Where to go on a Date in LA: chic and cozy restaurants you’ll love

1 • Bottega Louie
West Hollywood - Italian cuisine

Every corner of Bottega Louie is visually stunning: high ceilings, marble accents, and an open kitchen concept create a vibrant atmosphere and make it a modern LA hotspot.

Bottega Louie is a mix of Italian restaurants and French patisserie in one place. It has the largest (in my opinion) pastry counter in LA, displaying colorful macarons, elegant tarts, cakes, eclairs, and other sweet treats.

The Louie Salad with blue crab is one of my favorites on the menu. It’s fresh, flavorful, and beautifully balanced. Another must-try is the carbonara pasta with green peas and crispy pancetta. It is full of creaminess without feeling too heavy.

A Margherita or Truffle pizza is always a good idea if you want to share - simple, flavorful, and perfect for a relaxed date.

While the macarons are often my number one choice, the beignets, raspberry eclair, and seasonal pastries are just as tempting.

Bottega Louie is an excellent spot for a morning date if you prefer something sweet in a fancy atmosphere, or a cozy evening with pasta or pizza

💵 Average price per person for dinner: $75 - 100
(with appetizer, entree, and dessert)

It has two locations: WEHO (my images from here) and Downtown LA.
Reservations via Resy. No reservation for Patisserie.

2 • Republique
Los Angeles - French cuisine

République is set inside a breathtaking historical 1929 building originally commissioned by Charlie Chaplin. With its Gothic arches, brick walls, and high ceilings, the space evokes timeless European charm.

A restaurant owned by chefs Walter and Margarita Manzke serves a French-inspired menu that celebrates seasonal ingredients and creativity. The menu changes seasonally, but every dish I've tried was delightful.

I'm especially in love with the Liberty Duck and the Prawns, both perfectly cooked and intensely flavorful. For dessert, the Tres Leches cake is a must-try signature dish.

In addition, République houses a bakery in the same building, where you can grab freshly baked pastries to go. It is open daily from 8 am to 1:30 pm.

Whether you come for a celebration dinner or a morning pastry, République feels like a little piece of old-world magic in Los Angeles.

💵 Average price per person for dinner: $80 - 120
(with appetizer, entree, and dessert)

Reservation via OpenTable

3 • Hinoki & The Bird
Century City - modern Сalifornian cuisine

Hinoki & the Bird is one of those places where design and flavors come together perfectly. The space feels stylish and cozy, with clean lines, natural wood textures, and lush greenery throughout the indoor and outdoor areas.

Located in Century City, this modern Californian restaurant blends subtle Asian influences with a minimalist elegance. Vibrant touches of edible flowers and microgreens on every plate create a unique charm and enhance your experience.

My favorite dishes include the lobster roll with its dark charcoal brioche bun, the hamachi sashimi with bright ponzu sauce, and the Japanese Okinawan yam with crème fraîche (yummy).

For dessert, the miso donuts with honey caramel sauce are a must-try -slightly sweet and airy. Their cocktail list offers unique flavor combinations that match the restaurant’s spirit.

Hinoki & the Bird is a perfect place to hide from the noisy city, savor beautifully prepared dishes, and enjoy a moment of effortless simplicity.

💵 Average price per person for dinner: $70 - 100
(with appetizer, entree, and dessert)

Reservation via Yelp

4 • Paloma Venice
Venice - Mediterranean cuisine

Paloma full of Mediterranean vibes in Venice. It blends relaxed California energy with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, creating a cozy and stylish atmosphere.

The spacious open-air patio, surrounded by greenery and soft sunlight, makes it a perfect setting for a leisurely breakfast or a romantic dinner under the stars.

Dinner menu has various fish and meat dishes, and delicious appetisers. Start your dinner with their silky hummus, or Muhaammara (roasted red pepper with nuts) perfectly seasoned and served with warm, fluffy pita bread.

The tuna tartare is another standout. It is fresh and delicately balanced, a must for those who appreciate clean, refined flavors. For something heartier, pasta, chicken shawarma, and skirt steak.

For a dessert, try the tiramisu or chocolate soufflé.

