Great Dates

If you want to stay local, Kaviar in Old Pasadena is a cozy spot for sharing a signature sushi roll or two with someone you love. The brand also has expanded to the DTLA Arts District with one of the most romantic dining rooms in town.

For the new space, classic art deco elements in the front bar entrance lead down a long hallway, past the glass-encased kitchen and private omakase tasting room to the plush back room behind black velvet drapes near the stunning samurai display case. There is even a special crystal-chandeliered room for Aureta caviar tasting and spirit pairings with Casa Del Sol tequila.

With Executive Chef John Hans Yeo at the helm, the sushi bar uses responsibly sourced fish topped with luxury ingredients—from caviar to truffles from France—along with a top sake list and seasonal handcrafted cocktails such as the Toyama Rising with Haku vodka, pineapple, and mole bitters.

Not far away, at Workshop Kitchen and Bar, sexy private pods line the walls, allowing you to discretely tuck into the tasting menu and olive oil–washed martinis. Or at the Conrad Los Angeles hotel you can have your pick of dreamy views from the sunset bouncing off The Music Center while dining on Jose Andres’ Spanish-inspired food at San Laurel.

For another iconic view, head to The Aster private club in Hollywood, where you don’t have to be a member to dine on the roof at Lemon Grove with a view of the Capitol Records building.

On the Westside, Paloma is the latest addition to the Venice dining scene. Acclaimed designers Theresa Fatino and Tony Schubert have created an expansive indoor-outdoor Mediterranean oasis, perfect for a romantic meal of sea bass crudo, tomahawk steak, or lobster spaghetti under the bougainvillea and stars. The kitchen is helmed by Raul Cerritos, a veteran chef from the original Madeo for more than two decades.

Speaking of Madeo, the iconic eatery is back in the form of a charming indoor-outdoor space adjacent to the 1 Hotel in West Hollywood. You can still order signature eggplant parmesan, focaccia, and fettucine for lunch or dinner.

At Melrose Place in West Hollywood, a new stop for a unique date night, you can nibble on caviar fries and filet mignon at a rooftop marble bar and banquettes with hillside views. SLS Hotel’s newest restaurant, Le Monde, A TableMation Animated Culinary Experience, features a four-course French menu and a new speakeasy for fun, immersive date experiences featuring 3D-animation at each table.