Best Date Night Restaurants in Westwood
9 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Saffron & Rose Persian Ice Cream
Decades-old Persian ice cream shop central to Westwood’s dessert culture.
Notable Picks
Vibes:
Sweet Treats Escapes
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Instagram Worthy Wonders
A Westwood institution since the 1970s, Saffron & Rose scoops dense, floral Persian-style ice cream in flavors that define the neighborhood’s Persian Square. Lines of locals, students, and families turn the modest shop and sidewalk tables into a nightly scene after dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Saffron pistachio ice cream, Rosewater ice cream, Classic faloodeh
What Makes it Special: Decades-old Persian ice cream shop central to Westwood’s dessert culture.
#2
Asuka
8.6
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Asuka is an intimate Westwood sushi bar known for meticulous fish cutting, traditional techniques, and a calm, polished dining room. It leans more toward nigiri and specialty rolls than novelty items, making it a favorite for diners who want a slower, more composed sushi experience than the nearby student haunts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s omakase sushi, Toro nigiri, Baked crab hand roll
What Makes it Special: Refined, chef-driven sushi in a serene room that feels built for proper dinners.
8.6
Violet Bistro is a Cali-French restaurant with a glowing courtyard patio and an upstairs cooking school, built for slow, celebratory meals. Classic dishes, a serious wine list, and intimate tables make it a go-to Westwood pick for anniversaries and pre-theater dates.
Must-Try Dishes:
French onion soup, Steak frites, Coq au vin or trout amandine
What Makes it Special: Romantic courtyard French bistro with refined cooking and strong cocktails.
#4
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.
8.3
Pomodoro Trattoria is a cozy neighborhood room where the Lasagna Classica anchors a menu of pastas, risotti, and veal plates. It’s a go-to for locals seeking hearty, saucy comfort food and a glass of wine without leaving the Westwood Boulevard strip.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna Classica, Gnocchi al Pesto, Polpette Della Casa
What Makes it Special: Casual trattoria known for generously portioned lasagna baked with béchamel and slow-cooked ragu.
8.3
Set inside the Hammer Museum, Lulu serves a daily-changing, produce-driven menu that leans into Alice Waters–style California cooking. A sun-soaked courtyard and multi-course prix fixe options make it a polished choice for birthdays, graduations, and dinners with visiting family.
Must-Try Dishes:
Three-course seasonal prix fixe, Focaccia with market vegetables, Roasted chicken or fish of the day
What Makes it Special: Museum-adjacent, seasonal California menus in a refined courtyard setting.
8.2
Seaburry brings a more polished Sri Lankan experience to Westwood, with colorful décor, thoughtful plating, and a menu that jumps from lamprise to seafood curries. It’s an intriguing pick for smaller celebrations where guests want something different from the usual Westside options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamprise with slow-cooked meats and rice, Lankan red curry with lamb or seafood, String hopper pilaf
What Makes it Special: Colorful Sri Lankan plates and curries in a refined, intimate space.
Worthy Picks
#8
Hamasaku
7.9
A Westside sushi institution for 24 years where signature rolls bear the names of regular customers—the creative roll program coexists with a $55 omakase that delivers solid nigiri value. Recent arrival of sushi chef Yoya Takahashi upgraded the counter omakase quality. Strip mall location belies a polished interior; the spicy tuna crispy rice and power-lunch crowd define the experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Hamasaku Roll, The Blondie Roll
What Makes it Special: West LA sushi institution with signature rolls named after regular customers
7.7
Flame Persian Cuisine offers a slightly more polished take on Tehrangeles dining, with white tablecloths, a long kebab menu, and full plates built for sit-down meals. It’s used as a neighborhood option for mixed groups looking for a comfortable room and shareable grilled meats without leaving Westwood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rack of lamb kebab, Barg filet kebab, Tadig with khoresh
What Makes it Special: Sit-down Persian restaurant with a broad kebab menu and polished setting.