Nestled in Valley Village is the cozy neighborhood Mirabelle Wine Bar, which feels like a fine French hideaway lit perfectly by warm light. The friendly bartenders will take the time to help order the best beer, wine, or menu which sports charred alaskan octopus, burrata and charred baby leeks, or a solid cheese and charcuterie board. The outdoor dining is a fairly recent add, and it’s a special one.

It’s bound to be a romantic date at the pizzeria perhaps best publicized by author Elizabeth Gilbert, who mentioned Antica in her bestselling novel, Eat Pray Love. Its notoriety rose when Julia Roberts starred in the movie adaptation in 2010. Antica opened its Los Angeles outpost in 2019 with a pretty patio, fireplace, and birds-eye view into the pizza-making den, and the dates haven’t stopped since.

This understated (at least on the outside) Arts District bar can accommodate any type of date, whether stationed on the patio with a bocce ball court, or in the comfy interior. There’s something for every mood here because the cocktails are inventive and the food is delicious. For an easy pick, try the classic burger.

For a casual ambiance not far from the beach, it’s hard to beat Sosta in Hermosa. The charming Italian cucina seems perfectly built for handmade pasta, glasses of red wine, and sunset conversation that spills into warm evening dinner. At dusk, there’s nothing but candles to light the interior.

Chef John Fraser’s seasonal menu is one of the best in West Hollywood, but the dining room and stunning patio have all the right elements for an intimate dinner. Book a reservation quickly ahead of that special night, though.

Walk one flight up into Cha Cha Chá in the Arts District, where the eastern view of Downtown is spectacular. In the kitchen, Mexico City-born, LA-raised chef Alejandro Guzman will prepare something delicious that pairs well with the skyline.

With shareable taco plates, stellar cocktails, and a vibrant indoor-outdoor vibe, Mírame has a versatile menu for picking at plates while getting to know someone in Beverly Hills. While a lot of the restaurants in this part of town are overtly pricey or fancy, Mírame has a casual, rustic feel that feels romantic any night of the week.

If daytime dates are required, Leimert Park’s Swift Cafe is an ideal space to snuggle up in the corner facing Crenshaw Boulevard while dining on Chef Kyndra McCrary’s fresh menu.

Imagine walking around BLVD MRKT’s shipping container restaurants, having conversation, while ordering Nola Cajun and Creole’s gumbo, Vcho’s pupusas, or Los Taquero Mucho’s tacos. Try Cafe Santo’s coffee or Alchemy Craft’s watermelon sugar-rimmed Mexican lollipop cider while chatting at one of the cozy communal tables.

West Hollywood’s expansive Italian-influenced restaurant has a wide menu and plenty of different dining rooms to get into a romantic mood. The spaces feel lush and intimate, but with enough bustle and energy to not make dates feel awkward. The food from chef Michael Fiorelli is easy for anyone, with pastas, vegetables, and grilled meats that are fun to share.