Best Date Night Restaurants in Mar Vista
6 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Yahir
Spanish-style tapas filtered through the chef’s Iranian-Latin heritage.
Notable Picks
#1
Yahir
8.1
A Mar Vista tapas bar where chef Matteen Khalifian layers Spanish small-plates with subtle South American and Persian accents, creating a menu that feels both familiar and personal. The room leans moody and social with a strong cocktail program and regular live jazz, making it a neighborhood night-out anchor. Best for sharing a spread at the bar or settling in for a late dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gambas al Ajillo, Croquetas, Seasonal Paella
What Makes it Special: Spanish-style tapas filtered through the chef’s Iranian-Latin heritage.
#2
Little Fatty
8
Chef David Kuo's Taiwanese-American kitchen delivers crowd-pleasing riffs on comfort classics—the orange chicken runs crispy and light, and the scallion pancakes hit that chewy-crunchy balance. The eight-table dining room shares a wall (and cocktail menu) with Accomplice bar next door, which means the vibe stays lively and tables stay tight. Works well for groups ordering family-style or couples who want drinks with their 3-cup chicken.
Must-Try Dishes:
Orange Chicken, Scallion Pancakes, Walnut Shrimp
What Makes it Special: Taiwanese-American fusion where traditional recipes get playful LA twists, from vegan adaptations to creative cocktail pairings
#3
Uo Nigiri
8
A fish-wholesaler-turned-omakase operation sourcing whole wild Bluefin and seasonal catches direct from Toyosu Market, with knife work from chefs who cut their teeth at Michelin-starred rooms and NOBU. The counter-only format keeps it intimate and focused on the fish, pricing well below what comparable Toyosu-grade nigiri runs at most LA omakase bars. Best suited for diners who care more about provenance and cut quality than scene—show up on a weeknight, sit at the counter, and let the sourcing do the talking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature Omakase (15pc), Seared Scallop Nigiri, Hamachi (Yellowtail) Nigiri
What Makes it Special: Run by a fish wholesaler who sources whole wild Bluefin Tuna and seasonal catches from Tokyo's Toyosu Market, with chefs from Michelin-starred kitchens and NOBU—served at a fraction of comparable omakase prices.
Worthy Picks
7.8
An Italian market-cafe hybrid in Mar Vista where fresh pasta and groceries share space with a sprawling patio that draws neighborhood regulars. The format works for families grabbing carbonara alongside wine and provisions, or couples settling into the outdoor seating for a low-key dinner. Expect a buzzing crowd, especially evenings—it runs on neighborhood energy rather than quiet intimacy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Squash Blossoms, Focaccia, Carbonara
What Makes it Special: Italian market-cafe hybrid where you can grab groceries, fresh pasta, and wine on a sprawling patio
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
7.8
A Mar Vista French bistro that delivers bistro staples—roast chicken, liver mousse, seasonal salads—with enough technique to justify date-night positioning. The main room runs loud when full, so couples often drift to the patio for a quieter meal with the same kitchen output.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roast Chicken, Chicken Liver Mousse, Persimmon Salad
What Makes it Special: French bistro classics executed with care in a Mar Vista neighborhood setting