Finding the absolute best romantic restaurants in LA for an anniversary isn't just about delicious food; it's about crafting an unforgettable experience. Los Angeles offers a spectacular array of venues that transform a simple dinner into a cherished memory, but choosing the right one requires a nuanced understanding of ambiance, service, and those little details that make a celebration truly special. As an experienced specialist in curating dining moments, I know that the perfect anniversary spot resonates with your unique relationship, whether you envision breathtaking views, a secret garden hideaway, or an intimate culinary journey.
At a Glance: Crafting Your Perfect Anniversary Dinner
- Match the Vibe: Consider your partner's style—grand and glamorous, cozy and intimate, or chic and modern.
- Prioritize Reservations: Booking far in advance, especially for specific tables or views, is non-negotiable for LA's top spots.
- Leverage the Views: LA excels in scenic dining; decide if ocean, city skyline, or lush gardens are your priority.
- Don't Forget the Details: Specific requests (fireside, cabana, poolside), parking, and even dress code can enhance or detract from the evening.
- Embrace the "Ask": From preferred seating to dietary needs, communicate your desires clearly when booking.
Setting the Scene: What Makes an Anniversary Restaurant Truly Romantic?
Beyond the food itself, a truly romantic anniversary restaurant in LA nails the intangibles. It’s about the feeling you get when you walk in, the way the lighting plays, the discreet service that anticipates your needs without hovering, and the thoughtful touches that elevate the experience. For an anniversary, you're not just eating; you're celebrating a milestone. This means seeking out places that offer intimacy, a sense of occasion, and perhaps a touch of theatricality.
Los Angeles, with its diverse landscape from Malibu’s coast to Downtown’s skyscrapers, presents a rich canvas for special occasion dining. When considering the broader landscape of how to select the ideal spot for any significant event, from engagements to graduations, understanding the nuances of different venues becomes crucial. For a comprehensive overview of how to select dining experiences for various milestones, including how these choices fit into the wider spectrum of celebratory meals, explore our guide on LA Restaurants for Special Occasions. This foundational knowledge helps contextualize why specific elements, like a particular view or a unique architectural detail, are so pivotal for an anniversary.
Views That Will Take Their Breath Away
For many, romance and a stunning vista go hand-in-hand. LA's topography allows for some truly spectacular backdrops. If an iconic view is your priority, these spots are unparalleled:
- Nobu Malibu: A legendary choice for good reason. Perched directly over Surfrider Beach, the Pacific Ocean serves as a dynamic, ever-changing backdrop to chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s exquisite Japanese cuisine. Imagine sharing mini tacos with uni or signature tiradito as the sun dips below the horizon. The catch? Reservations are highly competitive, requiring a phone call precisely 30 days out between 10 am and 5 pm (310-317-9140). Persistence pays off, or consider bar seating for a potential walk-in.
- Geoffrey’s Malibu: Just up the coast, Geoffrey's offers another dose of Malibu magic. Its patio and unenclosed dining room boast uninterrupted Pacific Ocean sunset views. The menu leans Californian, with straightforward seafood, steaks, and comforting options like baked Brie in puff pastry. It’s a classic for a reason, providing that quintessential Southern California coastal romance.
- The Penthouse at the Huntley Hotel (Santa Monica): Soaring 18 stories above Santa Monica, this spot provides panoramic wraparound views of the Promenade and the Pacific. The luxe white interior creates a chic, airy feel. While the all-glass elevator is currently out of service, the views of the coastline and city are still impressive, complementing a menu of contemporary American fare like spicy tuna crispy rice and Wagyu steak rolls.
- 71Above (Downtown Financial District): For an urban romance, 71Above offers skyscraper-topping views from the 71st floor of the U.S. Bank Tower. It’s a sensory experience, with a prix-fixe menu of American cuisine (think sea bream crudo or grilled ribeye). Request a window-edge table or opt for the bar for prime sunset viewing. Be aware of the $15 valet parking fee (plus tip).
- Élephante (Santa Monica): This popular rooftop boasts a resort-like indoor-outdoor design, complete with ocean views from its Sunset Room. Low lighting and beachside vibes create a relaxed yet romantic atmosphere. Excellent cocktails, whipped eggplant dip, and house-made flatbread are highlights, perfect for a chic, casual-luxe anniversary.
- mar’sel (Rancho Palos Verdes): Tucked away at the Terranea resort, mar'sel offers oceanside outdoor dining overlooking the Palos Verdes coastline and Catalina Island. It's a tranquil escape with California cuisine and vegan-friendly options. While dinner can be pricey, a three-course Sunday brunch is a more accessible alternative for enjoying the stunning scenery. Parking in the outer lots at Terranea is advisable.
- Castaway (Burbank): Offering twinkling views of the Valley, Castaway is a hillside retreat that feels worlds away. Its patio and Green Room bar provide a gorgeous backdrop for steaks, whole roast fish, and charcuterie. However, avoid brunch if you’re seeking a romantic vibe, as bottomless mimosas tend to attract a livelier crowd.
