Best Date Night Restaurants in Los Angeles
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Somni
LA's most expensive restaurant with 3 Michelin stars and theatrical presentation
Essential Picks
#1
Somni
9.4
This 3-Michelin-starred theatrical dining experience offers a 20-course Spanish tasting menu in an intimate converted bungalow. Chef Aitor Zabala's avant-garde approach to Catalan cuisine creates a dreamlike culinary journey with meticulously crafted small plates featuring textures, temperatures, and whimsical presentations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shiso Tartare Tempura, Mussel Escabeche, Gazpacho Course
What Makes it Special: LA's most expensive restaurant with 3 Michelin stars and theatrical presentation
#2
Anajak Thai
9.3
James Beard Award-winning Chef Justin Pichetrungsi transformed his family's 44-year-old neighborhood bistro into LA's most acclaimed Thai restaurant. Southern Thai fried chicken with exceptional crunch anchors a menu that pairs bold Bangkok flavors with an award-winning natural wine program featuring rare vintages from the Mosel, Burgundy, and Champagne.
Must-Try Dishes:
Southern Thai Fried Chicken, Dry-Aged Whole Fish with Nam Jim, BBQ Pork Collar with Coriander-Soy Molasses
What Makes it Special: LA Times Restaurant of the Year with James Beard recognition and Michelin Bib Gourmand
9.3
Chef Shunji Nakao delivers one of LA's most refined omakase experiences at this Michelin-recognized counter, where seasonal fish sourced from Japan meets impeccable technique. The intimate 12-seat space (split between two chefs) showcases aged tuna, barely-seared blackthroat seaperch, and Santa Barbara uni with rice that melts seamlessly with each bite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Aged Tuna Nigiri, Blackthroat Seaperch, Toro Hand Roll
What Makes it Special: Michelin-starred omakase from a Matsuhisa original chef with two-decade mastery
Michelin-starred temple to Italian creativity where chef Mattia Agazzi transforms seasonal ingredients into playful masterpieces under the guidance of Massimo Bottura. The rooftop setting above Gucci's flagship store creates an exclusive escape where risotto masquerades as pizza and tortellini swim in liquid Parmigiano pools.
Must-Try Dishes:
Risotto Camouflaged as Pizza, Emilia Burger, Tortellini in Parmigiano Reggiano
What Makes it Special: The only Michelin-starred Italian restaurant on Rodeo Drive
9.2
This Michelin-starred Edomae sushi temple offers an intimate 16-seat omakase experience with fish flown daily from Tokyo's Tsukiji market. Chef Yohei Matsuki's precise knife work and premium ingredients create transcendent bites worth the $425 price tag.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hokkaido King Salmon, 5-Day Aged Tuna, Cherry Blossom Salmon Nigiri
What Makes it Special: Five consecutive years of Michelin stars since 2020
9.2
Ultra-exclusive eight-seat omakase hidden on the second floor of Two Rodeo, where chef Yusuke Yamamoto serves 22 courses of pristine nigiri with playful energy. The former Urasawa space delivers theatrical presentations like uni-caviar tempura and hay-smoked wagyu that explode with flavor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Uni-Caviar Tempura, Hay-Smoked A5 Wagyu, Melon Ice Cream in Hollowed Melon
What Makes it Special: Former Urasawa space with $390 omakase featuring theatrical presentations.
#7
Asanebo
9.1
Vibes:
Luxury Dining Elite
Date Night Magic
Business Lunch Power Players
Birthday & Celebration Central
Former Michelin-starred institution delivering bold fusion-forward rolls and hot dishes alongside impeccable omakase. Founded by Matsuhisa alumni in 1991, this upscale strip mall destination layers Peruvian influences with California creativity in daring specialty rolls and cooked preparations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna, Seared Toro, SSS (Salmon Sashimi Special)
What Makes it Special: Michelin pedigree meeting California-Peruvian fusion in creative specialty rolls
#8
Camphor
9.1
A modern French dining room in the Arts District led by Chef Max Boonthanakit, blending classic technique with subtle Southeast Asian accents. The cooking is precise and layered—rich sauces, careful char, and bright aromatics—without losing bistro warmth. Reservations are competitive for a reason: it consistently delivers special-occasion caliber meals in a relaxed, warehouse-chic space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak au poivre with frites, Rigatoni stuffed with artichoke and Comté, Seasonal crudo with citrus and herbs
What Makes it Special: Michelin-recognized French cooking with a subtle Thai-leaning spice lens.
