Our Favorite Restaurants for Date Night in LA
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Little Ripper
Location: Glassell Park
Nestled in the heart of the Glassell Park, this mom and pop neighborhood cafe exudes a comforting and familiar vibe. With its friendly staff and homemade treats, it's the go-to spot for locals seeking a relaxing cup of coffee, a quick bite, or a casual date night on the sting-lit patio.
Good for: Casual Date Spot for either Day or Night
Dunsmoor
Location: Glassell Park
Looking to impress your date, or celebrate a special occasion? Dunsmoor is where you go. The menu is coursed, which keeps you wanting more the entire meal. This place is one of the top LA restaurants, and you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Enjoy your meal, then if the night is going well, head to their wine bar for a night cap.
Good for: Special Occasions and Impressing Your Date
Tacolina
Location: Silver Lake
Taking over where the De Buena Planta restaurant used to be, Tacolina invites you into a lush haven where towering palms and greenery frame their outdoor cocktail bar, creating an unmatched atmosphere complemented by a cocktail menu inspired by the flavors of the Pacific and Sea of Cortez. The menu is amazing. Taquitos, elote, shrimp tacos - you name it. And after you eat you can sneak into their speakeasy ‘The Jaguar Room’ for a dim lit night cap.
Good for: Date night on a patio. Day or Night.
Little Dom’s
Location: Los Feliz
Little Dom’s offers a classic, cozy atmosphere for cocktails or entrées. The menu features fresh, delicious Italian-American fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Salvaged leaded glass windows cast a lavender glow over leather booths and marble tables, blending bistro elegance with a neighborhood vibe. The retro Hollywood upstairs dining room features quirky touches, while sidewalk tables provide a casual spot for brunch or evening gatherings.
Good For: Casual date with nearby locations to explore before/after the date
Mirate
Location: Los Feliz
Mírate offers a vibrant selection of Mexican-sourced cocktails, distillates, wine, and beer while staying true to its culinary roots. Guests can explore a shareable menu inspired by bold Mexican flavors, reimagined with California influences. The unique décor, thoughtful details, and low music level create an inviting atmosphere, making it feel like stepping into another world—perfect for a memorable date night.
Good for: Impressing your date without spending a fortune.
Loreto
Location: Frogtown
Loreto blends western desert vibes with cozy LA charm. With low lighting, spread-out seating, and a mix of indoor and outdoor tables, it’s perfect for a date. The elevated Mexican cuisine features shareable plates with generous portions, alongside full-size options. Fair warning: If you don’t eat seafood, you might want to sit out dinner at Loreto. Parking is available via $15 valet, or you can enter the space via the LA River pathway.
Good for: Day or night date. Plenty of nearby options for nightcaps or a walk around the neighborhood.
Sasabune Glendale
Location: Glendale
Owned by Japanese Chef Genji, this authentic sushi restaurant offers some of the highest quality sushi in the area. Chef Genji handpicks fresh fish from the market every morning. For the best value, visit during happy hour to sample a variety of menu items without breaking the bank )the Omakase menu can get pricey). The location is a bit hidden; take the elevator next to Olive Garden to the second floor, and the entrance is across from CPK. This place is typically empty during the week, which makes it feel almost like a private experience.
Good for: Sushi lovers and impressing your date.
Pasta | Bar
Location: Encino
Pasta Bar by Scratch Restaurant delivers an unforgettable Michelin-star dining experience. Every dish, from ravioli with king crab to Iberico pork cavatelli, showcases creativity and precision. The ambiance is intimate, with a bar-style dining area where guests interact with the chefs. With impeccable service, thoughtful beverage pairings, and a welcoming atmosphere, this place is a must try. But be warned, this is a splurge! Be prepared to spend upwards of $300+ per person
Good for: Special Occasions. Impressing your date.
Malama Pono
Location: Sherman Oaks
Malama Pono is a seafood-inspired neighborhood restaurant in Sherman Oaks featuring regional fusion cuisine with a Pacific influence. The food is fantastic.he ambiance - perfectly dimly lit. Giving it an intimate vibe but also dim where you can't really focus on any other table besides yours. It definitely gives date night vibes. They have indoor seating and a small patio for outdoor seating. - be sure to make a reservation.
Good for: Intimate date night vibes.
Pasjoli
Location: Santa Monica
Pasjoli is an excellent date spot for those seeking a luxurious yet intimate dining experience. With a five-course prix fixe menu and elegant French dishes, including a show-stopping pressed duck, it's perfect for impressing your date. The ambiance is refined but not over-the-top, offering polished service and a sense of indulgence. The attention to detail, paired with delicious wine and exceptional food, creates a memorable evening for a special occasion.
Good for: Intimate, impressive date spot.
Marvin
Location: Beverly Grove
Marvin, a cozy neighborhood spot in Beverly Grove, is our go-to for first dates. With a great wine list, delicious French-American food, and a welcoming atmosphere that feels like a cool friend’s dining room, it’s perfect for a relaxed yet impressive evening. Plus, it’s reasonably priced, making it an ideal choice if you want to keep it casual without overspending. Be sure to make a reservation for busy times!
Good for: relaxed, casual date night.
Le Great Outdoor
Location: Santa Monica
Le Great Outdoor offers a relaxed, garden-party vibe with expertly grilled dishes, farm-fresh produce, and great wine served on picnic tables. The laid-back atmosphere makes it feel like a backyard barbecue with friends, while the reserved parking lot ensures it's one of the easiest places to park on the Westside.
Good for: Casual first dates.
Si! Mon
Location: Venice
Si! Mon offers a lush, dreamy vibe with string lights and an ocean breeze, but the true magic lies in the dishes. Bold, bright, and beautifully presented, they offer exciting takes on Caribbean and Central American flavors. Chef Jose, hailing from Panama City, brings his expertise from one of the country’s top-rated restaurants.
Good for: Coastal date night.
Joliet Cafe & Bar
Location: Playa Vista
Joliet is an Italian inspired all-day bistro and bar, with the elegance of the deco culture of America’s past, located in Playa Vista. A place to eat, sip on exciting cocktails, drink unique wines with close friends and neighbors. Come for a rose lunch on their patio, sandwiches and bottles of wine to-go from their counter, or dinner and cocktails in their intimate jungle room.
Good for: Casual date spot. Day or night.
Lemon Grove
Location: Hollywood
Lemon Grove, perched atop The Aster at Hollywood and Vine, is a must-visit dining destination in Hollywood. Open to locals, hotel guests, and members, it’s an urban oasis perfect for brunch, happy hour, dinner, or late-night drinks and music. With evolving menus that always feature vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Good for: Impressing your date with a rooftop that isn’t overly crowded.
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