A Romantic Night Out

Whether you think of it as a Hallmark holiday or a romantic day to appreciate your loved one, Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to dine out. With options ranging from a stunning oceanfront restaurant to a cozy, intimate spot, we’ve gathered some of South Florida’s best eateries to celebrate the day of love.

The Deck At Island Gardens

Sit in comfortable waterfront cabanas at this super-yacht marina outdoor lounge and enjoy a prix-fixe menu of Spiced Honey Goat Cheese Tartlet, Kushi Oysters, Passionfruit Octopus Ceviche, Steak Tartare On Brioche and Manhattan Style N.Y. Strip. For dessert, order the Three Keys To Love: white, milk, dark chocolate Panna Cotta with raspberry powder, champagne strawberry macarons and gold-dusted chocolate keys. Pair your meal with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Brut or Rosé Champagne and swoon with your sweetheart while listening to live violin and saxophone performances. Pro tip: elevate the experience and surprise your date by boating to this spectacular Miami waterfront.

Where: 888 MacArthur Cwy., Miami

For more information, visit islandgardens.com.

Casa Bufala

Many consider Italian cuisine to be the food of romance and Casa Bufala is certainly embracing its call to love. This newly open restaurant in Miami Beach’s Sunset Harbour is the upscale outpost of Fratelli La Bufala (a Miami Beach staple). On Feb. 14, order the heart-shaped Margherita Pizza, made over a wood fire with fresh mozzarella and basil and sip cocktails like the Aperol Spritz, Martini, Negroni and Basilicjito, a unique twist on the classic mojito. It also offers pasta like Gnocchi All’Aragosta or Pappardelle Ai Funghi Porcini, main courses like the Trancio Di Salmone and Branzino Sottosale and for dolci, Tiramisu and Profiteroles.

Where: 1874 Bay Road, Miami Beach

For more information, visit casa-bufala.com.

Casa Sensei

Voted the best Asian restaurant in Fort Lauderdale for the past three years by Fort Lauderdale Magazine, this Pan-Asian Latin Fusion and Sushi Bar has curated a unique menu to make this night even more special. Enjoy Sushi For Two (for couples who love sharing) and the Love You Berry Much cocktail, made with gin, lime juice, raspberry liquor, simple syrup, tonic water, champagne and fresh raspberries. Don’t forget to ask your server for a complimentary cloud of cotton candy to enjoy alongside the stunning Las Olas waterfront. 

Where: 1200 E. Las Olas Blvd., Suite 101, Fort Lauderdale

For more information, visit casasensei.com.

Café Boulud

Nestled in The Brazilian Court Palm Beach Hotel, Café Boulud is where you want to dazzle your sweetheart on this special day. For Valentine’s Day, Executive Chef Dieter Samijn and Executive Pastry Chef Julie Franceschini have curated a three-course prix-fixe menu with options like Sweet Petite Oysters, Florida Stone Crab Claws, Smoked Salmon Roulade, Tuna Tartare, Beef Carpaccio, Gazpacho Verde, Chicken Demi-Deuil and Filet Mignon. For dessert, shared petits fours and Framboise & Fleur de Cerisier and Chocolate & Fruit de le Passion round out the night.

Where: 301 Australian Ave., Palm Beach

For more information, visit thebraziliancourt.com/café-boulud

Bourbon Steak

If your partner is a steak lover, win their heart all over again with a dinner at Bourbon Steak at the JW Marriot Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa. Dinner highlights include prime cuts of meat such as Delmonico Ribeye, Glazed Short Rib and Filet Mignon. Also available are the Maine Lobster Bisque with fennel and garlic bread and Tuna Sashimi with crunchy onions, serrano chili and roasted garlic ponzu. For dessert, indulge in the White Chocolate Mousse with mango and passion fruit compote or the Dark Chocolate Mousse with berry compote. DJ and a photo booth are expected to make this night one for the books. 

Where: 19999 W. Country Club Drive, Aventura

For more information, visit bourbounsteakmia.com.

Dōma

Featuring Mediterranean-inspired and Southern Italian cuisine, you can find Dōma in Miami’s lively and trendy Wynwood neighborhood. For Valentine’s Day, Chef Marco Giuliano has curated a four-course prix-fixe menu opening with a welcome bite of Soft Quail Egg Cracker, followed by appetizer choices of Breadcrumbs Crusted Sea Scallops, Beef Carpaccio or a vegetarian option of Baby Roasted Eggplant. Indulge in Prawns and Broccoli Rabe Risotto for main course and the Spicy Glazed Salmon for entrée. And because this day is nothing without an overdose of chocolate, end the night with the Chocolate Caramel Mousse Cake filled with crème brûlée with strawberry sorbet and heart-shaped chocolate treats. What’s more, Dōma offers an extensive wine list as well as contemporary and classic cocktails for toasting with the one you love.

Where: 35 N.E. 26^th St., Miami

For more information, visit domawynwood.com.

Ember Grill

Surprise your sweetheart and reserve a table at this signature restaurant inside Delray Beach’s The Ray Hotel. For Valentine’s Day, renowned Chef Vic Casanova has curated a special menu that includes an amuse-bouche and courses like Crispy Potato Croquettes, Dayboat Scallop Crudo, Squid Ink Lobster Agnolotti, Prime Beef Tenderloin and Dark Chocolate Budino. Elevate your date by sitting on the patio enjoying the beautiful Florida weather with your special someone.

Where: 223 N.E. 2^nd Ave., Delray Beach

For more information, visit therayhotel.com/dine-drink.

Rusty Pelican

For the ultimate romantic night, treat your better half to this iconic waterfront restaurant boasting a stunning city view. Enjoy a four-course menu with the Sweetheart Special Dinner: Heirloom Tomato & Burrata, choice of Crab or Braised Wagyu Short Rib, Duck & Black Truffle Ravioli and Miso-Sake Marinated Red Snapper. Be sure to leave space for dessert, with so many options, it will be hard to choose just one! Enjoy the Up, Up And Away, an assortment of Crème Brûlée, Keylime Pie, Dulce de Leche Cream Puffs and Lava Cake.

Where: 3201 Rickenbacker Cwy., Key Biscayne

For more information, visit therustypelican.com.

Avalon

Boasting modern steakhouse classics and seafood specialties, at Avalon in Delray Beach, it’s hard to settle on just one dining option. For Valentine’s Day, Avalon’s menu includes Wagu Dumplings, Charred Octopus, Tuna Tartare, Rack of Lamb, Organic Roasted Chicken and Flourless Chocolate Cake. Enjoy dining on the outdoor patio for a romantic, alfresco vibe.

Where: 110 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach

For more information, visit avalondelray.com.

Warren

In addition to its regular à la carte menu, this hidden gem with one of the largest whiskey libraries in South Florida is serving a three-course menu for the day of love. Menu highlights include Fried Gnudi (chorizo, basil and shaved parmesan), Beef Wellington, Jumbo Lump Crab and Sous Vide Swordfish (bourbon purple sweet potato, hearts of palm, fire-roasted tomato sauce) and the Milk Chocolate Malt (Milk Chocolate Cremeux, Malt Mousse, Chocolate Feuilletine Crunch, Chocolate Sponge or Raspberry Sorbet fresh berries) for dessert.

Where: 15084 Lyons Road, Delray Beach

For more information, visit warrendelray.com.