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Outdoor seating at Mother Tongue in Hollywood.
Patio seating at Mother Tongue.
Wonho Frank Lee

17 Foolproof First Date Restaurants in Los Angeles

Whether you want fine dining or casual activities, we’ve got you covered

by Karen Palmer and Eater Staff Updated
2 comments / new
View as Map
Patio seating at Mother Tongue.
| Wonho Frank Lee
by Karen Palmer and Eater Staff Updated
2 comments / new

One of the few good things about dating in a city like Los Angeles is having so many choices of what to do on a first date. Whether you want all-out romance in a beautiful setting or a more casual date with a side of activities, LA’s got it.

LA’s date-planning options run the gamut of tastes, styles, and activities: some have incredible views, others have driving ranges. To help decide what to do (and eat) while getting to know someone for the first time, below is a handy list of some of the best first date restaurants in Los Angeles.

Added: Dudley Market, Gran Blanco, Voodoo Vin, Tail o’ the Pup, Topgolf, Mother Tongue, Agnes, Mandolin Taverna, Capri Club

Removed: Everson Royce, Olivetta, Swift Cafe, Gardena Bowl, Pizzeria Antica da Michele

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The Sunset Restaurant

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It’s hard to beat the views at the aptly named Sunset Restaurant in Malibu. The year-round dining destination does require a bit of a trek for anyone living in LA proper, but what better way to cap off a date of hiking or walking on the beach than with a glass of wine, a plate of seafood or pasta, and jealousy-inducing Instagram shots of the sun going down. Tagging one’s date is optional.

6800 Westward Beach Rd, Malibu, CA 90265
(310) 589-1007
(310) 589-1007
A charming sunset over a plate of spaghetti.
Sunset Restaurant
Sunset Restaurant

Dudley Market

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Share plates of super-fresh crudo and ceviche steps away from the beach at this buzzy seafood restaurant, newly helmed by Mexico-born chef Diego Hernandez. Order a bottle of skin-contact wine and snag a seat at the marble bar for dinner and a show of chefs expertly slicing fish in the kitchen, or sit outside for choice Venice Beach people-watching (an instant conversation starter if things start off a little slow).

9 Dudley Ave, Venice, CA 90291
(310) 392-0825
(310) 392-0825
Dudley Market
Peeking inside Dudley Market.

Also featured in:

Gran Blanco

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You’ll be surrounded by beautiful people at this lounge-y Venice bar and restaurant from the team behind Great White. Shared plates of urfa bieber-spiced shishito peppers and charred eggplant with whipped feta, as well as fun cocktails like a rosemary and lemon-infused martini and a tequila-spiked espresso martini, lend a hand to the place’s vibes.

80 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291
(424) 433-8095
(424) 433-8095

Also featured in:

Mirabelle Wine Bar

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Nestled in Valley Village is the cozy neighborhood Mirabelle Wine Bar, which feels like a fine French hideaway lit perfectly by warm light. Friendly bartenders will take the time to help with ordering the best beer or wine, while the food menu offers shareable plates like 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.

12518 Burbank Blvd, Valley Village, CA 91607
(818) 927-4241
(818) 927-4241
Mirabelle
Mirabelle wine bar
Mirabelle Official

Mírame

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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.

419 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 230-5035
(310) 230-5035
Indoor outdoor seating at Mirame Beverly Hills.
Mirame
Rich Marchewka

Also featured in:

Sosta

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For a no-pressure ambience 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 a warm evening dinner. At dusk, there’s nothing but candles to light the interior, lending that “falling in love” glow (even if you’re not).

439 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(424) 391-5959
(424) 391-5959
A charming Italian restaurant with wooden table and candle in the middle.
Sosta
Sosta

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Topgolf

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When trying to recreate Daniel and Ali’s iconic Golf N’ Stuff date from the original Karate Kid, the El Segundo outpost of Texas-based Topgolf is the pick. The multi-level sports complex has three floors of driving ranges outfitted with a variety of games that utilize microchipped golf balls to automatically keep score. As for the food, the wings, nachos, burgers, and expectedly nothing special, but the goal here is to hide a competitive streak.

400 S Pacific Coast Highway, El Segundo, CA 90245
(424) 567-6385
(424) 567-6385
Driving bays at Topgolf El Segundo.
Driving bays at Topgolf.
Matthew Kang

Also featured in:

Ardor

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Chef John Fraser’s seasonal menu is one of the best in West Hollywood, and 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, as tables go quickly. Just be forewarned that this won’t be a cheap date (Fraser’s mastery of flavors comes with a price), so this is for dates to impress.

