This is my list of the most romantic restaurants in Los Angeles that you need to book for anniversaries, birthdays, Valentine’s day, or when you really want to impress someone special.
The restaurants on this list either have exceptional ambiance, or exceptional cuisine, or both! All are sure to make your date feel special!
1. Yamashiro (Hollywood)
I’m ranking Yamashiro as the most romantic restaurant in Los Angeles because of the exotic Japanese ambiance (you feel like you’re in a samurai movie), as well as the breathtaking view.
Unlike other restaurants that tout a good view, you don’t have to worry about not getting a table with a view, because you’ll actually get the best view after dinner while strolling in the gardens in front of the restaurant. One of the best things about Yamashiro is that there’s a “built-in” after-dinner activity. Grab a drink at the Pagoda Bar and take in the twinkling lights of Hollywood with Downtown LA in the distance. Or, find a secluded make-out spot (haha). Read more in my full review of Yamashiro.
I like the food at Yamashiro (it’s Japanese inspired, of course), but Yamashiro not generally known for its food. If you or your date is a foodie who wants a meal prepared by a world-renowned chef, there are plenty of other restaurants on this list that will satisfy. Yamashiro is amazingly romantic, however!
Pros:
- Amazing ambiance
- Breathtaking views
- Built-in super-romantic after-dinner activity (the front gardens)
- Unique experience
Cons:
- Food is not from a world-renowned chef
- Service can be uneven
2. Merois at the Pendry Hotel
Located in the penthouse of the Pendry Hotel in West Hollywood on the Sunset Strip, Merois combines amazing ambiance and stunning views with the impeccable cuisine of Wolfgang Puck. So whether your date is a foodie or prefers to be at the hottest hippest spot in town, you really can’t go wrong with this Merois!
Pros:
- Great menu by Wolfgang Puck
- Amazing ambiance and view
- Very hot and hip right now
Cons:
- Difficult to score reservations
3. 71 Above (Downtown LA)
71 Above is my pick for the most romantic highrise restaurant in Downtown LA. Peering down from the 71st floor of the US Bank tower, other high rises look downright puny.
The sleek modern interior is equally impressive, and the American cuisine from chef Vartan Abgaryan will satisfy even the most discriminating foodie. More in my full review of 71 Above.
Pros:
- Amazing ambiance
- Breathtaking views
- World-class American cuisine
Cons:
- Far-in-advance reservations required for peak times
4. The Restaurant at the Getty (Lunch Only)
“The Restaurant” (yes, that is the official name) at the Getty is one of my secret picks that you won’t find on a lot of LA restaurant lists. No one thinks of a museum restaurant as having particularly good food or ambiance, but this one has both!
The Restaurant at the Getty has Mediterranean, California-inspired cuisine using locally-sourced ingredients in a modern, open, dining room.
I also like the idea of taking the tram up the hill to get to this place. It’s like you’re going on a mini-vacation for one evening; it makes the experience extra special.
Unfortunately, the Restaurant at the Getty only offers dinner on Saturday nights. I think it’s a great experience. Lunch is offered every day, but that means you can wander the museum and grounds afterward. That would make a great daytime date!
Pros:
- Impressive cuisine that will satisfy a foodie
- Amazing ambiance and location
- Breathtaking views
- Unique experience, not well known
Cons:
- Dinner is only offered on Saturdays.
5. The Little Door (Mid City)
Nestled in the middle of restaurant row on Third Street in mid-city, The Little Door, is widely acknowledged as one of the most romantic restaurants in Los Angeles. It’s famous for its outdoor patio. The food is excellent as well. You pretty much can’t go wrong if you bring a date here on a special occasion.
Plus, there’s plenty to do afterward with lots of nearby bars, the Magnolia bakery across the street with their famous banana pudding for dessert, or the Grove.
Pros:
- Super romantic ambiance
- Excellent food and service
- Lots to do nearby
Cons:
- None
6. Spago (Beverly Hills)
Perhaps the most famous chef in the world is Wolfgang Puck, and Spago is his flagship restaurant in Beverly Hills. There are restaurants with better ambiance, but if you want to impress a foodie, you can’t go wrong with Spago. The food and service are amazing, and you just might see a celebrity or two.
Pros:
- Amazing food
- World-famous chef
- Great service
Cons:
- Atmosphere is good but not amazing
7. Nobu (Malibu)
It would be hard to top an evening having sushi by Iron Chef Nobu Matsuhisa while watching the sunset on the Malibu shore. If you or your date is a foodie, Nobu will not disappoint.
