The Most Romantic Restaurants in LA
Get your reservations in for this upcoming Valentine’s Day!
It’s almost that time of year for Cupid to strike, and I thought I would round up my top picks of the most romantic restaurants in Los Angeles. Now, what is my criteria for a romantic night out? Think string lights or twinkling rooftop views, candlelit tables, dim lighting, an exceptional wine menu and cocktail list, impeccable service, controlled noise and music levels so you can actually hear one another, and an occassion to dress up and dazzle your loved one! These picks are just as perfect for a cozy Galentine’s dinner as well. Think that I am missing any? Drop me a line and I would love to check out your recommendations!
P.S. Adkt and Steak 48 are on the books for this upcoming month, and I have a good feeling they will be a gorgeous addition to this list!
All restaurant names are linked to their corresponding reservation system for easy booking!
Restaurants I would also highly recommend from my Best Dinner Spots in Los Angeles blog would include Giorgio Baldi, Nobu Malibu, and Fia (see blog for reservation details).
*If you find this blog close to Valentine’s Day and see that all reservation slots are booked up, I have 2 reservations listed in my The Gifts Edit blog that I will happily transfer if not already taken! Reminder for the future that you should book a month in advance!
Il Cielo is hands down the most romantic restaurant in all the land! From the string lights, gorgeous gardens, music, delicious Italian food, quality wines, and small touches of rose petals — it’s the perfect ambiance for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or a special date night out. Not to mention, the above and beyond service to make it a truly memorable and special evening. In this modern world, booking Il Cielo is equivalent to a ‘grand romantic gesture’. I am seeing more and more restaurants offer ‘Experience’ dinner tickets available for purchase on Opentable, so make sure to get your prepaid tickets ahead of time if you plan on dining this Valentine’s Day! I am honestly highly considering getting a solo ticket for myself to experience this magical evening!
Sant’olina will dazzle your eyes upon ascending to The Beverly Hilton rooftop and walking into the restaurant. The entire ceiling is covered with string lights, which sets the mood for a lovely night out. Special occassion restaurants are normally exclusive to Italian fine dining and upscale steakhouses, but Sant’olina proves that Mediterranean food deserves a top tier spot! Their menu items are exceptional, and they also have an expansive bar if you just want to go for late night drinks and bask in the lights! You can reserve your prepaid Valentine’s Dinner here.
Lucky’s is one of my all time favorite restaurants — I dream about their jumbo shrimp cocktail! It has an old school vibe with leather booths, white tablecloths, and classic menu items. If you are looking for a not so stuffy atmosphere as some of the other steakhouses, look no further as the service at Lucky’s is a true delight. Their cocktails are also great quality — coming from the ultimate cocktail snob!
Felix is the perfect choice for someone looking for a more lowkey night without the glitz and glam, yet still having the highest quality food, cocktails, and intimate seating. Your love will be markedly seen and shown by actually securing a sought after reservation, as Felix remains one of the toughest reservations in LA by the one and only Evan Funke (check out my review on Funke, his newest restaurant and another great choice).
This pick may spark debate — but The Hideaway is perfect for the couple or Galentine’s group who wants to start out the night in an intimate environment, then head to the bar for party time. The restaurant has indoor private cabanas available, as well as open seating. Their iconic “Push for Tequila” button along the walls will be sure to excite the tequila lover in your life. Their presentation of food and cocktails shows great attention to detail, and still fits in the category of being a high caliber restaurant. Located in the middle of Golden Triangle, there are plenty of spots close by to keep the party going!
The Tower Bar - Sunset Tower Hotel
The Tower Bar is a uniquely special restaurant as it maintains a high level of professionalism with its service and hospitality, yet caters to a trendy audience with its fun ambiance and play on certain menu items (I love the pigs in a blanket). Whether you are with a date or a group, you are guaranteed a memorable night with amazing cocktails and dishes. Don’t forget to build your own sundae and take pictures outside by the pool/skyline! It looks like The Tower Bar is also doing a Valentine’s Day Experience via OpenTable, so make sure to snatch up your prepaid tickets before it’s too late!
Madeo is classic Italian fine dining at its prime, and will be sure to score high points across the board. If you or your loved one’s love language is authentic pasta, you have hit a home run by booking Madeo. All of their menu items are absolutely to die for — you can’t go wrong! It is located on the lower level of the 1 Hotel, so it is also a great location to get cocktails before or after dinner at Harriet’s. You will need to get a reservation by calling the restaurant at 310-859-4903 on Mondays from 11am-4pm or Tuesday – Saturday 11am – 5pm.
Merois did a stunning job with its design, and truly creates the perfect atmosphere for a special night out. Even just walking into the new(ish) Pendry hotel, the tone is already set for a great experience. There is a skyline view, draped ceilings with chandeliers adorning them, and an amazing menu curated by the Wolfgang Puck. When my friends and I dined there, Wolfgang himself came over to say hello! That alone made it a night to remember, along with the great cocktails and spicy tuna rice. Merois is also offering a special Valentine’s Day Experience via OpenTable.
The classic option is to go with a quality steakhouse, and Mastro’s is one of the best! An added bonus is that they have live music — along with tableside cocktail service, seafood towers galore, delicious steaks, and savory side dishes. It is a more upscale, formal dining environment — but the atmosphere is still lively and a great setting for a fun evening. If you are having trouble with with some of my picks above, this is your safest bet!
Honorable Mention: Wabi on Rose
I would not personally choose to go to Wabi on Rose for Valentine’s Day, but keeping a diverse audience in mind — they do a great job on presentation of their Asian fusion dishes and provide a trendy environment with pink booths, florals galore, and Instagrammable decor. It is not necessarily the most authentic sushi spot, but definitely brings the vibes! The noise and music levels may be a bit loud for Valentine’s Day, unless that’s the type of night you are looking for. I would approve of it for a fun date who has an affinity for pink, aesthetics, and presentation — or a large Galentine’s group!