9040 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
(424) 310-1572
(424) 310-1572
A pasta dish at Ardor in West Hollywood, California
Pasta at Ardor
Cathy Chaplin

Also featured in:

Tail o' the Pup

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Nothing says “romance” like a snappy hot dog topped with mustard and grilled onions. But in all seriousness, West Hollywood’s refurbished Tail o’ the Pup — with its throwback stand shaped like an actual hot dog and menu of dogs, loaded fries, burgers, soft serve, and more — is perfect for a casual day date. There’s even beer and wine, should the date linger past corn dog o’clock and into the early evening. (Note: the place closes at 8 p.m.)

Tail o' the Pup, 329 N. San Vincente Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90048
A close up shot of a hot dog stand ready to serve customers, with hanging menu.
Tail o’ the Pup’s throwback stand.
Wonho Frank Lee

Also featured in:

Portuguese Bend

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Sure, there are plenty of dining options at Portuguese Bend, but there’s more to do at Long Beach’s first distillery and prohibition-style bar. Options include a tasting room or a platform from which you can watch the spirit-making process. Order a well-made cocktail using one of the distillery’s crafted spirits, and let the conversation flow.

Portuguese Bend, California 90275
Portuguese Bend distillery in Long Beach, California shows its wraparound, deep red storefront at daytime.
Portuguese Bend
Wonho Frank Lee

Mother Tongue Restaurant

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With its curved leather booths, dramatic chandeliers, and patio with panoramic views, Michael Mina’s La Brea restaurant is a stone-cold stunner. The eclectic but upscale menu caters to those with specific dietary needs, including keto, anti-inflammatory, gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan — just in case the date’s a picky eater. Chances are they’ll find something they like from selections like hand-cut steak tartare, seven-vegetable couscous, and Jidori chicken “tikka masala.”

960 N La Brea Ave 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90038
(213) 319-7850
(213) 319-7850
Interior of Mother Tongue restaurant in Hollywood.
Mother Tongue’s dining room.
Wonho Frank Lee

Also featured in:

Voodoo Vin

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Pretend you know more about natural wine than you actually do at this Virgil Village wine bar and restaurant. Owners Natalie and Michael Hekmat feature a list of eight to 10 mostly Old World wines by the glass nightly, while chef Travis Hayden’s gorgeously presented housemade charcuterie, ‘nduja-fortified Bolognese, and buttermilk ice cream will distract from any awkward wine swirling.

713 N Virgil Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 522-3220
(323) 522-3220
A selection of small plates containing mortadella, anchovies, snap peas, charcuterie, and more.
Charcuterie and small plates at Voodoo Vin.
Liz Barclay

Also featured in:

LA Cha Cha Chá

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Walk one flight up into Mexico City import Cha Cha Chá, where the eastern view of Downtown is spectacular. Pair the view of the skyline with snacks like carnitas tacos, bluefin tuna tostadas, and beet-dressed shrimp ceviche. Pro tip: If one’s date happens to mention that they’re gluten-free (not unheard of in Los Angeles), there’s plenty to eat and drink at this Arts District stunner.

812 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 548-8487
(213) 548-8487
Outdoor patio at Cha Cha Chá in Downtown Los Angeles
Cha Cha Chá
Wonho Frank Lee

Also featured in:

Mandolin Taverna

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Not a member of a private club? No problem. Located on the ground level of Soho House’s Soho Warehouse in the Arts District, Miami transplant Mandolin Taverna serves coastal Greek and Turkish fare — and club membership isn’t required to share mezze like baked feta, grilled octopus, and grilled prawns on the breezy patio.

1000 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90021
(213) 205-1101
(213) 205-1101
A side look into a dark dining room of a new restaurant with wicker furniture.
Mandolin Tavern at Soho House.
Mandolin

Capri Club

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Aperitivo hour really is the best time for a first date; it’s low pressure, and there’s no commitment to an entire evening. Eagle Rock’s Capri Club caters to that exact need, with its menu of spritzes, classic cocktails, and bar bites like tuna-stuffed peppers. Slide into a red leather banquette in the wood-paneled bar, order a few drinks and snacks, and see where the night goes.

4604 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041
(707) 337-0170
(707) 337-0170
A corner look at a new bar with wood paneling and red booths, at daytime.
Seating at Capri Club.
Capri Club

Also featured in:

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Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery

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Make googly eyes over the beautifully presented cheese and charcuterie boards, tinned fish plates, and “snackadoos” like marinated olives at this popular Pasadena eatery and market. Ambitious first-daters can even sign up for a cheese class. Bonus: if the date doesn’t go well, pop into the “cheesery” to choose from a gorgeous selection of cheese and accoutrements to eat any feelings at home.

40 W Green St, Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 389-3839
(626) 389-3839

Also featured in:

BLVD MRKT

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There may not be a better rambling first date than walking around BLVD MRKT’s shipping container restaurants, having conversation while ordering Nola Cajun and Creole’s gumbo, Vcho’s pupusas, La Crosta’s wood-fired pizza, or Los Taquero Mucho’s tacos. Try Cafe Santo’s coffee or Alchemy Craft’s watermelon sugar-rimmed Mexican lollipop cider while telling life stories at one of the cozy communal tables.

