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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Date and dinner spots in Gardena

A dinner date that feels like an actual occasion rather than just another meal out.

Based on 604 Opinions
+601
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Updated May 2026
01
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Japanese restaurant

Small space with open kitchen and spacious bar seating creates an intimate, cozy vibe. Atmosphere feels authentic Japanese modern and clean, though noise levels can rise with lively groups. Seating includes sushi bar and tables, with ordering done via tablet above a conveyor belt.

Offers a cozy atmosphere suited for a date night. The setting encourages relaxed conversation and a pleasant evening together.

Dinner here offers great service and a very enjoyable atmosphere, though it can be a bit messy. Meals suit both casual outings and special celebrations.

People are saying

"The food here is so fresh and feels like a higher level dining experience."

"The food here is exceptional, I savored every bite."

"You have to try the hand rolls; they're works of art."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's small size.

2

Lunch service ends at 2:30 PM, so plan accordingly.

3

The lunch plate offers 3 pieces for $18 or 5 pieces for $26.

02
Thai Hot Pot image 1
Thai restaurant

Spacious indoor dining area offers a bright, clean atmosphere with a welcoming vibe. A sauce bar and wide selection of fresh ingredients invite customization, while by-pound pricing and authentic Thai broths define the experience.

Generous portions make it easy to share a meal without overspending. The menu features Thai soup options that suit a casual date setting.

Dinner offers a delicious meal with prices matching lunch by the pound, making it an even better value.

People are saying

"The soup base here is incredible and the ingredients are so fresh."

"These dinner spots offer fresh, flavorful, and customizable hot pot."

"The tom kha soup here is so creamy and delicious."

Good to know

1

The price is about $18 per pound for ingredients.

2

Parking is easy and there are no long lines.

3

You can customize your hot pot with a selection of five broth bases.

03
NAM Kitchen image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Spacious Asian fusion restaurant with modern clean interior and artistic cultural decor creates a relaxing vibe. Music and food videos add to the atmosphere, which is family friendly despite some noise from open seating. Free noodle refills and well-spaced tables support a comfortable dining experience.

Warm, inviting atmosphere suits chill date nights and larger groups. Cozy setting helps keep the mood relaxed and comfortable.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here has the most flavorful broth I've ever had."

"The food here is delicious and thoughtfully made."

"The pho broth here is rich and yummy, making it a great dinner spot."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a small lot just for the area.

2

Expect the restaurant to get packed by 6 PM; arrive early to avoid the dinner rush.

3

The food is served quickly, even during busy hours.

04
Chon Dak image 1
Korean restaurant

Korean restaurant with retro early โ€˜90s pub vibes and a cozy, intimate atmosphere that feels like a neighborhood food stall. Music plays to set a chill, lively mood, and plenty of seating accommodates groups looking to unwind. Self-serve water and tablet ordering add convenience to the experience.

Open until 2 a.m. makes it easy to grab a late dinner. The spot works well for a relaxed, casual date with friends or partners.

Plenty of parking makes dinner easy. It suits both late dinners with friends and dates with close company.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and the portions are huge."

"The roasted whole chicken dinner spot is crispy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked."

"These Date Spots have the best crispy, flavorful wings I've ever had."

Good to know

1

They are open daily from 3:00 PM to 2:00 AM for late-night dining.

2

Chon Dak offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery options.

3

Chon Dak is one of the only karaoke bars in Gardena.

05
Eatalian image 1
Italian restaurant

Warehouse-style space with exposed brick walls and an open kitchen creates a rustic, cozy atmosphere that feels like a family gathering. Wide tables encourage a chill, welcoming vibe without pretension. A central bar and walk-up dessert counter add casual, lively touches to the setting.

Spaghetti Carbonara and Spaghetti Puttanesca stand out with perfect cooking and rich flavors. The spot suits both casual lunches and memorable dates.

Seating happens quickly even during prime dinner time. The spot suits family dinners and casual group meals with no fuss.

