How do I break the news gently to you? Romance is not really in the air. If you’re single, you likely have 5-7 different dating apps downloaded on your phone. Somewhere in your DMs there’s an ex lurking around. In the first screen of your smartphone you have Snapseed, Lightroom, Photoshop, or insert name of new filter app. Does that sound like romance?
Despite the trends in dating–and every other cloud-based app we use to make ourselves look better–there are a few spots in South Florida that shift the air from superficiality to amore. When you’re here, you are not in Miami anymore.
Top Romantic Restaurants in Miami
Alloy Bistro Gourmet
Let’s keep this place a secret. Imagine being in the heart of downtown, but tucked away is a Mediterranean courtyard that gives you all the cozy feels. This is where you bring someone on a third or fourth date because you really want to blow them away. Pour up a nice glass of wine and order yourselves the Burrata to start. Another favorite of mine is the Black Tagliatelle made with coconut charcoal dough and portobello mushrooms.
Mandolin Aegean Bistro
Their philosophy includes bringing family and friends around the table for a gathering of love, laughter, and spirited conversations. In case you need a translation… put your phones away! Although it’s not a rule here, it should be common sense that when people gather around authentic food and amazing service, social media can wait. The Grilled Octopus is where you want to start. Make it a shared-plates kind of night and stick with “mezes” like Baked Feta with smoked Greek chili flakes, or Ali Nazik which is ground lamb over an eggplant yogurt.
Forte dei Marmi
The slow food culture here is created by chef Andrea Reitano. Miami Beach is transformed within their walls and the sophistication of each dish is credited to the two Michelin stars this chef already racked up elsewhere. The covered terrace transports you to a resort in Tuscany. With fresh ingredients, the Branzino with zucchini puree was our top choice. Also, consider ordering the Buckwheat Pappardelle with seasonal mushrooms and winter black truffle.
Valentine’s Day in Miami
Make your reservations today to check out these top 3 spots on Valentine’s Day. Invite someone special—even if that someone is you—for an unforgettable night.
Diana Rodriguez is a Cuban-American with a flair for discovering where to find “the best-of.” Her background in Engineering and Creative Writing gives her a balance between art and science to best appreciate every bite.
