PROFILE Miami's Top 10 Reservations for Valentines Day

Impressing your date with a hard-to-score reservation on Valentine’s Day can be the key to their heart, but with so many Michelin-starred, hidden gem, celebrity chef and jetset-hotspot restaurants across Miami, where should you go? PROFILEmiami has compiled a list of the Top 10 reservations you can score to celebrate this Valentine's Day in Miami with an exquisite culinary journey at some of the city's most romantic and sophisticated dining establishments. PROFILEmiami’s list includes the Michelin-starred L’Atelier, Le Jardinier and The Surf Club Restaurant; newly opened hotspots Casadonna, Chateau ZZ’s and Erba; romantic Miami Beach-classic Casa Tua; Dowtown Miami’s seductive Giselle; and the intimate Omakase experience at Shingo led by Chef Shingo Akikuni, one of the hardest reservations to score in Miami.

Exclusively, PROFILEmiami has 2 seats reserved at Shingo which we are giving away to one lucky PROFILEmiami Instagram follower. All you need to do is head to the Instagram link below, follow @PROFILEmiami, follow @shingo, tag your date and DM us the word “Shingo” for a chance at the lucky seats. The winner will be announced on February 1st (cost of dinner not included).

1. L’Atelier

Address: 151 NE 41st St, Miami, FL 33137

Celebrate Valentine's Day at L'Atelier in the Design District for a romantic and charming experience. The futuristic interior, coupled with intimate counter seating, sets the stage for an unforgettable evening. Indulge in a culinary journey with decadent offerings like foie gras. The enchanting ambiance and impeccable service make L'Atelier the perfect choice for expressing love on this special day. Craft lasting memories in a sophisticated setting.

2. Chateau ZZ’s

Address: 1500 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33129

Chateau ZZ’s, Major Food Group's inaugural Mexican venture in Miami's historic Petit Douy building, offers a unique dining experience. Designed by Ken Fulk, the ground-level restaurant features indoor/outdoor dining and a diverse menu showcasing Mexican-inspired delicacies. Upstairs, ZZ's Club offers an exclusive space with vaulted ceilings, a wine cellar, and a terrace overlooking a lush greenhouse. With an extensive beverage program curated by Nathan McCarley-O’Neill, Chateau ZZ’s is an ideal choice for special occasions, promising an exceptional culinary and romantic experience.

3. The Surf Club Restaurant

Address: 9011 Collins Ave, Surfside, FL 33154

Experience a romantic culinary journey at Thomas Keller's Surf Club Restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel. With old-school charm and a nod to '50s and '60s nostalgia, savor the meticulously crafted Classic Caesar salad and the renowned Beef Wellington. As Valentine's Day approaches, enjoy a sophisticated and romantic atmosphere, complemented by an exclusive Valentine's Day menu for an unforgettable dining experience. Elevate your celebration at the Surf Club Restaurant, where culinary excellence and romance intertwine.

4. Avra

Address: 17945 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160

Experience refined Greek dining at Avra Estiatorio in the Estates at Acqualina. The meticulously designed Greek-themed dining room with beach and pool views creates a sophisticated ambiance. Enjoy a curated menu featuring classics like Greek Salad and imported delicacies, including Dover sole and branzino. Conclude your meal with baklava and olive oil cake, all in an upscale setting perfect for a memorable dining experience.

5. Casa Tua 

Address: 1700 James Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Casa Tua, located in a South Beach boutique hotel, exudes sophistication and romance, offering an impeccable setting for intimate dining. The lush outdoor ambiance creates an enchanting atmosphere for an elevated experience. Curated Antipasta selections set a refined tone, featuring dishes like seared octopus and burrata. With notable pasta choices and diverse menu options, including Lamb Chops and Salmon, Casa Tua ensures a delightful, shared culinary encounter, concluding with delectable desserts like the Strawberry Ricotta Cheesecake and iconic Casa Tua Donuts. Head upstairs to the private members club afterwards for a Passionfruit Martini or Skinny Spicy Margarita.

6. Casadonna

Address: 1737 N Bayshore Dr 1st Floor, Miami, FL 33132

Experience refined romance at Casadonna, an exquisite culinary gem in Edgewater that recently opened in the historic Miami Women’s Club. The waterfront hotspot was opened in a first ever partnership between David Grutman's Groot Hospitality and Tao Group Hospitality, offering a panoramic view of Biscayne Bay. With a diverse Italian menu, including delights like crispy young artichoke and handcrafted pastas, Casadonna invites patrons to savor an exceptional gastronomic journey along the intracoastal. Indulge in love and sophistication at the Ken Fulk-designed destination.

