Best Date Night Mediterranean Restaurants in Los Angeles
39 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Bacari W 3rd
Mediterranean-influenced small plates and wines served in a lush 3rd Street patio setting.
Notable Picks
#1
Bacari W 3rd
8.8
Bacari W 3rd is a Venetian-inspired small plates spot where Mediterranean-leaning dishes, craft cocktails, and a leafy patio make lingering over shared plates the default move. Locals treat it as a flexible neighborhood dining room for everything from happy hour to late-evening dates, with a menu that rewards mixing pastas, vegetable plates, and grilled meats.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb hummus with warm pita, Bacari fries with aioli, Seasonal seafood pasta
What Makes it Special: Mediterranean-influenced small plates and wines served in a lush 3rd Street patio setting.
#2
Kismet
8.8
Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient helmed by chefs Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson serving seasonally-driven Middle Eastern plates in a bright, minimalist space. The Persian crispy tahdig rice with golden egg yolk and buttery crust anchors a vegetable-forward menu that changes with the seasons but consistently delivers fresh, health-conscious flavors without sacrificing richness.
Must-Try Dishes:
Persian Crispy Rice (Tahdig), Lamb Ribs with Plum Sauce, Cucumber Salad with Rosewater Labneh
What Makes it Special: Michelin-recognized with cookbook-worthy seasonal Mediterranean cooking
8.8
Laya is a chef-driven Middle Eastern restaurant just off Cahuenga, pairing Lebanese-inspired mezzes and skewers with cocktails in a moody, design-forward space. It’s where Hollywood comes for lively, shared dinners that feel equal parts night-out destination and serious modern cooking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beetroot hummus with warm pita, Charcoal-grilled lamb skewers, Sumac-roasted chicken with toum
What Makes it Special: Chef Charbel Hayek’s polished Eastern Mediterranean cooking in a high-energy, design-led room.
#4
Ladyhawk
8.7
Top Chef Middle East winner Charbel Hayek's refined Eastern Mediterranean restaurant inside Kimpton La Peer Hotel serves elevated Lebanese cuisine with California flair. The $110 mezze platter on a rotating lazy susan is the star, featuring nine spreads, falafel, and warm pita that easily feeds two.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mezze Platter with Nine Spreads, Shawarma-Spiced Australian Wagyu, Spanish Ahi Tuna Crudo
What Makes it Special: Michelin-trained Top Chef winner elevating Lebanese home cooking
#5
Next Door
8.7
Next Door is a modern Israeli, Glatt kosher dining room from chefs Adir Cohen and Liad Ichiye, opened in late 2022 with a fine-dining approach to Mediterranean flavors. Plates lean polished and seasonal, with careful cooking, a strong wine and cocktail program, and service that feels closer to a special-occasion restaurant than a neighborhood casual spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Charred eggplant with tahini, herbs, and fresh-baked laffa, Grilled lamb kebab with sumac onions and salatim, Whole branzino with herb oil and market vegetables
What Makes it Special: Fine-dining modern Israeli cooking with Glatt kosher certification and polished hospitality.
#6
Open Sesame
8.7
This 26-year Lebanese institution draws crowds for generous portions of charbroiled kabobs, shawarmas, and chicken tawook alongside exceptional vegetarian mezze. Chef Ali Kobeissi's commitment to fresh ingredients and authentic flavors has made this Belmont Shore fixture a Mediterranean food destination where reservations are strongly recommended.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Tawook, Mixed Kabob Plate, Open Sesame Salad
What Makes it Special: Lebanese recipes passed through generations with emphasis on fresh daily preparation
8.7
The Little Door is a long-running French-Mediterranean restaurant tucked behind a famous blue door, known for its garden patio and candlelit dining rooms. Guests book it for anniversaries and celebrations where rack of lamb, seasonal seafood, and mezze-style starters pair with a strong wine list and slow-paced service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Herb-crusted rack of lamb, Seasonal Mediterranean seafood entrée, House mezze platter
What Makes it Special: Romantic French-Mediterranean patio restaurant favored for anniversaries and special nights.
