Top 5 Date Spots in West Little River

1) Start the day with a lakeside stroll—and let it turn into more—at Arcola Lakes Park 

1301 NW 83rd St, Miami, FL 33147

Most couples who wait until noon to get moving probably don't realize that an early morning park date can be equally romantic as a sit-down lunch or dinner date.

The warmth of the sunlight, cool breeze, and the hues of greens and blues all around — it's a no-brainer, especially if it comes with a lakeside view, like in Arcola Lakes Park, a green escape in West Little River.

Offering a central lake and looping walking path, Arcola Lakes Park invites you to a day of rewarding walks, nature appreciation, and unhurried moments you'll cherish until your next visit. 

And visually? It's hands-down one of West Little River's most photogenic outdoor spots.

Arcola Lakes Park also features lighted tennis, handball, and racquetball courts, a pool, outdoor fitness equipment, playgrounds, and picnic areas with grills, so the date doesn't have to end with the walk if neither of you is ready to call it yet.

Trust us, you won't!

2) Surround yourselves with specialty coffee, All-Day favorites, and cozy nooks at Surry Hills Coffee | Brunch Miami 

8226 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33138

First dates are always a bit of a gamble, but good food and even better coffee in a cozy corner usually tip the odds in your favor, especially if it’s from Surry Hills Coffee | Brunch Miami, a contemporary café inspired by the sunny winter mornings in Surry Hills, the trendiest neighborhood in Sydney, just 10 minutes from West Little River.

Here, the menu is led by brunch and coffee staples that everyone enjoys, such as espresso drinks, freshly baked pastries in the case, and an extensive selection of sandwiches, salads, and egg-based plates that work well for sharing—or not sharing, depending on the mood.

Not to mention that Surry Hills has one of the best coffee drinks in Miami (sorry, not sorry, coffee chain fanatics!)!

Keep it classic with an Americano, cappuccino, flat white, or latte, or dabble into a slightly richer territory with options like the mocaccino or dirty chai.

Espresso is available on its own or as a rotating “special,” and there’s batch brew for anyone who wants coffee stripped to its core.

Surry Hills also features a curated tea selection that spans black teas from India and Sri Lanka, Japanese kukicha, Taiwanese seasonal blends, and matcha and chai lattes.

A brunch date that can set the tone for the rest of the day? Yeah, Surry Hills Coffee | Brunch Miami is an obvious choice!

3) Keep it casual and let dinner do the talking at Arepera Tico Tico North 

436 NW 79th St, Miami, FL 33150

A hearty dinner date under the string lights with zero need to dress up? Raise your hands if you're feeling these vibes!

If you are, take your date to Arepera Tico Tico North and let Venezuelan comfort food do what it does best—bring people together over unforgettable flavors and casual yet meaningful plates.

This West Little River favorite centers its menu on handcrafted arepas made from fresh corn dough, cooked to order and filled generously with shredded beef, slow-cooked pork, chicken, and cheese — classic combinations that anchor the menu, each one hearty and satisfying without any effort.

You'll also find other Venezuelan staples rounding out the Arepera Tico Tico North experience, from fried bites to traditional sides built around layered flavors and shareable portions.

And don't get us started with that rustic outdoor dining setup!

Here, tables sit under string lights amid a steady stream of locals that fills the space, and a social atmosphere that isn't too loud for conversation or for focusing on the moment.

Whether it's a first date or one of your weekly hangouts, dinner at Arepera Tico Tico North will be an evening that doesn't require much planning other than showing up hungry.

4) Trade dessert plates for soft serve swirls at Peel Soft Serve 

175 NE 96th St, Miami Shores, FL 33138

By the time dessert comes around, the last thing you'd want is something too rich and heavy that will keep you from having late-night cocktails — those are non-negotiable!

So, trade your sugary dessert plates for a swirly serving of soft serve at Peel Soft Serve, a compact, design-forward soft serve shop just 9 minutes from West Little River. 

Offering a bright, pared-down space with hand-painted window art and a clean layout, Peel takes you to a rollercoaster of rotating flavors and curated toppings, assembled in cones or cups.

Here, you can enjoy your light and cold desserts on window-side seating, stools, and under soft lighting, where you can continue getting to know each other, comparing each other's flavor choices, maybe even sharing playful banter in between.

It's the pause — a short, sweet moment— you need to keep the date moving without letting the energy drop.

5) Dance to the live tunes and get swept away by the overlooking views of The Citadel Miami 

8300 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33138

Save your world-famous dance moves and stunning overlooking views for the final stretch. The Citadel Miami is the perfect closing act for a memorable date, just 10 minutes from West Little River.

Designed as a modern public gathering space, The Citadel is a multi-level destination built around variety. 

Inside, you'll find a curated mix of local food vendors serving shareable plates and late-night bites, along with cocktail bars and an esteemed selection of independent retail shops that give The Citadel Miami its lively, open-market feel.

Then, head to the rooftop that opens up to sweeping views of Miami's skyline, and dive into deep conversations with a drink in hand or get jiggy to the live music to get comfortable — depending on the night, you might catch DJs or live bands, so visit their socials to stay updated.

Grab another round, split tiny plates, wander between spaces, or stand side by side as you take in the view — The Citadel Miami's flexibility makes it a dreamy date-night encore.