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Best Date Night Italian Restaurants in Torrance (90505)

6 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated

Notable Picks

$ Pacific Coast Highway Corridor – South Torrance
Family-owned since 1993, Gaetano's is the classic South Bay Italian date-night pick, with handmade pastas, a solid wine list, and a lively but grown-up dining room. Couples come for dishes like butternut squash ravioli and Chianti-braised short ribs, plus the option to sit inside or on the patio for a slightly more special night out.
Must-Try Dishes: Tagliatelle with Chianti-braised short rib ragu, Butternut squash ravioli with brown butter, Pesto-crusted halibut
What makes it special: Long-running, family-owned Italian spot with scratch pastas and big portions.
$$$$ Rolling Hills Plaza – South Torrance
The Rolling Hills outpost of Mama D's brings the brand's famously over-the-top hospitality to a dinner-only dining room that feels like an energetic family party. Big bowls of pasta in pink sauce, garlic knots, and a playful staff make it a fun, high-energy option for couples who like their date nights loud and generous.
Must-Try Dishes: Penne with pink vodka sauce, Cheese ravioli with marinara, Garlic knots with marinara
What makes it special: Lively, bigger-portion Italian with the brand’s signature pink-sauce pastas.
$$ Hawthorne Corridor – South Torrance
Di Roma Cucina is a chef-driven Italian Mediterranean spot where housemade pastas, lamb chops, and seafood plates make for a relaxed but grown-up date night. Dimmer lighting, a focused wine list, and a steady local following give it a cozy feel without being too formal.
Must-Try Dishes: Lasagna Bolognese, Lobster Ravioli, Chicken Parmigiana
What makes it special: Classic sit-down Italian with a hefty lasagna and sprawling pasta menu.
$$ Crenshaw Corridor – South Torrance
La Bella Napoli is a compact Crenshaw Boulevard pizzeria run by Naples-born owners, known for its airy, blistered pies and straightforward counter-service setup. It works best for low-key pizza dates where quality dough, good toppings, and a casual shared pie matter more than formal ambiance.
Must-Try Dishes: Margherita pizza, Diavola pizza with spicy salami, Chicken parmigiana with side salad
What makes it special: Neapolitan-inspired pizza and Italian takeout run by a Naples-born owner.

Worthy Picks

$ Walteria – South Torrance
Open since 1968, Hank's is a throwback red-sauce joint where booths, a salad bar, and old-school pizzas set a nostalgic tone. It doubles as a casual date-night option for couples who appreciate classic Torrance history more than polished design.
Must-Try Dishes: Baked lasagna, Cheese ravioli with meat sauce, Garlic bread with melted cheese
What makes it special: Old-school Italian institution with retro vibes and classic baked pastas.
$ Pacific Coast Highway Corridor – South Torrance
Pesto's is a compact PCH spot where pizza, pastas, and subs skew more relaxed than formal, but still work for a low-key Italian date night. Couples often split a specialty pie and salad at one of the small dine-in tables before heading home or down the coast.
Must-Try Dishes: Linguini al pesto, Spaghetti carbonara, Chicken Marsala
What makes it special: Old-school red-sauce cooking with huge portions and a loyal following.