Plan the Perfect Valentine's Day at these top South Florida Restaurants

Valentine's Day is almost upon us and these Miami restaurants have put the holiday at the top of their priority list with specialty menus, handcrafted cocktails and seating sections set up for optimal romance.

If you're struggling with letting your inner romantic out or are thinking about getting your loved one a box of chocolates and the same card for the third year in a row - this list is for you.

The Key to Love at The Deck at Island Gardens

Miami’s most treasured waterfront restaurant, The Deck at Island Gardens, is unlocking the romance with “The Key to Love” this Valentine’s Day. Waterfront and main dining room packages are available starting at $200 per person; each includes a specially curated five-course prix-fixe menu paired with Veuve Clicquot Champagne and long-stem red roses. Enjoy specialty cocktails, a live DJ and thematic performances, plus interactive live violin and saxophone players at each waterfront table for two. Reservations are encouraged. Dress code: Elegant chic.

ASTRA

ASTRA is the ideal rooftop restaurant and lounge to impress any Valentine’s Day date. Catch a romantic Miami sunset while enjoying Mediterranean cuisine with an emphasis on Greek flavors. This holiday, indulge in ASTRA’s premier bottle service during its nightly live entertainment, with options ranging from Campagne Parades to Vodka and Bourbon. The ASTRA rooftop is an exquisitely landscaped open-air terrace where couples can cuddle up on an overstuffed sofa while enjoying sweeping 360-degree views of Wynwood.

Stupid Cupid Cabaret at The Moon

The Moon’s pink-draped dining room flush with florals is the perfect date spot to book this Valentine’s Day. Starting at 9 p.m., the restaurant is putting on its famous cabaret show with a sexy romantic twist for the holiday. The Wynwood oasis features a tribute to women's sophistication and sex appeal, making it the sure spot to get into the romantic mood. The evening requires a $75 minimum spending per person, but with a mouthwatering Mediterranean menu featuring an extensive selection of premier bottle service, making the cut won’t be too much of a hurdle.

Four Course Valentines Day Soirée at COCO Miami

Chic and classy cuisine is served the European way at COCO Miami. The luxurious new spot in Miami’s Design District makes for the ultimate Valentine’s Day soirée. Taste its exclusive holiday cocktail the Lychee Rose Martini, made with Truman Vodka, fresh lychee juice, lime and homemade dragon fruit syrup followed by a four-course pre-fixe Valentine’s Day menu starting at $140 per person. The first course includes a choice of Portland Crab or Goat Cheese Salad; Aged Parmesan Risotto for the second course; and a choice of Ribeye Steak or Halibut for the third course To complete the experience with a sweet note, couples can choose from two mouthwatering desserts - La Vie En Rose, made with dark chocolate mousse, passion fruit curd and 24-karat gold leaf; or Louis XV, praline and decadent milk & white chocolate ice cream. Guests can make a reservation by visiting https://cocodesigndistrict.com/reservations/.

Villa Azur Miami Beach

French-Mediterranean spot Villa Azur, one of the most romantic dining destinations in Miami Beach, is celebrating Valentine’s Day with an exclusive holiday menu of degustations, drinks and dessert. Priced at $250 per couple, the lavish multi-course meal personally organized by the chef features Villa Azur favorites meant to match its fresh and flirty vibes. Shoutouts include the Heart of Palm Ceviche and Filet Mignon Rossini. Each guest will receive a glass of Perrier-Jouet Blanc De Blanc to celebrate. Reserve a spot now to take your date to the glamour of the French Riviera at Villa Azur.

