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Los Angeles' Most Romantic Restaurants

If you are looking for that special place to spend a romantic dinner with your loved one, look no further. From its plethora of rooftop restaurants with stunning views, splurge-worthy restaurants and special occasion locals, LA is full of restaurants to celebrate a special dinner with your partner. Combine dramatic designs and backdrop with LA's burgeoning food scene, and spend a candlelit dinner across your loved one at one of these 15 restaurants.
Inn Seventh Ray - Verified Jarone
(credit: Jared Iorio)

Inn of the Seventh Ray
128 Old Topanga Canyon Rd.
Topanga, CA 90290
(310) 455-1311
www.innoftheseventhray.com

The Inn of the Seventh Ray is a hidden gem is at the intersection of two creeks flowing through the Santa Monica mountains. Guests can enjoy an expansive garden setting while dining by candlelight in communion with nature under old oak and sycamore trees. The Inn, featuring a seasonal chef-driven menu from Chef / Partner Bradley Miller, aims to marry its long-time commitment to combining organic, farm-to-table produce with sustainably sourced fish, meat and poultry. Add in an eclectic and extensive award-winning organic and biodynamic wine list in an idyllic, open-air setting designed so that every table is semi-private and secluded, and it makes it the perfect place to sit and dine with that special someone for a celebratory moment in time. 

little door - Verified Jarone
(credit: Jessica Sample)

The Little Door
8164 W. 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 951-1210
www.thelittledoor.com

The Little Door's French-Mediterranean cuisine features seasonal organic tasting menus. The décor invites those seeking solace, escape, and romance a perfect place to sit and enjoy a romantic dinner. With its beautiful candles, trellises of bougainvillea, and open room, guests can enjoy a delicious meal in one of the most idyllic restaurants in the city.

Spring - Verified Jarone
(credit: Emi Rose Photography)

Spring
257 South Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 372-5189
www.springlosangeles.com

Located on the ground floor of the historical Douglas building, guests at Spring are able to immerse themselves in a beautiful atrium with a fountain in the center. Take your seat and enjoy the view of Chef Tony Esnault cooking in the bustling open kitchen and take in the romantic ambience that makes you feel like you have been transported to a cute café in France. The wine pairing and tasting menu is a great option for a unique and stress-free evening with a loved one.
 

71 above - Verified Jarone
(credit: Wonho Frank Lee)

71 Above
633 W. 5th Street, 71st Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 712-2683
www.71above.com

71 Above presents unobstructed views along with high-end cuisine on the 71st floor of the U.S. Bank Tower building in downtown L.A. Sip a drink at the bar with your significant other while you watch the sun set over the Santa Monica Mountains, and the lights of the L.A. basin begin to twinkle 950 feet below you.

Geoffreys - Verified Jarone
(credit: Alen Lin)

Geoffrey's Malibu
27400 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265
(310) 457-1519
www.geoffreysmalibu.com

Perched atop a romantic Malibu hillside, Geoffrey's Malibu is a staple of the area and offers exquisite views of the Southern California coastline, an inviting atmosphere, and a noteworthy menu. The flower-filled patio which overlooks the Pacific offers an ideal spot for a romantic candlelit dinner. Escape the stresses of life and unwind right off the PCH with a one-of-a-kind secluded California-style dining experience.
 

le petit - Verified Jarone
(credit: Sean Paul Franget)

Le Petit Paris
418 S Spring St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 217-4445
www.lepetitparisla.com

Set in the 1913 El Dorado building downtown, French brasserie Le Petit Paris boasts unique architecture and a grand staircase leading to a romantic room. Spend a wonderful evening with your date under chandeliers and skylights, and enjoy an all-day menu of French classics such as the restaurant's world-famous cognac-flambéed truffle pasta as well as their special August One Night in Paris menu.

Firefly - Verified Jarone
(credit: Firefly)

Firefly
11720 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 762-1833
www.fireflystudiocity.com

Studio City's Firefly boasts an elegant and fine dining experience with a romantic patio dining area and a weekend late night lounge element. Known for its sensual ambiance, inviting music, and enticing, beautifully presented food from chef Perry Pollaci, Firefly exudes casual, lived-in elegance. Sit in one of their curtained booths on the patio or sit in the library and enjoy chef Pollaci's new American cuisine. Share the 32oz Tomahawk steak for two with pomme aligot and grilled local asparagus or choose the three-course chef's tasting menu.

