12 top restaurants for every kind of date in Miami

Mignonette is the place for an impressive early-in-the-game date. The beloved oyster bar in downtown Miami has a laid-back vibe that falls somewhere in between old Florida and New Orleans. Dial up the extravagance with a seafood tower or keep it low-key with a comforting lobster roll—one of Miami’s best.

Luca Osteria comes from Giorgio Rapicavoli—Miami’s first Chopped champion. Get to know your date better over Luca’s Internet-famous starter—balls of fried potato layered with creamy fonduta and a single, shiny egg yolk. Then make room for Rapicavoli’s special family recipes like pasta al limone and lamb chops, paired with natural wines and negronis. For peak romance, pick an al fresco table under the twinkling lights of Giralda Plaza.

This intimate Thai restaurant is a hidden gem among Brickell’s high-rises and dials up the romance with pink lights and paper lanterns. Its sleek white tables and booths are just as suited for 20th dates as they are for firsts—and so is the world-class Thai food. From duck salad to drunken noodles to green curry made with coconut milk, green chile paste, basil leaf, a medley of veggies, the menu is filled with dishes you and your date will want to keep coming back for.

Erba is the kind of everyday escape you and your SO won’t get enough of. The romantic vibes start in the foyer, where there’s wallpaper featuring an actual Cupid, and continue in the dimly lit dining room. The new-age Italian menu takes cues from chef Niven Patel’s farm and includes linguine al vongole made with braised Bahamian conch. And in case you need another reason to visit, Erba has one of the best happy hour deals in Miami, which includes a spectacular six-course pasta-tasting menu.

Komodo is an ultra-stylish Southeast Asian lounge and restaurant owned by nightlife king David Grutman—and one of Miami’s fanciest restaurants. Its bright red decor adds a sexy edge to the sprawling, 17,000-square-foot interiors. Book one of the nests floating above the main dining room, graze on dumplings stuffed with gold leaf and truffled honey salmon, and cozy up while watching the action below.

Mila is a rooftop showstopper dressed in warm woods, earth tones, and foliage for days. Share plates like shawarma-spiced wagyu dumplings and Alaskan king crab tempura were made for hungry groups. If your crew is all about brunch, Mila’s quintessentially Miami version features a live DJ, bottomless drinks, and a leisurely two-hour buffet. Make an after-dinner reservation at Mila Lounge on the second floor for a nightcap if you’re hoping to stretch the night a little longer.

Romance comes easy at this dimly lit Mediterranean hideaway. And even though it’s tempting to snuggle up to your date at a velvet banquette, Byblos’s mezze-heavy menu, including lamb ribs and black truffle pide (Turkish pizza), was meant for sharing. Bring a group here on weeknights when the vibe is calm. But if you’re looking for something livelier, go on the weekends, where a live DJ sets a much buzzier vibe.

There’s live music every night of the week at this rustic-chic Design District charmer, ranging from jazz to swing to authentic Turkish violin. Jass Kitchen is for couples looking for that dinner-and-a-show vibe—without being too extra. Dig into fresh seafood, Mediterranean platters, and pides (Turkish pizzas) together. Or come for Sunday brunch, which features an all-you-can-eat Turkish feast and—of course—more live music.

The bubbles and bao brunch special is one of the main draws at this high-end Hong Kong import well known for Peking duck and artisanal dim sum. Go on Thursdays and you and your date will be spoiled with unlimited portions of 13 different dishes while the room is filled with fire dancers and other tableside performers. Add stunning Chinese decor, including hand-carved lattice screens and a 70-foot wall of wooden doors, and you’ve got one seriously transportive date.

When you want to toast an extra-special anniversary, make your way to this James Beard Award-winning Austin transplant. Uchi isn’t your average sushi spot—each bite is prepped with precision by the chefs, leaving no need for embellishments. With easy-to-share small plates and top-notch sashimi options, the restaurant is ideal for couples who want to try a bit of everything. Get the chef’s tasting or give your server a few ideas and let them wow you with a no-decision-required meal.

It doesn’t get more proposal-worthy than dinner on the Miami River with perfectly lit skyline views. Seaspice has been home to thousands of flawless date nights—many of which ended with a brand-new anniversary to celebrate. Expect a menu of fresh seafood and meats served on volcanic hot stones and knowledgeable sommeliers who help you find a proper pairing. This romantic restaurant is even known to be a beloved date night choice for the Beckhams (yes, those Beckhams).

Every dish is a sensuous experience at this MICHELIN-starred Colombian restaurant. Case in point: a meal here usually kicks off with a luxe cacao bath for your hands to take the edge off any proposal-related nerves. The menu pairs ancestral cooking techniques with molecular gastronomy, and was inspired by chef Juan Manuel Barrientos’s Medellín roots. A chef’s tasting experience is a must: The leisurely meal marries Colombian bounty with local produce, setting the stage for a knockout proposal.