#8
Checker Hall
8.6
Checker Hall transforms a restored 1920s Masonic hall into a Mediterranean-leaning supper-and-cocktails room with shareable mezze, skewers, and composed plates. The menu blends California produce with dishes like labneh, seared halloumi, and harissa-spiced vegetables, so it works as well for a full dinner as it does for snacks with drinks. A buzzy bar, balcony views over Figueroa, and ties to the Lodge Room music venue make it a fixture of Highland Park nights out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roasted Harissa Carrots, Seared Halloumi Salad, Baja Shrimp Skewers
What Makes it Special: Part restaurant, part cocktail den, Checker Hall pairs Mediterranean-leaning plates with a dramatically lit 1920s Masonic hall setting.
Authentic Turkish cuisine arrives in Belmont Shore with tender doner kebabs, house-made baklava, and Ottoman-influenced dishes served in an intimate space decorated with traditional Turkish lamps. The halal menu draws from Mesopotamian, Armenian, and Greek culinary traditions while maintaining distinctly Turkish flavors and exceptional hospitality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Doner Plate, Galata Special Grill, Kunefe
What Makes it Special: Fresh halal Turkish cuisine with attentive service rarely found elsewhere
#10
Vala Kitchen
8.5
Vala Kitchen sits along Sunset with a Persian-leaning menu of kebabs, rice plates, and stews served in a casual, modern space. It’s a go-to for polished but approachable Middle Eastern flavors before or after nearby studios, shows, and screenings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken barg with saffron rice, Beef koobideh platter, Ghormeh sabzi stew with tahdig-style rice
What Makes it Special: Persian kebabs and stews delivered with a lighter, health-conscious touch on Sunset.
8.4
Modern Greek spot pairing mezze and grilled mains with a thoughtful wine list in a stylish Abbot Kinney room. Go for a date-night pace, knowledgeable pairings, and shareable plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled octopus, Lamb chops, Horiatiki salad
What Makes it Special: Greek-leaning menu with dialed wine guidance by the glass.
#12
Bacari
8.4
Venetian-inspired small plates from Chef Lior Hillel featuring Mediterranean and Italian influences in a rustic downtown setting. The Kronfli Brothers' eighth location excels at shareable tapas, craft cocktails, and their signature 90-minute open bar special.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sea bass with tarragon aioli, Glazed pork belly, Lamb hummus
What Makes it Special: House-baked bread with roasted garlic olive oil sets the tone for creative small plates
8.4
Venetian-inspired small plates from Chef Lior Hillel create shareable Mediterranean experiences across multiple dining spaces. Natural wines and craft cocktails complement creative dishes from lamb hummus to truffle mac, all served in a rustic-chic setting with courtyard seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Hummus, Truffle Mac & Cheese, Glazed Pork Belly
What Makes it Special: 90-minute open bar special and innovative Mediterranean small plates perfect for sharing
8.4
Venetian-inspired small plates restaurant features tree-house-like outdoor patios with rustic Mediterranean decor throughout multiple levels. Chef Lior Hillel crafts Mediterranean tapas alongside rotating small-production wines, creating a neighborhood favorite since becoming the Kronfli Brothers' fifth LA location.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Hummus, Pear and Brie Pizza, Brussels Sprouts
What Makes it Special: Multi-level outdoor patios with rustic Mediterranean charm and 90-minute open bar special
8.4
Family-owned since 1999, this Belmont Shore mainstay follows Mama Rodou's traditional recipes using first cold-pressed Greek olive oil and hormone-free New Zealand lamb. The Friday night Kleftiko special features lamb slow-roasted for eight hours, while Thursday evenings bring live Greek music from local legend Sotos Kappas.
Must-Try Dishes:
New Zealand Lamb Chops, Kleftiko (Friday Special), Saganaki Flaming Cheese
What Makes it Special: 26 years of family recipes handed down from grandmother to daughter Nicky
#16
Margot
8.4
This rooftop Mediterranean stunner atop Platform delivers coastal Spanish-Italian cuisine with sweeping city views and psychedelic-chic design. Weekend brunch showcases wagyu steak and eggs alongside oatmeal pancakes, while the outdoor patio with pyramid heaters makes every meal feel like a sunset celebration.