9.1
This Michelin-starred steakhouse from Wolfgang Puck delivers a contemporary twist on the classic steakhouse experience, featuring prime cuts from around the globe in a sleek Richard Meier-designed space. Located in the Beverly Wilshire Hotel since 2006, CUT combines world-class beef with impeccable service and an extensive international wine list.
Must-Try Dishes:
Japanese A5 Wagyu from Miyazaki, Bone Marrow Flan, Wagyu Tallow French Fries
What Makes it Special: The only Michelin-starred steakhouse in Southern California
#10
Da Barbara
9.1
An intimate, reservation-only Italian dining room where Chef Barbara Pollastrini serves a seasonal tasting-style menu of handmade pastas and refined secondi in an apartment-like space. Portions are composed and elegant rather than oversized, and the experience leans more toward a special-occasion dinner than a casual neighborhood meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tagliolini al Pomodoro, Polpettine di Barbara, Seasonal Gnocchi of the Day
What Makes it Special: Chef-driven, tasting-style Italian served in a tiny, home-like space.
#11
Dear Jane's
9.1
Dear Jane's is a chef-driven, marina-front seafood restaurant from Josiah Citrin and Hans Röckenwagner, pairing classic American seafood dishes with a polished, retro-inspired dining room. Since opening in 2022 and earning a place in the Michelin Guide, it has become Marina del Rey’s most talked-about seafood destination for special-occasion dinners and serious seafood fans.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oysters Rockefeller, Shrimp Louie, Trout amandine
What Makes it Special: Michelin-listed, chef-driven seafood with retro coastal glamour and marina views.
#12
Fia Steak
9.1
This intimate 48-seat MICHELIN-recognized steakhouse showcases theatrical wood-fired cooking with U.S. Prime beef and Japanese A5 Wagyu. Chef Tim Cardenas delivers a modern love letter to classic American steakhouses with impeccable Wine Spectator Grand Award selections.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tournedos Rossini, A5 Japanese Wagyu, Tableside Tuna Tartare
What Makes it Special: Live-fire wood-burning grill creates sensory theater in intimate setting
#13
Girl & The Goat
9.1
Stephanie Izard’s Arts District outpost runs on bold, globally roaming small plates delivered with polish and momentum. The room is high-energy and design-forward, and the kitchen’s sweet spot is layered, punchy flavors meant to be shared. A destination-level New American anchor for Downtown nights and Sunday brunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Goat curry, Sticky glazed pork shank, Grilled corn with seasonal toppings
What Makes it Special: Destination New American small plates with fearless, global flavor.
#14
Hayato
9.1
Seven-seat kaiseki counter where Chef Brandon Go—trained at Tokyo's three-star Ishikawa—personally prepares and explains each course using ingredients flown daily from Japan. The $450 omakase format attracts serious Japanese cuisine devotees willing to battle the first-of-month reservation rush for what many consider LA's closest approximation to dining in Kyoto. Expect a meditative two-hour progression through seasonal courses served on the chef's collected antique ceramics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Miso-Glazed Black Cod Rice Pot, Steamed Abalone with Liver Sauce (Awabi), Charcoal Grilled Hokkaido Kinki
What Makes it Special: Two-Michelin-starred kaiseki from Chef Brandon Go, who trained at three-star Ishikawa in Tokyo, served to just seven guests per night
#15
LA Puglia
9.1
Award-winning Southern Italian restaurant specializing in authentic Pugliese cuisine with handmade pasta and traditional lasagna. Gambero Rosso International named it Restaurant of the Year for its commitment to regional authenticity.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Lasagna with Beef Ragu, Fresh Orecchiette with Braciole, Panzerotti Fried Pizza Pockets
What Makes it Special: Only authentic Pugliese restaurant in LA with ingredients sourced directly from Italy
#16
Matsuhisa
9.1
Nobu Matsuhisa's flagship restaurant since 1987 revolutionized Japanese dining with its pioneering Japanese-Peruvian fusion, creating dishes like black cod with miso that became global sensations. The low-key décor belies the exceptional skill of the staff and an enormous menu where every dish represents three decades of refinement.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black Cod with Miso, Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño, Squid Pasta with Light Garlic Sauce
What Makes it Special: Birthplace of the global Nobu empire and modern fusion Japanese cuisine
#17
Olive & Rose
9.1
Michelin-starred Chef Philip Pretty's neo-bistro brings California flavors with French technique to a restored mid-century motel courtyard. The 32-seat open-air space emphasizes zero-waste practices and seasonal ingredients from the siblings' urban farm.
