Los Angeles is one of California’s top-notch spots for romantic dining.
Hollywood, with all its glitter and glamour, represents the essence of the city of stars.
From breathtaking ocean views and rooftop bars with endless cityscapes, prepare to be swept off your feet by the magic of LA’s culinary scene.
So, grab your favorite someone, dress to impress, and get ready to savor an evening of exquisite flavors, heartwarming ambiance, and memories that will last a lifetime.
We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 most romantic restaurants in Los Angeles, catering to everyone from going on first dates to celebrating milestone anniversaries.
1. The Little Door
Located in the heart of Los Angeles, The Little Door is a hidden gem known as one of the 10 most romantic restaurants in Los Angeles.
Behind an unassuming facade, the restaurant’s intimate courtyard is adorned with twinkling lights, lush foliage, and bubbling fountains.
The menu celebrates Mediterranean flavors, focusing on French and Moroccan influences and offering artfully prepared dishes that delight the palate.
- Location: 8164 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048, United States | Get Directions
- Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 6 pm to 10 pm
Friday and Saturday: 5 pm to 11 pm
Sunday: 5 pm to 10 pm
2. Il Cielo
The charming courtyard of II Cielo, adorned with lush greenery, fragrant flowers, and softly glowing candles, creates an intimate and alluring atmosphere.
Il Cielo’s menu showcases Italy’s rich and diverse flavors.
You can try dishes like homemade tomato soup, charbroiled octopus, assorted Italian meats and mozzarella.
The Entrees include dishes such as Grilled Norwegian Salmon and Roasted Australian Lamb Chops.
The extensive wine list complements the dishes harmoniously.
- Location: 9018 Burton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90211, United States | Get Directions
- Opening Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday to Thursday: 5 pm to 10 pm
Friday: 5 pm to 11 pm
Saturday: 11 am to 2 pm, 5 pm to 11 pm
Sunday: 11 am to 2 pm, 5 pm to 10 pm
3. Santolina
Santolina, a stunning open-air Mediterranean eatery by the H.wood Group, transforms the rooftop of the Beverly Hilton into one of the most romantic spots in the city.
Twinkling lights and live Greek music on weekend nights add to the allure.
The Cal-Mediterranean cuisine by chefs Michael Teich and Burt Bakman impresses, and the rooftop ambiance is perfect for a romantic evening.
- Location: 9876 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, United States | Get Directions
- Opening Hours:
Monday Closed
Tuesday to Saturday: 5 pm to 10 pm
Sunday: 4 pm to 9 pm
4. Cara Restaurant
Cara Restaurant offers a trendy Los Feliz-ish setting with a reflective pool, olive and palm trees, and an open-air skylight.
The coastal Mediterranean design becomes downright romantic at night with mood lighting.
The straightforward menu includes crowd-pleasers like prosciutto and burrata starter and grilled sourdough.
Wednesday salsa dancing and weekend DJs add a lively touch to the front patio and bar area.
- Location: 1730 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States | Get Directions
- Opening Hours: 7 am to 11 pm every day
5. Inn of the Seventh Ray
Nestled off Old Topanga Road, the Inn of the Seventh Ray offers a bucolic city escape and is known for its romantic ambiance.
The multi-tiered outdoor dining space, draped in lights, lilac, and oak trees, creates a serene creekside scene.
The menu features roasted mushroom toast, grass-fed filet mignon, and black vinegar-braised short ribs.
With an organic-leaning wine list, the restaurant has been a romantic choice for nearly half a century.
- Location: 128 Old Topanga Canyon Rd, Topanga, CA 90290, United States | Get Directions
- Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 10 am to 2.30 pm, 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm
Friday: 10 am to 2.30 pm, 5.30 pm to 10 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 9 am to 3 pm, 5.30 pm to 10 pm
6. Élephante
After taking the elevator to this popular rooftop restaurant and bar in Santa Monica, you’ll be hit with vibes that scream relaxation.
Known for its seasonal California Italian cuisine and top-notch cocktails, Élephante boasts one of Santa Monica’s best indoor-outdoor spaces.
The chic modern wood furniture and various plants create a resort-like feel.
The Sunset Room offers a stunning ocean view, making it an ideal spot for a Westside date night.
The menu features favorites like whipped eggplant dip with house-made flatbread and excellent pizza, pasta, etc.
They also offer a sunny weekend brunch with options like soft polenta with eggs, crab, and sweet corn.
- Location: 1332 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States | Get Directions
- Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 10 am to 12 am
Friday to Sunday: 9 am to 1 am
7. Soulmate
Soulmate, a beautifully designed Spanish-Mediterranean restaurant in West Hollywood, sets a sultry tone, especially at night.
The dim lighting, olive trees, and lush vines make it a perfect backdrop for a romantic date.
The energetic feel of the place suits both early-in-the-game dates and those in more established relationships.
The menu offers excellent small plates, including spicy paella bites and patatas bravas, perfect for intimate conversations.
A soulmate is a scene-y yet romantic spot for celebrating love.
- Location: 631 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, United States | Get Directions
- Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 4.30 pm to 9 pm
Saturday: 11 am to 12 am
Sunday: 11 am to 9 pm
8. Mirate
Mirate, a Mexican restaurant and bar in Los Feliz, impresses with its dreamy open-air dining room and diverse seating options.
The towering tree overhead gives it an enchanted forest-like feel.
At the same time, various nooks and crannies add coziness for couples on a date night.
Chef Joshua Gil’s Baja-inspired menu features tasty tacos and drinking snacks.
The solid selection of tequilas, mezcals, and agave-based cocktails make it an excellent date night destination.
- Location: 1712 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States | Get Directions
- Opening Hours:
Monday to Wednesday: 5 pm to 11 pm
Thursday and Friday: 5 pm to 12 am
Saturday: 11 am to 12 am
Sunday: 11 am to 11 pm
9. Little Beast
The romantic story of Little Beast unfolds in an Eagle Rock Craftsman bungalow turned restaurant run by a husband-and-wife team.
The hyper-seasonal New American menu is served in a setting with low lighting, almost entirely candle-lit.
Get early to grab a seat at the tiny marble-topped bar or the cozy plant-draped front porch.
The banquette seats with tufted leather backing provide a perfect spot for a Valentine’s Day dinner.
The menu includes braised meatballs, duck liver mousse with sherry gastrique, and charred flat iron steak.
- Location: 1496 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041, United States | Get Directions
- Opening Hours:
Sunday to Thursday except Tuesday: 5 pm to 9 pm
Friday and Saturday: 5 pm to 10 pm
10. Catch LA
Perched above West Hollywood, Catch LA is the busy West Coast outpost of NYC’s popular globally influenced seafood spot.
The menu offers little surprise, but the see-and-be-seen element adds a thrill to any date night.
The open-air dining room with a retractable roof is stunning, and the staff knows how to make special occasions memorable.
Popular menu items include lobster macaroni, crunchy rice cakes, specialty rolls, and decadent desserts like the “Hit Me” chocolate cake and Ferris wheel of ricotta doughnuts.
- Location: 8715 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069, United States | Get Directions
- Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 6 pm to 11 pm
Friday: 5.30 pm to 11 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 11.30 am to 2.30 pm, 5.30 pm to 11 pm
Featured Image: Johnhartrealestate.com