Romantic Restaurants in Florida

15 Most Romantic Restaurants in Florida for a Divine Date Night

ByCristina Vanthul Updated on

Romance comes in so many forms – poetry, candlelight, chocolates, quiet time together, roses. Romantic restaurants in Florida feature many of these little details. They offer exceptional food, an intimate ambiance filled with candlelight and beauty, and most of all, they provide couples with a little getaway, even if just for a few hours. Romantic restaurants, in Florida and around the world, set the stage for a magnificent date night, anniversary dinner, or Valentine’s Day treat. These fifteen Florida restaurants are the best for fine dining and romance.

1. Collage Restaurant, St. Augustine

Collage Restaurant regularly lands on “most romantic” lists both in Florida and nationwide lists. OpenTable has named it one of the “Best 100 Restaurants in America” several times as well as being voted to TripAdvisor’s Travelers Choice “Best Restaurants in the U.S.” in 2020 and 2021. The warm atmosphere, impeccably-prepared food, and exceptional service make Collage one of the most romantic restaurants in Florida. The menu features eclectic dishes made from original recipes, such as Lobster Ravioli, Warm Goat Cheese Salad, and Veal Orleans. Ingredients are sourced locally, seafood from the local waters and produce from nearby farms.

  • 60 Hypolita Street, St. Augustine
  • Open Tuesday through Sunday at 5:00 PM
  • Reservations highly recommended
  • Collage Restaurant menu
Photo shows a white plate with rice, meat, beans, sauce, and a flower garnish on a table at Collage Restaurant.
Photo shows a room at Collage Restaurant with tile floor, wood beam ceiling, tables with white linens, and wood chairs.

2. Better Than Sex – A Dessert Restaurant, Orlando

For the dessert-first crowd, Better Than Sex is the place to start for a romantic evening. A full-service restaurant, Better Than Sex serves up an intimate atmosphere à la 1920’s speakeasy with provocative desserts and drinks on the menu. Voted “Best Dessert” several years in a row in Orlando Weekly as well as one of Orlando’s most romantic restaurants, this spot invites couples to indulge a little either after a romantic night out or as a prelude to one. Specialties include Double Stuffed, Missionary Crisp, and their wine glasses or beer mugs rimmed with chocolate and other tasty treats.

  • 1905 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando
  • Open Wednesday through Sunday at 6:00 PM
  • Reservations highly recommended
  • Better Than Sex menu

Extend date night into a romantic weekend when you book one of these hotels.

Photo from Better Than Sex - A Dessert Restaurant show a brownie, vanilla ice cream, white chocolate, and chocolate burst.
Photo shows a photo of the interior of Better Than Sex - A Dessert Restaurant in Orlando, with red walls, velvet curtains, dim lighting, and chandeliers hanging over each table.

3. Salt at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

Simple ingredients. Flawless preparation. Elegant presentations. These are the cornerstones of Salt’s menu and one of the reasons the restaurant is so popular. Named for one of the ocean’s most sought-after resources, Salt overlooks the Atlantic and provides an intimate dining experience. The restaurant uses more than forty kinds of salt in it’s New American menu which includes items such as Snapper Ceviche, Lamb Loin, and Foie Gras Terrine. Salt also offers an exclusive Dine with Chef experience which invites guests to observe the action in the kitchen. If you’re planning a romantic getaway to Amelia Island, put Salt on your itinerary.

  • 4750 Amelia Island Parkway, Amelia Island
  • Open Wednesday through Sunday at 5:00 PM
  • Reservations highly recommended
  • Salt menu
Photo shows an upscale plate of food from Salt Restaurant with asparagus, morrells, radishes, peas, and other vegetables and flowers.
Photo shows the interior of Salt Restaurant where tables draped in white linens and gray leather chairs overlook the Atlantic Ocean through a large picture window.