7. Giselle

Address: 15 NE 11th St, Miami, FL 33132

Experience sophistication at Giselle Miami, an exclusive rooftop venue by E11even. With Asian, Mediterranean, and French flavors, it enriches Miami's dining scene. The refined ambiance, requiring reservations, sets the stage for a memorable date night. Chef Gustavo Zuluaga's curated menu, featuring truffle toast, pork ribs, Chilean sea bass, and a flaming lobster thermidor, guarantees a professional and unforgettable experience. The recent award for the best outdoor dining further highlights the venue's recognition for providing an exceptional atmosphere. Overall, Giselle Miami seems to offer a culinary journey with a touch of sophistication and an award-winning outdoor dining experience.

8. Shingo

Address: 112 Alhambra Cir, Coral Gables, FL 33134

Embark on a culinary journey at Shingo, in Coral Gables' historic La Palma building. Led by Chef Shingo Akikuni, known for a Michelin-starred stint at Wynwood's Hiden, the restaurant offers an exquisite 18-course menu at $180 per person. The sophisticated interior, featuring a luxuriously soft oak counter, enhances the potential three-hour experience. Indulge in traditional Japanese nigiri, seasonal sashimi, and Yakimono dishes, perfectly paired with premium sake. Opt for wine and sake pairings, ensuring a memorable and intimate evening. Mention PROFILEmiami when booking your reservation for a special treat.


9. Erba 

Address: 227 S Dixie Hwy, Coral Gables, FL 33133

Experience culinary excellence at Erba in Coral Gables, a sophisticated destination blending local flavors with Caribbean influences. With rich agnolotti and succulent porchetta, Erba offers a diverse menu in a romantic setting featuring plush seating and a grand chandelier, creating a dimly lit ambiance for an intimate dining experience. Reopened after a successful pop-up, Erba is perfect for intimate celebrations, offering a $45 pasta-tasting menu for Valentine's Day. With charming decor and seating for up to 150 guests, Erba ensures a refined and memorable dining experience.

10. Le Jardinier 

Address: 151 NE 41st St Suite 135, Miami, FL 33137

Indulge in a refined Valentine's Day at Le Jardinier, a French gem in the Design District. Inspired by the sophistication of the USS Enterprise, Alain Verzeroli's vegetable-focused creations deliver a harmonious symphony of flavors. From shrimp in parmesan polenta to tender wagyu bavette, each dish showcases culinary artistry. Pierre-Yves Rochon's meticulous design provides an elegant backdrop for a romantic evening.

Groot Hospitality and Tao Group Hospitality Set To Open Ken Fulk-Designed 'Casadonna' On The Biscayne Bay Waterfront in Edgewater

Casadonna, a first-of-its-kind partnership between Groot Hospitality and Tao Group Hospitality, is set to open its doors in Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood alongside Biscayne Bay on October 26. The ultra-luxurious Ken Fulk-designed waterfront destination spans 20,000 square feet across indoor, outdoor and bar seating, matching a sophisticated, storied atmosphere and an expansive, inventive menu designed around coastal Italian cuisine.

Accommodating up to 366 patrons, Casadonna’s Riviera-style Italian cooking takes center stage as the gentle teal of Biscayne Bay, and Miami Beach’s iconic skyline, shimmers in the backdrop. The menu features the freshest local and imported-from-Italy ingredients, with signature dishes including Crispy Young Artichoke, Royal Dorade Aqua Pazza, Bistecca Fiorentina, and a selection of handmade pastas including Campanelle Bolognese, and more. Recipes are based on classic culinary techniques found in seaside towns such as Naples, Taormina, Bari, Positano and Gaeta, yet each is presented in a contemporary and global fashion. A comprehensive crudo bar including Langoustine Ceviche, Tuna Carpaccio and Caviar elevates the aperitivo offering in tandem with traditional antipasti starters. Bespoke cocktails and an extensively curated wine cellar complete the spirit of seaside dolce vita.

“Casadonna is unlike anything we’ve ever done before,” says David Grutman, Founderof Groot Hospitality. “In partnering with Tao, I cannot wait to see our synergies take hold and for our guests to experience the unique magic we’ve created. From the fresh Italian menu to its unbeatable waterfront views, we see Casadonna bringing something new to Miami dining–and we know it will be unforgettable.”

“This is our first foray into the Miami market,” says Noah Tepperberg, Co-CEO of Tao Group Hospitality. “It’s an honor to be in such an important landmark within the city, and it’s exciting to have partnered with Groot Hospitality on this venture. David and his team know Miami deeply, and with our combined strengths, I have no doubt Casadonna is going to become an instant classic.”

