Sure, a box of candy or fine chocolates are nice, flowers are always welcome, and lingerie is a perennial favorite, but to truly impress that special person in your life for Valentine’s Day, nothing beats a unique dinner or cocktail outing to softly convey that “I love you” or celebrate that one-of-a-kind friend message.
Key Biscayne is the perfect place to let him or her know how amazing they are, and you can accomplish that without leaving the island or breaking the budget.
Islander News did some of the prep work by compiling a list of places on the island to help make Valentine’s Day as romantic and memorable as two hearts united can do.
Lightkeepers at the Ritz Carlton
People toasting with Lightkeepers drinks.
Romance is literally in the food on Valentine’s Day as Lightkeepers in the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami has prepared a three course Prix-Fixe Dinner, glass of Laurent-Perrier Rosé, and Selected Half Price Wine Bottles, with Live Music From 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
The dining adventure starts with an appetizer to share: Mont D’Or cheese fondue; Black truffles fricassée, sourdough toast. For the main, some of the entrees to choose from include dry-aged duck breast with potato confit and cherry sauce or a braised turbot filet with saffron risotto and toybox heirloom vegetables. For a sweet ending, there is a Dulcey heart on fire mousse with salted caramel ice cream.
The total cost is $150 per person.
Lightkeepers in the Ritz Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami is located at 455 Grand Bay Dr., Key Biscayne. For more information or to make a reservation, call (305) 365-4500, Extension 4156.
Novecento
A steak with fries and asparagus.
New location, but same incredible food and service that has made this Argentinian dining spot a favorite dining destination, and more so on special occasions.
For Valentine’s Day, Novecento has designed a love-focused menu, including some special cocktails to start the evening, including a special pink margarita or a scrumptious chocolate martini.
The choices for main entree include a traditional seafood paella for $65 or a two-pound tomahawk steak, served with Peperonata and goat cheese mashed potatoes for $90. Close your romantic dinner with a delicious Pávlova de Frutilla.
Novecento Key Biscayne is in the Square Shopping Center at 260 Crandon. For reservations or more information, call (305) 362-0900.
Costa Med Bistro + Wine
Key Biscayners have come to expect high quality cuisine from this quaint, hidden gem, known for creative dishes and over the top service.
For Valentine’s Day, the Costa Med staff are stepping it up to impress your special person and they invite you to enjoy a fantastic dinner curated to express love. A complimentary glass of bubbly and roses will add an extra touch of romanticism to your outing.
Costa Med is located in the Square Shopping Center at 260 Crandon. For reservations, call (305) 361-7575.
Milanezza Kitchen Bar & Market
Another great option is Milanezza, the fun Argentinean Bistro with indoor and expanded outdoor dining in their mezzanine. They have prepared an affordable three-course Valentine’s Day Chef’s Special that is sure to please even the pickiest of Valentine.
The dinner starts with an empanada de choclo; sweet yellow corn oven-cooked empanada with parmesan & mozzarella. The main course is a giant Tiger Shrimp linguine with cherry tomatoes, asparagus and saffron cream sauce for $29. End your meal with a delicious homemade chocolate mousse.
Milanezza is located at 700 Crandon in the CVS Plaza. For more information or reservations, please call 305-646-1001.
KEBO Restaurant
If your Valentine’s Day plans call for a sophisticated dish, incredible service and a large quality exquisite wine selection to satisfy the most discerning taste, this award-winning Spanish and Mediterranean spot is for you.
For Valentine’s Day, their chefs have prepared a special love-in- fused menu to please that special someone. Additionally, we highly recommend sharing their crusted sea salt Mediterranean whole Sea Bass, expertly served tableside.
Kebo is in the Key Colony Plaza at 200 Crandon Blvd. Reserve your table at Kebo by calling 305-365-1244.
La Scala Italian Restaurant
There is something about a Valentine’s dinner at a small restaurant where you walk in a stranger, and walk out a friend. Giving credence to the saying “you can’t judge a book by its cover” you will be impressed with the incredible service from owner Chandra and his staff and the cozy surroundings, not to mention the delicious Italian cuisine. Guests will receive a free glass of prosecco and for the ladies, a complimentary rose.
Reserve your spot early by calling (786) 773-3633. La Scala is in the Arcade Shopping Center at 180 Crandon Blvd.
The Cleat
If a full dinner is not in the plans, imagine having a romantic outing in a true & eclectic island setting, a chilled bottle of champagne – or creative and specially crafted cocktail – watching a stunning sunset with unobstructed views and a delicious appetizer for two.
That special Valentine’s Day awaits you at The Cleat, the special spot inside Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park’s No Name Harbor.
The Cleat is located at 1200 Crandon Blvd.
The Golden Hog
A tray of Golden Hog mini chocolate brownies.
Nothing says “I Love You” like a tray of sweet and luscious chocolate mini brownie cupcakes topped half with dulce de leche and half with Nutella, or heart-shaped raspberry French Macarons.
The specialty chefs at The Golden Hog also have a special Valentine’s Day menu that will surely satisfy that special someone. For this special day, they will be serving Heart-Shaped Cheese Ravioli, paired with a special Love Prosecco, as well as a Wagyu Picanha carving station in the grill area.
Pre-order today by calling (305) 361-1300. The Golden Hog is located in the Harbor Plaza at 91 Harbor Drive, Key Biscayne.
Boater’s Grill
For a no-frills Valentine’s Day where the superb service, incredible fresh seafood creations and the serenity of No Name Harbor carry the night, we recommend Boaters Grill.
We recommend their lobster asopado with tostones (green fried plantain). Their flan will top off an incredible and relaxing night.
Boater’s Grill is located inside Bill Baggs State Park at 1200 Crandon and can be reached at (305) 361-0080.
Have an Island V-Day favorite we missed? Let us know by emailing editor@islandernews.com and we will share on our website at islandernews.com.
For the Islander’s last #tasteofkb feature, click here.