Diners in Los Angeles are absolutely spoiled with date night options, with every imaginable ambiance, cuisine, and price-point covered.
To help in your date night decision, Dine LA – the biannual, countywide 15-day dining event happening now through October 28 – has partnered with some of the best restaurants in Los Angeles to create special (and especially affordable) menus.
From a casual cheese plate lunch to an upscale dinner in stately surroundings, here are 10 Dine LA date spots to explore and treat that special someone this fall.
Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery
For an unpretentious light lunch date, Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery in Pasadena is a low-commitment and somewhat novel option. An airy, exposed-brick space in a century-old former stable on a tree-lined street, it’s well placed for many of Pasadena’s attractions, including the non-profit Arlington Garden - three acres of inspiring water-wise garden and wildlife habitat that makes a great pre- or post-lunch stroll.
Agnes’ Dine LA lunch menu includes three cheeses served with crackers, jam, dried fruits, grapes, and corn nuts; a glass of wine (red or white) or spirit-free spritz; and a choice of chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, or peanut butter cookie.
Dine LA lunch menu $25
El Barrio Cantina
Cap a romantic visit to the renowned Retro Row in Long Beach with a meal for two at El Barrio Cantina. A Dine LA debutant that opened in November 2021, this hip, daylit eatery has brought modern yet authentic Mexican tapas to this vibrant neighborhood.
Using fresh seasonal ingredients and innovative recipes, Chef Ulises Pineda-Alfaros draws inspiration from the myriad cultures that comprise Long Beach and Los Angeles to create a tapas-style menu meant for sharing. Main courses of the $35 Dine LA dinner menu include Mexican Hot Fried Chicken, Carnitas Chili Verde and Squash Fideo.
Before and/or after your meal, peruse the 40-plus kitschy and vintage boutiques of the 4th Street Retro Row or take in a first-run film or live performance at the restored 1920s Art Theatre.
Dine LA dinner menu $35
Fanny's
There's surely no museum and dinner date like Fanny’s at the stunning Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Named for comedy pioneer Fanny Brice, this singular restaurant pays homage to the Golden Age of Hollywood in its décor, menu, and service, which echo classic eateries like the Brown Derby and Perino’s. The ever-changing Academy Museum is devoted to the history, science, and cultural impact of the film industry, including date-friendly interactive exhibits like the super-fun Oscars Experience.
The delectable Dine LA dinner menu of shared plates includes Black Truffle Hummus or Chilled Shrimp to start; Roast Beef or Ōra King salmon entrées; and Crème Brûlée or Chocolate Tart for dessert.
Dine LA dinner menu $65+
Firefly
With its expansive, escapist patio and something-for-everyone New American menu, Firefly is one of the most surefire romantic spots in the San Fernando Valley. Stepping into its firelit courtyard feels like entering old Europe, replete with ivy-shrouded wall, intimate cabanas, and a casual yet quietly elegant aura. At once rustic and urban, vintage and contemporary, this distinctive dining experience includes Firefly’s sultry library lounge and more energetic bar area. Highlights of the three-course Dine LA menu include Salade Landaise, Steak Frites, and Chocolate Budino.
Make a night of a Firefly dinner date with some throwback frames at the mid-century modern Pinz Bowling or drinks and a movie at nearby Universal CityWalk.
Dine LA dinner menu $65+
Grand Central Market
Participating in Dine LA for the first time, the landmark Grand Central Market is an affordable lunch or dinner date and the focus for exploring Downtown LA. Dating to 1917, GCM is a destination in itself, with a staggering array of stalls – fruit, veggies, meat and fish, exotic herbs and spices, flowers, plants, candies etc. – augmented with Old World charm. Market Court, overlooking the historic Angels Flight Railway, offers a dizzying tour of global tastes.
More than a dozen GCM vendors are offering $15 Dine LA lunch and dinner menus, including a gourmet sausage at Berlin Currywurst; a choice of chicken sandwiches at Lucky Bird; and a Filipino-style Adobo Fried Rice Bowl at Sari Sari Store.
Dine LA lunch menu $15; Dine LA dinner menu $15
Jame
Owned by Top Chef alum Jackson Kalb and his wife Melissa, Jame Enoteca is a neighborhood eatery where you’re treated like family. The familial feel continues with a comfort food-rooted menu combining Italian and SoCal influences. For Dine LA, this includes the likes of Paccheri Rigati or Capellini at lunch; and Tagliatelle al Ragù or Chicken Parm for dinner.
While in El Segundo, complete a memorable date with a vintage film at Old Town Movie Hall and its massive Mighty Wurlitzer organ. During Dine LA, Halloween-themed screenings include Night of the Living Dead and Psycho on October 16; Nosferatu on October 22, and Dracula on October 23.
Dine LA lunch $25; Dine LA dinner $45
Kendall's Brasserie
There’s no easier way to impress with a world-class dinner and show date than Kendall’s Brasserie at Downtown LA’s famed Music Center. A handsome bistro serving contemporary, artful takes on classic French dishes, chef Christobel Tan’s menu brings that elusive “je ne sais quoi” to this unhurried pre-show eatery. Highlights of the three-course DIne LA menu include Little Gem Salad, Salmon Beurre Blanc, and Raspberry Swirl Crème Brûlée.
Comprising five performance spaces within its astounding architecture – from the 266-seat REDCAT to the 3,197-capacity Dorothy Chandler Pavilion – the Music Center hosts live events for every palate including, during Dine LA, Oklahoma! at the Ahmanson Theatre and The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe at Mark Taper Forum.
Dine LA dinner menu $55
Omakase by Osen
Opened on October 10, Omakase by Osen in Silver Lake is another Dine LA newbie. As the name implies, this is an authentic Japanese sushi omakase and hand roll restaurant (sister to nearby Izakaya Osen). “Omakase” means you’ll be seated at the sushi bar, right in front of your chef, who’ll shape the meal as they go based on your reaction to their creations. This constant interaction ensures that the conversation never dries up, making Omakase by Osen perfect for that potentially awkward first date. Dine LA dinner highlights include Chawanmushi with Uni, Mushi Awabi, and A5 Wagyu Beef with Amaebi.
Combine your Dine LA meal with a romantic stroll around Silver Lake Reservoir or some retail bonding in the neighborhood’s many unique boutiques.
Dine LA dinner menu $65+
Soulmate.
Inspired by his travels and ancestry, Soulmate chef Rudy Lopez lovingly crafts Spanish Mediterranean fare over a live fire, with an emphasis on SoCal ingredients. Complemented by an intriguing indoor/outdoor layout, extensive wine list, and creative cocktails by OG LA bartender Naomi Schimek, Soulmate has lived up to its name as a couples’ favorite since opening in May 2021.
Your family-style Dine LA dinner starts with options like Spicy Paella Bites and Crispy Sunchokes. Next, you and your date will each choose two small plates to share, such as Lamb Espadas, Fire-Roasted Shishito & Sweet Peppers, and Wood-Fired Octopus. The sweet finish features Seasonal Panna Cotta with market sorbet and fresh fruit. It's the perfect start to a night of live music or comedy on the nearby Sunset Strip.
Dine LA dinner menu $65+