The best date night restaurants in Los Angeles in 2026 are Bavel in the Arts District, Felix Trattoria and Gjelina in Venice, Tsubaki in Echo Park and the Tower Bar at Sunset Tower. Musso & Frank and Dan Tana's bring old-Hollywood romance, while Mírate and Kato suit a more adventurous evening.
A good LA date night pairs a great room with good food and an easy drive home. Book ahead, ask for patio seating on warm nights and plan a drink nearby before or after.
Middle Eastern cooking in a plant-filled, lofty room.
Bavel, from the team behind Bestia, serves Middle Eastern dishes such as hummus, lamb neck shawarma and wood-fired breads in a beautiful, plant-filled space.
It feels special without being stiff.
Good to know: Book ahead; share many small plates.
500 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Handmade pasta from Evan Funke on Abbot Kinney.
Felix serves regional Italian pastas made by hand in a glass-walled room, plus wood-fired dishes, on Abbot Kinney.
It is a warm, lively room for a date.
Good to know: Order the focaccia and two pastas to share.
1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
California small plates and pizzas on Abbot Kinney.
Gjelina is a busy Abbot Kinney restaurant serving seasonal vegetables, pizzas and small plates in a candlelit room with a back patio.
It defined the Venice dining scene.
Good to know: Ask for the back patio.
1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
A Japanese izakaya with excellent sake.
Tsubaki is an intimate izakaya in Echo Park, serving seasonal Japanese small plates and a top sake list.
Its sister sake bar, Ototo, is next door.
Good to know: Start with a drink at Ototo.
1356 Allison Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026
A candlelit Hollywood room with city views.
The Tower Bar is the restaurant inside the art deco Sunset Tower Hotel, with wood-paneled walls, piano music and a terrace overlooking the city.
It is pure old-Hollywood glamour.
Good to know: Book a terrace table for the view.
8358 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Hollywood's oldest restaurant and its martinis.
Musso & Frank has served Hollywood since 1919, with red booths, waiters in red jackets and classic martinis.
Sit in a booth for a romantic evening.
Good to know: Ask for a booth in the back room.
6667 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Red-sauce Italian and candlelit booths.
Dan Tana's is a dark, classic Italian-American restaurant with Chianti bottles, red booths and a celebrity crowd late at night.
It is fun and nostalgic.
Good to know: Go late for the full scene.
9071 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Agave cocktails and modern Mexican on a lush patio.
Mírate is a stylish Los Feliz restaurant and bar with a plant-filled patio, modern Mexican plates and an award-winning cocktail program.
It is lively and romantic.
Good to know: Book a patio table.
1712 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
A Taiwanese-inspired tasting menu for a special date.
Kato serves an inventive tasting menu inspired by Taiwanese flavors, paired with excellent cocktails.
It suits a celebration or anniversary.
Good to know: Book weeks ahead.
777 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
The Tower Bar at Sunset Tower, with its candlelit room and city views, is a classic. Felix Trattoria and Bavel are also favorites.
Gjelina in Venice or Tsubaki in Echo Park are relaxed but special.
Yes, especially on Friday and Saturday. Many popular spots book out two to four weeks ahead.
The Tower Bar and Sunset Tower's terrace, or The Lobster at the Santa Monica Pier.
Plan on about $100 to $250 for two before drinks at most places on this list.