Double Knot Miami
Double Knot MiamiPhoto Courtesy of Double Knot Miami

The Ultimate Date Night Restaurants Guide in Miami

Discover Miami's Most Romantic Dining Spots for an Unforgettable Date Night

From candlelit waterfront terraces to sultry rooftop lounges, Miami knows how to set the scene for romance. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, planning a first date, or simply craving a night out that feels unforgettable, these standout restaurants deliver elevated cuisine, alluring ambiance, and the kind of energy only Miami can offer.

1. Avra Miami

Avra Miami
Avra MiamiPhoto Courtesy of Avra Miami, Troy Campbell

Location: 17945 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160

Avra Miami captures the essence of a Greek seaside escape without ever leaving Sunny Isles. Inspired by the charming tavernas that dot the Aegean coast, this stunning restaurant sets the stage for one of Miami’s most romantic dining experiences. The airy, candlelit design evokes effortless Mediterranean elegance, with whitewashed walls, olive trees, and a breezy terrace.

Couples can share signature dishes like Avra’s famous whole grilled fish, flown in fresh from the Mediterranean and finished with the restaurant’s signature ladolemono sauce. The menu celebrates simple perfection: pristine seafood, seasonal vegetables, and artisanal Greek cheeses, complemented by an extensive list of fine wines and champagnes. Highlights include the Lobster Pasta, Grilled Octopus, and Saganaki, while desserts such as house-made baklava and olive oil cake with brûléed figs, lemon chantilly provide a sweet finish.

Visit Avra Miami

2. AMAVI

AMAVI Table Spread
AMAVI Table SpreadPhoto Credit: James Livingston

Location: 3252 NE 1st Ave, Suite 109, Miami, FL 33137

AMAVI brings the passion and soul of the Mediterranean to Midtown Miami, offering a dining experience that’s both stylish and deeply flavorful. An expansion of the acclaimed AMAVI in New York City, this elegant restaurant fuses influences from the Aegean Coast, Greece, and North Africa into a vibrant, creative menu crafted by Executive Chef Alp Karataslioglu and brought to life locally by Chef Tolga Mutlu.

Couples can indulge in dishes designed for sharing, like kofta skewers, grilled lamb chops, and fresh seafood, complemented by inventive vegetarian creations that highlight the region’s diverse flavors. The curated wine list and craft cocktails perfectly match the menu’s Mediterranean flair, ensuring every course feels intentional and balanced.

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3. Double Knot

Double Knot Miami
Double Knot MiamiPhoto Courtesy of Double Knot Miami

Location: 2550 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127

At Double Knot, bold Japanese flavors meet the pulse of Miami’s nightlife in a modern izakaya built for sharing and connection. The energy is electric, dim lighting, sleek design, and the irresistible aroma of robata skewers sizzling over open flame. Couples can explore an inventive menu that blends traditional Japanese techniques with creative twists, from artful sushi and fresh sashimi to smoky skewers and seasonal small plates meant for two.

The restaurant’s dual personality adds to its charm: an intimate dining area perfect for slow conversation and a stylish bar where craft cocktails and premium sake flow late into the night. With its vibrant atmosphere and effortlessly cool aesthetic.

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4. Casadonna

Tini Tiny Affair - Fries & Caviar, Charcuterie
Casadonna Tini Tiny AffairPhoto Courtesy of Casadonna

Location: 1737 N Bayshore Dr, 1st Floor, Miami, FL 33132

Casadonna embodies Miami’s coastal glamour with Riviera-inspired Italian cuisine, sweeping waterfront views, and the kind of atmosphere that feels tailor-made for romance. Here, handcrafted pastas, fresh seafood, and fine Italian wines take center stage.

Set against the shimmering Biscayne Bay, Casadonna’s airy indoor dining room and lush outdoor terrace create an ambiance that’s both luxurious and inviting. Couples can settle in for a leisurely meal or stop by for the restaurant’s lively Tiny Tini Affair, a weekly martini night featuring miniature cocktails, coastal small bites, and live entertainment in the waterside lounge.

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5. Komodo

Komodo LV Interior
Komodo InteriorPhoto Courtesy of Groot Hospitality

Location: 801 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131

Komodo is where Southeast Asian flavors meet Miami’s unmistakable flair for drama and design. Located in the heart of Brickell, this three-level restaurant and lounge delivers a sensory dining experience that’s as vibrant as the city itself. Guests can explore a globally inspired menu of modern Asian dishes, from dim sum and crispy Peking duck to artful sushi, all served in a sleek, contemporary space.

