Date Night: A Roundup Guide to Miami’s Best Local Spots

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Looking to plan a special date night? Maybe somewhere special for a birthday, anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or just because. Whatever the occasion, we have no doubt these local spots will make your next date one for the books. And you may even find a new favorite! Check out these 8 recommendations from a few Miami moms, book a sitter, and make it happen. You’ll be glad you did!

The Miami Beach EDITION

Image: A husband and wife enjoying dinner at The Miami Beach EDITION

If you’re looking for a fun and fancy date night, I highly recommend the Edition in Miami Beach. Start with a romantic dinner at the Matador Room. You can either enjoy the beautiful interior or go outside for oceanfront dining. Must-try: the spicy tuna and the avocado pizza. Afterward, you can head down to the basement for a fun game of nighttime bowling and some indoor ice-skating.

Bella Behar

Gyu-Kaku

Image: Ana-Sofia and her husband enjoy dinner at Kyu-Gaku

Want to go on a dinner date night that also doubles as a fun activity?! I know we love a double whammy. Well if you love good food, cold Japanese beer, lychee and sake concoctions, or classic warm sake, then Gyu-Kaku is a great place for your next date night outing! 

With convenient locations in Brickell and Pinecrest, Gyu-Kaku, meaning “Horn of the Bull” in Japanese, this date night will definitely thrill you.

Choose from perfectly seasoned and marinated proteins from beef, chicken, seafood, duck, tofu, and even Beyond beef to veggies. The best part, they bring it to your table and teach you how to cook it yourself on your table’s personal grill. 

Share different menu options with your date so you can both enjoy a variety of flavor bombs!

There really is something for everyone and insider tip, happy hour happens all week long. They offer two happy hours, early from 11:30 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday or late from 8:30 pm to close on Monday through Thursday and 9 pm to close on Friday and Saturday. Or, wait for it, ALL DAY Sunday! Join their rewards program to accumulate points for special discounts and free food!

This spot has become a special staple in our household be it date nights or day dates, anniversary dinners, or family dinners. It never disappoints. Bring your hunger, bring your excitement, and bring it on date night at Gyu-Kaku!

Ana-Sofia DuLaney

The Standard Hotel

Image: Bella and her husband enjoy a game of ping pong in the lobby of The Standard Hotel

If you’re making your way to the beautiful Standard Hotel on the Venetian Causeway, I’d suggest you make it a whole couple’s day date (or even a little weekend retreat if you have the ability). Book a relaxing couples massage and spend the day at their phenomenal spa. Afterward, head to a romantic dinner at Lido Bayside Grill while enjoying spectacular 360 oceanfront views. You can check the Standard Hotel’s events on their website. They often offer fun nighttime programs. A few years back, my husband and I went to a cute Valentine’s event that they hosted. At the “Sleep In” movie event, we got to watch a classic movie in a comfy bed with slippers while being served yummy goodies. Afterward, we rounded up the night with a game of ping pong in the lobby.

Bella Behar

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Image: The buffet at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
 
Are you looking for something fun to do after a bomb dinner with your spouse? Head over to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. There is always something to do. My hubby and I have been to a concert to see Alicia Keys, a comedy show, and to watch Fluffy perform, just to name a few. It is a guarantee you’ll find a celebrity also taking advantage of the ambiance of the Miami vibes all around. We recommend the buffet dinner there, which feels like a Disney dining spot, and also incredible Asian cuisine at Bol. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is the date night spot for you if you enjoy people-watching, beautiful selfies, and great food! It has always been a good time.
 

Soya & Pomodoro

Image: A view of the dining room at Soya & Pomodoro

Soya & Pomodoro is an authentic Italian restaurant and the perfect spot for a date night! While dining here you feel like you are somewhere in Italy just that you’re really in the middle of Downtown Miami. The interior design and decorations are adorable. They often offer live music. I went here for a birthday date night a few years back and it was definitely a night to remember. There was jazz music and an all-over romantic atmosphere. The seafood is so delicious and creative. The staff even brought me a surprise creme brûlée with a candle. 

Bella Behar

Zoo Miami’s Sip & Stroll

Images: Ana-Sofia and her husband hanging with the crocodiles at Zoo Miami

What’s it like to go to Zoo Miami without kids? AWESOME!

What about doing it at night with the ability to purchase delicious food and specialty drinks? Even better!

That’s what Zoo Miami’s Sip and Stroll Series is like. A night for you to experience the zoo without any children present because it is ages 21 and up. With a drink in hand, walk a portion of Zoo Miami during these events and experience seeing various animals in the dark, making some of them extremely active. Plus there are chances for special up close and personal animal encounters with some of the zoo’s favorite animal ambassadors! Over the years, my husband and I have attended a few, and we have been lucky enough to get within inches and hear so many fun details on the Patagonian mara, porcupines, tortoises, Owls, and more!

There are various drink and food stations sprinkled around the Zoo for a variety of options to fill your fancy! Grab a drink and a bite and take a leisurely stroll without the sun beating down on you too. This is a perfect date night opportunity or to go with a fun group of friends.

Don’t forget to visit the Everglades section and go through the underwater tunnel under the crocodiles, you might get lucky and get to see these amazing creatures face to face.

Next announced dates are February 17, 2023, for a special Mardi Gras-themed night from 7 pm-10 pm and June 17, 2023, from 7 pm-10 pm for Beer and BBQ. Hope to see you there!

Ana-Sofia DuLaney

Cafe La Trova

Image: Bella poses next to some artwork at Cafe La Trova
 
Cafe La Trova is a nostalgic homage to the elegance of how old Cuba used to be. Their bar was just voted one of the best bars in the world so it’s definitely worth getting a babysitter for this one. There’s nightly live music and on the weekends you can dance the night away (well, until 2 am but what parents stay out longer than that anyway?). The food is amazing too! This is not your average Cuban restaurant. The award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein came up with a variety of flavors. Make sure to try out their Cuban sandwich and calabaza empanadas. They have fun drinks such as La Chancleta which comes on a wooden sandal. Definitely make reservations for your next date night!
 

La Mar by Gaston Acurio

Image: A seafood dish served at La Mar

 
If you and your spouse are anything like my husband and me, you will enjoy eating very unique flavors and extravagant dishes! La Mar is such an amazing date night spot, not to mention the Brickell City views make the experience all the more grand! Oh, and it is inside of the Mandarin Oriental, so you can imagine the luxury. Usually, we like waiting at the bar area (where the chicken wings are a hit), grab a quick drink, or take pictures together until our table is ready–just to spend more time and make the most of the night. We enjoy going on a date night and strolling around the bay afterward. The lighting and scenery make a perfect addition to a romantic night. Now that I think about it, we have not been in a while! Be right back–I am going to grab my hubby and head there. Make sure to make a reservation before you go!

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Where do you like to go on date night? Do you have a favorite spot? Let us know in the comments so we can check it out!

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