The 8 Most Romantic Restaurants in Los Angeles for a Dreamy Date Night
Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in an unforgettable dining experience in Los Angeles. Whether you’re planning a special date night, celebrating an anniversary, or just treating yourself and a loved one, these romantic restaurants in LA offer everything from oceanfront views to candlelit rooftop dining. Some people go all out with roses, chocolates, and candlelit dinners. Others—true MVPs—take it up a notch with a romantic getaway. Lucky for you, Los Angeles is brimming with restaurants that make romance their business. From seaside views to starry rooftops, these places serve up ambiance so dreamy, even Cupid would be jealous.
Why These Are the Best Romantic Restaurants in Los Angeles for a Date Night
This list is curated based on expert recommendations, customer reviews, and overall romantic ambiance—think candlelit tables, breathtaking views, and intimate settings perfect for a Valentine’s date night. I reviewed Michelin Guide ratings, local food critics’ top picks, and customer testimonials to ensure these restaurants create a memorable experience for you and your special someone.
Additionally, I considered Google review scores, OpenTable ratings, and my personal experience to compile this list. These restaurants consistently receive high praise for their atmosphere, service, and cuisine.
Whether you’re booking for Valentine’s Day or just want a romantic night out (or need an excuse to eat somewhere fancy), here’s your guide to the most romantic restaurants in the City of Angels.
1. Nobu Malibu
Website: Nobu Malibu
Where: Malibu
Why It’s Romantic: Oceanfront dining with celebrity spotting on the side.
What to Order: Black Cod Miso and Yellowtail Jalapeño.
Let’s face it: nothing says “I love you” like sushi so good you momentarily forget you’re paying rent in LA. Nobu isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience. With waves crashing against the shore as you sip on a perfectly balanced cocktail, this spot blends Japanese precision with a Malibu-chic vibe. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just pretending to be a celebrity for the night, Nobu delivers romance on a silver platter. Nobu Malibu offers breathtaking views and minimalist luxury that’ll make your date feel like royalty.
2. Geoffrey’s Malibu
Website: Geoffrey’s Malibu
Where: Malibu
Why It’s Romantic: Cliffside dining with a side of sunsets.
What to Order: Lobster Ravioli and a Champagne Toast.
At Geoffrey’s, every seat is the best seat in the house thanks to panoramic ocean views. This Malibu gem brings coastal romance to life with a terrace that feels like it’s floating above the Pacific. Whether you’re clinking glasses over a seafood tower or simply soaking in the salty breeze, this is the kind of place where proposals happen—and where love stories get their own scenic soundtrack. It’s like stepping into a postcard—just add wine.
3. 71 Above
Website: 71Above
Where: Los Angeles
Why It’s Romantic: Sky-high dining with views from Malibu to Laguna.
What to Order: Opt for their three-course tasting menu to keep it fancy.
Take your love to new heights—literally. 71Above is not just a restaurant; it’s a dining spectacle, perched 71 stories above Downtown LA. With a dining room encased in glass, every table offers a view worth lingering over. Whether you’re watching the city twinkle at night or basking in a golden sunset, this place guarantees a romantic backdrop that’s just as unforgettable as the meal itself. As the tallest restaurant in LA, 71Above offers stunning views and an upscale vibe perfect for impressing your significant other.
4. Inn of the Seventh Ray
Website: Inn of the Seventh Ray
Where: Topanga
Why It’s Romantic: A fairy tale in the woods.
What to Order: Seasonal tasting menu for the full magical experience.
Dining here feels like being transported to an enchanted forest. Hidden in the hills of Topanga Canyon, Inn of the Seventh Ray is pure rustic romance. The trickling creek, soft candlelight, and towering sycamores make it feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. Ideal for those who prefer a little magic with their meal, this spot is the definition of an intimate escape. String lights, bubbling creeks, and cozy tables tucked under trees—this is romance with a side of whimsy.
