10 Romantic Restaurants in LA

Low lights. Delicious food. A cushy atmosphere that’ll make you want to linger for hours.  It’s all so cliche but oh so true.  If you’re looking for a romantic night out, those are the essential ingredients. Oh, and the right person to join you doesn’t hurt either. Check out this list with some of the most romantic restaurants in Los Angeles, handily displayed in alphabetical order.

Acabar – Hollywood
Hands down one of the most stunning destinations in LA, Acabar is a sprawling Moroccan-style space on the corner of Sunset and Stanley that impresses from the very first step inside. From the gorgeous open-air atrium with fire pit to the cool bar and swank lounge, this restaurant/nightspot’s insanely intricate interior offers such an eyeful you might actually miss the celebs among you. Oh, and the globally-tinged dishes are quite delish. www.acabar-la.com

Ado – Venice
This ridiculously adorable space has a lot going for it. For one, it’s a bright yellow two-story house that was originally built in 1908 to board railroad workers. Two, the guys behind it–Paolo Cesaro and Antonio Mure–are prototypes of suave Italian men who know how to cook and charm their way into your good graces. Three, the entire space fits only about a dozen tables, all lit by flickering candles. Four, there’s a balcony! And five, handmade pastas. But fellow vegans, beware: This place is really meant for carnivorous romantics.  www.adovenice.com

Café La Boheme – West Hollywood
Admittedly, I haven’t been here in a while, but anytime I’m asked for a romantic restaurant rec in WeHo, I inevitably default to this place (and Little Door, of course). That’s because I’m a sucker for a fabulous fireplace. And this place has two. One inside the slightly gothic-like castle aglow with huge cascading chandeliers hanging from vaulted ceilings, and one outside on the charming little patio that might be connected to a parking lot, but makes you feel as though you’re a world away from the boulevard madness.  www.boheme.globaldiningca.com

Cliff’s Edge – Silver Lake
Sitting on the edge of Sunset and Edgecliff without so much as a sign is where you’ll (try to) find this Silver Lake hideaway that’s been keeping the romance alive since 2004. Although there is ample room inside, there is no other place you’ll want to sit than on the tropical outdoor patio. Yes, the place can get loud, but who can argue with candle-topped tables, rattan chairs, hanging bulbs, and a huge tree in the middle of the room? You’ll feel like Robinson Crusoe dining on French-Med fare. www.cliffsedgecafe.com

Faith & Flower – Downtown LA
With its emerald green touches and glam Art Deco decor, this gorgeous Gatsby-esque space on the corner of 9th & Flower sets the mood with romantic spots on the front patio, in the plush nooks and even at the bar where you can enjoy Roaring 20s-style cocktails. And let’s not forget the food complemented by a wood-fired oven and raw bar. www.faithandflowerla.com

Little Door – Mid-City
It’s literally a little door that leads the way to the most romantic restaurant in LA. The first thing you see is the charming courtyard which looks more like an enchanted garden covered by a canopy of bougainvillea entwined around knotted branches, ferns and trees twinkling with lights, candelabras casting shadows, and tiled fountains gurgling among the din of guests celebrating a special occasion or hanging at the bar for some late-night mezze and wine. If you can pull yourself from the patio, there’s also the Winter Garden, Piano Room (yes, there’s a piano) and Blue Room with its inky indigo walls, fireplace and furry pillows. As for the Mediterranean fare, Little Door was doing the seasonal-organic-farmer’s market thing way before it became de riguer, so everything’s super fresh. Save up and get ready to splurge.  www.thelittledoor.com

Pace – Laurel Canyon
No, this place isn’t named after that cheap picante sauce. It’s pronounced “pah-chay.” And it means “peace” in Italian. Which makes perfect sense since this romantic gem is hidden along the winding, leafy road of Laurel Canyon, where hippies live in boho bliss. Think rustic, tapestries and flickering candles. Pizza, wine and cedar plank salmon. And a lovely, crowded bar. Come here to conjure up the glory days of pace, love and understanding.  www.peaceinthecanyon.com

Cavatina @ Sunset Marquis – West Hollywood
It might seem odd that one of the most romantic restaurants in LA is found in the city’s most rock ‘n’ roll hotel, but consider that part of its laidback charm. Cavatina is an oasis from the city, surrounded by a narrow moat and the hotel’s lush landscaping, creating an indoor-outdoor experience that provides a lovely backdrop for Chef Michael Schlow’s seasonal California cuisine.  www.sunsetmarquis.com

Saddle Peak Lodge – Calabasas
Deep in the hills of Malibu, amid the overgrowth of wild flowers and along the drying canyon creek, is where you’ll find this creaky 100+ year-old lodge that once served as a Pony Express stop, hunting lodge and even a bordello. Sound romantic? It is. With massive log walls and numerous rooms with countless nooks, Saddle Peak exudes romance, albeit with a slightly musty air. There’s hunting and fishing gear, Old West relics and years-old paintings hung in the salon. There are books lining the library shelves, crickety wicker furniture in the cramped upstairs chambers, and stone terraces overlooking the  mountains. It’s history right in front of your eyes: a welcome sight in a city obsessed with what’s new.  www.saddlepeaklodge.com

Mar Yvette

Lifestyle writer Mar Yvette is on a mission to bring you the best people, places and products to make your life pop!