People are saying

"I found the pizza here to be delicious and reminiscent of Italy."

"The pizzas here are delicious and crispy."

"The food here is amazing, especially the pizza."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but ordering and running credit with an open tab is necessary before seating.

2

Parking is limited, and street parking may feel unsafe.

3

Prices are reasonable, with lunch for two costing around $76.

06
Shilla Restaurant image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Spacious interior with stone grill cooking creates an authentic Korean barbecue experience. Energetic and fun vibe fills the room, often buzzing with groups enjoying lively meals. The atmosphere blends old-school charm with a casual, cozy feel, making it suitable for celebrations and gatherings.

Offers a couple's and group menu for one price, making it easy to share. Ideal for a date night for two with a bottle of Stella Rosa. Suitable for dates, gatherings, and parties.

Dinner offers an amazing experience suitable for celebrations and family outings. Prices run on the higher side, which may not fit every budget.

People are saying

"They finished the meal with complimentary kimchi fried rice."

"I considered it the best Korean BBQ I had ever been to."

"The dinner spots here have the sweetest, most attentive staff."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high traffic during peak hours.

2

Parking is limited in the enclosed lot; consider arriving early.

3

The restaurant offers a couple's and group menu at a fixed price.

07
Lomeli's Italian Restaurant image 1

Old school Italian restaurant with cozy, classic decor and red booths creates a homey atmosphere reminiscent of 1970s East Coast eateries. The space is small and warm, filled with framed artwork, hanging spices, and plastic vegetables. It draws a steady crowd seeking authentic Italian vibes and well-stuffed pizzas.

Dining in offers a cozy setting for a date night with Italian cuisine that suits couples well. The atmosphere supports a relaxed and intimate meal experience.

Dinner offers a nice atmosphere with a pleasant vibe. Meals suit special occasions like birthdays.

People are saying

"I found the pizza crust amazing with all the toppings."

"The garlic bread at these dinner spots is warm and very good."

"It's a delightful spot for a date with a nice atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during peak meal times to avoid long waits.

2

Expect a wait for a table on weeknights after 6 pm.

3

Parking is available in the strip mall lot, with plenty of spaces.

08
Marie Callender's image 1
Traditional American restaurant

Fresh baked pie scent fills a quaint, rustic space with dark lighting and a smoky atmosphere. Seating includes an upstairs section and private dining for large groups. The setting feels old and in need of updating but maintains a quiet, relaxed vibe on weekends.

Coffee pairs well with apple pie for a cozy date. Omelets, steak, and veggies offer hearty options for sharing.

Huge portions of Turkey Dinner come with potatoes and dressing and a side of cranberry sauce. Breakfast, lunch, and pies also appear on the dinner menu.

People are saying

"I found the pies here to be the most delicious I ever ate."

"The turkey dinner here feels like Thanksgiving all over again."

"You have to try the boysenberry pie at this date spot."

Good to know

1

They offer a 2 for 1 deal on Wednesdays; sign up to take advantage.

2

Arrive before 10 am to avoid long wait times and enjoy fresh buffet items.

3

Parking at Marie Callender's can be a bit of a hassle.

09
Matthews Home Style Cooking image 1

Restaurant offers home-style cooking with freshly cooked dishes and large portions. Atmosphere stays calm and clean, often quiet even during lunchtime. Menu includes classic soul food with standout items like fried catfish and tender oxtails.

Fried catfish and collard greens stand out as 10/10 dishes here. The spot offers a home-style vibe that suits a relaxed date night.

Dinner features hot, timely service with entrees like oxtail, meatloaf, and smothered pork chops. Meals arrive satisfying and consistent, making it a solid choice for a no-cook night.

People are saying

"The food here is seasoned well, hot, and tasty."

"The fried catfish and collard greens here are amazing."

"The oxtail dinner here is so tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers real home-style food that is satisfying and flavorful.

2

They cook everything fresh.

3

The plate sizes are generous, suitable for sharing.

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Gardena, California

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