4. Latitudes Restaurant, Key West

Oceanfront dining at it’s finest. Latitudes at Sunset Key Cottages in Key West has the awards to back up it’s position on this list of most romantic restaurants in Florida. It has been named OpenTable’s “Top 50 Best Restaurants for a Date in America”, “100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America”, and “100 Most Scenic Restaurants in America” as well as several other accolades from OpenTable. Food & Wine also named Latitudes to it’s “Most Romantic Restaurant in Every State” list. Latitudes’ menu is as fresh as the ocean breezes wafting across through the dining room and as colorful as the Gulf of Mexico sunsets seen from their outdoor space. Constantly evolving, it features fresh island cuisine such as Lemon Glazed Yellowtail, Pan Roasted Cobia, and Key West Pink Shrimp Carbonara.

  • 245 Front Street, Key West
  • Open daily at 7:00 AM
  • Reservations recommended for dinner.
  • Latitudes menu
Photo shows a plate with pink and yellow rings topped with squash strips, microgreens, and roasted chicken.
Photo shows the interior of Latitudes Restaurant, one of the most romantic restaurants in Florida with it's Key West decor and view of the ocean.

5. Bull & Bear Restaurant, Orlando

If Bull & Bear sounds familiar but not in Florida, it might be because Bull & Bear Orlando is modeled after the trendsetting original in New York City. Featuring a club-like setting and table side preparation, this trendy Orlando restaurant has been named one of the “Top 100 Restaurants in the United States” by OpenTable. It has also earned AAA Four Diamond Award, Florida Trend Golden Spoon Award, and Orlando Sentinel FOODIE Award for Best Steakhouse. Large portions of familiar fare include pan-seared sea bass, a 38-ounce tomahawk ribeye, fried chicken, and veal oscar.

  • 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando, FL
  • Open daily at 6:00 PM
  • Reservations highly recommended.
  • Bull & Bear menu
Photos shows a butcher block topped by a tomahawk steak, roasted garlic, and sage leaves.
Photo shows the interior of Bull & Bear Restaurant in warm red and wood tones with white tablecloths, lattice dividers, and round lighting fixtures on the ceiling.

6. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, Tampa

Eddie V’s is an upscale chain restaurant found throughout the United States, including three locations in Florida – Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale. In a city known for it’s thriving and innovative food scene, Eddie V’s remains a favorite among locals and visitors alike. True to the restaurant’s name, the menu features prime seafood. Oysters and shellfish dominate the appetizer menu while the entrée menu features lobster, several types of fish (salmon, sole, sea bass, etc), and scallops. If seafood isn’t your thing, try one of Eddie V’s hand-cut steaks.

  • 4400 W Boy Scout Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607
  • Open daily at 4:00 PM
  • Reservations highly recommended
  • Eddie V’s menu
Photo shows a white bowl with chopsticks, a brown both, and fish pieces.
Photo shows the exterior of Eddie V's, one of the most romantic restaurants in Tampa.

7. Ocean Prime, Tampa

Ocean Prime is another one of those romantic restaurants in Florida which has several locations. There are more than 15 Ocean Prime locations throughout the United States. These restaurants have won a number of awards, including Best Steakhouse in Denver, 100 Most Romantic Restaurant in America, and Highest Rated Seafood Restaurant in New York City. At Ocean Prime Tampa, expect an elegant and sophisticated ambiance in a lakefront location. Wide windows and a beautiful covered patio overlook the lake and bring romantic views to the tables. The menu offerings mimic the elegance and sophistication found in the restaurant and surroundings. From sushi to lobster bisque, sea scallops to prime steaks, a meal at Ocean Prime promises to be a worthwhile experience.

  • 2205 N Westshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607
  • Open M-F at 12:00 PM, Saturday at 3:00 PM, and Sunday at 5:00 PM
  • Reservations highly recommended
  • Ocean Prime Tampa menu

Book a romantic Tampa hotel to go along with your romantic date night dinner.

Photos shows a seafood dish on a white plate on a line-clothed table at Ocean Prime in Tampa.
Patio of Ocean Prime in Tampa with linen-covered tables, wicker chairs, and a faux rock wall with a neon sign of Ocean Prime's logo.