Must-Try Dishes:
American Wagyu Steak & Eggs, Patatas Bravas, Fried Chicken with Calabrian Honey
What Makes it Special: Rooftop location with 360-degree views and Mediterranean coastal cuisine
8.4
A 14-seat one-man operation where a chef with Eleven Madison Park and Per Se training applies fine-dining discipline to regional Turkish dishes—bulgur dumplings with hours-long preparation, kebabs with Sonoma-sourced beef fat, fermented tarhana butter. The kiosk ordering and industrial Fashion District location strip away formality, leaving direct connection with the cooking and a price point well below what the technique would command elsewhere.
Must-Try Dishes:
İçli Köfte, Levrek Marin, Shrimp in Tarhana Butter
What Makes it Special: A 14-seat one-man operation where a chef trained at Eleven Madison Park and Per Se serves Turkish dishes elevated with French and Japanese techniques
8.4
This intimate Moroccan hideaway co-owned by Ryan Gosling serves refined tagines and couscous in a candlelit setting with a charming outdoor patio. Chef Ben Benameur brings authentic Kenitra flavors with modern sensibilities, creating dishes that locals have called 'food they'd eat everyday for the rest of their lives.'
Must-Try Dishes:
Honey Lamb Tagine with Apricots, Zaalouk Eggplant Salad, Chicken Bastilla
What Makes it Special: Ryan Gosling-backed intimate Moroccan oasis with authentic tagines since 2004
8.4
United Bowl Nation is a waterfront café-bar where Mediterranean-leaning grain bowls, mezze, and global plates share space with wine nights and specialty coffee. Locals come for the plant-forward menu, marina views, and a relaxed, all-day hangout energy that works for laptops by day and mellow dates by night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mediterranean Power Bowl, Vegan Lentil Cigar Rolls, Baklava Selection
What Makes it Special: Waterfront café pairing Mediterranean-leaning bowls with wine nights and views.
8.3
Operating since 2003, this intimate Persian grill specializes in Mediterranean cuisine with Tehran-inspired flavors including lamb shank, Turkish chicken kebabs, and vegetarian options. The family-run establishment near Belmont Pier offers cozy indoor seating and a small patio for those seeking authentic Persian-Mediterranean fusion.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Shank, Turkish Chicken Kebab, Beef Kubide
What Makes it Special: Persian flair on Mediterranean classics with 22 years experience
8.3
Family-owned since 2018, Louká honors its Peloponnesian village namesake with rustic Greek cuisine crafted from recipes passed through generations. This intimate spot sources ingredients directly from Hellenic farms and artisan Greek producers, delivering authentic philoxenia in an elegant candlelit setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Superior Farms Lamb Chops, Moussaka, Zucchini Cakes
What Makes it Special: Family recipes from central Peloponnese village traditions.
#22
Olive & Grill
8.3
Modern Mediterranean restaurant featuring an enchanting outdoor terrace beneath olive trees with live music and belly dancing creating a romantic atmosphere. The Lebanese-influenced menu emphasizes shareable mezze plates and grilled kebabs, with hookah service adding to the authentic Middle Eastern experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Chops, Chicken Kebab, Fattoush Salad
What Makes it Special: Romantic olive tree terrace with live entertainment and authentic Lebanese cuisine
#23
Toranj
8.3
Just off Broxton, Toranj pairs polished Persian plates with a sidewalk patio that feels made for lingering lunches and casual date nights. The kitchen is known for its buttery "Juicy Chicken" and properly charred kabobs that skew more upscale than the average student spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Juicy Chicken, Beef Koobideh, Tahdig with Stew
What Makes it Special: Refined Persian kabobs and stews with campus-adjacent patio seating.
