Miami’s Most Romantic Places for Valentine’s Day

February 11, 2009 7:20 PM
by Claudia Santana

That’s right. Valentine’s Day is here yet again. Fella’s be prepared to shell out the cash, and ladies be ready to schmooze your men today. One of the most important characteristics about your dates today revolve around one thing, LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. With the ocean as our backyard and some of the finest restaurants in the nation, Miami’s a prime city for romantic hot spots. Here at CJ we’ve compiled a short list of Miami’s most romantic places for your Valentine’s Day date.

Asia de Cuba at Mondrian South Beach
1100 West Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 672-2662

With five locations within the US and abroad, Asia de Cuba is a huge name in the restaurant business. As you probably guessed from the name, the restaurant serves a fusion of Asian and Latin American cuisine – but it’s not a ham croquette drenched in soy sauce. The menu has options for every palette, from seafood, like tuna tartare with Spanish olives, coconut, and soy vinaigrette, to a meat-lovers paradise, with the palomilla of marinated lamb. For Valentine’s Day, the restaurant has cooked up a special menu of some of the restaurant’s best sellers, and will have additional wine pairings on hand. It comes at a rather steep price - $85 a person – but don’t fret, they will also have the regular menu available, and with the Asia de Cuba’s reputation, you definitely won’t be let down.

Tantra
1445 Pennsylvania Ave.
Miami, FL 33139
(305) 672-4765

To those outside of Miami, the word tantra refers to the deeply spiritual practice in some Eastern religions, and the rituals that go along with it, such as yoga and, let’s not be coy here, sex. Lucky for us in Miami, it also refers to a restaurant and lounge. At Tantra Restaurant, they incorporate all of the traditional connotations of tantra into their ambience and food. The Asian-inspired menu has dishes such as “The French Kiss”, and “The Tantra Love Apple”, keeping in tune with the theme of the lounge. The restaurant’s website defines tantra as “in tantric, as in aphrodisiac…sensual, exotic, opulent, sexy, primal”. And, honestly, what more would you couples want this Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Day Concert at Fairchild Tropical Gardens
10901 Old Cutler Rd.
Miami, FL 33156
(305) 667-1651

Those who have been to Fairchild will understand why it is on the list. Located in the heart of Coral Gables, it is a 33-acre garden with a variety of rare plants and quirky, exotic art by Dave Chihuly, a world-renowned glass sculptor. For those of you who have not seen the beautiful garden, you’re in luck. They are throwing a Valentine’s Day concert at the park, with music by Cuban jazz trumpeter and pianist ,Arturo Sandoval, and gourmet picnic baskets on hand. It starts early – 5:30 p.m., but you won’t be disappointed – the price is only $55 - $150.

East Room at The Forge
432 W 41st St.
Miami Beach, FL 33140
(305) 604-9798

There are two locations of The Forge in the world – Miami, of course, and Dubai – the posterchild of opulence. So you know that if you take your date to celebrate Valentine’s Day here, your sweetie will definitely remember. The Forge, which used to be the stomping grounds of Frank Sinatra and members of the Italian mafia, has been a Miami staple for years. And it is no wonder why – the menu caters to a very elite audience and has plenty of delicious choices like Fresh Russian Beluga Caviar and Oven-Roasted Herb-Infused Escargot. Diner beware, The Forge is not known to be awfully friendly to our recession-wary pockets. However, if you’re willing to look past the upwards of $30 per entrée price, this Valentine’s Day will no doubt be unforgettable.

Karu & Y
71 NW 14th Street
Miami, FL 33136
(305) 722-0600

After it’s reopening last September, Karu and Y has come back with a vengeance. Located in Downtown Miami, not only does the Y Lounge have a great atmosphere and music, but it also has excellent, world-class food, which draws a high-class crowd. Chef Arturo Paz combines contemporary American food and spices it up with some Latin flare. One thing about that is for sure, all of you Miami natives can agree – traditional American mixed in with Latin influences is never a bad thing. This Valentine’s Day, after dining on any item from the regular menu, move over to the Y Lounge to celebrate the night in one of Miami’s hottest clubs.

Baleen at The Grove Isles Hotel and Spa
4 Grove Isle Drive
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
(800) 884-7683

Definitely the most pricy dinner on the list, but without a doubt, it is the most romantic. Located in Grove Isles, in the heart of Coconut Grove, Baleen is an award-winning restaurant. The elegant, yet innovative décor – hint: monkeys play a huge role in the feel of the restaurant – and beautiful location, with views of Biscayne Bay and outdoor seating available, Baleen provides for an intimate, upscale Valentine’s Day. At $195 per person, a 7-course menu of the restaurant’s traditional Mediterranean seafood will be served, accompanied by a bottle of champagne. While you’re there, you might as well splurge and make the night into a weekend adventure– it is located inside of Grove Isles Hotel and Spa, with rooms starting at about $300 a night.

B.E.D.
929 Washington Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 532-9070

Yes, it’s exactly what you’re thinking. Located on South Beach, B.E.D. is a lounge that resembles your bedroom, if your room had sick ambient lighting, hip-hop pumping all night, videos projected on the walls, and provided you with cocktails and delicious food. B.E.D., which really stands for Beverage, Entertainment, and Dining, serves tapas-style (basically, small portions) South American cuisine. On Valentine’s Day, for $200 per couple, the lounge will provide you with a 5-course meal, along with a bottle of champagne. Don’t stress about feeling comfortable to be romantic with your valentine in a sea of club-goers – with the pull of a drape, you will be separated from the crowd.

Morton’s
1200 Brickell Ave # 1
Miami, FL 33131
(305) 400-9990

In the US, Morton’s has become synonymous with steakhouse. With five locations in the South Florida area – Coral Gables, North Miami Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach – all of you carnivores can satisfy your carnal needs and dig into the house specialty – a 24 ounce porterhouse steak. For Valentine’s Day, Morton’s is serving a fixed price menu for two, including it’s famous steak and seafood offerings.

Cinebistro at Dolphin Mall
11471 NW 12th St.
Miami, FL 33172
(305) 455-7373

Ah, dinner and a movie – we’ve all been on them. If you’re like me, you also know that the awkward conversation and the stress for arriving to the movie on time can make the date uncomfortable, and, let’s face it, can ruin a date. Finally, someone decided to cut out all of the risks, and serve dinner while playing a movie, while taking it to the next level. Cinebistro, located in Dolphin Mall, is a unique movie-viewing experience in the best way imaginable. Their Latin Ameircan cuisine caters to the finest of tastes, while the newest release is being screened in the roomy theater. This Valentine’s Day, Cinebistro is serving a special menu for all of you lovebirds so give your stomach – and your eyes – a feast.

China Grill
16400 NW 2nd Ave # 200
Miami, FL 33169
(305) 957-0800

Miami Beach staple China Grill has perfected the East meets West ideas of fusion food in an intimate, high-end setting. At the restaurant, one can eat Pan-Asian food and sushi in a cozy setting perfect for Valentine’s Day dinners. Another perk? Portions are large, so feel free to share it with your loved one- just try refrain from having a Lady and the Tramp style moment with the noodles.