Four-Course Lovers Menu at Negroni Bistro & Sushi Bar

Negroni Bistro & Sushi Bar is the first and only Miami location of the renowned brand from Latin America. The urban-chic destination is a favorite local hot spot in Midtown Miami, perfect for a modern Valentine’s Day date. On February 14, Negroni is serving a beautiful four-course menu ($85 per person) by Executive Chef Pablo Latif, complemented by a glass of Moët & Chandon champagne. The meal will begin with Tuna Geisha, followed by a choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert. An exclusive holiday cocktail, The Incondicional, which comes with gin, grapefruit juice and aquafaba, will be available for purchase. Live music will be playing all night long. Each couple will also receive a souvenir: a stunning envelope encased with a printed picture that they can select from the on-site professional photographer.

Wood-Fire Burning Love at Orno

Helmed by five-time James Beard Award nominee and Food & Wine’s “Best New Chef of 2020” Niven Patel, Orno is a culinary showroom orbiting around an open kitchen. The restaurant artfully marries wood-fired dishes with refined, handcrafted cocktails inspired by literary classics and a thoughtfully crafted wine list. Feel the love in the air with Orno’s wood-fired heat as you treat your loved one to the modern American menu of steakhouse favorites, high-end seafood and seasonal produce that creates an exquisite farm-to-table experience using only locally sourced ingredients.

A Romantic Golden Hour at Italica Midtown

Italica Midtown invites guests to experience a taste of Italy this Valentine’s Day in its colorful dining room, featuring drinks from its Aperol spritz bar and a classic array of artisan pizzas. The restaurant will be offering a special menu for the occasion alongside its regular menu. Each guest will receive a complimentary drink and a souvenir: a stunning envelope encased with a printed picture that can be selected from the on-site professional photographer. Make sure to stop by during Golden Hour (6-8 p.m.), when couples can enjoy an array of complimentary passed bites and shots.

Heart-Shaped Pizzas at Casa Bufala

Located in the heart of Miami Beach’s Sunset Harbour neighborhood, the newly opened Casa Bufala offers a casual setting to savor Italian delicacies, making it a low-key yet indulgent hot spot for a more laid-back Valentine’s Day. The restaurant features a Neapolitan pizzeria and a first-class Italian kitchen to showcase staple Italian dishes. This holiday, link arms and feed your loved one a heart shaped classic Margherita Pizza ($20), made over wood fire with fresh mozzarella and basil. For couples searching for an affordable night out, stop by between 4-7 p.m. for the Italian aperitivo ritual, featuring an expansive list of bar bites from $5-$10, $6 beers, $8 wines by the glass and $8 cocktails, including the signature Aperol Spritz, Martini, Margarita, Negroni and Basilicjito, a unique twist on the classic mojito.

An Intimate Omakase at Sushi by Bou

Sushi By Bou, Brickell’s newest sushi joint, presents a high-end omakase experience in a fun, speak-easy environment. The timed omakase ($60 12-course and $125 17-course) is perfect for an interactive Valentine’s Day date night, served at intimate 4- to 12- seat counters and featuring the freshest fish sourced locally and brought in from all over the world. Seasoned sushi chefs serve guests directly, guiding them through the meal for a truly exclusive experience. The elegant cuisine is complemented by a selection of handmade cocktails, imported sake and rare Japanese whiskeys.

Heartbeet Cocktail at Mamey

Mamey, by three-time James Beard Award nominee and Food & Wine’s “Best New Chef of 2020” Niven Patel, is inspired by the chef’s travels throughout Asia, Polynesia and the Caribbean. On Valentine’s Day, guests can enjoy delectable dishes from the menu like the Hawaiian Heart of Palm Salad, Jamaican Short Rib Empanadas, Prince Edward Island Mussels and more. The restaurant is also offering a crisp and decadent Valentine’s Day Heartbeet cocktail, made with Atian Rose Gin; fresh-pressed beet, apple and lemon juices; and ginger reduction delicately garnished with a marigold flower.