#24
Cento Pasta Bar
8.2
What started as a $14-pasta pop-up inside a Downtown wine bar became a West Adams destination with a courtyard under twinkle-lit trees. The spicy pomodoro rigatoni with orange-hued sauce and ricotta dollop consistently ranks as the move; beet spaghetti in brown butter with poppy seeds photographs as well as it eats. Valet-only parking reflects the neighborhood logistics; 5pm arrival secures street spots.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Pomodoro Rigatoni, Beet Spaghetti, Sweet Corn Agnolotti
What Makes it Special: West Adams pasta bar with a beet spaghetti that put them on the LA map
#25
Paloma Venice
8.2
Mediterranean-inspired restaurant at the Venice Blvd–Abbot Kinney gateway with a lush patio and retractable-roof deck. The menu leans market-fresh and cocktail-friendly, making it a go-to for sunset dinners and groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled branzino, Hummus with warm flatbread, Charred chicken skewers
What Makes it Special: Bougainvillea-framed patio with market-Med plates and strong cocktails.
#26
Tajrish Kabob
8.2
Tajrish Kabob is a full-service Persian-Mediterranean restaurant where charcoal-grilled kabobs, stews, and seafood plates anchor a sit-down experience just inland from the marina. Regulars lean on it for well-seasoned koobideh, Cornish hen, and salmon kabobs in a space that now feels more polished after a recent remodel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Koobideh Kabob, Cornish Hen Kabob, Salmon Fish Kabob
What Makes it Special: Remodeled Persian spot with charcoal-grilled kabobs and hearty plates.
#27
Azizam
8.1
This casual Persian cafe bridges traditional Iranian home cooking with Silver Lake's laid-back vibe. Co-owners Cody Ma and Misha Sesar (both half-Iranian, half-Chinese) started as a 2021 pop-up before opening this sun-drenched counter-service spot serving turmeric-braised chicken, grapefruit-sized kofteh, and seasonal mazeh plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Turmeric-Braised Jidori Chicken with Dampokhtak Rice, Kofteh Tabrizi, Mazeh Plate with Barbari Bread
What Makes it Special: LA Times #21 Best Restaurant 2024 bringing casual Persian cafe culture to Silver Lake
#28
Desert Rose
8.1
Family-owned since 2006 featuring California-Mediterranean cuisine anchored by Lebanese family recipes in an urban oasis setting. The expansive patio with signature stained-glass rose sculpture and fire pits creates an inviting atmosphere for weekend brunch or evening dining, with hookah service available for those wanting to linger.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Shank, Grilled Kebabs, Frito Misto (Calamari & Shrimp)
What Makes it Special: Nearly 20 years serving Lebanese-California fusion with stunning patio ambiance
#29
La Boheme
8.1
For over 30 years, this romantic institution has charmed West Hollywood with French-American cuisine served beside a roaring fireplace or under string lights on the enchanting patio. Weekly burlesque shows and live music add theatrical flair to the already dramatic dining experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck Confit, Steak Frites, French Onion Soup Gratinée
What Makes it Special: LA's most romantic restaurant with weekly cabaret performances
#30
Mantee Cafe
8.1
Family-owned Armenian-Lebanese cafe with a tranquil backyard garden featuring string lights and lush landscaping. Named after their signature boat-shaped ravioli, Mantee delivers home-cooked Mediterranean dishes in an intimate setting with attentive service and authentic Middle Eastern flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mantee Traditional, Sweet & Sour Cherry Kebab, Hummus Cocktail
What Makes it Special: Dreamy garden patio with unique Armenian-Lebanese dishes and intimate ambiance
#31
Zaytinya
8.1
José Andrés Group brings Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese mezze to Culver City with polished service inside The Shay hotel. Wood-fired preparations and traditional spreads deliver solid Mediterranean flavors, though dishes can lean mild and require sauce support despite bold ingredient lists.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood-Fired Lamb Shoulder, Mezze Spreads, Whole Grilled Fish
What Makes it Special: José Andrés Group pedigree with DC import bringing elevated Eastern Mediterranean
#32
Bavel
8
Wood-fired Middle Eastern cooking from the team behind Bestia, built around shareable plates like slow-roasted lamb neck and house-made flatbreads that reward group ordering. The converted warehouse space runs loud—request patio if conversation matters—but the cooking technique on proteins justifies the Arts District pilgrimage for date nights willing to lean in.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oyster Mushroom, Baba Ghanoush, Grilled Prawns
