The Best First Date Spots in Miami

Mandolin Aegean Bistro is a Design District restaurant serving Aegean dishes inspired by the coastal towns of Greece and Turkey. The patio glows with lantern light after sunset, which makes it a good pick when you want dinner to feel a little special.

Share mezze and mains, then ask the staff for wine pairings from the extensive wine list.

ViceVersa is a downtown aperitivo bar in the lobby of the Elser Hotel, with a casual yet stylish feel. The bar mixes modern takes on aperitivo cocktails and serves crudos, salads, and pizza.

We'd go for a low-ABV sip such as an Aperol Spritz or an Americano, with a crudo or a pizza to share. The bar is open daily from 5pm to 12am.

Luca Osteria is an Italian restaurant and bar in Coral Gables, with outdoor tables on Giralda Avenue under twinkling lights. The seasonal menu features creative Italian classics, along with cocktails and a wine program.

We'd start with the Pasta al Limone, made with mafaldine, 24-month Parmigiano Reggiano, and lemon. Order one entree each, since the portions suit one person. The restaurant is closed Mondays.

Le Bouchon du Grove is a Coconut Grove bistro whose cooking draws on Lyon, with a splash of Miami. Wooden tables, checkerboard floors, and dim lighting give the room a cozy French feel.

A complimentary pour of sparkling wine comes with your table. Start with the escargots or foie gras, then share the mussels, which feed two or three. Afterward, wander the Grove with a coffee from Panther or a scoop from Salt & Straw.

Lagniappe is a Midtown wine bar with a garden of mismatched furniture and string lights. Order at the counter, then carry your food outside.

The menu includes wine bottles and charcuterie boards. Live music plays inside.

Wynwood Walls is a compact area in Wynwood where major international street artists have painted the walls. Wynwood Kitchen and Bar sits on the premises, with Latin fusion bites before you wander further into the neighborhood.

The neighborhood around it has boutiques, bars, and restaurants to keep the date going afterward. The Walls are open daily from 10:30am to 6:30pm, with the doors closing 30 minutes before closing time.

Española Way is a tree-lined pedestrian street in South Beach with twinkling lights and a Spanish village design from 1925. Italian, Spanish, and French restaurants line the street, including Pane & Vino, Piccola Cucina, Tapas y Tintos, and A La Folie.

Dinner at any restaurant here ends well with a cafecito and a pastelito. Live music and salsa dancing come to the street every weekend.

Kyu is a wood-fired, Asian-inspired restaurant in Wynwood with dim lighting and a moody dining room. The kitchen smokes and grills its dishes over wood, and the low light makes it an easy dinner pick for a date. Share a plate of the Korean fried chicken.

Ball & Chain is a Little Havana bar with a pineapple-capped stage and live music, and it has been open since 1935. Learn a few salsa or bachata steps together at the free lessons, which run several days a week.

You can usually hear live salsa and jazz with no cover charge. Ball & Chain opens at 11am every day and stays open until 3am on Friday and Saturday. Reserve ahead for a bigger party.

Spend a few hours at South Pointe Park, where beach access, open lawns, and waterfront views make it easy to keep the date simple. Bring a blanket and something to drink, then walk the promenade toward the pier with views of Fisher Island and passing yachts.

Parking in South of Fifth can be difficult, so use the lots at 1 and 3 Washington Avenue.