The atmosphere shifts seamlessly from dinner to nightlife as Komodo’s chic bar and lounge come alive with music, handcrafted cocktails. For an extra touch of experience, couples can join the monthly sushi-making masterclass, where chefs share the centuries-old artistry behind perfect sushi.

Visit Komodo

6. The Living Room at Casa Faena

The Living Room
The Living RoomPhoto Courtesy of Faena Miami Beach

Location: 3201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140

Step into the golden age of Miami glamour at The Living Room, a sultry lounge inspired by the glitz and decadence of the 1950s. Located inside Faena Miami Beach, this Art Deco gem exudes old-Hollywood sophistication with its plush leopard-print couches, crimson velvet drapery, and candlelit glow.

Live performances fill the room each evening, spanning everything from jazz and swing to disco and modern pop. Sip on signature cocktails or delicious bites while soaking in the rhythm of the night.

Visit The Living Room

7. El Secreto Omakase

Faena Secret Bar - El Secreto Omakase
El Secreto OmakasePhoto Courtesy of Faena Miami Beach

Location: 3201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140

Hidden within the opulent Faena Theater, El Secreto Omakase is one of Miami’s most exclusive and intimate dining experiences, a six-seat speakeasy where art, precision, and culinary mastery intertwine. Created by James Beard Award–winning Chef Paul Qui, this secret sanctuary blends Tokyo-style sushi and Kyoto-style kaiseki into a mesmerizing multi-course journey that feels as personal as it is unforgettable.

Each course showcases the finest seafood and seasonal ingredients from around the world, including Hokkaido sea urchin, Baja bluefin tuna, and Sanuki Olive Wagyu from Japan’s Kagawa Prefecture.

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8. Watr at 1 Rooftop

Watr at 1 Rooftop
Watr at 1 RooftopPhoto Courtesy of 1 Hotel South Beach

Location: 2341 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Perched high above the ocean atop 1 Hotel South Beach, Watr at 1 Rooftop offers one of Miami’s most breathtaking date-night backdrops. This serene, sky-level oasis combines Japanese-inspired coastal cuisine with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Miami skyline, creating an experience that feels both elevated and effortlessly romantic.

By day, Watr exudes laid-back elegance with fresh sushi, ceviche, and handcrafted cocktails under the sun. By night, the energy transforms, soft lighting, ocean breezes, and mellow beats set the tone for intimate conversation and unforgettable views.

Visit Watr at 1 Rooftop

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9. AVIV

AVIV Interior
AVIV InteriorPhoto Courtesy of Michael Persico

Location: 2341 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Bringing the warmth and vibrancy of Israel to Miami Beach. This coastal-inspired restaurant invites guests to share in the joy of Middle Eastern dining with dishes meant to be passed, tasted, and savored together.

The menu highlights Chef Solomonov’s signature hummus and salatim, served with freshly baked saluf bread, alongside colorful mezze plates and charcoal-grilled kebabs. The menu pairs beautifully with a curated wine list from Israel and the Eastern Mediterranean or one of the restaurant’s bright, herb-forward cocktails.

Visit Aviv

10. Ball & Chain

Pineapple Stage at Ball & Chain
Pineapple Stage at Ball & ChainPhoto Courtesy of Mad Room Hospitality

Location: 1513 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135

Few places capture Miami’s spirit quite like Ball & Chain, the legendary Little Havana landmark where music, culture, and romance dance together under the stars. Since opening in 1935, this iconic venue has hosted legends like Billie Holiday and Count Basie, and today it remains one of the city’s most soulful and authentic date-night destinations.

Set on lively Calle Ocho, Ball & Chain pulses with live Latin jazz, sultry salsa rhythms, and the unmistakable energy of old Miami. Couples can sip on world-famous mojitos or the signature Pastelito Daiquiri while sharing bites on the vintage patio or let the night sweep them onto the dance floor for the unforgettable midnight conga line.

Visit Ball & Chain

11. Palm Tree Club

Palm Tree Club Dock View
Palm Tree Club Dock ViewPhoto Courtesy of Palm Tree Club - isacampomar

Location: 1819 79th Street Causeway, North Bay Village, FL 33141

Miami’s ultimate waterfront date-night escape, a place where laid-back coastal charm meets elevated dining. This breezy yet luxurious venue captures the magic of Miami evenings with open-air, over-the-water seating, golden sunsets, and live music that drifts softly across the bay.

The menu celebrates American coastal cuisine with a vibrant twist, pairing fresh seafood and local ingredients with handcrafted cocktails that channel tropical sophistication. As the sky turns pink, the atmosphere shifts seamlessly from relaxed to romantic, perfect for sunset drinks, dinner under the stars, or a lingering night by the water.

