From hidden gems to multi-course meals, find the perfect place to make your Valentine’s Day dinner reservation.
For couples who want a glamorous setting: Tamarina
Decked out in an Italian glamour that reigned supreme in the days of Sophia Loren, Brickell newcomer Tamarina's design of dark wood, antique mirrors, and a wraparound terrace housing a champagne bar is equal parts sexy and sultry—and a great pick for couples seeking a vibrant, yet intimate atmosphere. For February 14, the Italian eatery is adding a four-course prix-fixe (6-11:30 p.m.) to the mix; it includes a bottle of bubbly, tuna crudo, wild mushroom risotto, and heart-shaped panna cotta. 600 Brickell Ave., Miami, 305-770-6223
For a modern take on meat: StripSteak
StripSteak's elegant Art Deco dining room is a classic choice for romance. Set in the Fontainebleau, Chef Michael Mina's latest venture spans two stories and has plenty of spots for couples to cozy up while devouring modern spins on steakhouse fare. Opt for meat or fish, seared in the wood-burning grill, or sample a local catch from the raw bar, part of the hotel's ocean-to-table philosophy. Want to up the ante? Add seared foie gras or black truffle butter to the steak dinner. 4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 877-326-7412
For stunning ocean views and French fare: Azul
Toast to your view of Biscayne Bay from the terrance at Azul at Mandarin Oriental with glasses of Laurent-Perrier Brut Champagne—the first liquid course of the Valentine's Day tasting menu (February 13-14). Next you'll sample five courses of the eatery's signature French-meets-Asian cuisine, like the Wagyu beef duet served with forest mushroom, black truffle, pickled shallot, and onion mousse. Those with a sweet tooth will love the his-and-hers dessert options: passion fruit mascarpone cream with white chocolate sorbet for the ladies and chocolate truffle cream with salted caramel crunch and peanut ice cream for the gents. 500 Brickell Key Drive, Miami, 305-913-8358
For dinner on the water (yacht included): Seaspice
If you like making an entrance, pick up your partner and cruise to dinner on the Miami River with champagne via VanDutch yachts. Once you arrive at Seaspice, you'll be whisked away to a table on the water for the five-course V-Day aphrodisiac menu with wine pairings, starting with a dozen Shigoku oysters and continuing with Alaskan king crab fettuccini, wood-oven roasted Chateaubriand, and strawberry and rosewater crémeux for dessert. 422 NW North River Drive, Miami, 305-440-4200
For a secluded dinner date on South Beach: Casa Tua
With its Mediterranean vibe, glowing lanterns, and white tablecloths alfresco, Casa Tua feels more like you're dining in a private Italian villa than a tucked-away spot on South Beach. Up the romance factor by requesting rose petals and champagne as you and your S.O. feast on a pre-fixe menu (seatings at 6:30 and 9 p.m.) of decadent dishes like Beausoleil oysters and Osetra caviar, duck ravioli with orange sauce, and filet mignon Rossini style. End the evening with a bit of spice: chocolate mousse with red chili flakes. 1700 James Ave., Miami Beach, 305-673-1010
For foodies with an appetite for poetry: The Bazaar by José Andrés
The Bazaar by José Andrés is drawing inspiration from Chilean poet and Nobel Prize in Literature winner Pablo Neruda for its nine-course tasting menu dubbed Neruda in Love. The evening is sure to be a sensual one filled with poetry, candle light, and rose petals—which are even included in a dish served with honey. Cozy up in the chic dining room underneath the seashell chandelier and make your way through other delightfully themed dishes like smoked oysters with caviar, cotton candy foie gras, and quail with dragon fruit. 1701 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-455-2999
PHOTOGRAPHY VIA FONTAINEBLEAU.COM (STRIPSTEAK)