520 Whittier Blvd, Montebello, CA 90640
(323) 863-5566
(323) 863-5566
BLVD MRKT food hall in Montebello, California
BLVD MRKT
622 productions/Fixè Group

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The Sunset Restaurant

6800 Westward Beach Rd, Malibu, CA 90265

It’s hard to beat the views at the aptly named Sunset Restaurant in Malibu. The year-round dining destination does require a bit of a trek for anyone living in LA proper, but what better way to cap off a date of hiking or walking on the beach than with a glass of wine, a plate of seafood or pasta, and jealousy-inducing Instagram shots of the sun going down. Tagging one’s date is optional.

6800 Westward Beach Rd, Malibu, CA 90265
(310) 589-1007
(310) 589-1007
A charming sunset over a plate of spaghetti.
Sunset Restaurant
Sunset Restaurant

Dudley Market

9 Dudley Ave, Venice, CA 90291

Share plates of super-fresh crudo and ceviche steps away from the beach at this buzzy seafood restaurant, newly helmed by Mexico-born chef Diego Hernandez. Order a bottle of skin-contact wine and snag a seat at the marble bar for dinner and a show of chefs expertly slicing fish in the kitchen, or sit outside for choice Venice Beach people-watching (an instant conversation starter if things start off a little slow).

9 Dudley Ave, Venice, CA 90291
(310) 392-0825
(310) 392-0825
Dudley Market
Peeking inside Dudley Market.

Gran Blanco

80 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291

You’ll be surrounded by beautiful people at this lounge-y Venice bar and restaurant from the team behind Great White. Shared plates of urfa bieber-spiced shishito peppers and charred eggplant with whipped feta, as well as fun cocktails like a rosemary and lemon-infused martini and a tequila-spiked espresso martini, lend a hand to the place’s vibes.

80 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291
(424) 433-8095
(424) 433-8095

Mirabelle Wine Bar

12518 Burbank Blvd, Valley Village, CA 91607

Nestled in Valley Village is the cozy neighborhood Mirabelle Wine Bar, which feels like a fine French hideaway lit perfectly by warm light. Friendly bartenders will take the time to help with ordering the best beer or wine, while the food menu offers shareable plates like 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.

12518 Burbank Blvd, Valley Village, CA 91607
(818) 927-4241
(818) 927-4241
Mirabelle
Mirabelle wine bar
Mirabelle Official

Mírame

419 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

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.

419 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 230-5035
(310) 230-5035
Indoor outdoor seating at Mirame Beverly Hills.
Mirame
Rich Marchewka

Sosta

439 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

For a no-pressure ambience 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 a warm evening dinner. At dusk, there’s nothing but candles to light the interior, lending that “falling in love” glow (even if you’re not).

439 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(424) 391-5959
(424) 391-5959
A charming Italian restaurant with wooden table and candle in the middle.
Sosta
Sosta

Topgolf

400 S Pacific Coast Highway, El Segundo, CA 90245

When trying to recreate Daniel and Ali’s iconic Golf N’ Stuff date from the original Karate Kid, the El Segundo outpost of Texas-based Topgolf is the pick. The multi-level sports complex has three floors of driving ranges outfitted with a variety of games that utilize microchipped golf balls to automatically keep score. As for the food, the wings, nachos, burgers, and expectedly nothing special, but the goal here is to hide a competitive streak.

400 S Pacific Coast Highway, El Segundo, CA 90245
(424) 567-6385
(424) 567-6385
Driving bays at Topgolf El Segundo.
Driving bays at Topgolf.
Matthew Kang

Ardor

9040 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Chef John Fraser’s seasonal menu is one of the best in West Hollywood, and 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, as tables go quickly. Just be forewarned that this won’t be a cheap date (Fraser’s mastery of flavors comes with a price), so this is for dates to impress.

9040 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
(424) 310-1572
(424) 310-1572
A pasta dish at Ardor in West Hollywood, California
Pasta at Ardor
Cathy Chaplin

Tail o' the Pup

Tail o' the Pup, 329 N. San Vincente Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90048

Nothing says “romance” like a snappy hot dog topped with mustard and grilled onions. But in all seriousness, West Hollywood’s refurbished Tail o’ the Pup — with its throwback stand shaped like an actual hot dog and menu of dogs, loaded fries, burgers, soft serve, and more — is perfect for a casual day date. There’s even beer and wine, should the date linger past corn dog o’clock and into the early evening. (Note: the place closes at 8 p.m.)

