The 21 Best Date Night Ideas in Los Angeles

The question where should we go on date night can be as vast as the city itself. Endless restaurants and experiences await you, but which ones are worth the precious dollars you’re about to shell out on food and babysitters? These are the 21 best date night ideas in Los Angeles that you don’t have to second guess because they’ve been expertly tested and categorized based on what kind of date you’re looking for. Now, all you need is the perfect partner to take with you!

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Where to go on a First Date in Los Angeles

This category pertains to the dazzlers and historically cool spots for a first date in Los Angeles that you may not have thought of yet.

LA Cha Cha Cha (DTLA)

Nothing says date night in Los Angeles like a rooftop in the Arts District. La Cha Cha Cha is a restaurant out of Mexico City headed by Executive Chef Alejandro Guzman. The experience of a night out there is pure joy, with a fully outdoor dining room and an intimate Barra space in the back to choose from. The menu changes often, but you can expect a version of a killer Tostada and Ceviche, among other dishes, to pair with your Mezcalita and Strawberry Milk Punch cocktails.

Food to Fall in Love With: Besides everything I referenced above, The Jicama Salad is one of my favorites – and it’s hard to say that about a salad. I recommend choosing several smaller dishes and splitting a Main between you and your date. That leaves plenty of room for Postres. Reserve here.

Blind Barber (Culver City/Highland Park)

Did you know there’s a place where you can sip on the hair of the dog and actually get your hair cut, too? Blind Barber has locations in both Culver City and Highland Park, and the Culver City spot just underwent a 1970s re”do.”

They open at 11 a.m. for haircuts and 6 p.m. for drinks in the back. Visit Monday to Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. to enjoy Happy Hour pricing that begins at $7 at the Culver City location.

Food to Fall in Love With: They make a mean Fancy Grilled Cheese, and the Hot Heather cocktail with tequila, Ancho Reyes Verde, and Gifard Pampelmousse is perfect for a steamy first date night. Reservations are available on the website.

Bacari Silverlake (Silverlake)

The outdoor dining room of Bacari Silverlake feels like you’re eating in a treehouse, and you can’t go wrong with weekend brunch or dinner, depending on what mood you’re going for. The menu is based in small plates, which is perfect for a first date because you can focus on conversation instead of cutting your food. It also keeps the price down a bit.

Food to Fall in Love With: Petit Filet and Rainbow Beets in the evening, Bacari Pancakes and Shawarma Tacos during brunch, and Bacari Fries and Squash Pizza anytime. Reserve here.

The Griffith Observatory (Griffith Park)

Make Los Angeles your own personal LA LA Land when you visit The Griffith Observatory as the sun goes down. Enjoy sweeping epic views of the city plus access to telescopes, hiking trails, and more just for the price of parking (not always easy to find, though, so be prepared for a walk). Set your sights on sunset if you’re really looking to take someone’s breath away. 

Food to Fall in Love With: The perfect follow-up to a night under the stars is a hand-crafted cocktail at Big Bar in Los Feliz or a plate of pasta at Little Doms.

Bar CDMX (DTLA)

Flash your I.D. and descend into the den of festive fun that is Bar CDMX. The bar is an ode to Mexico City, but the cocktails draw inspiration from multiple Latin American countries. It’s nearly impossible not to move your body to the Spanish rock music playing around you, and there’s a game room in the back, plus a pool table if you need more activities to keep the conversation flowing.

It’s also worth noting that Bar CDMX is located below two other very cool bar spaces: Seven Grand and Bar Jackalope, which specialize in brown spirits. You can make a whole night of it and explore all the floors – just be sure to splurge on an Uber.

Food to Fall in Love With: My favorite beverages on the menu include The Margarita de Mango y Mezcal, Caipirinha de Piña, and The Negroni de Oaxaca – which is actually a $7 Daily Happy Hour option. Bar CDMX is open from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday to Wednesday, with Happy Hour from 5 to 8 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday to Saturday with Happy Hour from 3 to 8 p.m. No reservations are needed.

Teleferic Barcelona (Brentwood)

It’s always a party at Teleferic Barcelona and that’s great when you’re just getting to know someone. Feed off the room’s energy and make it a first date you’ll never forget. The menu focuses on Pintxos and Tapas from the Basque region of Spain, which pair well with extra large Gin Cocktails.

Food to Fall in Love With: Pan con Tomate and Empanadas are excellent first-date bites, but the Gambas al Ajillo will let your date know you’re not afraid of a little garlic. Any of the Paellas are also perfect if your meal moves past pintxos, and they are meant for sharing. Reserve here.

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Where to go when you’re Going Steady in Los Angeles

This category is for lovers who are beyond the third date and are looking to push the envelope a little bit with new dishes and experiences but without breaking the bank. After all, you’re going out a lot!

