One of the hardest parts about dating in South Florida is finding the perfect place for a first date in Miami. If you find yourself tasked with choosing the restaurant, let’s just say “pressure” is an understatement.
In a city like Miami, you have to be careful of noise, (you never know when a dinner restaurant is going to turn into a club) expenses, (again, not everyone wants to pay for bottle service on a first date) and of course quality food, drinks, and overall atmosphere.
We gathered a few places that we think would be perfect for meeting up with that Hinge date you’ve been chatting with! First dates should be both casual and romantic, and these restaurants have mastered the balance between the two.
Lagniappe is your ideal laid-back first date location. The dress code ranges from upscale to homeless, and the price point is perfect for someone looking to impress without breaking the bank. The wine is available in abundance if you need some assistance getting through the night, and the music is just loud enough to be a noise filler without forcing either party to go hoarse over a decent conversation.
Before being seated within the outside patio, choose your favorite wine from the cooler and even a few items for a custom charcuterie board. Your date will think you’re super cultured and you’ll walk away with a nice buzz. Win-win, right?
The cool thing about Seaspice is the different vibes you’ll get depending on what time of day you stop by. Regardless of when you go, however, it’s always a beautiful scene. The waterfront venue is the perfect backdrop for a nice first date with plenty of non-awkward conversations and intense eye contact.
Looking for a gorgeous setting that won’t break the bank? Stop by for their Sunset Happy Hour to enjoy low-priced seafood bites and cocktails. It’s the perfect place to get dressed up and possibly be the first stop on an adventurous night out, or the last stop on a first and only date.
Looking for options? Vista is perfect! Not quite a food hall, but definitely a place where you and your potential beaux can bond over all the choices, and you can see if they’re the type of person who takes an hour to decide where they want to eat (ugh.)
There’s a rooftop, retail stores and pop ups, and different places aside from the main restaurant to grab a bite, a juice, or a coffee. With several menus, Vista is perfect for any kind of date. The different surrounding shops provide the perfect opportunity for a post-dinner stroll if the date is going well. Wink.
Two words: Brunch date.
Grab a buñelo donut or a rum caramel sticky bun to share and a bottle of bubbly (no bottomless) to kick off the perfect first date. The restaurant is beautiful and spacious enough for intense date convo or just laid-back lounging in each other’s presence.
With any luck, you’ll get seated by the large door-sized windows for the feeling of fresh air but we also heard people watching is a top 3 first date activity.
If you miss brunch, they’re 2 for 1 happy hour special is just casual enough for a Hinge date but dressy enough for you to meet friends after if things are going badly.
What better way to get a first impression than by someone’s choice of wine? Ironside is BYOB and there is no corking fee! So feel free to bring a bottle of wine or two while eating some of the best pizza Miami has to offer.
With all this, what else can make this place even more perfect? The outdoor patio is adorable and while Ironside is casual, it feels romantic enough for a date. There’s art and trees and the lighting is set to make you feel like you’re in an enchanted garden. Definitely recommend it for date number one and beyond.
More Places for a First Date in Miami
Make sure to download the UNATION app for more fun things to do in Miami!
Locally curated guides
Here are some awesome guides, from us to you.
The Best Dinner Parties in Miami
Mahogany Bullock-Clayton
How To: Host the Perfect Haunted Halloween Party in Miami
Mahogany Bullock-Clayton
5 Fall Favorites in Miami We Can't Wait To Visit
Mahogany Bullock-Clayton
The Best Rooftop Restaurants in Miami
Mahogany Bullock-Clayton