Paloma is the kind of place where you share plates, sip wine, and soak up the easygoing Venice vibe.

💵 Average price per person for dinner: $70 - 100
(with appetizer, entree, and dessert)

Reservation via OpenTable

5 • Si! Mon
Venice - Central American cuisine

Si! Mon is a charming restaurant set in a small private house in Venice. The dining rooms are located on different floors, including a spacious outdoor patio.

The setting feels intimate, with earthy textures, woven chairs, carved ceilings, and a warm glow from candles that make every corner feel special, like stepping into a beautifully curated home.

The cuisine is Central American, with vibrant influences from the Caribbean and South America and touches of California inspiration.

The menu is bold, creative, and full of unexpected flavor combinations. Some dishes are a bit spicy, adding even more excitement to the experience.

I especially love the tuna carpaccio yuca tostada, the baked oysters, and the Afro-Caribbean shrimp dumplings — each dish is layered with vibrant flavors and presented simply but nicely.

Si! Mon offers an unforgettable blend of bold flavors and an unexpected house dining experience.

💵 Average price per person for dinner: $60 - 100
(with appetizer, entree, and dessert)

Reservation via Resy

6 • Alisa wine & friends
Venice - Greek cuisine

Alisa Wine and Friends brings a Greek charm to Abbot Kinney. It feels like a cozy, light-filled space with a relaxed atmosphere and a Mediterranean-inspired spirit.

The restaurant's interior has warm, golden light from shell-shaped sconces. Decorative elements like plates and ceramic vases on the shelves and walls add a coastal charm and vacation mood.

The menu offers a beautiful selection of meze, fresh seafood, skewers, and vibrant seasonal dishes, all for sharing or enjoying a cozy date night.

Every plate is flavorful, from the eggplant dip to the octopus with carrot purée. Even the simplest ingredients create something delicious.

The wine list features crisp whites, elegant reds, and playful finds that pair beautifully with the food. For example, I tried a delicious glass of Xinomavro, a perfect match for the bright, vibrant dishes.

And if you're in the mood for something sweet, don't miss the goat cheese cheesecake. It's fantastic!

Alisa Wine and Friends has good food, great wine, and relaxed vibes.

💵 Average price per person for dinner: $70 - 100
(with appetizer, entree, and dessert)

Reservation via OpenTable

7 • Planta Cocina
Marina Del Rey - Plant-based cuisine

Planta Cocina combines vibrant plant-based flavors with stunning waterfront views of Marina del Rey.

Located just steps from the waterfront marina, the restaurant offers a breezy, elegant space filled with natural textures, tropical greenery, and soft coastal light. It is the perfect spot for a relaxed lunch or sunset dinner.

Originally founded in Florida, Planta quickly gained popularity for its innovative approach to plant-based cuisine, creating beautiful and flavorful dishes. The Marina del Rey location carries the same spirit with a coastal twist.

The menu blends bold Mexican, Californian, and Asian influences, featuring colorful tacos, creative bowls, maki rolls, and vibrant small plates — all crafted entirely from plants.

My favorites include the Unagi Eggplant (smoky and tender), the 1,000-layer Crispy Potatoes (crisp and addictive), and the Udon Noodles with truffle mushroom cream (so good).

Planta Cocina offers vibrant, plant-based cuisine with an ocean breeze and a view of Marina del Rey.

💵 Average price per person for dinner: $60 - 80
(with appetizer, entree, and dessert)

Reservation via Resy

8 • Dante
Beverly Hills - Italian-Mediterranean cuisine

Dante brings a little piece of New York’s culture. Dante NYC has been a legendary spot since 1915, known for serving small plates and cocktails in an updated historic setting. In 2023, it opened in Beverly Hills.

Located on the rooftop of the Maybourne Hotel, it offers stunning views of Beverly Hills and the Hollywood Hills, making every visit feel a little extra special.

The space is intimate and airy, part indoor with soft blue sofas and part breezy balcony with comfy armchairs and fresh flowers on the tables. It is not a huge place, but it feels relaxed and inviting, perfect for a date with a view.

