As home to Hollywood smiles, breathtaking sunsets and landscapes that leave you speechless, there’s no surprise that this city’s endless beauty spills over into every aspect of life, including the eateries. Whether you’re out to impress a date or have a penchant for lingering in a gorgeous setting while you nosh on delicious eats, any one of these romantic restaurants in Los Angeles will leave you more than satisfied.
From historic hilltop spots and sleek rooftop havens to storied venues that ooze charm, below you’ll find a list of beautiful restaurants in L.A. that are as much a feast for the palate as they are for the eyes.
1. Dining in the Dark
Forget everything you already know about formal dining and traditional table manners. You’re going to have to feel around in the dark and get creative to fully experience the symphony of senses when dining in the dark. Get a gift card for a special someone, to an experience that provides next-level service, culinary excellence, and one-of-a-kind experiential gatherings.
2. Redbird
The stunning ambiance of Redbird makes it an ideal choice for any romantic occasion — think date nights, anniversaries, birthdays and any kind of celebration (or whenever you’re feeling indulgent). There’s a reason why this upscale, Modern American restaurant located in a historic cathedral is a go-to wedding venue, with its classic arched ceilings, sun-lit rooms, impeccable interior design and lush garden area.
The breathtaking setting is reason enough to visit, but the menu really takes Redbird over the edge. Chef Neal Fraser places seasonality at the center, spotlighting the bounty of California’s fresh and native ingredients. We’re big fans of their brunch offering, with highlights including the brioche doughnut (said to be one of the chef’s favorites), cinnamon crunch french toast, short rib hash and basque baked eggs. But truly you can’t go wrong visiting any time of day.
📍 114 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
3. Mother Wolf
This newcomer has quickly become the Dorsia of L.A., with reservations that are nearly impossible to come by. However, if you’re patient and love planning in advance you might get the chance to take a seat in one of the plush red leather banquettes in Mother Wolf, where you can bask in the warm ambient light and spot A-List celebrities while dining on comforting Italian fare by Chef Evan Funke.
📍 Location: 1545 Wilcox Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
4. Merois
Perched atop the Pendry Hotel in West Hollywood, Merois is a beautiful restaurant in LA helmed by famed chef Wolfgang Puck. Its soft draped canopies with a subtle sheen make the light from the chandeliers dance across the room, illuminating the carefully curated details.
The floor-to-ceiling windows blur the lines between the indoors and outdoors, making you feel like you’re dining in a tasteful wedding tent. The sweeping views of Sunset Boulevard and raw sushi menu paired with the stunning interiors make it an easy romantic restaurant choice for a date in LA.
📍 Location: 8430 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA
5. 71 Above
Head up to the 71st floor of the landmark US Bank Tower building and opt for the Edge Table. Once you step into 71 Above absolutely everything is elevated, which means you’ll be floating amongst the clouds with unparalleled views of the twinkling DTLA skyline, an elite tasting menu and impeccable service.
📍 Location: 633 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA
6. Bacari Silver Lake
If a glowing treehouse setting says “romantic” to you then Bacari in Silver Lake is a no-brainer, because it’s one of the most beautiful restaurants in LA. At the heart of the beloved space, you have a gorgeous tree with strings of fairy lights lighting up the pathways around it and the delicious casual plates on offer. It also has varied seating levels, making each table feel private—perfect for playful chats and cheeky kisses.
📍 Location: 3626 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
7. Elephante
While Elephante’s idyllic views of swaying palms and crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean are an obvious draw, the most beautiful thing about this Santa Monica hotspot is that you’d never expect what you’ll find behind its unassuming entrance. It’s virtually impossible not to be enchanted by the setting, service and food here, making it the perfect place for an intimate date or special occasion with your S/O.
📍 Location: 1332 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA
8. Yamashiro
Yamashiro means “mountain palace” in Japanese and it lives up to its name entirely. This jaw-dropping restaurant was built in 1914 and was initially meant to house an impressive collection of Asian treasures, yet it has turned into a treasure itself. It’s located 250 feet above Hollywood Boulevard, covered in ornate Oriental detailing and has romantic garden settings that will transport you straight to Kyoto. Adding to the incredible views, you can also find a menu that caters to just about any mood.
📍 Location: 1999 N. Sycamore Ave Hollywood, CA
9. Oriel
This incredibly intimate bistro oozes romance. Tucked away beneath the Metro overpass is this former auto repair shop bathed in a pink neon glow with incredible wines paired with French cuisine. Expect cheesy onion soup, beef tartare and other decadent dishes served with beautiful sides in an industrial (but cozy) ambience.
📍 Location: 1135 N Alameda, Los Angeles, CA, 90012
10. The 1917
Head to this romantic restaurant and winery in Downtown L.A. and soak up history as you sip on some of the finest grapes in the region at The 1917 Wine Bar & Bistro. This beautiful sun-soaked patio is perfect for a daytime date or an evening tasting focused on handcrafted wines from around California paired with shareable plates amongst the barrels.
📍 Location: 737 Lamar St, Los Angeles, CA 90031
11. DAMA
This fabulous open-air restaurant and cocktail bar will transport you to the heart of Latin America with its deco-tropical design and delectable menu that fuses Spanish, Latin American and Caribbean flavors. Infectious Spanish music fills the space as you sip on a delicious hand-crafted Mezcal cocktail. Standouts from the menu include the wonderfully creamy whipped beans, the tangy celery salad, the smoky charred octopus and the garlicky clam toast. Don’t forget to finish off the night with their perfectly fluffy churros. The whole experience will make you forget you’re smack dab in the middle of the Fashion District in Downtown Los Angeles.
📍 Location: 612 E 11th St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
12. Geoffrey’s Malibu
The expansive garden patio at Geoffrey’s Malibu is carefully designed so that every table has its own panoramic ocean view. Before becoming one of the most recognizable and romantic restaurants in Los Angeles, the historic building was a prominent hotel hosting the likes of Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and JFK. These days its an essential stop for guests seeking fresh seafood-forward Californian fare.
📍 Location: 27400 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
13. Firefly
It’s hard to choose a favorite between Firefly’s romantic indoor and outdoor dining areas. We love the indoor library lounge for its intimate and peaceful ambience, but the luxurious garden patio is so magical at night when diners are illuminated by golden lanterns and a roaring fire. Dig into hearty upscale American dishes such as tuna tartare, crispy fried olives, mushroom pappardelle, and steak frites.
📍 Location: 11720 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA
Written by Ashlyn Davis and Jamie Ferrell. Edited by Sofía Delpueche.