- Perch (Downtown Historic Core): This French bistro offers a charming rooftop experience with patterned tile floors, potted trees, and twinkly lights. You’ll get delightful views of the Central Library and other DTLA landmarks. It's fantastic for an "Apéritif Hour" (weekdays 4-6 pm), but for dinner, while still lovely, its downstairs sibling Little Fish might offer more culinary prowess.
Intimate Hideaways & Secret Gardens
Sometimes, the grand view is less important than the feeling of being in your own private world. LA is home to many enchanting spaces designed for close conversation and stolen glances.
- Firefly (Studio City): Step into a "secret garden" at Firefly, where ivy-covered walls, a heated, firelit patio, and intimate cabanas create an incredibly romantic ambiance. Request a semi-private cabana when reserving to ensure maximum intimacy. The menu is Modern-American, featuring creative dishes like miso glazed cod and bigeye tuna tartare.
- The Little Door (West Third Street/Beverly Grove): An enduring favorite for romance, The Little Door truly feels like stepping into an enchanted forest, especially on its candle-lit patio. The ample candlelight and lush greenery set a magical scene for French/Mediterranean cuisine like herb-crusted rack of lamb and escargot. Reservations are mandatory.
- Cara Restaurant (Thai Town/Los Feliz-ish): This open-air gem transports you with a stunning reflective pool, olive and palm trees, an open-air skylight, and perfectly modulated mood lighting. It’s a genuinely transportive experience for Californian/Coastal Mediterranean dishes. Reservations are advised, especially if you want poolside seating. Bonus: Wednesday nights feature salsa dancing, and Sunday afternoons host live jazz.
- Amour (Beverly): An impeccably designed French restaurant with Japanese-inflected haute cuisine. Amour boasts a candle-lit dining room, a fireplace lounge, a brick-lined courtyard, and even a small library for leaving messages. The precise saucework in entrées and classics like steak tartare and escargot are highlights. Be sure to ask for the fireside table when booking.
- Little Beast (Eagle Rock): An intimate neighborhood bistro housed in a charming Craftsman-style bungalow, Little Beast is perfect for cuddling up. Choose between cozy leather booths, a front porch for sunset views, interior nooks, or the string-lit back patio. Their creative American menu features dishes like beef stroganoff and pan-roasted ocean trout.
- Barrique (Venice): A tiny, quaint Italian spot housed in a yellow bungalow, Barrique offers flickering candlelit interiors and charming Italian servers. Its cozy side balcony for two makes it an ideal, intimate choice for anniversaries. The classic Italian fare and romantic atmosphere are highly recommended.
- Wilde’s (LA): This British-leaning restaurant is primarily candle-lit, with tables for two thoughtfully arranged to encourage intimacy. It’s an understated yet deeply romantic spot, offering interesting wines by the glass, hearty meat pie, and classic sticky toffee pudding.
Culinary Journeys for Discerning Palates
Some anniversaries call for a dining experience that's as much about the art on the plate as the ambiance around it. These restaurants deliver exceptional cuisine in beautiful settings.
- Merois (West Hollywood): Perched atop the Pendry, Wolfgang Puck's Merois is ritzy and ultra-chic, with opulent design and urban vistas. It offers a fine-dining journey through French Californian dishes with Asian influences. The Spikey Lemon dessert comes highly recommended as a memorable finish.
- Ardor (West Hollywood): At the West Hollywood EDITION, Ardor boasts a lush garden interior and a sultry, cinematic ambiance. Its veggie-focused Californian menu offers surprising delights like the $48 gooseberry phyllo pizza—a dish you'll want to order in advance. It's a sophisticated choice for those who appreciate innovative, plant-forward cuisine in a stylish setting.
- Redbird (Downtown): Housed in a cathedral-turned-restaurant, Redbird offers an impressive dining space. Its main courtyard, with a retractable roof, provides views of the historic Vibiana belltower and surrounding balconies. The menu features exquisite pastas, creative appetizers, and substantial meat plates, making it a grand yet contemporary choice.
- An Old-School Argentinian Steakhouse (Melrose): This un-named gem on Melrose features a beautiful enclosed back patio with ambient lighting, perfect for a romantic evening. With an extensive Argentinian red wine list and expertly cooked meats like the prime ribeye with chimichurri glaze, it's a paradise for carnivores. Don't miss the dessert presentation, tableside on a giant platter.
- Pace (Laurel Canyon): Housed in a rustic building, Pace evokes the charm of a Tuscan mountain village. This upscale Italian spot offers a wonderfully cozy and romantic atmosphere. Menu highlights include squash and ricotta-stuffed tortellini, prosciutto-topped Zeus pie, and grilled salmon.
Unexpectedly Romantic & Full of Character
Sometimes, the best romantic restaurants in LA for an anniversary are those that offer something a little different, a unique charm that stands out from the crowd.