8. Restaurant IRON, Pensacola

Restaurant IRON in downtown Pensacola elevates the Southern dining experience to another level. The menu draws on the Florida panhandle’s southern heritage – and that of nearby states – with specialties such as pistachio-crusted Gulf redfish, sugarcane-rubbed duck, and sweet tea-brined pork chops. Team IRON prides itself on using locally-sourced or handmade products in all of their recipes. This focus on details and freshness has garnered Restaurant IRON a number of awards, including OpenTable’s 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America and Forbes’ 50 Best Southern Restaurants in America.

  • 22 North Palafox Street, Pensacola, FL 32502
  • Open daily at 4:30 PM
  • Reservations highly encouraged
  • Restaurant IRON menu
A rectangle white plate is topped by lamb, Brussels sprouts, and a potato puree.
Photo shows the exterior of Iron-1 Restaurant with sidewalk tables under burgundy umbrellas.

9. The Grill at Ritz-Carlton, Naples

The Grill at Ritz-Carlton exudes elegance, from the richly paneled walls to the fine linens and deeply upholstered chairs. This Naples restaurant redefines the steakhouse to an intimate dining experience. The restaurant’s sophistication doesn’t end at the decor. The menu features classics such as dry-aged beef, braised Colorado lamb, and duck ravioli. Paired with an extensive list of award-winning wines, any evening at The Grill promises to be one filled with romance and memories which will last a lifetime. The Grill at Ritz-Carlton has been awarded Wine Spectator magazine’s Award of Excellence 16 years running and OpenTable’s Diner’s Choice Award.

  • 280 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, FL 34108
  • Open Thursday through Sunday at 5:30 PM
  • Reservations recommended
  • The Grill menu

Make it a Romantic Naples getaway when you book one of these Naples hotels.

Seared duck on a puree with green sauce and vegetables.
Interior of The Grill at Ritz-Carlton with crystal chandeliers, coffered ceilings, plush chairs, and linen tablecloths.

10. The Cellar Restaurant, Daytona Beach

The Cellar Restaurant occupies the unassuming historic former home of President Warren G. Harding, built in 1907. The restaurant prides itself on many things, most notably its food, its ambiance and location, and its wine list. Diners at The Cellar Restaurant indulge in exquisite Italian cuisine in an intimate setting. The restaurant has won awards from OpenTable for Top 100 Most Romantic in the US, Top 100 Best Service in the US, and Top 100 Wine List in the US as well as the Golden Spoon Award from Florida Trends magazine. It has also been featured in Emeril’s Florida: Family Owned and Operated.

  • 220 Magnolia Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
  • Open Tuesday through Saturday at 5:00 PM
  • Reservations required
  • The Cellar menu
Pork with roasted garlic and vegetables at The Cellar Restaurant, one of the most romantic restaurants in Florida.
Interior of The Cellars with brick arches, blue carpet, and white linen-covered tables.

11. Enzo’s on the Lake, Longwood

Enzo’s is a family-owned Italian restaurant in the Orlando area. Open since 1980, it’s widely considered one of the best Italian restaurants in Orlando as well as OpenTable’s Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in the US. Everything about Enzo’s whispers family. From the family recipes showing their Roman and Neapolitan roots to the paintings on the wall, it’s all crafted with love by family. The menu features fresh pasta made in-house and dishes such as Pappardelle alla Farnese, Beef Short Ribs Toscana, and Zuppa de Pesce.

  • 1130 US Highway 17-92, Longwood, FL 32750
  • Open Tuesday through Saturday at 5:30 PM and for lunch on Fridays at 11:30 AM
  • Reservations highly recommended
  • Enzo’s on the Lake menu
Pasta and red sauce with mussels and lobster at Enzo's.
Interior of Enzos.

12. Chef’s Table at the Edgewater, Winter Garden

Chef’s Table at the Edgewater Hotel in Winter Garden invites guests to experience a one-of-a-kind meal. Every meal is a three-course prix-fixe meal with optional wine pairings. Guests are also invited to watch the culinary team at work in the full view kitchen. Chef’s Table has won numerous awards including OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants in America, Orlando Magazine‘s Most Romantic Rendezvous and Best Restaurant, and Florida Trends Magazine‘s Most Romantic and Best Quaint Florida Restaurant.

