9 Florida Restaurants That Practically Guarantee a Perfect Date Night

Planning the perfect date night in Florida means finding a restaurant that offers more than just good food. You want a place with the right atmosphere, amazing service, and that special something that makes the evening unforgettable. From oceanfront steakhouses to candlelit Italian hideaways, the Sunshine State has some of the most romantic dining spots in the country, many earning national recognition for their ability to create magic between two people.

1. Angelina’s Ristorante — Bonita Springs

White tablecloths set the stage, but the live piano music and towering wine display steal the show at this Italian gem. Angelina’s earned its spot on OpenTable’s 2025 Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in the U.S., and once you experience the attentive service, you’ll understand why.

Couples return year after year because every detail feels intentional. The menu delivers classic Italian dishes with modern flair, while the staff anticipates your needs before you even ask.

Whether celebrating an anniversary or simply enjoying each other’s company, this Bonita Springs favorite creates memories that last long after dessert.

2. Latitudes — Key West

Imagine arriving by boat to your own private island where sand replaces floors and sunset paints the sky. That’s exactly what happens at Latitudes, a restaurant that defines Florida romance in its purest, most breathtaking form.

OpenTable has repeatedly honored this spot as one of the most romantic and scenic destinations, and honestly, the competition isn’t even close. Fresh seafood tastes even better when waves lap at the shore nearby.

Reservations book up fast, especially during peak season, so plan ahead if you want to experience this bucket-list date night.

3. The Black Pearl — Dunedin

Some restaurants just feel like they were built for life’s biggest moments. The Black Pearl has witnessed countless proposals, anniversary celebrations, and first dates that turned into something more, earning its place on OpenTable’s 2025 Top 100 Romantic list.

Chef-driven menus change with the seasons, ensuring every visit feels fresh and exciting. The intimate space means you’re never fighting to hear each other over noise from neighboring tables.

Dunedin locals guard this treasure closely, but now the secret’s out—this is where love stories unfold over perfectly plated courses.

4. Bern’s Steak House — Tampa

Walking into Bern’s feels like stepping into another era, where steakhouse dinners were grand affairs and every meal deserved celebration. This Tampa institution has perfected the art of romance through perfectly aged beef, an encyclopedic wine list, and theatrical presentation.

But here’s the real secret: save room for the legendary Dessert Room upstairs, where private booths and an astounding menu turn sweet endings into the highlight of your night.

5. Salt at The Ritz-Carlton — Fernandina Beach

Overlooking the Atlantic from its perch at The Ritz-Carlton, Salt transforms special occasions into extraordinary experiences. The tasting menu approach means you’ll savor multiple courses while waves crash against the shore below.

Service here reaches another level entirely—attentive without hovering, knowledgeable without being pretentious. Each dish arrives like a small work of art, beautifully plated and bursting with flavor. Yes, it’s a splurge, but some nights deserve that extra investment.

6. Kres Chophouse — Orlando

Downtown Orlando’s skyline twinkles outside while inside, Kres Chophouse wraps couples in moody lighting and the sizzle of prime cuts hitting hot plates.

The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between polished and cozy, fancy enough for celebrating but comfortable enough that you can truly relax. Steaks arrive cooked exactly as ordered, accompanied by sides worth ordering multiples of.

Theme parks can wait—spend your Orlando evening here instead.

7. Collage Restaurant — St. Augustine

St. Augustine’s oldest streets hide this small treasure, where tables are intentionally limited to ensure everyone receives exceptional attention.

Nothing here feels rushed or hurried. Courses arrive at a thoughtful pace, giving you time to actually talk, laugh, and reconnect between bites of beautifully prepared dishes.

The intimate space means reservations are essential, but securing a table here guarantees an evening where you’re the priority, not just another turn in a busy dining room.

8. Steak 954 — Fort Lauderdale

Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Atlantic while an illuminated aquarium wall adds drama to an already glamorous space. Steak 954 embodies upscale Florida romance—beachy enough to feel like vacation, sophisticated enough for your most important celebrations.

The Best of Florida regional romantic designation makes perfect sense once you experience the combination of prime cuts, oceanfront views, and service that makes you feel like VIP. Fort Lauderdale’s coastline provides natural beauty while the restaurant provides culinary artistry.

Watching fish glide past while enjoying perfectly seared steaks creates a uniquely Florida memory you won’t find anywhere else.

9. L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon — Miami

As Florida’s only two-MICHELIN-star restaurant in 2025, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon represents the absolute pinnacle of romantic dining. The chef’s-counter design transforms dinner into theater, where you watch culinary masters create edible art inches away.

This isn’t just a meal—it’s a bucket-list experience that couples plan months in advance. Every course arrives as a revelation, flavors and techniques that remind you why fine dining matters.

Miami’s vibrant energy pulses outside, but inside this temple of gastronomy, nothing exists except the two of you and some of the finest food in America.