Must-Try Dishes:
Octopus with Potato & Pimento, Aged Rib Cap with Frites, Amberjack Crudo with Cucumber
What Makes it Special: Michelin-pedigreed zero-waste cooking in a chic mid-century motel setting
9.1
Chef Michael Mina's oceanfront fine dining temple showcases elevated Mediterranean small plates with bold Middle Eastern spices and dramatic Pacific views. The ever-evolving menu channels aromatic bazaars through dishes like shakshuka, saganaki, and lamb chops, each executed with precision and creative flair.
Must-Try Dishes:
Saganaki with Black Truffle Honey, Wagyu Beef Tartare, Baklava French Toast
What Makes it Special: Michelin-starred chef's Mediterranean vision with unmatched ocean views
#19
Orsa & Winston
9.1
Josef Centeno’s tasting-counter destination blends Italian structure with Japanese precision, delivering a paced, quietly inventive menu. The room is intimate and minimalist, letting the multi-course progression do the talking. Its current one-star Michelin status marks it as the ZIP’s true special-occasion Italian-leaning anchor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Uni Pasta / Sea Urchin Course, Seasonal Pasta Flight, Sake-Paired Dessert Course
What Makes it Special: A Michelin-starred Italian-Japanese tasting menu led by Josef Centeno.
#20
Republique
9.1
Republique is a grand all-day French–American cafe and restaurant from chefs Walter and Margarita Manzke, set in a soaring 1929 brick-and-tile space on La Brea. Locals line up for pastries, breakfast plates, and a polished dinner menu that balances serious technique with a lively, communal feel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Short Rib Kimchi Fried Rice, French Onion Soup, Strawberry Passion Fruit Tart
What Makes it Special: Chef-driven French–American cooking in a historic 1929 space.
#21
Sushi Masuyoshi
9.1
Chef Hozumi Masuyoshi transforms his five-seat counter into an intimate dinner party experience, serving an 18-course omakase that showcases dry-aged fish, charcoal-kissed preparations, and impeccable technique. The solo-chef operation delivers exceptional value at $165 with dishes like silk-textured salmon that dissolves on contact and sweet-glazed unagi roasted over binchotan charcoal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dry-Aged Sashimi Box, Charcoal-Seared Bonito, Shrimp Head Miso Soup
What Makes it Special: One-chef omakase experience in an intimate five-seat setting with exceptional fish aging techniques
9.1
A destination omakase counter where technique and fish sourcing are the whole story. Each course is tightly calibrated, with subtle seasoning and temperature control that rewards attention. Expect a long, immersive meal aimed at serious sushi seekers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal nigiri omakase, Hokkaido uni, A5 wagyu bite (when offered)
What Makes it Special: High-end omakase with elite sourcing and exacting technique.
9.1
Beverly Hills' rooftop jewel delivers theatrical tableside service with panoramic city views and live music nightly. The expanded sushi menu alongside classic steaks creates an elevated supper club experience where Hollywood power brokers celebrate above the Golden Triangle.
Must-Try Dishes:
A5 Japanese Wagyu Ribeye, King Crab Gnocchi, Butter Cake
What Makes it Special: The only steakhouse penthouse in Beverly Hills with live music seven nights a week
9.1
James Beard Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole's non-traditional Japanese cuisine elevates business dining with creative sushi and seasonal omakase. The sophisticated atmosphere balances energy with professionalism, making it ideal for impressing clients.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hama Chili, Gyutoro, Crispy Brussels Sprouts
What Makes it Special: James Beard Award-winning chef creates innovative Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine
#25
715 Sushi
9
A Michelin-starred Arts District omakase room where chef Seigo Tamura’s Osaka-trained sensibility shows in knife work and restrained seasoning. The progression is thoughtful, mixing pristine nigiri with a few composed bites that highlight seasonality. It’s intimate and serious without feeling stiff.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nigiri omakase progression, Otoro with house soy, Seasonal uni course
What Makes it Special: Michelin-level omakase with Osaka-rooted precision.
