13 January 23-29, 2025 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com New Times | Contents | Letters | news | night+Day | CuLture | Cafe | MusiC | Month XX–Month XX, 2008 miaminewtimes.com MIAMI NEW TIMES | MUSIC | CAFE | FILM | ART | STAGE | NIGHT+DAY | METRO | RIPTIDE | LETTERS | CONTENTS | Hungry for Love? The 13 most romantic restaurants in Miami. BY NICOLE LOPEZ-ALVAR T here’s something about small, hole-in-the-wall restaurants with dimly lit dining rooms and candlelit seating that radiate ro- mance even more so than a five- star steakhouse. From Bouchon Bistro, the dimly lit French bistro from chef Thomas Keller in Coral Gables to the longtime, intimate Coconut Grove staple Le Bouchon du Grove, the Magic City has won- derful French, Italian, and modern American gems that make for a truly special evening. For those searching for prix fixe dinners specifically for Friday, February 14, New Times has rounded up the most delicious and romantic prix fixe dinners in Miami. Find ‘em online at bit.ly/prix-fixe-mia. Whether you want to wow your Hinge date with a romantic spot, celebrate Valen- tine’s Day with your partner, or try a new res- taurant with your spouse, let the sparks fly at these 13 romantic restaurants across Miami, listed alphabetically. Amara at Paraiso: Amara at Paraiso is beau- tifully set on Biscayne Bay with lush indoor and outdoor seating, all with a waterfront view, which makes it the perfect date-night spot. James Beard Award-winning chef Mi- chael Schwartz even calls Amara at Paraiso a “love letter to Miami.” The menu includes Latin American-influenced dishes cooked using a wood grill and a Josper charcoal oven. Plus, the waterfront spot even features a spe- cial marriage proposal package. (Hint, hint.) 3101 NE Seventh Ave., Miami; 305-702-5528; amaraatparaiso.com. Bouchon Bistro: Bouchon Bistro, the dimly lit and romantic French bistro from Chef Thomas Keller, is intimate, classic, and features Bouchon’s classic bistro fare like the soupe à l’oignon, caramelized sweet onions in beef jus served with country bread and Comté cheese. There’s also the poulet rôtir, roasted chicken plated with hen-of-the- woods mushrooms and bacon lardons in a Dijon chicken jus, and Bouchon’s best-selling dish, the steak frites. One dinner here and Bouchon Bistro made it on our most romantic list. 2101 Galiano St., Coral Gables; 305-990- 1360; thomaskeller.com. Café Panisse: Formerly called Café Pastis, this bistro has been a staple in South Miami for more than two decades, serving delicious French cuisine inside a small yet intimate restaurant. Café Panisse immediately transports its guests to France with its bistro tables, French ambiance, and lovely decor. Try the first-rate steak frites or a superlative bouillabaisse, followed by a cookbook-perfect crème brûlée, and be thankful you’re in Panisse’s neighborhood. 7310 SW 57th Ave., South Miami; 305-665-3322; instagram.com/ cafepastissomi. Casa Tua: Set in an inviting and intimate Mediterranean villa surrounded by a serene garden, Casa Tua feels exactly like its name: your home. The Tuscan theme extends to a menu that evokes a weekend getaway to Southern Europe: spaghetti, beef tenderloin, and branzino. Leave room for dessert — the signature dessert platter for two is not to be missed. And if you don’t plan to drive, explore the exhaustive collection of wines to pair with your fairytale dining experience. 1700 James Ave., Miami Beach; 305-673-1010; casa- tualife.com. LPM Restaurant & Bar: Forget your passport. LPM offers an easier way to transport you to the French Riviera with its bold 20th-century artwork, 19th-century gilt and harlequin mir- rors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and niçoise cuisine; it’s truly romantic. The fine dining here is centered around fresh ingredients, tastes, and textures central to the Mediterra- nean and Southern France. The menu may sound somewhat simple compared to nearby hot spots, but the focus is on quality and au- thenticity. Plus, the cocktails here are superb. 1300 Brickell Bay Dr., Miami; 305-401-9133; lpmrestaurants.com. Le Bouchon du Grove: Le Bouchon Du Grove has been a hidden gem in the Grove since 1994. This quaint bistro, inspired by the city of Lyon, serves food that’s hearty, authen- tic, and deeply flavorful. The menu captures the flavors of France, whether at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Mornings bring French om- elets and raspberry pancakes, and evenings feature escargot and French onion soup and entrées like the exquisite moules marinières pommes frites. For dessert at any time of the day, try crème brûlée or chocolate mousse. For couples seeking a laid-back, rustic meal that teleports, this is the spot. 3430 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove; 305-448-6060; leb- ouchondugrove.net. Macchialina: Tucked away in a tiny plaza along Alton Road, this local favorite has been Miami Beach’s best-kept romantic se- cret for more than a decade. The dimly lit restaurant, which just underwent a make- over, is full of candlelit tables and ▼ Café Mandolin Aegean Bistro photo Mandolin is a Miami classic for its delicious Mediterranean food. >> p14 Photo by Deborah Jones Roasted chicken at Bouchon Bistro
