From Steakhouses to Sail Boats, Make Your Next Date Night One to Remember
Whether you’re in a committed relationship or simply playing the field, having a good selection of date-night options is absolutely necessary, especially in a lively place like Los Angeles. From Studio City to Santa Monica, here are six LA date ideas pairing food with adventure that’ll have you falling in love with this city…and maybe even a special someone! Los Angeles Date Ideas
Los Angeles Date Ideas
1 | Steaks + The Train from La La Land
Dine: Nick + Stef’s
Adventure: Angel’s Flight Railway
Photo by Alessandro Porri on Unsplash
Nick + Stef’s is a sultry steakhouse that really is the ultimate romantic dinner destination in downtown Los Angeles. With Chef Megan Logan in the kitchen, your mouth will water at the mere sight of their beautiful steaks and creamy mashed potatoes. Thanks to their impressive dry-aged beef program, many of Nick + Stef’s cuts are stored in a temperature-controlled room for a minimum of 28 days, giving them an insane amount of flavor. The brown leather booths against the ocean blue walls give off major city vibes, offering an elevated and sophisticated setting. After finishing up with their made-to-order Liquid Chocolate Cake, take a short ride on the Angel’s Flight Railway and soak up the glimmering city views.
Local Insight: Don’t want the night to end? Head to Cole’s French Dip afterward to experience one of LA’s most legendary and hidden speakeasies.
Location: Downtown Los Angeles
EXP 11/26
2 | Seafood + Sailboats
Dine: Bluewater Grill
Adventure: Sunset Sail
With a nautical patio overlooking the harbor and some of the freshest, most sustainable seafood in the area, Bluewater Grill in Redondo Beach makes for a great date night by the sea. The twinkling string lights plus the surrounding sail boats will set the mood as you indulge in their famous Chipotle Blackened Swordfish (straight from their own fishing boat), PILIKIA or their freshly shucked oysters on the half shell, featuring Carlsbad Aquafarm Blondes. Once you’re finished with dinner, hop on a boat from South Bay Sailing for a romantic sunset cruise that’ll be one to remember.
Location: Redondo Beach
Los Angeles Date Ideas
3 | Lobster Rolls + Picnic Blankets
Dine: The Albright
Adventure: Live Music at The Penmar
Located on the iconic Santa Monica Pier, The Albright is a fun and casual spot that serves up seafood favorites like clam chowder and their signature “ROLLS” Boxes, featuring shrimp, crab and lobster rolls with housemade chips! Feel the ocean breeze as you sip on a beer and dig in on some fresh crab legs or their Seafood Boil!
Be sure to plan this date for a Wednesday and make it an early dinner; this way, you have time to head to The Penmar golf course in Venice for some live music on the grass. Bring a blanket and a bottle of wine (for a $20 corkage fee!) for a chill night with your boo.
Location: Santa Monica + Venice
4 | “Pumptini’s” + The Phil
Dine: Pump
Adventure: LA Philharmonic Show at Hollywood Bowl
Pump provides a fairy tale-like atmosphere right in the heart of West Hollywood, making it a classy date-night spot for tasty cocktails in a garden-like setting. Try one of Lisa Vanderpump’s signature Pump-Tinis or Big Pinkys to get the full experience, and don’t miss out on their delicious Mediterranean board, which is perfect to share, or their Truffle Mushroom Chicken. Once the sun starts to set, make your way over to the Hollywood Bowl for an iconic LA Philharmonic Show and see what the hype is all about.
Location: West Hollywood
Los Angeles Date Ideas
5 | House Made Hummus + Pac Man
Dine: Mazza
Adventure: Player One Arcade
Mazza is a Mediterranean/Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant located right off Ventura Blvd, and its lush patio makes for a great place to share a bottle of wine and some flavorful bites. Mazza is known for using only the freshest ingredients in their authentic dishes, such as their Trio Mazza Platter, featuring their housemade Masabacha Hummus, Caprese Burrata Dip or their popular Wok Prime Beef for two. Once your bellies are full, hop over to Noho for some classic arcade games at the legendary Player One Arcade for some good ol’ child-like fun.
Location: Studio City + North Hollywood
6 | Wine Bar + Cheap Seats
Dine: Tilda Wines
Adventure: Dodgers Game
If you’re looking to do something on the eastside of LA, start your night off with local natural wines and small bites at Tilda. This modern yet hipster wine bar is located on a great strip in Echo Park that is lively and fun, making this a wonderful first-date spot. Don’t miss out on their amazing Smoke Trout Dip. After dinner and drinks are over, catch a Dodgers Game to keep the good vibes going.
Location: Echo Park
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Photography Provided By: Palm + Ocean
Allie Lebos graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2017 with a BA in Communication. While in school she was a staff writer at The Daily Nexus for nearly two years. Since graduating she has written for The Palisades Magazine, as well as Hidden Hills Magazine. Currently living in Santa Monica, Allie loves to indulge in good food, hot yoga, and daily walks along the beach; writing articles on travel, special events, as well as features on local businesses and individuals.