Located in a waterfront landmark building that houses the Miami Women’s Club, Casadonna’s name pays homage to the restaurant’s site. The moniker’s compound elements–“casa” and “donna”– translate from Italian to English as “home” and “woman.” While the Miami Women’s Club was founded in 1900–making it one of the oldest formal organizations in the city–the current Mediterranean-revival structure opened in 1926, and was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1974. The Miami Women’s Club has been instrumental in supporting educational programs and promoting community stewardship in and around the Magic City. Its members have also helped with state-shaping policy and activism. Among their most notable achievements: The Miami Women’s Club took a prominent role in the founding of the State Federation Royal Palm Park. The Royal Palm would evolve and be absorbed into none other than what is now Everglades National Park.

“We delved deep into the history of Miami architecture and this building, and we landed on a shared vision that added the grandeur of nearby Vizcaya and the exotic allure of the Long Bar at Raffles in Singapore,” says designer Ken Fulk. “We then inserted modern luxuries and really leaned into a slow reveal of spaces, which is a hallmark of the Groot and Tao experiences.”

Spearheaded by Fulk in collaboration with Groot Hospitality and Tao Group Hospitality, Casadonna’s visual realization provides a highly transportive experience. A double-height Courtyard Bar welcomes guests–this stands in the building’s original atrium. Lush flora and a retractable roof give the space the feeling of a grand secret garden, replete with arched windows, open sky exposure and a second story arcade. As guests move further into the restaurant, with Biscayne Bay coming into view, a number of distinct chambers unfold, from The Garden Dining Room, which is designed to feel like a classic, plaster-finished conservatory, to the Loggia Dining Room, which boasts parquet wood floors, a coffered ceiling, detailed millwork, custom blown-glass chandeliers and breathtaking views of the Bay through the building’s original windows. The experience concludes at the Ocean Bar, which is composed of intimate lounges and al fresco dining areas that span the length of the bay-facing terrace. As guests move through this progression of rooms, the seductive waterfront views become more and more pronounced.

Casadonna will be open for dinner on Thursday, October 26th and for weekend brunch beginning on Saturday, November 11th 2023.

Groot Hospitality and Tao Group Hospitality To Bring Coastal Italian-Inspired Concept 'Casadonna' To Edgewater's Historic Women's Club Building

The historic Miami Women’s Club in Edgewater is set to be transformed with the opening of Casadonna, a Coastal Italian-inspired restaurant developed in partnership between Groot Hospitality and Tao Group Hospitality. The restaurant is slated to open Summer 2023 in the waterfront Mediterranean revival historic Women’s Club building, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. The name "Casadonna" is derived from the setting, a fusion of Italian words translating to "house of the woman." The restaurant represents the first partnership between hospitality and entertainment powerhouses the Miami-based Groot Hospitality, led by David Grutman, and the New York City-based Tao Group Hospitality, led by Jason Strauss.

Riviera-style Italian cooking serves as the heart of Casadonna's cuisine. The menu will feature the freshest and finest local and imported products, with signature handcrafted dishes. Plates are based around traditional recipes found in the coastal towns of Naples, Taormina, Bari, Positano and Gaeta, and each is presented in a contemporary fashion. Bespoke cocktails and an extensive wine list complement this approach.

Casadonna will seat up to 366 guests in both indoor and outdoor dining and bar areas, all of which have been visualized by the designer Ken Fulk. The atmosphere is lush, leafy, stately and golden, conveying both a nod to the site's legacy as the Women's Club building, and a reflection of modern Miami tastes. Design highlights include a tranquil indoor-outdoor flow featuring a covered, high-ceilinged atrium, iconic paned and vaulted glass windows, original gates, elaborate chandeliers and distinctive floor patterning.

Tao Group Hospitality delivers distinctive culinary and premium entertainment experiences through its portfolio of restaurants, nightclubs, lounges, and daylife venues. Tao Group Hospitality acquired Hakkasan Group in April 2021. The combined company operates more than 70 branded locations in over 20 markets across five continents and features a collection of widely recognized hospitality brands. These include TAO, Hakkasan, OMNIA, Marquee, LAVO, Beauty & Essex, Wet Republic, Yauatcha, Ling Ling, Cathédrale, Little Sister, The Highlight Room, Sake No Hana, Jewel, and more. Tao Group Hospitality is part of Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG Entertainment) (NYSE: MSGE), a leader in live experiences.

Groot Hospitality was officially formed in 2018 by David Grutman and is a Miami Beach-based collective of top restaurants, bars, cafés, nightlife ventures and hotels. Groot Hospitality’s portfolio includes The Goodtime Hotel, the nightclubs LIV and STORY, the restaurants Gekkō, Komodo, The Key Club, Papi Steak, Strawberry Moon and Swan. At both the Goodtime Hotel and Swan, Grutman is partners with the multi-hyphenate musician and producer Pharrell Williams and the pair will also open their first resort, Somewhere Else on Atlantis Paradise Island, in 2024. Grutman is also partners with the recording artist and actor Bad Bunny on Gekkō.