From picking the perfect bouquet to planning a memorable date, Valentine’s Day can feel overwhelming. This year, focus on the romance and leave the planning to us. We’ve rounded up South Florida’s top dining spots for a special Feb. 14, so you can book a table and enjoy a stress-free, love-filled celebration.
Café Boulud
Turn up the romance this Valentine’s Day at Café Boulud, the renowned restaurant within the iconic Brazilian Court Hotel, celebrated for its timeless elegance and enchanting alfresco ambiance. In the spirit of love, Executive Chef Christopher Zabita has crafted a three-course menu, beginning with indulgent starters like Sweet Petite Oysters and Antonius Russian Osetra Caviar, followed by appetizers like Beef Tartare and Lion Fish Crudo with avocado, chayote and blood orange nage. For the main event, delight in the perfectly cooked Filet Mignon or the Fennel Rigatoni featuring eggplant, tomato sugo and black truffle. End your meal on a sweet note with Sweetheart, a decadent chocolate mousse with dulce de leche and passion fruit or the Tropical Flower — pink guava sorbet served with coconut and lychee.
Where: 301 Australian Ave., Palm Beach
For more information, visit cafeboulud.com.
Photo by Bill Milne
Casa Sensei
This beloved Fort Lauderdale gem offers couples the perfect setting for a memorable evening, whether dining in the spacious dining room or on the tranquil waterfront patio. Sushi lovers will come away happy with rolls such as the Dancing Eel (shrimp tempura, cucumber, eel, avocado, salad, tobiko, spiced eel sauce) or the fresh Rainbow Roll (tuna, salmon, wahoo, avocado, Kani, cucumber). For shareable bites, try the Korean BBQ Beef and Kimchi or Pad Thai, while heartier choices such as the Casa Sensei Luxe Burger, Wagyu NY Strip and Pescado Frito (whole fried red snapper) are sure to hit the spot. Top off the night with a dreamy Riverfront Gondola Tour under the stars, surrounded by the charm of Las Olas.
Where: 1200 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
For more information, visit casasensei.com.
Photo courtesy of The Dana Agency
Catch Miami Beach
Toast to love at Catch Miami Beach, an intimate haven in the heart of South of Fifth, featuring a breathtaking new rooftop terrace with fountain trellises and panoramic city skyline views. Indulge in exquisite dishes like Truffle Sashimi, sushi made with fresh fish flown in daily from Japan’s Toyosu Market and entrées such as Wagyu and Miso Glazed Sea Bass. Sweeten the occasion with the restaurant’s Hit Me Cake — a decadent heart-shaped red velvet cake paired with chocolate ice cream.
Where: 100 South Point Drive, Miami Beach
For more information, visit catchrestaurants.com.
Photo by Chase Hall
MILA
Surprise your loved one with a sophisticated evening at MILA, a self-appointed “MediterrAsian” restaurant offering a glamorous and secluded retreat from the hustle and bustle of Miami. Whether dining on the distinctive rooftop, in the intimate 10-seat room or surrounded by the multi-sensory ambiance inspired by African tribes and primitive design decor, MILA’s refined cuisine and lively atmosphere set the stage for a stylish celebration. On Feb. 14, diners can enjoy Salmon Tartare Beetroot, Poached Maine Lobster, Grilled Zabuton and a sushi selection featuring Ora King Salmon and Hamachi. Adding to the enchantment, renowned Japanese artist Masumi Sakagami will create stunning works of calligraphy, transforming simple strokes into powerful symbols of love.
Where: 1636 Meridian Ave., Miami Beach
For more information, visit mila-miami.com.
Photo by Bacchus
Osteria
Romance is always on the menu at Osteria, a cozy neighborhood gem in the heart of Miami’s MiMo District. Enjoy authentic Italian flavors, fine wines and an inviting atmosphere with wood tones and crisp white tablecloths. Celebrated for signature dishes like Cacio e Pepe, Cotoletta alla Milanese and Figliata (crispy focaccia, rosemary cherries, tomatoes, Prosciutto San Daniele, fresh mozzarella), Osteria also offers a wide array of pastas like Gnocchi alla Checca served with tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil and Parmigiano cheese, the Ravioli di Granchio e Carciofi (housemade crab ravioli, artichoke sauce and goat cheese mousse) and Spaghetti alle Vongole with clams and lemon zest. To finish off your meal, order the classic Tiramisu, creamy Panna Cotta or irresistible Affogato — espresso poured over vanilla ice cream.
Where: 8001 Biscayne Blvd., Miami
For more information, visit osteria.miami.
Photo courtesy of The Dana Agency
Ostrow Brasserie
Kosher diners can savor a taste of France at Ostrow Brasserie, Miami’s first French Kosher restaurant, helmed by Chef Olivia Ostrow. This Valentine’s Day, lovebirds can indulge in two specially curated dishes: the Heart-Shaped Raviolo filled with artichoke and pastrami bacon, and the Trio of Cannoli, featuring chocolate, lemon and pistachio mousse for dessert. Adding to the restaurant’s charm, diners will find a captivating art wall showcasing more than 40 pieces, along with a secret garden that serves as the ideal romantic setting for the special day.
Where: 4850 N.W. 2nd Ave., Miami
For more information, visit ostrowbrasserie.com.
Photo courtesy of Ostrow Brasserie
Pink Steak
Let Cupid’s arrow lead you to Pink Steak on Feb. 14, a sultry, swanky steakhouse in West Palm Beach offering a three-course menu to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Start your feast with Chophouse Caesar Salad, Coconut Lobster Bisque, Pretty in Pink Sushi Roll and Beef Tartare. For the second course, choose from the 8 oz. Truffle Butter Fillet, 7 oz. NY Strip and Wood-Grilled Branzino. End the evening with Chocolate Fondant Cake, Caramelized Banana Tiramisu or Pink Steak Sunday.
Where: 2777 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach
For more information, visit pinksteak.com.
RosaNegra
Brickell’s newest hotspot, RosaNegra, will have you falling in love all over again. Showcasing bold Latin flavors, the restaurant has curated a decadent four-course menu for Valentine’s Day. Start with a glass of bubbly and enjoy dishes like Salmon Tiradito and Tuna Tartare, followed by enticing entrées such as Roasted Salmon with mushroom risotto or a Wood-Fired Cowboy 28 oz. Steak. For a sweet finale, indulge in the Magma (Molten) Cake — a rich chocolate brownie paired with a warm chocolate chip cookie, topped with salted dulce the leche ice cream and fresh strawberries.
Where: 75 N.W. 24th St., Miami
For more information, visit rosanegrarestaurant.us.
Photo by World Red Eye