Exclusive Strawberry Cocktail at Kosushi

Kosushi Miami, Miami Beach’s elegant yet relaxing setting for a contemporary take on traditional Japanese cuisine, presents a sweetened strawberry cocktail exclusively for Valentine’s Day 2023. The special drink features fresh strawberries, lemon syrup and juice, raspberry puree, St. Germain and Bombay Sapphire. The shaken concoction is lastly rimmed in red sugar sprinkles, creating a stunningly sweet drink to pair alongside Kosushi’s decadent tastings.

The Michelle at Quarterdeck

This Valentine’s day, Quarterdeck Seafood Bar & Neighborhood Grill is serving up the popular Michelle from its specialty cocktail menu for $10 all day long alongside half-off wines by the glass and bottle. Named after Quarterdeck patriarch Paul Flanigan’s wife, Michelle, the floral, aromatic drink is made with Tito’s, muddled raspberries, St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur and fresh lime juice topped with soda water and served in a wine glass.

Sushi for Two at Casa Sensei

At Casa Sensei, Fort Lauderdale’s favorite Pan-Asian, Latin-fusion eatery, guests can enjoy a romantic night with their loved ones alongside the stunning Las Olas waterfront. In honor of Valentine’s Day, Casa Sensei has created the Love You Berry Much cocktail ($15), made with gin, lime juice, raspberry liquor, simple syrup, tonic water, champagne and fresh raspberries. This sweet concoction is sure to sweep couples off their feet. Guests can also enjoy their favorite dishes from the delectable dinner menu, such as the Sushi for Two ($70), perfect for couples that love to share. Don’t forget to ask your server for a complimentary cloud of cotton candy! Reservations are encouraged.

A Coastal Paradise at La Fuga at Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

Love is in the air in Fort Lauderdale Beach at La Fuga, a new coastal Italian restaurant that will be offering a dinner for two prix fixe menu priced at $130 per couple on Tuesday, February 14 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The open-concept bar and restaurant at Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort features a prime selection of authentic Italian dishes curated from scratch by Executive Chef Michael Mayer. Cheers to amore and indulge in a three course meal and a delicious ‘for the table’ appetizer. Begin the romantic night with a Bruschette Trio, consisting of Tartare di Tonno, Carpaccio and Bruschetta with a glass of sparkling rose per person. The first course is a selection of three salads and guests have the option to select two from the Caprese; Caesar; or a Radicchio e Rucola. Couples have the option to select two entrees from a wide selection including Tagliatelle al Ragù Bolognese; Linguine Frutti di Mare; Filet Mignon alla Gorgonzola and more. Nothing says romance without dessert. End the evening off with a sweet treat such as Tiramisu; Panna Cotta; or a Cannoli.

Farm-to-Table Bliss at Bistro at Sarasota Art Museum

At Bistro at Sarasota Art Museum, guests can enjoy a delicious farm-to-table meal and an exquisite stroll throughout the museum’s exhibitions for a perfect Valentine's Day activity for couples or friends. Bistro’s everyday menu was curated by Executive Chef Kaytlin Dangaran and uses locally sourced ingredients to reflect the season’s best harvests. Celebrate this Valentine’s Day with a dish or two from Bistro’s menu, such as the Butternut Squash and Ricotta Tartine ($15), made with truffled-maple brown butter and sage, or the Lemon Dijonnaise Chicken Salad ($16), made with little gem lettuce and pickled red onion on a warm croissant.

A Romantic Lunch for Two at The Restaurant at the Norton Museum of Art

Celebrate love at The Restaurant at the Norton, the premier dining destination inside the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach. Savor delicious plates from The Restaurant’s menu, which was curated by Executive Chef Jair Solis Mendoza and the expert team at Constellation Culinary Group. A few menu highlights include the seasonal Kale and Grain Harvest Bowl ($18), with baby kale, roasted butternut squash, crispy Brussels sprouts, ancient grains, feta cheese, dried cranberries, rosemary maple pepitas and white balsamic vinaigrette, and Herb-Crusted Salmon ($34), served with Italian parsley, chickpeas, gigande beans, tomato stew, lime crema, micro-cilantro and celery salad.