Santuari (Toluca Lake)

You’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret Mediterranean enclave when you choose to dine at Santuari. It’s located in the Toluca Lake Country Club on Barham Boulevard, and I guarantee you’ve driven by it a few times without knowing the gem that’s hidden inside. The dining room is a romantic paradise, complete with dimly lit candles and the sounds of Ibiza. The lounge space is equally impressive if you’d rather not enjoy a whole meal. It features specialty bites and stellar cocktails that change with the seasons.

Food to Fall in Love With: The food menu updates seasonally, but you can’t go wrong with any of the small plates, like Clams with n’duja served with toasted bread. The Cocktails can become an obsession all their own, so visit during Happy Hour Wednesday to Friday night from 5:30 to 7 p.m. so you can try more for a little less. This takes place in the Lounge area only. Reservations for dinner can be made on the website.

The Ford Theater (Hollywood)

Everyone goes to The Hollywood Bowl, so impress your date by suggesting The Ford Theater instead. The intimate outdoor theater space lets you picnic at your seats, or you can choose to enjoy some of the food items from The Bodega at the Ford. The only caveat is The Ford is only open for shows in the summer.

Food to Fall in Love With: Enjoy Fried Chicken and Garlicky Potatoes from Chef David Kim and a Brooklyn Bee Pizza drizzled with hot honey from Chef Jason Winters. It’s all at The Bodega. You can save a little money by bringing your own Wine from home, though. Plan your night out here.

Harriet’s (West Hollywood)

Oh, those Hollywood nights you’re about to have! Harriet’s rooftop, located at the top of the 1 Hotel in West Hollywood, has one of the best views of the city, with some great food and drinks to match. Best of all, it’s cool without being too pretentious. They are open Monday to Friday, beginning at 5 p.m. and as early as 2 p.m. on weekends.

Food to Fall in Love With: Snack on a Veggie Crudite or dig into a Lobster Roll, depending on what kind of night you’re having. The JoJo Cocktail is one of their longest-running, made with vodka, strawberry, and “kissed with prosecco.”

The 1917 Wine Bar & Bistro (DTLA)

Did you know there’s a winery in the city of Los Angeles? San Antonio Winery has been around since 1917; as the story goes, it’s just the city that grew up around it. In the last few years, they’ve done a massive renovation to the location and created a romantic outdoor patio to go with the tasting room. You can visit for a meal or a shopping trip, but for date night, it’s fun just to go and try some wine at The 1917 Wine Bar & Bistro. They’ve also got Paint & Sip, Comedy Nights, and Live Music – so there’s always something new and fun to try out.

Food to Fall in Love With: Enjoy a Flight of 5 or so Wines with a Charcuterie for around $45. Make your Booking on Tock.

Checker Hall (Highland Park)

Checker Hall is known as a bar and music venue, but they also serve dinner, and it’s pretty fantastic. It’s guaranteed to show your date that you are hipper than you look, and the prices on entrees keep it classy in your wallet, too.

Food to Fall in Love With: A Screaming Parrot Cocktail crafted with Singani 63 and a Checker Hall Burger is the perfect combination, but you can’t go wrong with Swordfish Skewers and Seared Halloumi, either. Reserve here and remember that Happy Hour is from 5 to 6 p.m. daily.

Camphor (DTLA Arts District)

Ok, this night might set you back a little, but it doesn’t have to. Camphor is a French bistro with Indian twists that also happens to have a Michelin star. You can enjoy a 5-course meal or just settle in for some superior Cocktails and share a dish or two between you. It’s also more romantic that way.

Food to Fall in Love With: The Provence Martini is washed in French olive oil and comes with a sidecar – so it’s like getting two drinks for the price of one. The Steak Tartare is sublime, but you can’t go wrong with Le Burger and Pommes Frites either. Reserve on Resy.

Tapizon (El Segundo)

Brazilian-fusion restaurant Tapizôn Bar and Kitchen in El Segundo is exceptional and will feel like a secret you’re sharing with just your date. They offer Daily Happy Hour at 3:30 p.m. and a Bottomless Bossa Nova Brunch on the weekends that kicks off at 11 a.m. The restaurant is covered with gorgeous art, so you get a meal and a show.

Food to Fall in Love With: The Cheesy Tapioca Dice and Picanha Burger are personal favorites, but the more traditional Feijoada is also not to be missed. For drinks, it’s Caipirinhas all day. Reserve on Yelp.

Hippo (Highland Park)

Hippo, which stands for the Highland Park Post Office in which it resides, is one of the quintessential L.A. restos: it’s light and airy, serves excellent pasta, and is bustling without being too busy. Staples like the Cool Wax Beans and Griddled Cauliflower have been on the menu since its inception, but the Pasta section is constantly changing with the seasons.

Food to Fall in Love With: The Sweet Corn Capellacci is a life-changer; if you see a Butterscotch Budino on the menu, be sure to order it. Chef Matt Molina is a disciple of Nancy Silverton, whose Mozza restaurant is the inventor of this most famous Angeleno dessert. Reserve here.

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Where to go when you’re Married with Kids in Los Angeles

This category is for the been there, done that; I got a sitter for this! Prepare to be wowed!

