At Old Lisbon {1698 SW 22 Street, Miami; 305.854.0039}, the flavors and aroma of Portugal make you feel like you’ve hopped on a honeymoon to the country itself. Grab a seat in the modern-rustic dining room, and watch your dishes—like the 10-ounce Bitoque Bife topped with an egg and served with rice and fried potatoes, sautéed Meat from Porco to Alentejana with clams, potatoes, and pickles, in a white-wine garlic sauce, and a lightly-breaded Bacalhau à Old Lisbon with mashed potatoes, olive oil, garlic, and onions—prepared by a top-notch team in an open kitchen. Don’t worry, the wine list is top notch, too. At the back of the dining area, guests will find an impressive wine room stocked with Portuguese, Spanish, and other Mediterranean wines, as well as chilled Portuguese pilsners.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor