Whether you see it as a meaningful celebration of love or a commercial holiday, every Feb. 14 marks Valentine’s Day, a time for couples to express their mutual affection with thoughtful gifts and romantic dates. Lucky for you, many of South Florida’s restaurants provide the perfect venue for creating cherished memories with your loved one. Not sure where to start? Simply scroll down, book your favorite spot and don’t forget the bouquet of red roses!
Chateau ZZ’s
Spark some romance at Chateau ZZ’s, Major Food Group’s latest culinary venture housed in Petit Duoy, Brickell’s historic landmark since 1983. This Mexican-inspired restaurant captivates diners with its chic indoor seating and charming turquoise decor on the patio. Equally exceptional is the menu, which for Valentine’s Day includes tableside Guacamole, Tuna Tostada, Coconut Snapper Ceviche, Sweet Corn Elote, New York Strip Al Pastor and Mango Cheesecake or Chocolate Fudge Cake for dessert.
Where: 1500 Brickell Ave., Miami
For more information, visit chateauzzs.com.
Photo courtesy of Gnazzo Group
Vitolo
Located at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel, this recently opened culinary gem is the brainchild of Chef Anthony Vitolo, who created a name for himself as Executive Chef of Emilio’s Ballato in Manhattan, famously frequented by celebrities like Taylor Swift and Blake Lively. On Valentine’s Day, enjoy Mozzarella en Carrozza (breaded crispy mozzarella served with marinara sauce), Linguini Alle Vongole (with fresh mid-neck clams, olive oil and garlic) and Vitello Antonio (center-cut veal chop, pounded thin, panko crusted with vodka sauce, sweet peas, crispy prosciutto and fresh mozzarella). Pair your meal with cocktails like Fiori Toscani, Sgroppino Ti Amo and Vecchio Stile.
Where: 551 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
For more information, visit vitoloitalian.com.
Photo courtesy of Vitolo
Brasserie Laurel
Head to Downtown Miami’s Brasserie Laurel for a romantic, Parisian-inspired dining experience with Chef Michael Beltran’s special three-course menu. Delight in appetizers like Half Dozen Oysters and Escargot, main courses like the Soursop Glazed Duck Breast and Halibut with Haricot Tarbais (French heirloom beans), Fish Jus and Fennel. Enjoy the beloved Chocolate Mousse or traditional Galette Des Rois (Burberry farm strawberry compote and vanilla bean ice cream) for dessert.
Where: 698 N.E. 1st Ave., Miami
For more information, visit brasserielaurel.com.
Photo courtesy of Brasserie Laurel
Warren Delray
Consider Warren Delray’s exceptional menu and “His and Her” cocktails (the classic Manhattan and the delectable French Martini) for a memorable date with your other half. The restaurant’s prix fixe menu boasts a la carte offerings like Baked Camembert Macerated, Beet Carpaccio, Branzino Vierge and Braised Short Ribs. End your culinary journey with the Red Velvet Bundt Cake or the sorbet selection while enjoying a live art exhibition by artist Joseph Gormley, who will paint his signature Gormley Hearts on a big canvas during dinner. To top off the night, attendees will be gifted a miniature version of the painting to take home.
Where: 15084 Lyons Road Bay, Delray Beach
For more information, visit warrendelray.com.
Photo by Felipe Cuevas
Carbone Miami
Treat your special someone to haute Italian cuisine at this Miami hit spearheaded by celebrated chefs Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi and renowned restaurateur Jeff Zalaznick. The trio, who head the New York-based Major Food Group, have curated a four-course prix-fixe feast for Valentine’s Day with classics like Caesar alla ZZ’s, Mario’s Meatballs, Spicy Rigatoni Vodka, Veal Parmesan and Whole Branzino. Win your partner’s heart by ordering the Lemon Cheesecake for dessert.
Where: 49 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
For more information, visit carbonemiami.com.
Photo by Douglas Friedman
Hampton Social
Surprise your loved one at Hampton Social Delray with a glass of rosé and their daily selection of oysters. From seafood to pizza, salads to burgers and hearty protein dishes, this coastal-inspired eatery offers something for everyone. Share plates like Coopers Beach Calamari and Bang Bang Chicken and don’t forget dessert — the Donut Drops or fan-favorite Tres Leches Pound Cake are top choices worth the extra calories.
Where: 40 N.E. 7th Ave., Delray Beach
For more information, visit thehamptonsocial.com/delray-beach.
Photo by Brian Adams Photo
Fireman’s Derek
For dessert lovers, Fireman’s Derek is the ultimate spot to satisfy your sweet tooth. On Valentine’s Day, this bakery (with multiple locations across South Florida) is offering the Strawberry Crunch Cake (with cream cheese filling coated in crushed strawberry streusel), Red Velvet Cheesecake (Fireman’s Derek’s “no-bake” cheesecake recipe with swirls of red velvet cake folded and topped with red velvet crumbles and chocolate drizzles) and the Red Velvet Cake made with homemade cream cheese frosting.
Where: 250 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale
For more information, visit firemandereks.com.
Photo courtesy of Fireman’s Derek
Byblos Miami
Whether you’re craving Mediterranean food or simply want to soak in pure sophistication, Byblos Miami is the ideal place to treat your loved one to a culinary experience like no other. Enjoy Black Truffle Pide (Turkish flat bread) with buffalo mozzarella, halloumi and tartufata; Grilled Whole Branzino with chermoula, saffron toum and watercress and Roasted Duck Breast with pistachio crusted, carrot ginger puree and pomegranate jus. Indulge in tempting treats such as the Stuffed Baklava (mint ice cream, pistachio nougat and dark chocolate) and Loukoumades (honey, walnut praline, burnt honey ice cream and halva crumble) for dessert.
Where: 1545 Collins, Ave. Miami Beach
For more information, visit byblosmiami.com.
Photo courtesy of Byblos Miami
Pink Steak
Show some appreciation to your favorite steak lover at West Palm Beach's latest addition, Pink Steak. Enjoy delectable options like Wood-Fired Oysters; Caprese with heirloom tomatoes, Buffalo milk mozzarella, basil and aged balsamic; Maine Lobster à la Nage with chanterelle mushrooms, fava beans, butternut squash and tarragon; Wagyu Beef Short Rib with potato pavé, caramelized root vegetables and freshly shaved black truffle. End on a sweet note with the His & Her Dessert Duo and cheer to love with a complimentary glass of champagne.
Where: 2777 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach
For more information, visit pinksteak.com.
Photo courtesy of Pink Steak
Corvina
Spoil your favorite foodie at one of Boca Raton’s beloved seafood eateries. For Valentine’s Day, Corvina offers a three-course prix fixe menu and amuse bouche from Chef Jeff Tunks. Menu options include starters like Hamachi Crudo Spoons, Crab Rangoon ‘Dip’ Gratin and Roasted Heirloom Beet Salad, and main courses like Snapper (with garlic jasmine rice, toasted peanut-cucumber relish and spicy tamarind chili nam pla), Jumbo Lumb Crab Linguini Fra Diavolo and Skirt Steak Frites. Desserts range from Old San Juan Cheesecake Flan and Gooey Butter Cake to Mile High Atlantic Beach Pie and Passionfruit Parfait. Pair your meal with the True Love’s Kiss or Part Time Lover cocktails.
Where: 110 Plaza Real South, Boca Raton.
For more information, visit corvinabocaraton.com.
Photo by Svetlana Davis
Corvina Skirt Steak Frites
Corvina Skirt Steak Frites