Il Cielo (Beverly Hills)

Rock it like it’s 1990 with dinner at Il Cielo in Beverly Hills. The romantic garden restaurant has been making memories for decades thanks to its stellar al fresco dining under the twinkling lights and stars. It never gets old – just like your relationship :).

Food to Fall in Love With: Lobster Pappardelle with White Truffle, anyone? You can also sweeten up any meal with an A La Carte Romance Package featuring Rose Petals and Champagne (price starts at $45). Reserve on OpenTable.

The Tower Bar (West Hollywood)

If Harriet’s (category above) is for your dating life, The Tower Bar means you’ve made it down the aisle. The vibe is impeccably cool no matter what time you visit – and they keep the bar area dimly lit even at 2 p.m. Best of all, though, you’ll find live music almost every night of the week beginning at 7 p.m. Choose between a jazz quartet or a piano and bassist, as there are two sections of The Sunset Tower Hotel with live music at the same time.

Food to Fall in Love With: While I’m not in love with many of the overpriced food items, it’s a great time to rendezvous with some classic dishes of the past: Deviled Eggs a la Russe, I’m looking at you. The Cocktails are as stiff as they come, and the booths couldn’t be more cuddly. This is also an establishment that prides itself on discretion, so you can enjoy as much PDA as you want without feeling too “seen” (unless that’s your thing). Reserve via OpenTable.

Meteora (West Hollywood)

Mastermind Chef Jordan Kahn (Vespertine) has done it again with Meteora, serving a tasting-menu dinner that is pure theater in an arena that feels like a cross between Tulum and the moon! The menu changes seasonally, and attention is paid to hyper-local ingredients and small farmers. Cocktails like the Fig Leaf Martini utilize every part of the plant in its creation and it’s the perfect way to prepare yourself for the experience ahead.

Food to Fall in Love With: Honestly, you aren’t here for the food, so why not save a little money and still enjoy a tasting menu? A specially priced and shorter-tasting menu is served on Wednesday, Thursday, or Sunday nights for $75. Reserve on OpenTable.

Dunsmoor (Glassell Park)

Dunsmoor, from Chef Brian Dunsmoor (Hatchet Hall), was one of the best restaurants of 2023. It’s daring yet approachable, and while the theme is regional Southern cuisine with deep historical roots, it somehow feels completely Angeleno and of the moment. The restaurant is a stunner, with a beautiful bar area attached to begin and end your night.

Food to Fall in Love With: The Mushroom Crusted Pork Chop and Edna’s Sour Milk Cornbread will make you a happier couple. Reserve on OpenTable.

Bestia (DTLA Arts District)

Bestia is responsible for putting Los Angeles on the culinary dining map of the world back in the early 2010s, not to mention being among the first to venture into the Arts District, and it’s still going strong today. Restaurants like Bavel and Saffy’s from Chef Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis have opened in its wake – but something about Bestia keeps us all coming back.

Pizza, Pasta, and Roasted Meats dominate the menu, and it’s hard to find a dish that isn’t perfect. The restaurant is always crowded, but sometimes that’s the kind of vibe you need to prove you’re still alive and kicking in the city.

Food to Fall in Love With: Begin with a Salumi Platter or a Roasted Marrow Bone if you’re diving right in! Anything on the Pizza and Pasta menu is guaranteed to be delicious. Wine is popular with Italian-style cooking, but the Cocktails are genuinely inventive and might be worth enjoying – especially if you’re waiting for your table despite a reservation. Make those on OpenTable.

The Velvet Martini Lounge (Studio City)

The Velvet Martini Lounge, located above Vitello’s Restaurant in Studio City, is your spot if you love crooners and old Hollywood vibes. They open for service as early as 5 p.m. (which is great if you have little ones at home), but the Live Music doesn’t get going until 6:30 p.m. The ambiance is so lovely, though; you might not mind if it’s just you and your lover listening to Frank Sinatra on a plush couch with a duo of Manhattan Cocktails.

There’s also an even more secret speakeasy called The Rendition Room if you’re just looking for cocktails instead of music. Make your reservations here for that intimate space. They are open from Tuesday to Sunday, beginning at 5 p.m.

Food to Fall in Love With: The food is not very good, so make this your spot for drinks only. I’m a fan of the Manhattan Cocktail. Make reservations here for Thursday to Sunday night at The Velvet Martini Lounge.

Damian (DTLA Arts District)

Damian, from Chef Enrique Olvera, serves dishes that are Mexican in spirit but crafted with Angeleno parts, like the Shishito Martini and Shrimp Aguachile made with persimmon. The vibe is dark and hip – unless you’re there during Brunch, when the light streams in from the open-air warehouse space and makes it easier to eat your Fried Chicken.

Food to Fall in Love With: Menu musts include the Duck Carnitas – made for sharing – and the Guacamole and Kanpachi Ceviche. The Cocktail program is wonderfully detailed, so choose wisely. Make your reservations here.