Pros:
- Amazing sushi and Japanese-inspired cuisine from Iron Chef Nobu Matsuhisa
- Exceptional service
- Seaside Malibu location
Cons:
- Pricey!
- Reservations required far in advance
8. Perch (Downtown LA)
If you want to go somewhere with high hipness factor, the rooftop Perch restaurant will impress.
Dine outside with a view of Pershing Square. Then go upstairs for drinks. But, if you stay too long, it will get crowded with long lines of singles trying to get in.
Afterward, there’s plenty of other things to do in Downtown LA.
Pros:
- Amazing rooftop ambiance
- Breathtaking views
- Plenty of other things to do within walking distance afterward
Cons:
- Can get overrun later in the night with bar-hoppers
- Not good if you or your date has vertigo; this place is high up!
9. Geoffrey’s Malibu
Most lists of romantic restaurants in Los Angeles will include Geoffrey’s Malibu due to its ocean-side location, open-air charm, and outdoor fire pits. This is a frequent destination for anniversaries and special occasions!
Pros:
- Romantic, ocean-side ambiance
- Beautiful views
Cons:
- Can be pricey for this level of cuisine
10. Il Cielo (Beverly Hills)
Another restaurant commonly found on “most romantic” lists is Il Cielo in Beverly Hills, with its super charming interior and patio. This is a “go-to” destination for anniversaries, birthdays, and the like. If you’re looking for a storybook-like romantic atmosphere, check out Il Cielo.
Pros:
- Super romantic interior and patio
Cons:
- None
11. Providence (Mid City)
Providence is a Michelin-star restaurant that pretty consistently ranks in the top ten of most LA food critics’ lists. Chef Michael Cimarusti delivers award-winning modern American seafood in a tranquil setting.
This restaurant is not for everyone. It’s all about the food. If you’re a foodie, you’ll appreciate this cuisine. Otherwise, you’ll think it’s overpriced and pretentious. The last time we ate here in 2023, dinner for two was around $900!
Pros:
- World-class cuisine, some say the best restaurant in Los Angeles
- Impeccable service
- Good ambiance
Cons:
- Pricey of course!
- Portions are not large
- Menu might be too unorthodox if you’re not a foodie
12. Cicada (Downtown LA)
Stepping into the Cicada restaurant is like going back in time to the 1930s. Many TV shows and moves were filmed here, from “Mad Men” to the Tango scene in “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.
On “Cicada Club” nights, you’ll be entertained by a live Swing band and you’ll have the opportunity to show off your moves on the dance floor.
Most nights they have a set three-course menu of classic American cuisine. The food is good, but I’m picking this place for the ambiance. You definitely want to dress up, vintage if you can, and pretend you’re living in a different time for an evening!
Pros:
- Amazing vintage ambiance
- Live Swing music on certain nights, with dancing
- Unique experience
Cons:
- Food is not from a famous chef
13. Inn of the Seventh Ray (Topanga)
Located in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains, Inn of the Seventh Ray has a magical ambiance where you’re surrounded by trees and the sounds of running water. Needless to say, this place is romantic, with a slightly New-Agey vibe.
Amazingly, the cuisine is just as good, with all seasonal organic ingredients. it will not disappoint a foodie!
Pros:
- Unique experience
- Romantic location and ambiance
- Surprisingly great food that will satisfy a foodie
Cons:
- A bit out of the way
- It was actually a bit too empty when we went in the middle of the week (that will definitely not be a problem around Valentine’s Day).
14. LA Prime (Downtown LA)
OK, let’s say 71 Above is all booked up, but you still want a high-rise dining experience. LA Prime at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel is a very underrated alternative. It’s a legit steakhouse that will satisfy any meat-lover. The views of downtown LA are spectacular, even if you’re not as high up as 71 Above.
Afterward, go to the famous rotating Bona Vista lounge for drinks in signature glasses while taking in the lights of the city.
Pros:
- Amazing ambiance and views
- Unique experience
- Very underrated cuisine (let’s keep this our secret)
- Good service
- Built-in after-dinner activity (the Bona Vista Lounge)
Cons:
- Not the hottest or hippest place in town
Bonus: Do a Hike and a Picnic!
If you want to celebrate a special occasion in a more unusual way with someone who loves the outdoors, consider putting together a picnic lunch and having it after going on a hike in the Santa Monica Mountains or Hollywood Hills! This has its own charm and uniqueness (especially if you waited too long to book one of the restaurants above)!
I hope this list was useful to you. What restaurants did I miss? Please comment below. – Brian
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