Valentine's Day lands on a Saturday this year, which obviously raises the stakes a bit, but don’t worry the Miami Design District has enough going on that you do not have to overthink it. Whether you need a romantic dinner reservation or just something to do that isn't staring at a menu, here is how to handle the weekend of love.
ROMANTIC DINING A DEUX
If you are looking for the full production like roses, tablecloths, and the works, L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon is the place to go. They have a violinist playing during a six-course dinner ($425) that features foie gras royale and sea bream with caviar. It is steep, but it is the only two Michelin starred spot in town. Downstairs, Le Jardinier is a slightly more relaxed alternative with a jazz band and a room full of roses. Their five-course menu ($180) focuses on seasonal plates and ends with a special dessert from chef Salvatore Martone.
For a neighborhood favorite, Michael’s Genuine has a $135 prix-fixe that serves up dishes like wild mushroom bucatini and pan-seared venison, plus a complimentary rose for the ladies and a heart-shaped chocolate cake to finish. Sofia is your best bet if you want a lively scene and a Valentine's Day appropriate backdrop. The pink umbrellas are practically made for this holiday. Their $95 three-course menu makes it an easy decision, especially if you add the Italian sparkling pairing to keep the toasts coming.
On the quieter side, the neighborhood just got two new Japanese spots that are perfect for an intimate date night. Yasu is an eight-seat counter where the chef hands you 16 courses one by one, highlighting bites like monkfish liver monaka and wagyu sukiyaki nigiri. Karyu is equally intimate but focuses almost entirely on rare Wagyu beef. They serve the prized meat in everything from a cutlet sandwich to a traditional chateaubriand course.
WELLNESS & SELF-CARE
Kick off the day by clearing your head at Ahana Yoga. They are hosting a "Digital Detox" community class on Saturday at 1 p.m. It is a solid excuse to put your phone away for an hour before the chaos starts. If you would rather just relax, book a facial at Dr. Barbara Sturm. The "SturmGlow" is a great reset button for your skin and requires zero effort on your part.
GIFTS FROM THE HEART
We believe gifting is easier if you stick to the classics. Louis Vuitton has the Alma BB in pink monogram right now. It is about as on-theme as you can get while still buying a bag they will actually use. If jewelry is the move, the Tiffany & Co. "Lock" bangles are having a major comeback moment and look good on everyone. Plus, they are perfect for Valentine’s Day.
If you want something edible that still feels tres chic, Ladurée has a fifteen-piece Valentine’s Day gift box for $78. It comes filled with classics like rose and pistachio plus the must-try Marie-Antoinette tea flavor. Plus, the box is pretty enough that you do not even need to wrap it.
For something from the neighborhood that you can’t find anywhere else, check out the Marta Minujín scarves($210). They are vibrant, colorful, and feel more like collecting art than just buying another accessory. If you need to be practical, the Buckminster Fuller-inspired umbrella ($45) is a fun nod to the District’s famous Fly's Eye Dome.
OR OPT FOR CARS, NOT CUPID
Of course, outside of Valentine’s Day, the Miami Concours is taking over the neighborhood from the 13th through the 15th - meaning there will be plenty to do in the neighborhood, whether Valentine’s Day is your thing or not. Friday night kicks off with a drive-in movie at "The Screening" in Jungle Plaza. Sunday is the big day with the Red Carpet, where they park vintage supercars all over the streets. It makes for a fun afternoon of walking around.
