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.

Michelin Starred Chef Shingo Akikuni to Open His First Restaurant, Shingo

Critically-acclaimed Chef Shingo Akikuni will open his very first restaurant, SHINGO, on Thursday, May 11, 2023 inside the historic La Palma building in Coral Gables. SHINGO is an intimate, 14-seat, omakase restaurant that will offer an 18-course dining experience featuring traditional Japanese nigiri, seasonal sashimi and Yakimono dishes with premium sake pairings. Chef Akikuni brings his years of experience and accolades to SHINGO. Most recently, he served as executive chef at Miami’s Japanese fine-dining restaurant Hiden. Under his helm as executive chef, Hiden was one of the first restaurants in Miami to be awarded one star from the MICHELIN Guide in 2022.

The 850-square-foot space has been entirely designed and constructed by expert woodworkers in Kyoto, Japan before being de-constructed, transported and reassembled in Miami. Upon entering SHINGO, guests will feel as though they have been transported to Japan’s classic omakase dens. The restaurant features traditional Japanese design elements and vintage materials, including the use of Hinoki and Sugi woods on the counter, ceiling and grand entrance, which doubles as an art gallery. The dining room features an intimate “L-shaped” 14-seat counter made of a rare 10 meter slab of Hinoki wood. Special touches and details are found in every moment at SHINGO, from the unique silver chopstick holders, crafted to resemble food shapes, to an array of custom-made ceramic plateware created by Kyoto-based ceramics maker Shin Murata.

Passionate about sharing Japanese culture through food in America, Chef/Owner Akikuni is excited to add to the thriving dining scene in Miami and seeks to provide diners with an individualized experience based on their personalities and preferences.

“I first moved to Miami five years ago, and I feel that the restaurant scene has been booming year by year, featuring so many passionate and talented chefs whom I call my colleagues and friends,” says Chef Shingo Akikuni. I'm overjoyed to be able to open my first restaurant in Coral Gables using the experience and skills I've learned working in restaurants in Tokyo, New York and Miami. I’m looking forward to serving our guests dishes that change with the seasons and to continue to add value to the culinary landscape in Miami.”

The 18-course menu at SHINGO will change seasonally, with a rotating selection of fresh sushi variations and Yakimono dishes which are prepared through traditional grilling practices. Guests can expect dishes such as Japanese Binchotan Charcoal Grilled Eel topped with caviar and fresh wasabi served with premium sake. Personally sourced and selected by Akikuni himself, SHINGO'S fresh ingredients are imported from Japan and found locally in Florida.

Shingo Akikuni is a third-generation sushi chef originally from Osaka, Japan, and is recognized as one of the best sushi chefs in Florida. Growing up making sushi at his family-owned restaurant in Osaka, Chef Akikuni was taught and trained by both his father and grandfather before coming to America in 2017. Previously, Akikuni served as Sushi Chef at an award-winning sushi restaurant in Tokyo, before moving to Miami and taking on positions as Sous Chef at Sushi Azabu, and, finally, as Executive Chef at Hiden, where the restaurant was awarded a Michelin Star.

SHINGO is located at the La Palma building at 112 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables, FL 33134. SHINGO will be open for dinner five days a week (Tuesday – Saturday) with two seating options at 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM. The 18-course omakase experience is $180 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. An optional wine and sake pairing is available for $95 per person.