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12. Joia Beach

Joia beach
Joia beachPhoto Courtesy of Joia Beach

Location: 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL 33132

Hidden on the shores of Watson Island, Joia Beach is Miami’s secret slice of paradise, an exclusive, toes-in-the-sand escape where dining meets daydream. As the city’s only private beachfront restaurant, Joia Beach offers a rare blend of barefoot ease and refined European flair, making it one of the most romantic spots in the city.

By day, Joia invites guests to unwind with coastal-inspired bites and chilled rosé beneath swaying palms. As the sun sets, the energy shifts, music drifts across the shoreline, candles flicker. The menu mirrors the mood, balancing fresh, seasonal ingredients with a modern Miami twist.

Visit Joia Beach

13. Beauty & The Butcher

Beauty & the Butcher Interior
Beauty & the Butcher InteriorPhoto Courtesy of Grove Bay Hospitality

Location: 6915 Southwest 57th Avenue, S Red Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33143

This modern dining destination strikes the perfect balance between polished and approachable, where design and flavor work in beautiful harmony.

Inside, the space glows with forest green leather booths, bronze accents, and a striking quartz bar showcasing the restaurant’s signature dry-aged meats. The menu celebrates modern American cuisine, blending premium cuts and creative small plates that cater to every craving, whether you’re sharing a perfectly seared steak or toasting with a craft cocktail.

Visit Beauty & The Butcher

14. Amal

Amal Miami
Amal MiamiPhoto Courtesy of Maxime Bocken - INK Entertainment

Location: 3480 Main Hwy, Coconut Grove, Miami, FL 33133

Rooted in the spirit of Lebanese hospitality, Amal brings warmth, elegance, and modern Middle Eastern flavor to the heart of Coconut Grove. Couples can share beautifully plated mezze, charcoal-grilled meats, and vibrant vegetarian dishes that highlight the region’s most beloved flavors. The interior feels like a sanctuary, bathed in soft light, natural textures, and a touch of Mediterranean minimalism, making it one of Miami’s most inviting and romantic dining rooms.

From the attentive service to the layered aromas of za’atar, citrus, and smoke, every detail at Amal feels considered. Whether you’re enjoying cocktails or lingering over dessert, this is the kind of place that invites you to slow down and savor the moment together.

Visit Amal

15. Level 6

Level 6 Rooftop
Level 6 RooftopPhoto Courtesy of Brandon Barré - INK Hospitality

Location: 3480 Main Hwy, 6th Floor, Coconut Grove, FL 33133

One of Miami’s most breathtaking rooftop dining experiences. With panoramic views of Biscayne Bay, this elevated hideaway pairs modern Spanish cuisine with handcrafted cocktails.

Level 6 serves shareable tapas, fresh seafood, and seasonal dishes that celebrate the essence of coastal dining. As the sun sets, the sky glows in warm hues, the music softens, and the rooftop transforms into a romantic, open-air sanctuary perfect for lingering conversations and late-night drinks.

Visit Level 6

16. Pastis Miami

Seafood Platter at Pastis Miami
Seafood Platter at Pastis MiamiPhoto Courtesy of Lens Craving - STARR Restaurants

Location: 380 NW 26th St, Miami, FL 33127

A little slice of Paris in the heart of Wynwood. From James Beard Award–winning restaurateur Stephen Starr and Keith McNally, this brasserie captures all the charm and romance of a Left Bank café without the plane ticket.

Couples can enjoy beautifully executed classic French fare like steak frites, escargots, and onion soup gratinée, paired with craft cocktails or a glass of Bordeaux. The ambiance is both lively and intimate, with that quintessential brasserie buzz that makes every meal feel like a scene from a Parisian film.

Visit Pastis Miami

17. Makoto

Omakase box at Makoto
Omakase box at MakotoPhoto Courtesy of STARR Restaurants

Location: 9700 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33154

Tucked inside the exclusive Bal Harbour Shops, Makoto delivers a dining experience that’s equal parts refined, creative, and unmistakably elegant. This sleek Japanese restaurant is known for transforming classic Japanese techniques into something modern, artful, and deeply satisfying.

Couples can indulge in expertly prepared sushi and sashimi, robata-grilled specialties, and signature entrées that balance tradition with innovation. The selection of premium sakes, Japanese whiskies, and craft cocktails perfectly complements the precision of the cuisine. Makoto offers a world-class culinary experience that feels both intimate and inspiring.

Visit Makoto

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