#26
Ayara Thai
9
Family-owned since 2004 and now Michelin Bib Gourmand–recognized, Ayara pairs deeply seasoned curries and noodles with chef-driven specials like whole fried branzino and lobster pad thai. The room is compact and often buzzing, but locals keep coming back for Khao Soi, Muay Thai Wings, and consistently dialed-in flavors just minutes from LAX.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Soi (mom’s northern curry noodles), Muay Thai Wings, Whole Fried Branzino
What Makes it Special: Chef Vanda Asapahu’s family recipes, Michelin Bib Gourmand status, and a menu that fuses tradition with thoughtful seasonal specials.
Carlitos Gardel is a classic Argentine steakhouse on the western edge of Melrose where grass-fed steaks, deep wine lists, and white tablecloths set up a proper, old-school date night. Since the mid-1990s, the Bozoghlian family has turned the dim, mirror-lined room into a destination for couples who want filet, ribeye, and martinis without leaving the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Skirt steak with chimichurri, Ribeye cap, Dulce de leche meringue cake
What Makes it Special: Serious Argentine steaks in a candlelit, old-Hollywood dining room.
#28
Gwen
9
Gwen, from chef Curtis Stone and his brother Luke, combines a European-style butcher shop with a Michelin-starred, fire-focused dining room built for milestone celebrations and tasting-menu splurges. The Art Deco interior, theatrical open kitchen, and deep wine list make it one of Hollywood’s most serious special-occasion destinations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Housemade charcuterie board, 30-day dry-aged ribeye, Bacon Bolognese pasta
What Makes it Special: A Michelin-starred, fire-driven steak and tasting-menu temple with an in-house butcher shop.
9
An intimate, art-filled modern French dining room from chef-owner Fardad Khayami, MUSE turns Channel Road into a destination for multi-course date nights. Tasting-style plates, a serious wine program, and candlelit Art Déco interiors make it one of the most romantic rooms on the Westside.
Must-Try Dishes:
Veal bonbons with sauce verte, Lobster with pommes soufflées and caviar, Vanilla St. Honoré
What Makes it Special: Gallery-like French dining where fine art and tasting menus meet.
#30
Providence
9
Chef Michael Cimarusti's seafood-focused tasting menus draw from California ingredients and line-caught fish through rigorous French technique, with a kitchen tank supplying live Santa Barbara spot prawns and sea urchins. The restaurant approaches its 20th anniversary having just earned LA's first three Michelin stars alongside a Green Star for sustainability. Expect refined, deliberate pacing and dishes that recent guests note feel perhaps slightly safer than past visits—still executed at an elite level.
Must-Try Dishes:
Santa Barbara Spot Prawn, Uni Egg, King Salmon
What Makes it Special: Three Michelin-starred seafood temple with a kitchen tank of live Santa Barbara spot prawns and sea urchins, orchestrating multi-course tasting menus from the freshest possible ingredients.
Notable Picks
#31
Angelini Osteria
8.9
Chef Gino Angelini’s longtime Beverly Grove osteria turns out deeply flavored pastas, grilled fish, and Roman classics in a compact, always-booked dining room. Locals use it for serious Italian dinners where the lasagna verde, seasonal specials, and a tight wine list still feel worth planning around after two decades.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna Verde "Nonna Elvira", Linguine alle Vongole, Whole Mediterranean Branzino
What Makes it Special: A long-running chef-driven osteria where Roman-leaning pastas and grilled fish set the standard for upscale Italian on Beverly.
8.9
Perched on the ninth floor of the Maybourne Beverly Hills, this award-winning New York import delivers coastal Italian cuisine with sweeping Hollywood Hills views. The wood-fired oven produces exceptional pizzas while the bar program, featuring ten martini variations and the signature 'fluffy' Garibaldi, rivals the city's best cocktail destinations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bucatini al Pomodoro, Pizza Bianca with Mortadella, King Salmon with Wood-Fire Char
What Makes it Special: LA's best rooftop cocktails meet authentic Italian cuisine at sunset perfection.
