Best Date Night Restaurants in Sherman Oaks
10 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Anajak Thai
LA Times Restaurant of the Year with James Beard recognition and Michelin Bib Gourmand
Essential Picks
#1
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
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
#5
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.
8.1
Master sushi chef Katsuya Uechi's casual spinoff delivers his signature crispy rice with spicy tuna and inventive rolls at surprisingly accessible prices. The compact izakaya contrasts sharply with his upscale Katsuya locations, drawing date-night couples and sushi purists who appreciate quality fish preparation without the nightclub atmosphere or inflated prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna, Baked Crab Roll, Little Izaka-ya Plate
What Makes it Special: Master sushi chef pedigree at neighborhood prices with signature crispy rice invention
8
Recently rebranded from Karma Sushi Bar, this sushi destination emphasizes pristine carpaccio and crudo preparations alongside an extensive roll menu. The beautiful patio and dedicated parking lot address two major Ventura Boulevard pain points, while the fresh sashimi and creative specialty rolls keep the dining room buzzing with satisfied regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio, 911 Roll, Albacore Crudo
What Makes it Special: Rare dedicated parking lot on Ventura Boulevard with exceptional carpaccio selections
Worthy Picks
Since 1947, this Valley landmark has served classic American steakhouse fare in pin-cushion leather booths under dark wood paneling. The 1800s-era English bar and celebrity photos create nostalgic Old Hollywood atmosphere, while dishes like country fried chicken and prime rib maintain traditions spanning seven decades.
Must-Try Dishes:
Famous Garlic Cheese Bread, Country Fried Chicken, Prime Rib French Dip
What Makes it Special: 78-year Valley institution where Cary Grant once dined, now serving fourth generation
7.8
A cocktail-forward cantina where the margarita program—featuring centrifuge techniques, house-infused spirits, and unexpected ingredients like mango boba and guacamole slushies—outshines the food menu. The small plates (queso fundido, tostadas, tacos) deliver better than the entrees, making this a spot for drinking with snacks rather than a full dinner. Expect a lively, loud atmosphere and no happy hour pricing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margarita, Queso Fundido, Octopus Taco
What Makes it Special: Tequila and mezcal-focused cocktail bar with an extensive agave spirits program in Sherman Oaks