Tail o' the Pup, 329 N. San Vincente Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90048
A close up shot of a hot dog stand ready to serve customers, with hanging menu.
Tail o’ the Pup’s throwback stand.
Wonho Frank Lee

Portuguese Bend

Portuguese Bend, California 90275

Sure, there are plenty of dining options at Portuguese Bend, but there’s more to do at Long Beach’s first distillery and prohibition-style bar. Options include a tasting room or a platform from which you can watch the spirit-making process. Order a well-made cocktail using one of the distillery’s crafted spirits, and let the conversation flow.

Portuguese Bend, California 90275
Portuguese Bend distillery in Long Beach, California shows its wraparound, deep red storefront at daytime.
Portuguese Bend
Wonho Frank Lee

Mother Tongue Restaurant

960 N La Brea Ave 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90038

With its curved leather booths, dramatic chandeliers, and patio with panoramic views, Michael Mina’s La Brea restaurant is a stone-cold stunner. The eclectic but upscale menu caters to those with specific dietary needs, including keto, anti-inflammatory, gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan — just in case the date’s a picky eater. Chances are they’ll find something they like from selections like hand-cut steak tartare, seven-vegetable couscous, and Jidori chicken “tikka masala.”

960 N La Brea Ave 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90038
(213) 319-7850
(213) 319-7850
Interior of Mother Tongue restaurant in Hollywood.
Mother Tongue’s dining room.
Wonho Frank Lee

Voodoo Vin

713 N Virgil Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029

Pretend you know more about natural wine than you actually do at this Virgil Village wine bar and restaurant. Owners Natalie and Michael Hekmat feature a list of eight to 10 mostly Old World wines by the glass nightly, while chef Travis Hayden’s gorgeously presented housemade charcuterie, ‘nduja-fortified Bolognese, and buttermilk ice cream will distract from any awkward wine swirling.

713 N Virgil Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 522-3220
(323) 522-3220
A selection of small plates containing mortadella, anchovies, snap peas, charcuterie, and more.
Charcuterie and small plates at Voodoo Vin.
Liz Barclay

LA Cha Cha Chá

812 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Walk one flight up into Mexico City import Cha Cha Chá, where the eastern view of Downtown is spectacular. Pair the view of the skyline with snacks like carnitas tacos, bluefin tuna tostadas, and beet-dressed shrimp ceviche. Pro tip: If one’s date happens to mention that they’re gluten-free (not unheard of in Los Angeles), there’s plenty to eat and drink at this Arts District stunner.

812 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 548-8487
(213) 548-8487
Outdoor patio at Cha Cha Chá in Downtown Los Angeles
Cha Cha Chá
Wonho Frank Lee

Mandolin Taverna

1000 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Not a member of a private club? No problem. Located on the ground level of Soho House’s Soho Warehouse in the Arts District, Miami transplant Mandolin Taverna serves coastal Greek and Turkish fare — and club membership isn’t required to share mezze like baked feta, grilled octopus, and grilled prawns on the breezy patio.

1000 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90021
(213) 205-1101
(213) 205-1101
A side look into a dark dining room of a new restaurant with wicker furniture.
Mandolin Tavern at Soho House.
Mandolin

Capri Club

4604 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041

Aperitivo hour really is the best time for a first date; it’s low pressure, and there’s no commitment to an entire evening. Eagle Rock’s Capri Club caters to that exact need, with its menu of spritzes, classic cocktails, and bar bites like tuna-stuffed peppers. Slide into a red leather banquette in the wood-paneled bar, order a few drinks and snacks, and see where the night goes.

4604 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041
(707) 337-0170
(707) 337-0170
A corner look at a new bar with wood paneling and red booths, at daytime.
Seating at Capri Club.
Capri Club

Related Maps

Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery

40 W Green St, Pasadena, CA 91105

Make googly eyes over the beautifully presented cheese and charcuterie boards, tinned fish plates, and “snackadoos” like marinated olives at this popular Pasadena eatery and market. Ambitious first-daters can even sign up for a cheese class. Bonus: if the date doesn’t go well, pop into the “cheesery” to choose from a gorgeous selection of cheese and accoutrements to eat any feelings at home.

40 W Green St, Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 389-3839
(626) 389-3839

BLVD MRKT

520 Whittier Blvd, Montebello, CA 90640

There may not be a better rambling first date than walking around BLVD MRKT’s shipping container restaurants, having conversation while ordering Nola Cajun and Creole’s gumbo, Vcho’s pupusas, La Crosta’s wood-fired pizza, or Los Taquero Mucho’s tacos. Try Cafe Santo’s coffee or Alchemy Craft’s watermelon sugar-rimmed Mexican lollipop cider while telling life stories at one of the cozy communal tables.

520 Whittier Blvd, Montebello, CA 90640
(323) 863-5566
(323) 863-5566
BLVD MRKT food hall in Montebello, California
BLVD MRKT
622 productions/Fixè Group

Related Maps