#33
Father's Office
8.9
Since Chef Sang Yoon took over in 2000, Father's Office has become legendary for its no-substitutions Office Burger with caramelized onions, Gruyere, Maytag blue, and bacon compote. This gastropub pioneered LA's craft beer movement with 36 rotating taps and elevated bar food that still sets the standard.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Office Burger, Sweet Potato Fries with Blue Cheese Aioli, Spanish Mushrooms
What Makes it Special: Home of LA's most iconic gourmet burger
#34
Funke
8.9
Chef Evan Funke's pasta laboratory showcases handmade pasta crafted using 150-year-old Italian techniques in a glass-enclosed workspace. The three-story art deco space features a rooftop bar with sweeping Beverly Hills views and agnolotti so delicate they must be seen to be believed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Agnolotti del Plin, Cacio e Pepe, Neapolitan Pizza
What Makes it Special: Live pasta-making theater in a chrome and glass laboratory
8.9
Family-run since the early ’90s, Gaetano’s is the South Torrance benchmark for classic Italian-American comfort with scratch-made pastas, big portions, and a warm neighborhood feel. Locals use it for everything from birthdays to team dinners when they want reliable red-sauce favorites and friendlier prices than the Westside’s big-name spots.
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.
#36
Gracias Madre
8.9
A modern, upscale Mexican-inspired plant-based restaurant with vibrant, creative dishes that highlight seasonal produce. Known for their fresh, flavor-packed tacos and bowls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jackfruit Tacos, Mole Enchiladas, Cauliflower Ceviche
What Makes it Special: Plant-based Mexican cuisine with bold flavors and beautiful presentation.
8.9
Chef Hilo creates a multi-sensory omakase experience with orchestral music matched to each course and entertaining storytelling that transforms dinner into theater. The intimate 16-seat counter provides front-row seats to masterful knife work and passionate presentations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Premium Omakase A, Kama (Tuna Collar), Santa Barbara Amaebi
What Makes it Special: Chef's theatrical presentation with music pairings
8.9
Family-run for over three decades, Giorgio Baldi is a celebrity-beloved Italian hideaway known for rich pastas and coastal romance just off PCH. Dim lighting, white tablecloths, and tightly packed tables create an old-world date-night feel that still draws Hollywood regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sweet corn agnolotti in white truffle sauce, Spaghetti bottarga, Langostine grigliate
What Makes it Special: Classic coastal Italian with decades of star-studded regulars.
#39
JW Steakhouse
8.9
Upscale yet comfortable, JW Steakhouse inside the LAX Marriott focuses on USDA prime steaks, polished service, and an award-winning wine list, making it a go-to for pre- or post-flight date nights. A lively open kitchen and polished bar scene keep it feeling like a real destination rather than just a hotel restaurant.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bone-In New York Strip, Filet Mignon, Flourless Chocolate Cake
What Makes it Special: Classic hotel steakhouse with prime beef and an acclaimed wine program near LAX.
#40
Kato
8.9
Chef Jon Yao channels Taiwanese-American nostalgia through a 12-course wood-fired tasting menu that has earned him three consecutive LA Times #1 rankings and the 2025 James Beard Best Chef: California award. The Row DTLA dining room is understated, letting the bold, heavily-seasoned dishes command attention. At $325 for the main room, it works best for diners seeking contemporary Taiwanese flavors filtered through fine-dining ambition rather than tradition.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish Maw with Dungeness Crab and Caviar, Youtiao with Sea Urchin and Jamón, Spice-Crusted Duck Breast with Bao Bun
What Makes it Special: James Beard Award-winning chef Jon Yao reimagines Taiwanese-American nostalgia through a 12-course wood-fired tasting menu that earned Michelin recognition and a spot on North America's 50 Best.
#41
Locanda Veneta
8.9
Locanda Veneta is an old-school Venetian dining room where polished Northern Italian classics, including a deeply savory baked lasagna, have been drawing locals since 1988. White tablecloths, a serious wine list, and hands-on hospitality make it a go-to for celebratory pasta nights in Beverly Grove.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic meat lasagna al forno, Ossobuco con risotto allo zafferano, Wild mushroom risotto
What Makes it Special: Refined Venetian classics and lasagna in a long-running 3rd Street institution.
