Eating might be my favorite activity, and LA has so many gems it’s tough to pick just one. Whether it’s a chic bar with superb martinis or a cozy spot that transports you to Italy, LA consistently impresses. Here are my personal favorites, where delicious food meets fantastic ambiance in the city I adore.
Sugar Fish by Nozawa– Beverly Hills | Brentwood | Hollywood | + More
Warm rice, perfectly cut fish, and a freezing cold Saporro. Doesn’t get much better. This is such a great experience, and I’ve never taken anyone who wasn’t blown away! Go there at off times or be prepared for an hour and a half wait. I’ll usually go around 3:30 or put my name in for dinner and grab a drink at a bar near there. If you go for dinner, don’t go starving; there will be a wait, and it is worth it. @sugarfishbynozawa
Cecconis Restaurants– West Hollywood
Sitting at the Cecconis Bar just might be my favorite date night in LA. If you get there on the earlier side for dinner, you can usually find a spot at the bar. The martinis are amazing and the wine is great! I always order the calamari with a side of marinara, the steak is incredible, and their pastas are all magical. @cecconisrestaurants
Marvin– Beverly Grove
I love this place so much! Just pure fun Italian, cute colorful lights hanging all around, really cozy and cool feeling. Great for a chill date or a fun place to go for a party dinner. The pasta is incredible, the chicken parm is sex, great wine list, quirky cool staff, it’s super fun! @marvin_af
Elephante– Santa Monica
I didn’t want to like the food here as much as I did but it’s so good. It’s a whole thingggg. There’s a lady and a bodyguard at the front door, and they make it seem like it’s a members club, but it’s just a restaurant that takes itself a little too seriously. That being said, you can just walk in to get drinks and food at the bar (they don’t want you to know that), but otherwise, make a reservation. The whipped eggplant is mandatory, and I love their soppressata pizza with hot honey! This is great for small group dinners, girl’s nights, or boozy brunch. @elephante
Gjelina– Venice
This is another place that I dont want to like as much as I do, but I do. Their menu has sooo many things on it and they are truly all delicious. Think the best cauliflower you’ve ever had, a Japanese sweet potato that will blow your mind, great wine, delicious meats, pizza. They’re douchey and know what they have, but if you get over that it’s always an awesome dinner. @gjelinarestaurant
Boiling Crab– Koreatown | Burbank | West Wood | + More
Okay, this is not a first date restaurant but if you like an activity while you eat this is one of the most fun places (kinda gross, but so fun). You order all the food you want and they come in bags and you dump it on the table and just go for it. My favorites are the clams, shrimp, snow crab, and I order it, “The whole sha-bang” medium, and throw in corn and potatoes. This is a salty meal so be prepared to wake up looking like a pufferfish, but it’s worth it. @boilingcrab
Dan Tana’s Restaraunt – West Hollywood
Old school LA magic. It feels like you’re walking into a different time. Checkered tablecloths, the staff has been there for like 50 years, it’s a classic and will make you feel like you’re in the Sopranos. @dantanasrestaurant
Malibu Pier– Malibu
I lived in Malibu for 2 years and went here every Sunday. To me, this represents California living. Eating a perfectly prepared fried egg sandwich with a watermelon mimosa over the Pacific Ocean; It might be my favorite place in California. @malibupier
Cobi’s– Santa Monica
I went here a lot when I lived in Santa Monica; it’s the gem of Main Street. They have unique takes on Southeast Asian food; everything feels soulful and yummy. The decor feels like a beautiful antique store covered in flowers. Hard to describe, but think, mix-matched chairs and tables, floral plates kitschy cups. This is a super fun date spot. Make a reservation. @cobis.la
South Beverly Grill– Beverly Hills
Hillstone restaurants just get me. They neverrrrr miss! The ribs are my go-to, the sushi is amazing, and the fried chicken sandwich is a classic that will not disappoint. @southbeverlygrill
The Window– The Grove | Hollywood | Silverlake | Venice
This is the best burger in LA, and if you go during the day, it’s a $10 double cheeseburger with delicious salty fries, it makes me so happy. Think smashed thin patties, great sauce, and a potato bun; it’s perfect. Very casual, sit out on their patio or take it to the park nextdoor. My favorite location is in Venice. @thewindow.la
Steak 48– Beverly Hills
This is a new restaurant by the same owner as Mastros and oh my god it does not disappoint. This is a steak house on steroids. The staff is so incredibly trained, the plates come out hot so every bite is warm and delicious. The martinis are freezing, the intro bread is basically a croissant, they have blue cheese olives (iykyk), a full raw bar (the shrimp cocktail is a must), the steaks are amazing, and it’s just overall a really fun dining experience. @steak48
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