Planning a date night? These five Delray Beach restaurants will always impress!
Whether you’re swiping right for the first time, celebrating a milestone with your main squeeze, or just want to spend quality time together over a good meal, these five Delray Beach restaurants in Palm Beach County are sure to make sparks fly.
From creative chef-driven courses and family recipes to dimly lit, cozy atmospheres, I’m serving up the ultimate guide for a night out that’s as tasty as it is romantic. Grab your special someone and let’s plan your next Date Night!
Enjoy Your Night Out at These Delray Beach Restaurants
The Grove
187 NE 2nd Avenue
(561) 266-3750
https://www.thegrovedelray.com/
Ask anyone for a Downtown Delray Beach restaurant recommendation, and you’ll almost always get ‘The Grove’ as an answer. This restaurant in the Pineapple Grove area has been a local favorite since 2012. The concept comes from CIA alum and Florida native, Chef Sommelier Michael Haycook.
Michael and his team — General Manager Dina Tortora and Chef Tony Coddington — each bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience, which truly makes The Grove one of Delray Beach’s premier dining destinations.
The Grove offers a bevy of unique cocktails, an expansive wine list, and an ever-changing menu of elevated American cuisine with flavors and preparations that you will not find anywhere else. It’s definitely on the pricier side, so be prepared for that. I promise you, though, it’s well worth it.
For many, it’s mainly reserved for special occasions. If you don’t want to sit down for a full meal in the main dining room, grab a seat at the bar or on the back patio for cocktails.
Amar Mediterranean Bistro
522 E Atlantic Avenue
(561) 865-5652
https://amardelray.com/
This charming little family-owned restaurant is situated on Atlantic Avenue, right in the middle of everything. Having such a prime location when you have a small space makes reservations an absolute must.
But it’s not just its proximity to the Ave that makes it so popular. The food and service are absolutely something to write home about. Amar owner, Nicolas, is often seen in the restaurant, seating guests and making them feel right at home. Because that’s what Amar is — an extension of his home. And you will feel that way every time you sit down to dine.
Amar’s Lebanese menu is filled with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. My personal preference is to order a variety of hot and cold mezze to share with whoever is lucky enough to be dining with me. I’m always up for a meal here, so don’t ever hesitate to ask me to go!
Side note: When I’m asked for recommendations for vegan restaurants in Delray Beach, I always suggest Amar. There are a ton of options available.
Brulé Bistro
200 Ne 2nd Avenue
(561) 274-2046
https://brulebistro.com/
I’ve been going to Brulé for almost as long as I’ve lived in South Florida. The restaurant opened in 2008 by Chef Suzanne Perrotto, a second-generation chef/owner. It’s located in Pineapple Grove, across the street from The Ray Hotel.
She also owns another one of my favorite Downtown Delray Beach restaurants, Rose’s Daughter, which she opened in 2019. Chef Suzanne grew up in the restaurant business, an Italian Trattoria in New York, and is inspired by her mother’s cooking.
Her food is unmatched. Seriously. Whatever Chef Suzanne and her team put on a plate, I’ll eat (well, you know, so long as it’s Shaina-friendly). Chef Suzanne, along with her Executive Chef Zach, Executive Pastry Chef Megan, and General Manager Taylor, always go above and beyond to give diners an unforgettable experience.
Brulé’s menu of modern American cuisine features a bounty of locally sourced ingredients and seasonally inspired dishes, as well as craft cocktails, local brews, and a great wine list.
MIA Kitchen & Bar
7901 W Atlantic Avenue
(561) 499-2200
https://www.mia.kitchen/
This is the only restaurant I chose that isn’t in Downtown Delray. It’s a bit further west, close to the Turnpike. It’s well worth the drive, though, for those of us who consider anything further than 95 to practically be a whole different world.
The menu is described as ‘modern fare with French and otherwordly influence.’ The cocktails are just as innovative as the food, and the vibe is one you don’t want to miss out on.
I’ve only been there a handful of times, but I know Executive Chef/Partner Jason Binder from a previous chef role in the area. Plus, he’s a fellow South Jersey/Philly native so we’ve always gotten along.
It’s hard to describe the dishes that Chef Jay creates… Probably because they’re so beautifully presented and thoughtfully curated that normal words just don’t do them justice.
Le Sorelle
20 SE 5th Avenue
(561) 437-1440
https://www.lesorellerestaurant.com/delray-beach-restaurant
I’m almost ashamed to admit that I was only recently introduced to Le Sorelle. I don’t know what took me so long to get there! This is one of Delray’s gems, set a little bit off the Avenue. So, it doesn’t get as much recognition as some of the more prominently located restaurants.
There is a long family history behind the restaurant, going back to 1898 on a small Italian island Ponza. Generations later, Le Sorelle was born from three sisters who decided to continue their family’s restaurant business in South Florida. There are currently three locations: one in Delray Beach and two in Boca Raton.
The Delray owners exude such warm and genuine hospitality that you really feel like you’ve stepped right into Italy. It’s a beautiful space, small and intimate, with a very nice front bar area that is separated from the main dining room.
The menu is filled with classic Italian dishes, including brick oven pizzas, handmade pasta, fresh seafood, homemade desserts, and more. Pro-tip: Get the veal chop parmigiana special. It’s impressively enormous — enough to feed a family of four!
I hope this guide serves as inspiration the next time you need a good date night spot. This is the creme de la creme, in my opinion, but there are plenty more. If you need more suggestions, you know where to find me!
While I could go on and on about the food at all of these places, I’ve chosen them for more than just their culinary offerings. Each of these restaurants has made a lasting impression on me, even if I’ve only been there a couple of times.
Dining out is about more than just eating; it’s about the connection and the shared experiences that turn a meal into a memory. That’s what makes Date Night so special!
Want more Delray Beach restaurant suggestions for date night? Check out these hotspots:
Le Colonial
Coco Sushi
Batch Gastropub
Disclosure: This blog is based on my personal opinion, and not sponsored. Restaurants are not listed in any particular order.