What Makes it Special: Middle Eastern cuisine from the Bestia team, with wood-fired cooking and house-made flatbreads in a converted Arts District warehouse
A Melrose Avenue Moroccan spot that pairs tagine-focused cooking with live belly dancer performances, turning dinner into a cultural production rather than just a meal. The intimate seating arrangement—tables set into private nooks—makes it work for couples who want the theatrical experience without the communal chaos. Execution stays steady across a high volume of repeat visitors, which speaks to kitchen discipline on the classics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Tagine, Chicken Pastilla, Mint Tea
What Makes it Special: Live belly dancer performances transform dinner into a full Moroccan cultural experience on Melrose
Worthy Picks
#34
Javan Restaurant
7.8
A charcoal-fired Persian grill that has held its corner of West LA since 1986, built on koobideh kababs with visible char and slow-cooked stews served over crispy tahdig rice. The family combo platters make it a natural fit for group dinners where everyone wants to share across the table. Free subterranean parking and moderate noise levels keep it practical for weeknight visits, though weekend evenings with live music run louder.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Koobideh Kabab, Ghormeh Sabzi Tahdig, Beef Soltani
What Makes it Special: West LA's longest-running Persian grill, open since 1986, built on charcoal-fired kababs and slow-cooked stews with crispy tahdig rice
7.8
A neighborhood Greek taverna built for sharing—mezze platters, tableside flaming saganaki, and Sunday patio BBQ with spit-roasted kontosouvli draw groups who want to linger over wine and dips. The open garage-door setup gets loud during peak hours, so plan for lively conversation rather than intimate dialogue. Works best when you commit to the shareable format with a few friends and let the dip platter set the pace.
Must-Try Dishes:
Char Grilled Octopus, You Dip We Dip, Flaming Saganaki
What Makes it Special: Greek taverna with Sunday patio BBQ featuring spit-roasted kontosouvli and tableside flaming saganaki
7.7
A Barcelona-born tapas group with legitimate Spanish pedigree—chef trained at three-Michelin-starred Arzak, and the Padrosa family has run restaurants since 1992. The paellas draw crowds, though execution varies; some nights the socarrat delivers, others lean salty or arrive suspiciously fast. Works best when you lean into the shareable format on the patio with sangria and let the croquettes and pulpo carry the table.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Paella, Crab Croquettes, Ham Croquettes
What Makes it Special: Barcelona-style tapas and paella served on a spacious patio with dedicated valet parking in Brentwood
#37
Vespaio
7.7
Chef Agostino Sciandri's Tuscan kitchen draws pre-concert crowds with house-made pastas and whole butterflied branzino, backed by 45 years of LA Italian restaurant credentials. The 1,800-square-foot patio with retractable awnings delivers atmosphere for date nights near Disney Concert Hall, though execution can vary on busy theater evenings. Prices run premium for the Bunker Hill location—expect expense-account positioning rather than neighborhood value.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pappardelle, Paccheri Bolognese, Whole Butterflied Grilled Mediterranean Branzino
What Makes it Special: Chef Agostino Sciandri's Tuscan kitchen with house-made pastas using organic flour and wood-burning oven pizzas, steps from The Broad and Walt Disney Concert Hall
#38
Chez Mia
7.6
Provençal-inspired Mediterranean escape on Restaurant Row features pink umbrellas and bold design for Instagram appeal. Wagyu strip steak and seared octopus shine despite premium pricing reflecting Melrose Avenue glamour.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wagyu Strip Steak, Seared Octopus, Caviar Gougère
What Makes it Special: Riviera-themed restaurant with whimsical design and Mediterranean brunch
7.6
A small, nightlife-leaning Mediterranean dining room that mixes Greek-forward comfort with a bar-and-lounge rhythm. The cooking centers on grilled meats, familiar dips, and hearty mains, best suited to weekend dinners where food and scene share the stage.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled lamb chops, Spanakopita, Greek salad with chicken
What Makes it Special: Greek-leaning Mediterranean with a late-weekend lounge feel.