Best Date Night Italian Restaurants in Sherman Oaks
5 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Bacari Sherman Oaks
90-minute open bar special and innovative Mediterranean small plates perfect for sharing
Notable Picks
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
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Family Friendly Favorites
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Full-service Italian trattoria since 2001 featuring brick oven pizzas alongside comprehensive Italian menu of pastas, seafood, and grilled meats. Floor-to-ceiling murals create warm Mediterranean atmosphere perfect for celebrations, while the prosciutto and arugula white pizza showcases elevated ingredient quality beyond typical pizzerias.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prosciutto Arugula Pizza, Margherita Pizza, Gnocchi al Brasato
What Makes it Special: Full trattoria experience with private party room accommodating 70 guests
8.2
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
The Drago Brothers bring Sicilian sophistication to the Valley through housemade pastas and whole Mediterranean fish preparations. White tablecloths and warm service create an elegant yet approachable setting for celebrating special occasions or enjoying a refined Italian meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whole Branzino, Mushroom Ravioli, Ossobuco Alla Milanese
What Makes it Special: Part of the renowned Drago Brothers restaurant family since 2004
#4
Il Nido
8.1
Chef Sandro Oliverio from Calabria crafts generational family recipes into homemade pasta dishes at this candlelit Italian nest. Black truffle tagliatelle and cacio e pepe showcase fresh-daily pasta alongside warm hospitality in an intimate setting with rustic Mediterranean decor and free validated parking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tagliatelle with Black Truffle, Cacio e Pepe, Vodka Rigatoni
What Makes it Special: Authentic Calabrian recipes with daily housemade pasta
8.1
A family-owned Italian spot on Ventura Blvd where the owner still works the room and closes every table with complimentary housemade tiramisu — the dish that shows up most across 1,300-plus reviews. The kitchen runs a traditional southern Italian playbook heavy on parmigiana and handmade gnocchi, executed with enough care to hold an 87% five-star rate. The small dining room gets buzzy on weekend nights, so weeknight visits land closer to the date-night side of the experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tiramisu, Pesto Gnocchi, Chicken Parmigiana
What Makes it Special: Family-owned Italian where the owner personally greets every table and sends out complimentary housemade tiramisu — the most-praised item across 1,300+ reviews.