Romantic Restaurants in Miami for Valentine's Day or a Special Occasion

Miami in Florida is a major vacation spot with an amazing cultural diversity whereby over a dozen different languages are spoken. It is a secluded desert island which can offer you anything from the top 5 most romantic restaurants to a 24 hour party. Driving down the 395 from Miami beach you are in for visual feast with an amazing skyline set against blue skies and tropical waters.

Long before Miami was built up from swampland vegetation the Tequesta Indians lived there for approximately 2000 years. However, in a very short period of time, Miami has become one of the most outlandish and cosmopolitan place for tourism, business and nightlife. In the 1920's Miami was associated with Art Deco, extravagant spending and a very ostentatious lifestyles. Just as Miami reached it's peak two major hurricanes and the depression halted progess.

In the 1940's Miami became home for the many soldiers who lived in the city's military base. In the 1950's the city grew more popular for vacations due to the beautiful azure skies, the white sandy beaches and the excellent climate. Al Capone resided in Miami when it was a major tourist playground. So, here are my top 5 most romantic restaurants in this wild and wonderful city:

THE FORGE: (432 W 41st, Miami Beach)

Everything about the Forge is grand from it's dark wood and stained motifs, its wine list to excellent cuisine, and it's overall refined romantic atmosphere. This restaurant is absolutely beautiful and embraces elegant, lavish, most upscale restaurants in the city. It is also a great place to "celebrity spot".

THE DINING ROOM: (Little Torch Quay, 33042)

For the perfect sunset dinner this is the place for you. The Dining Room is set in on Little Palm Island; a most elegant of islands which can only be reached by boat. If you want the ultimate getaway, love fresh seafood and desire privacy, this is the restaurant for you. The tables are on the sand and surrounded by candles which creat an excellent ambience for proposing. The only drawback is that you must be over 16 to visit the restaurant but this should not get in your way....

CASABLANCA CAFE: (Fort Lauderdale, 33304)

Casablanca, Bergman and Bogart go hand-in-hand... do you want to caputre the same feelilng? Then the Casablanca Cafe in Fort Lauderdale is set in a magnificent two story historical home, this beautiful restaurant offers you outdoor tables overlooking the atlantic or and more intimate indoor tables. This restaurant can get a little crowded but had a dazzling ambience. The food is highly impressive as is the wine list. So, if you don't mind a bit of company on your romantic dinner out, this is the restaurant for you.

CRYSTAL CAFE: (726 W.41 ST., Miami Beach)

This is definitely one of Miami Beach's best restaurant in a classy elegant way. The food is as full of flair as the Chef who prepares it. The Crystal Cafe has received numerous awards for its extensive wine list and fantastic menu. This restaurant is so popular you absolutely have to pre-book a week in advance. Regulars delight in the cuisine and ambience of this excellent restaurant and it is ideal for that special occasion.

BALEEN: (Grove Island Hotel,Coconut Grove)

The interior decor of this fantastic fish restaurant is based on an ocean liner. It is quaint, romantic, nostalgic and if you book early, try for a table outside the patio door which overlooks Biscayne Bay. This restaurant is a gourmet dream and highly recommended if you are looking for something romantic. The view of the bay is spectacular as is the food and ambience.

Miami has become one of the hottest cities for style, ethnical diversity and nightlife. You can go to Miami and party until you drop, shop yourself stupid or find the old romance of Bogart and Becall in this city of many cultures.