The Resy Guide to Date Night in Miami

Oysters are, and have always been, the perfect way to start a romantic dinner. And we can’t think of a better spot to enjoy them than downtown’s iconic oyster bar in its new, super-handsome location (still on Brickell, though, so plan for traffic at peak times). You’ll start off with a platter of whatever’s fresh that day, then segue into more robust dishes: gnocchi with blue crab, squid ink spaghetti fra diavalo, or more raw bar specialties like poached lobster, stone crabs, and shrimp cocktail. In any event, you’ll have a formidable selection of wines and a focused cocktail menu of cocktails to choose from. And at the end of the evening, you’ll contentedly take your date’s hand and reemerge into the sultry Miami night. Just in case you didn’t already have that last part covered.

This old-school steakhouse’s refresh gave it a jolt of 21st century swagger, while also remaining true to its luxe roots. Settle into the plush, salmon-hued dining room and prepare for a carnivorous feast that starts with classics, including the perfectly-executed Caesar salad and potato skins with caviar. The steaks are the star of the show, of course, but remind your date to save room for dessert where the mile-high baked Alaska, torched tableside, will end things on a sweet (and Insta-worthy) note. 

This posh, vegetable-forward concept by chef Alain Verzeroli is one of the swankiest spots in the Design District, with a spacious and lush patio, complete with pergola, that makes it an ideal outdoor dining destination in all weather. Indoors, you’ll find a futuristic glossy white and green decor and a striking black marble bar. If your date isn’t already swooning over sea bass with chimichurri and fennel, or farro risotto with mimolette, then the desserts created by executive pastry chef Salvatore Martone, like dark chocolate cremeux with salted caramel sabayon, ought to do it. Pro tip: The prix fixe lunch at Le Jardinier is a superb move.

There’s probably no sexier bowl of pasta in the 305 than chef Michael Pirolo’s cavatelli Macchialina, brimming with baby meatballs, porchetta, and pecorino; it hits all the right pleasure notes with each unctuous bite. Then of course there’s the short-rib lasagna, the creamy polenta, and the simple-but-decadent spaghetti cacio e pepe, which will send your date into a carb-induced blissful stupor. While the restaurant is only offering outdoor dining on their patio, the warm and cozy atmosphere is still intact, with plenty of wine on tap to keep the conversation going. 

If you’re looking for a laid-back place to rendezvous, plan your date at Jaguar Sun’s incredible atmosphere and a crowd-pleasing menu. Start off with one of the bartender’s legendary cocktails; the Fino Martini — gin, fino sherry, clarified passionfruit — is a particularly elegant choice. Then it’s on to oysters, Parker House rolls, Wagyu tartare, and a host of perfect pasta options. For dessert, the ice cream sandwich is non-negotiable.

This is where you’ll bring the date who loves a good cocktail, but is also interested in eclectic dishes that blur the lines between molecular gastronomy and comfort food. Chef Brian Nasajon and cocktail maestro Ben Potts preside over this den of global cooking in Wynwood that occupies a former ice factory; the neo-industrial vibe is boosted by distressed brick walls, concrete floors, and exposed-beam ceilings. And the globally-inspired menu has a clear Asian and Latin bent with bites like cheeseburger croquettes, shrimp pad Thai, and crispy yucca with chimichurri aioli. 

A night at the glamorous Dirty French Steakhouse is definitely dinner and a show. It’s like no other restaurant in town, whether it’s the over-the-top ’80s vibe or the procession of menu hits. You’ll want to get there early for a drink at the bar, where The Kahuna cocktail is the Instagram showstopper, a concoction of mezcal, Campari, and grapefruit served in a metal pineapple glass

Here’s everything else you need to know about Dirty French.

Located in the Little River neighborhood, this community-centric food hall features a 5,000-square-foot rooftop deck that has become a hotspot for drinks and al fresco dining. There’s a full cocktail menu available, and servers run food from the various food vendors that occupy the first floor food hall. Newcomers like Lil’ Laos and United States Burger Service have been getting rave reviews, but we’re partial to Ash! Pizza Parlor, created by Ashley Stanzione, one part of the husband-wife team behind the popular pizza spot Stanzione 87. These pies are a little more playful than the purist varieties at Stanzione — with selections like the Nancy Sinatra, a white pizza with shallots and garlic; a white truffle pizza; and of course pepperoni. They all boast that same chewy crust and perfect char.