8.9
This coastal Italian gem from NYC serves silky handmade pastas with pristine seafood, including their legendary fusilli with charred octopus and bone marrow. The sophisticated space draws power brokers and food enthusiasts seeking elevated Mediterranean seafood preparations executed with precision.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fusilli with Octopus & Bone Marrow, Lobster with Burrata, Dover Sole Meunière
What Makes it Special: NYC's acclaimed seafood-focused Italian arriving with Michelin pedigree
8.9
Hidden gem tucked in Jackson Market's back patio, where Pizza Today Rising Star 2023 Drew Butler crafts 48-hour naturally fermented sourdough pies in a wood-fired oven. The tranquil garden setting with koi ponds and fountains creates an unexpected oasis for enjoying Neo-Neapolitan pizza made with farmers market ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Sausage Party Pizza, Mushroom Pizza
What Makes it Special: 68-hour sourdough fermentation with wood-fired cooking in a secret garden setting
#44
Matsumoto
8.9
Chef Naruki Matsumoto sources fish directly from Tokyo's Toyosu Market for this essential omakase experience. The 15-piece nigiri-focused tasting showcases pristine seasonal fish with exacting Edomae technique, from buttery nodoguro to delicate Japanese sardine. Operating since 2016 in the space formerly known as Hirozen, this strip mall gem delivers high-end sushi without the usual pretension.
Must-Try Dishes:
15-Piece Omakase, Seared Nodoguro, Spanish Mackerel Nigiri
What Makes it Special: Daily fish flown from Tokyo's Toyosu Market with 20+ years chef expertise
#45
Mori Nozomi
8.9
Mori Nozomi delivers meticulously crafted omakase centered on traditional techniques, pristine sourcing, and artistic presentation. Chef Nozomi leads an all-woman team, and guests praise the seamless execution and calm setting, making this a destination for serious sushi enthusiasts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Otoro Nigiri, Kasugodai, Hon Maguro Temaki
What Makes it Special: Michelin-starred, chef-led experience with rare, seasonal fish.
8.9
Open since 1919, Musso & Frank Grill is Hollywood’s original special-occasion steakhouse, where red leather booths, classic martinis, and old-school service turn dinner into a ritual. Generations of locals and visiting celebrities still come here to celebrate over ribeye, fettuccine Alfredo, and tableside traditions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ribeye steak, Musso's Traditional Steak Tartare, Original Fettuccine Alfredo
What Makes it Special: A century-old Hollywood steakhouse where martinis, red booths, and film history define the occasion.
#47
n/naka
8.9
Chef Niki Nakayama's 13-course modern kaiseki weaves California seasonality through traditional Japanese technique across a 3-hour progression, anchored by a signature spaghetti-abalone course that has never left the menu since 2011. The 26-seat ryokan-inspired room operates with exacting service—staff retained for over a decade—and ends with Nakayama greeting each table personally. At $365 before drinks, this is a deliberate investment in craft rather than a casual dinner out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature Spaghetti with Abalone, Pickled Cod Roe & Black Truffle, Zensai Assortment, Binchotan-Seared A5 Miyazaki Wagyu
What Makes it Special: Chef Niki Nakayama's 13-course kaiseki blends Japanese tradition with California seasonality in a 26-seat intimate setting, featured on Netflix's Chef's Table
8.9
The Little Door is a French-Mediterranean classic tucked behind its famous blue door, best known for a candlelit courtyard that feels built for anniversaries and proposals. The menu leans toward branzino, lamb, and mezze-style starters that support the room’s long-running reputation as one of LA’s most romantic dining rooms.
Must-Try Dishes:
Herb-crusted lamb chops, Whole grilled branzino, Mussels with fries
What Makes it Special: Long-running French-Mediterranean patio restaurant that practically defines LA date night.
#49
Quarter Sheets
8.9
Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded Detroit-style pizza parlor from pandemic pop-up roots, featuring inch-thick pan pizzas with crispy edges from chefs Aaron Lindell and Hannah Ziskin. The intimate space with vinyl collection serves rotating creative pizzas alongside pastry chef Ziskin's exceptional desserts including signature Princess cake, drawing lines around the block but worth the wait for baked-to-order quality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pepperoni Pan Pizza, Pimento Grove (Vodka Sauce), Swedish Princess Cake
What Makes it Special: Michelin-recognized Detroit-style pizza with world-class pastry program under one roof
#50
Rossoblu
8.9
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Date Night Magic
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Rossoblu brings Emilia-Romagna cooking to a soaring Fashion District warehouse, with handmade pastas and wood-grilled meats backed by a serious Italian wine list. The Michelin-recognized kitchen turns out deeply flavored ragùs and seasonal dishes that draw both downtown regulars and destination diners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Olimpia's tagliatelle with pork and beef ragu, Redeye tuna tartare with preserved lemon and lavash, Grilled whole branzino
What Makes it Special: Serious Emilia-Romagna cooking in a dramatic, mural-filled DTLA space.