Chefs Table Food 1
Chefs Table Interior 1

13. Columbia Restaurant, Ybor City

Florida’s oldest restaurant, Columbia Restaurant, also claims to be the world’s largest Spanish restaurant. Owned and operated by the same family since opening in 1905, Columbia Restaurant was built on a Cuban immigrant’s roots and work ethic. It’s widely considered one of the best Cuban restaurants in the country and gives a nod to its age with dishes like the 1905 Salad. The restaurant has earned a long list of awards including One of America’s Most Historic Restaurants by USA Today, All-American Icon by Nation’s Restaurant News, and One of 21 of the Most Legendary Restaurants in America by FSR Magazine.

Columbia Restaurant Food 1
Columbia Restaurant Interior 1

14. La Mar by Gaston Acurio, Miami

Miami is known for some of the finest South American and Latin American cuisine, including the Peruvian favorite, La Mar by Gaston Acurio. The restaurant overlooks the Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay and features the authentic and diverse flavors of Peruvian cuisine. Three bars provide a variety of culinary choices, such as the dedicated Cebiche bar and the Anticuchos bar which serves a new twist on traditional Peruvian street food. The menu continues with other Novo Andean fare and Asian-Peruvian fusion favorites.

  • 500 Brickell Key Drive, Miami, FL 33131
  • Open daily for breakfast at 7:00 AM and for dinner at 6:00 PM
  • Reservation highly recommended
  • La Mar by Gaston Acurio menu

Book one of these romantic hotels in Miami for an extended date night.

La Mar Food 1
La Mar Interior 1

15. The Bazaar by José Andrés, Miami Beach

Next time you’re in South Beach, make reservations for The Bazaar South Beach. Featuring the culinary delights of James Beard Award-winning chef, José Andrés. Located in the heart of the Art Deco District, the playful indoor-outdoor space pairs well with the blended menu. In it, Andrés blends exquisite culinary delights which draw on his Spanish heritage and Miami’s Hispanic influences. Specialties include a seafood bar featuring oysters, ceviche, and sashimi; Cuban-coffee roasted churrasco; and octopus romesco.

The Bazaar food 1
The Bazaar Inside 1

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15 Most Romantic Restaurants in Florida for a Divine Date Night15 Most Romantic Restaurants in Florida for a Divine Date Night15 Most Romantic Restaurants in Florida for a Divine Date Night
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Hi there! I'm Cristina, and I'm the creative mind behind Wander Florida. I'm a native Floridian (a real one, not an "I've been here so long I might as well be a native"). I was born in Miami and except for a short time as a young child when we lived in North Carolina, I've always lived in Florida.

I'm an introverted book-lover who generally prefers nature and animals to people so you won't often find me at theme parks or crowded beaches. And that's why I don't write about those things. Instead, I share hiking adventures, kayaking adventures, Florida history and historic sites, and small towns. And because we could all use a luxurious place to rest, I plan to share more upscale hotels, spas, and wellness resorts in the future.

Right now, we live in Dunedin, Florida which is in the Tampa Bay area. I take almost all of my own photographs and videos. You'll find those here and on my YouTube channel of the same name. Most of our travel is currently centered around day trips from the Tampa Bay area because we have senior, special-needs animals, and they deserve our time and love while they're here.

Thank you for stopping by and reading. I appreciate your time and am grateful you've chosen to give Wander Florida a bit of your day.

3 Comments

  1. Pingback: A Local’s Guide to the Best Dunedin Restaurants - Wander Florida
  2. Pingback: Florida Quotes to Inspire Your Next Vacation - Wander Florida

  3. I’ve ate at several of these restaurants. All great options! I am such a long-time fan of The Columbia. You can’t beat their 1905 salad and sangria! Thanks for giving me some new ideas too!

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