The menu blends Mediterranean and Italian flavors, perfect for sharing (or not). One of my favorites is the Conchigliette al Ragu, pasta shells with slow-cooked pork and fennel ragu that practically melt in your mouth. As for dessert, their signature tiramisu is simply unforgettable. It is easily the best I have ever tasted.

Another reason to visit Dante is its extensive cocktail list, which features different styles of Negroni, Martini, and Spritz and a selection of non-alcoholic options.

Dante is where time slows down, where you can enjoy the view and sip a passionfruit Spritz or caviar Martini.

💵 Average price per person for dinner: $70 - 100
(with appetizer, entree, and dessert)

Reservation via website or Resy

9 • Novikov
Beverly Hills - Mediterranean-Italian cuisine

Novikov Beverly Hills offers a taste of Italy and the Mediterranean just a few steps from Rodeo Drive.

The atmosphere is elegant and inviting. The stylish open dining room, comfy bar area, and cozy seating area are perfect for anything from a business lunch to a fun dinner date.

The menu features a fantastic selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients, showcasing a variety of carpaccios and tartars, fresh salads, handmade pasta and pizza, grilled meats, and vibrant vegetable dishes.

And you can't go wrong with the Baked Eggplant Parmigiana. It's wonderfully tender and layered with rich tomato and cheese.

If you're visiting during the day, their lunch menu is a great way to experience more for less: two courses for $39, with an option to add a food, dessert, or wine item for an additional $13. Lunch hours feel calmer and more relaxed than the lively dinner rush, making them an even better time to enjoy the atmosphere.

In the evening, while the setting remains elegant, some dinner menu items may feel slightly overpriced for what they offer, something to keep in mind if you're planning a special night out.

Valet parking is available.

💵 Average price per person for dinner: $100 - 150
(with appetizer, entree, and dessert)

Reservation via website

10 • Baltaire
Brentwood - Steakhouse

Baltaire holds a special place in my heart; honestly, it's my favorite restaurant in Los Angeles.

Located in Brentwood, it offers a modern and classic atmosphere. The beautiful space has several areas for dining, a gorgeous outdoor terrace, and a wooden bar with lounge, which adds lively energy.

The charm is in the details: white tablecloths, soft leather chairs, and soft lighting. From some tables, you can watch the chefs at work through a glass-walled kitchen.

If you order the Greek salad, you'll see a preparation beside your table. A slight, elegant touch makes the experience even more personal - every meal here turns into a real celebration.

The menu is a haven for meat lovers. It starts with carpaccio and tartare and leads to the Wagyu section, featuring the Wagyu Tasting (9 oz): three cuts of incredible beef, each tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.

For dessert, don't miss the Powdered Beignets with a sauce trio or the Trio of Gelato. Both are unforgettable finishes, sweet and satisfying without feeling overwhelming.

If you come on Thursday or Friday evening, you’ll also enjoy live music, which adds even more charm to the already beautiful atmosphere.

No matter the occasion, Baltaire delivers an excellent dining experience.
Valet parking is available.

💵 Average price per person for dinner: $100 - 150
(with appetizer, entree, and dessert)

Reservation via OpenTable

11 • Telerific Barcelona
Brentwood - Spanish cuisine

Telerific is a little slice of Spain in Brentwood, offering a cozy, relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying good food and wine.

The menu is all about vibrant Spanish flavors. Their seafood paella is a classic favorite, but if you want something truly special, don't miss the versions with steak or duck - rich, intensely flavorful, and beautifully cooked.

My favorite appetizers include crab croquettes (crisp on the outside and creamy inside) and patatas bravas. For dessert, churros with Nutella are simply irresistible.

One of the highlights here is the Sangria Flight, a fun-tasting experience where you can sample red, white, and sparkling sangrias, each refreshing, fruity, and easy to love.

There's also a small market inside the restaurant, where you can buy Spanish products like olive oils, wines, and gourmet snacks to bring a little taste of Spain home.

Telerific is where a casual sangria tasting can easily turn into a leisurely evening full of tapas, laughter, and authentic Spanish spirit.

💵 Average price per person for dinner: $70 - 100
(with appetizer, entree, and dessert)

Reservation via OpenTable

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