5. Firefly
Website: Firefly
Where: Studio City
Why It’s Romantic: Candlelit vibes and a heated patio.
What to Order: Seared Duck Breast or Filet Mignon.
Firefly is like a secret garden in the city. This year, they’re turning up the charm with a special Galentine’s celebration, perfect for those wanting to enjoy a romantic yet fun-filled evening with their closest friends. Expect a night of delicious bites, handcrafted cocktails, and an atmosphere so enchanting, it might just outshine any date night. Tucked away in Studio City, this spot is equal parts speakeasy and storybook romance. The ivy-covered walls, book-lined lounge, and glowing lanterns create an atmosphere so charming, it’s impossible not to feel like you’re in an old Hollywood love scene. Perfect for cozying up with a craft cocktail and losing track of time. With its dreamy ambiance, it’s perfect for an intimate dinner or for whispering sweet nothings over dessert.
6. The Penthouse at The Huntley
Website: The Penthouse at The Huntley
Where: Santa Monica
Why It’s Romantic: Panoramic ocean views with a side of chandeliers.
What to Order: Seafood Risotto and share the Chocolate Mousse.
Perched atop The Huntley, this spot is pure elegance. The Penthouse brings the best of Santa Monica’s coastal glam together—sweeping ocean views, plush white interiors, and chandeliers that twinkle just as much as the city lights. Whether you’re indulging in a lavish brunch or a sultry dinner date, this is the kind of place where romance feels effortless. Whether you’re watching the sunset or the city lights, it’s a recipe for romance.
7. Merois
Website: Merois
Where: West Hollywood
Why It’s Romantic: Rooftop dining with glam to spare.
What to Order: Duck Confit Fried Rice and Wagyu Short Ribs.
With its lavish interiors and rooftop views, Merois makes you feel like you’ve entered a VIP love story. Situated atop the Pendry in West Hollywood, this Wolfgang Puck masterpiece serves up Asian-inspired dishes with a side of pure luxury. Velvet seating, gold accents, and panoramic cityscapes make every moment feel like a scene from a glamorous date night movie.
8. Ardor
Website: Ardor
Where: West Hollywood, CA
Why It’s Romantic: Plant-filled vibes that scream “earthy chic.”
What to Order: Gooseberry Phyllo Pizza and Wild Salmon.
This spot oozes sophistication. This year, Ardor is offering a Galentine’s dinner and movie night that’s equal parts stylish and fun. Guests can enjoy an elegant yet cozy evening in a lush, garden-inspired space, indulging in a specially curated family-style menu featuring some of Ardor’s most beloved dishes. The night includes a welcome cocktail, a selection of gourmet sweet treats, and classic movie snacks to enjoy during a complimentary screening of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days in their state-of-the-art screening room. Ardor isn’t just for the ladies, this plant-filled paradise brings a lush, tropical twist to West Hollywood’s fine dining scene. From the botanical decor to the vibrant, farm-to-table menu, this place feels like a dreamy greenhouse designed for intimate conversations and unforgettable flavors. If your idea of romance involves aesthetics and amazing food, Ardor delivers both in style. The lush décor and creative menu make it the perfect place for those who love a little bit of everything—good food, great design, and better company.
Book Your Romantic Dinner in Los Angeles Today!
Pro tip: These restaurants tend to book up faster than you can say “last-minute reservations.” Be sure to call ahead or snag a table online. Many offer exclusive Valentine’s Day menus, so it’s worth checking for special prix fixe options to make the night extra memorable.
Final Thoughts on Romantic Dining in Los Angeles
No matter which restaurant you choose, remember this: ambiance is key, but it’s the company that makes the night. Whether it’s ocean views, rooftop drinks, or candlelit dinners, these spots set the stage—you just need to bring the romance.
What’s your favorite romantic restaurant in LA? Share your picks in the comments below! Looking for more date night ideas? Check out our guide to the best weekend getaways from Los Angeles.