- Mirate (Los Feliz): This Baja-inspired Mexican restaurant features a dreamy open-air dining room centered around a towering tree, with cozy nooks perfect for intimate conversation. Max Reis's award-winning cocktails, like Tu Compa and La Sonadora, alongside a fantastic selection of tequilas and mezcals, make it a lively yet deeply romantic choice. Tasty tacos and drinking snacks complete the experience.
- LA Cha Cha Chá (Downtown Arts District): With a palm and cacti-lined patio evoking Mexico City, LA Cha Cha Chá offers a vibrant, open-air setting for CDMX-inspired Mexican cuisine. Chef Paco Moran’s tuna tostadas and painkiller cocktails are highlights. Remember to dress warmly, as the setting is nearly fully outdoors.
- The Georgian (Santa Monica): This historic steakhouse offers a journey back in time. Located in a subterranean dining room beneath The Georgian Hotel, it features dark green booths, moody lighting, and a jazz singer. Entry involves a doorbell and a unique request to cover phone cameras, enhancing the exclusive, old-world charm. The menu includes calamari, strip steak, and classic cocktails.
- Inn of the Seventh Ray (Topanga): Known for its unique, almost whimsical, Californian dining experience amidst nature, this spot has been a long-standing romantic choice. However, a word of caution: the drive to and from Topanga at night can be challenging due to windy, poorly lit roads. Plan accordingly if you choose this enchanting, secluded option.
Your Anniversary Playbook: Practical Tips for a Flawless Evening
Securing a spot at the best romantic restaurants in LA for an anniversary requires more than just picking a name off a list. It demands strategic planning and attention to detail.
The Golden Rule of Reservations
- Book Early, Always: For popular spots like Nobu Malibu, you're looking at a 30-day window, often by phone. For others, booking 2-4 weeks out is a safe bet, especially for weekend evenings. Use platforms like OpenTable, but don't hesitate to call directly for specific requests.
- Be Specific with Requests: When you book, state your anniversary immediately. Don't just ask for "a good table"; ask for the table. "A fireside table at Amour," "a semi-private cabana at Firefly," "poolside seating at Cara," or "a window-edge table at 71Above" are all examples of specific, actionable requests that can transform your experience.
- Consider Off-Peak: If your anniversary date falls on a Tuesday or Wednesday, you might find it easier to secure prime seating than on a bustling Friday or Saturday.
Beyond the Table: Logistics & Little Luxuries
- Parking Matters: LA parking can be a headache. Research valet options (like 71Above's $15 + tip), self-parking availability, or rideshare logistics. For Terranea's mar'sel, remember to park in the outer lots.
- Dress to Impress (and for Comfort): Most of these establishments lean towards smart casual or elegant attire. However, consider the outdoor nature of some spots. For example, LA Cha Cha Chá is nearly fully outdoor; dressing warmly is recommended, even on what seems like a mild evening.
- Special Touches: Ask if the restaurant offers anything special for anniversaries, like a complimentary dessert or a personalized message. Sometimes, the simplest gestures are the most memorable.
- Dietary Needs: Communicate any allergies or dietary preferences when booking. High-end restaurants are usually adept at accommodating these, but advance notice is always appreciated.
Quick Answers: Common Anniversary Dining Questions
Q: What's the absolute best spot for a sunset view for an anniversary?
A: Nobu Malibu and Geoffrey's Malibu offer unparalleled Pacific Ocean sunset views. For a city skyline, 71Above provides a spectacular urban panorama.
Q: Are reservations always necessary for these romantic restaurants?
A: Almost always, especially if you want a specific table, view, or are celebrating on a weekend. For places like Nobu Malibu, they are essential and highly competitive.
Q: I'm looking for something truly intimate and cozy. Any specific recommendations?
A: Firefly's cabanas, The Little Door's enchanted patio, Amour's fireside table, and Barrique's tiny candlelit interior are all excellent choices for a deeply intimate atmosphere.
Q: What about unique experiences beyond just dinner?
A: Cara Restaurant offers salsa dancing on Wednesday nights and live jazz on Sunday afternoons. The Georgian provides a unique, speakeasy-like, old-world charm with a jazz singer.
Q: Is there a more budget-friendly option that still feels special?
A: While most top romantic spots are pricier, consider options like Perch's "Apéritif Hour" for a more affordable taste of romance. For mar'sel, their Sunday brunch is a less expensive way to enjoy the stunning ocean views. Mirate, at a 2/4 price point, offers exceptional ambiance and cocktails without the highest price tag.
Your Next Step: Making That Anniversary Shine
The ideal anniversary celebration in LA is within reach. Start by discussing with your partner what kind of experience truly excites them. Is it the grandeur of a city view, the tranquility of an oceanfront patio, or the quiet intimacy of a secluded garden? Once you have that vision, use this guide to narrow down your choices.
Then, and this is crucial, act decisively on reservations. Don't just book a date; call the restaurant, mention it's your anniversary, and make specific requests for the table or area that aligns with your dream. A little proactive planning transforms a good dinner into an exceptional anniversary memory, ensuring your special day feels as significant and unique as your journey together.