Los Angeles has plenty of romantic restaurants, but some of the most interesting date-night options are places that have only recently opened or returned with a fresh identity. Think candlelit Italian-Brazilian dinners in Silver Lake, a French bistro tucked above another restaurant, and a revived Venice favorite where olive trees set the mood.
Whether you’re planning a first date or an evening away from your usual routine, these seven spots offer something more memorable than a predictable dinner reservation. From intimate wine bars to lively taverns and creative tasting experiences, there’s a setting for just about every kind of couple.
1. Briciola
If candlelight and a glass of wine sound like the ideal beginning to a date, Briciola makes a convincing case. Located at 3131 Sunset Boulevard in Silver Lake, this intimate Italian-Brazilian restaurant combines the charm of a neighborhood wine bar with a menu full of unexpected flavors.
The small dining room is filled with candlelit tables, creating a cozy atmosphere that feels particularly suited to couples. The food brings Brazilian influences into Italian dishes, with combinations such as burrata topped with tomato granita and anchovies.
Cod croquettes are another standout, while grilled branzino served in a coconut sauce inspired by Brazilian moqueca offers a more substantial centerpiece for dinner.
For dessert, bananas Foster finished with shaved Parmesan gives the evening an unusual final touch. Briciola is especially appealing for couples who enjoy sharing dishes and discovering flavor combinations they wouldn’t find at a conventional Italian restaurant.
2. Thickman’s Tavern
Not every date needs soft music and white tablecloths. Thickman’s Tavern, located at 432 N.
Fairfax Avenue, offers a livelier alternative for couples who would rather enjoy good food, drinks, and a little playful chaos.
The large Fairfax sports bar is packed with televisions, but its personality goes well beyond the games. Wood-paneled walls, quirky decorations, and a soundtrack heavy on new wave music give the space the feel of an eccentric 1970s recreation room.
Food is part of the attraction, especially the off-menu “everything” wings. Cocktails include vodka martinis garnished with cornichons, while playful desserts such as worms in dirt add another unexpected element.
Thickman’s works best for a casual, energetic date rather than a quiet romantic dinner. It’s a place where couples can share wings, watch a game, and enjoy an atmosphere that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
3. Maree
For a more traditional romantic evening, Maree offers candlelight, French-inspired cooking, and a polished setting in Pico-Robertson. Located at 9575 W.
Pico Boulevard, on the second floor above Lielle, the restaurant comes from chef Marcus Jernmark.
The dining room has a warm, intimate atmosphere, with candles, pale wood tones, and a green onyx bar adding to its understated elegance.
The menu takes familiar French bistro dishes in creative directions. Escargot beignets provide a surprising twist on a classic ingredient, while truffled onion soup offers something comforting.
A burger served with four-peppercorn sauce is another distinctive option.
Dessert is worth saving room for, particularly the dark chocolate mousse with hazelnuts or the restaurant’s inventive tiramisu-crème brûlée combination.
With its romantic lighting and thoughtfully prepared food, Maree is a strong choice for couples who want a special dinner without an overly formal atmosphere.
4. Good Alley Reserve
Soup dumplings might not be the first thing that comes to mind for a romantic dinner, but Good Alley Reserve makes them feel like a special occasion. Located at 56 E.
Duarte Road in Arcadia, the restaurant is an upscale sibling of the original Good Alley in Rosemead.
The dining room is darker and more polished than the original location, making it particularly appealing for couples who want Chinese food in a more refined setting.
The menu includes the restaurant group’s signature soup dumplings, along with new dishes such as spinach noodles topped with spicy crawfish. For something more indulgent, there are A5 wagyu soup dumplings and wagyu beef noodles.
Other options include pork belly in chili oil and sticky ribs glazed with aged vinegar, bringing bold flavors to a meal designed for exploring several dishes.
Good Alley Reserve is especially suited to couples who enjoy ordering a variety of plates and comparing favorites. The dumplings alone provide plenty to talk about.
5. Chez Mar
Chez Mar offers a different kind of date night: excellent seafood in a relaxed, slightly unconventional setting. Located at 12222 Venice Boulevard in Mar Vista, the restaurant is a casual raw bar run by the former chef of Dudley Market.
Inside, oysters on ice share space with punk records and a turntable, creating an atmosphere closer to a neighborhood hangout than an upscale seafood restaurant.
The menu, however, is serious about its ingredients. Kanpachi crudo cured in rosé is one of the more distinctive dishes, while heirloom tomatoes with boquerones offer a combination of fresh produce and salty fish.
Pillowy gnocchi served with saffron-braised leeks provides another option for couples who want something beyond raw seafood.
Chez Mar operates on a walk-in basis, with counter ordering and patio seating. It’s an appealing choice for a spontaneous date, especially for couples who prefer good food and personality over formal service.
6. The Tasting Kitchen
One of Venice’s familiar dining destinations has made a comeback. The Tasting Kitchen, located at 1633 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, reopened in 2026 after a fire forced it to close in 2023.
The revived restaurant retains much of the atmosphere that made it popular, including a dining area framed by olive trees. The setting feels naturally romantic without relying on elaborate decorations.
Chef Casey Lane’s menu combines Italian and California influences, with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients and cooking over fire. Dishes include bucatini all’Amatriciana, shrimp tagliolini, and mackerel escabeche prepared in a Josper oven.
The restaurant’s approach also leaves room for ingredients from local farmers markets, giving the menu a seasonal character.
For couples who enjoy an elegant but lively dinner, The Tasting Kitchen offers the charm of a Venice institution with the energy of a recent reopening.
7. Alta Adams
Alta Adams is another Los Angeles favorite entering a new chapter. The West Adams restaurant, located at 5359 W.
Adams Boulevard, reopened in May 2026 after chef Keith Corbin temporarily closed it to rethink the menu and dining experience.
The refreshed restaurant moves beyond its original California soul food identity, incorporating influences from West Africa, Mexico, Japan, and other culinary traditions.
One of the standout dishes is black-eyed pea salad with crispy ham hock, Fresno chiles, herbs, and lime. Other creations include suya-spiced bone marrow, duck confit with mole, and fire-roasted cabbage with a miso glaze.
The dining room has also been refreshed, giving the restaurant a new atmosphere while maintaining its connection to the West Adams neighborhood.
For couples who appreciate ambitious cooking and a restaurant with a meaningful story, Alta Adams offers a date night built around discovery. Its new menu makes this a worthwhile return even for diners who visited before the relaunch.
Share this story