Cliffs Edge - Verified Jarone
(credit: Noted Media)

Cliff's Edge
3626 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 666-6116
www.cliffsedgecafe.com

Tucked away in a secret garden in Silver Lake, Cliff's Edge presents guests with a one-of-a-kind outdoor romantic multi-leveled patio. Almost all of the seating is under a giant Ficus tree, and the patio is surrounded by lush stands of bamboo, and hanging lights. Enjoy the fire pit as it flickers as well as a water feature which provides the only music in the garden. The food from chef Michael Bryant is as relaxed and pretty as the garden, and an award-winning wine list completes the scene. 

Lucques - Verified Jarone
(credit: Rob Stark Photography)

Lucques
8474 Melrose Ave.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(323) 655-6277
www.lucques.com

Lucques' decor of brick, wood beams, garden setting and wood-burning fireplace provides a warm and intimate setting. Opened by Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne in 1998, Lucques is their flagship restaurant which emphasizes simply delicious and decadent ingredients. Every Sunday Lucques presents Sunday Suppers, a weekly three course prix fixe menu created from the weekly farmers market produce. Dine inside in one of their booths near the fireplace or on the patio covered with vines and try from a selection of intriguing wines.

Il Cielo
(credit: Joi S./yelp)

Il Cielo
9018 Burton Way
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(310) 276-9990
www.lucques.com

Il Cielo, Italian for the sky, has brought the sky to Beverly Hills since 1986 with its beautiful outdoor front patio, private rooms and tranquil gardens. Located off Burton Way, the restaurant exudes romance whether you sit indoors with their mirrored walls, fireplace and cherubs painted on the ceiling, or the front patio adorned with lights shining above. Enjoy traditional Italian cuisine which uses only fresh ingredients for every dish, with all the pastas, focaccia, and desserts made in house.

Saddlepeak - Verified Jarone
(credit: Rico Mandel)

Saddle Peak Lodge
419 Cold Canyon Rd.
Calabasas, CA 91302
(818) 222-3888
www.saddlepeaklodge.com

Saddle Peak Lodge boasts a romantic mountain lodge with a scenic patio. Its critically-acclaimed New American menu is most notable for its emphasis on exotic wild game. Coupled with the Lodge's award-winning service, intimate and elegant ambiance, and rich history, Saddle Peak Lodge is just minutes away, but worlds apart.

1pico Shutters On The Beach - Verified Jarone
(credit: Shutters on the Beach)

1 Pico
Shutters on the Beach
1 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 587-1717
www.shuttersonthebeach.com

Situated inside Santa Monica's Shutters on the Beach Hotel, 1 Pico offers beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, and the Santa Monica boardwalk with large windows throughout the restaurant. Guests can enjoy Mediterranean fine dining with a seasonal, market driven menu and extensive wine list, which is perfect for a romantic dinner for two. For those wanting a little more romance, ask for a seat beside the fireplace.
 

Cafe Pinot - Verified Jarone
(credit: Patina Restaurant Group)

Café Pinot
700 W 5th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 239-6500
www.cafepinot.com

Café Pinot is an ideal locale for an elegant and romantic night out as it is surrounded by gorgeous garden seating, a metropolitan skyline view and floor to ceiling windows. Adjacent to downtown LA's 1920's landmark public library, the restaurant presents a contemporary California-French menu, featuring fresh, sophisticated dishes inspired by the farmers' market and beautiful, seasonal produce, in addition to an extensive wine list of both regional and international varietals
 

redbird - Verified Jarone
(credit: Laure Joliet)

Redbird
114 E 2nd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 788-1191
www.redbird.la

Chef Neal Fraser and Amy Knoll Fraser's flagship restaurant Redbird is located inside the former rectory building of Vibiana in DTLA. The restaurant pays homage to the cathedral next door and the existing timeless architecture. Guests entering from Second Street find the lounge area with a few tables at banquettes. Past the bar is the courtyard garden, which features a retractable roof and is the main dining area. Redbird features Modern American seasonal small and large format plates, an extensive cocktail menu by Tobin Shea, and an eclectic wine list.
 

melisse - Verified Jarone
(credit: Matthew Kiefer) 

Mélisse
1104 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 395-0881
www.melisse.com

A neighborhood staple for over 18 years, Mélisse is led by two Michelin starred chef Josiah Citrin. Citrin has turned Mélisse into one of the city's premier fine-dining destinations for contemporary French cuisine. Serving farm-to-table cooking before it became a trend, the restaurant has two private dining rooms named after his two children Olivia and Augustin which are perfect for small intimate gatherings or large party buyouts. 

Jarone Ashkenazi is a freelance writer who covers restaurants, bars, dating, relationships, sports and other lifestyle topics. View his work at www.jaroneashkenazi.com, or connect with him on Twitter: @JaroneAsh.
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