Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Los Angeles

Casual date spots

A date should feel relaxed and low-stakes while still being a deliberate choice for the evening.

Based on 715 Opinions
+712
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
Saijo - Los Angeles - Culver City image 1
Saijo - Los Angeles - Culver City image 2
Saijo - Los Angeles - Culver City image 3
View all

Small, intimate bar-style seating with Asian-inspired decor creates a focused dining experience. Atmosphere feels sleek and inviting with dim lighting and a lively vibe despite the compact space. Fresh sushi and hand rolls prepare quickly in front of diners, emphasizing quality and swift service.

Chill vibe with counter seating suits casual dates or solo dinners. Great for sushi cravings and quick meals in a cute setting.

Chill vibe with counter seating suits casual dates or solo nights. Space feels classy yet casual, good for quick lunch or dinner.

People are saying

"The Japanese food omakase here is excellent and a great value."

"The casual handrolls were fresh, flavorful, and tightly made."

"The hand rolls here are tightly made and flavorful, perfect for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; expect a wait during peak hours.

2

The restaurant has only bar seating, which may not suit larger groups.

3

Lunch specials offer great value, with deals around $24 for five hand rolls.

02
Bar Sinizki image 1
Restaurant

Checkerboard floors and a curved marble bar create a classic European vibe with a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor seating blend casually, drawing a mix of locals who enjoy well-crafted cocktails and exceptional food in a lively, stylish setting.

Offers a comfortable vibe for both solo visits and date nights. Serves casual cocktails that fit well with a relaxed, intimate setting.

Balance defines the vibe, calm yet alive, casual yet composed. Gorgeous design supports a relaxed setting for casual cocktails, business lunches, or a date with French food.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating is perfect for enjoying their exceptional pierogies."

"The casual food here, especially the burger, is the best I've had."

"The food and drinks here are top tier for a date spot."

Good to know

1

Indoor seating is limited, making it unsuitable for parties larger than three.

2

You need cash to enjoy this place; credit cards are not accepted.

3

The pierogis start serving at 5pm and sell out quickly, so arrive early.

03
Budonoki image 1
Restaurant

Intimate Japanese izakaya with cozy atmosphere and refined design featuring heated patio and creative cocktail presentation. Lighting and lively soundtrack create an electric vibe that blends fun with attention to detail. Signature drinks come in animal-shaped mugs, adding a playful touch to the experience.

Casual date night vibes shine here with a great atmosphere for sitting at the bar or sharing small eats. The spot works well for a relaxed first date or a group dinner.

Music stays just loud enough to keep a fun, casual ambience. The atmosphere feels modern and lively, fitting for a casual date night or group dinner at the bar.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, full of flavor and beautifully presented."

"You have to try the gnocchi and wagyu at these Date Spots."

"This casual spot's pressed salmon sushi rolls are excellent."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for dinner service, especially for peak hours.

2

A 4% service charge is added to all bills for operational costs.

3

Street parking is the only option available, and it can be difficult to find.

04
Tigawok Mini Bowls - Sawtelle image 1

Small space with limited seating creates a busy, lively atmosphere where standing tables dominate. Fast-casual setup includes robot woks delivering authentic Chinese flavors with a cafeteria-style service. Self-serve stations and condiment options add to the practical, no-frills dining experience.

Warm and inviting atmosphere suits casual lunch or relaxed dinner dates. Tigawok Mini Bowls offer a quick, tasty option for a date night or family time.

Warm and inviting atmosphere suits fast casual dining. Good spot for casual lunch or relaxed dinner.

People are saying

"The Chinese food, especially the orange peel chicken, is a delicious balance of tart and crunch."

"It's a casual place with great value and delicious food."

"The food quality here is outstanding, I loved it."

Good to know

1

Dishes cost around $4 each, making them very affordable.

2

The restaurant offers great portion sizes for the price.

3

There is free parking available in the garage.

05
DEUX BISTRO image 1
French restaurant

Cozy French bistro with rustic decor and a Parisian vibe creates an intimate, relaxed atmosphere. Quiet setting suits intimate dinners and casual dining. Indoor and outdoor seating fill a beautiful, charming space with stylish music.

Very quiet and clean setting creates a calm atmosphere. Food offers an interesting and high-end yet casual experience ideal for date nights.

Offers a casual French bistro vibe with a quiet atmosphere. Meals balance high-end quality with a relaxed feel suitable for casual dining or date nights.

People are saying

"The French food, especially the steak frites, was amazing."

"This place is a great option for Date Spots, serving awesome and interesting food."

"The food here is delicious and outstanding."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a covered structure around the corner.

2

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant gets quite busy.

3

The restaurant offers a 50% discount on bottles of wine on Thursdays.

06
Woon - Filipinotown image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small space with cozy interior and cute outdoor seating creates a casual, hip vibe. Atmosphere feels niche and stylish, with a mix of relaxed and tense energy. Unique design and creative menu set it apart from typical Chinese restaurants.

Casual and very cute ambience suits date night or dinner with friends. The patio welcomes dogs and has lots of furry companions around.

Ambience feels casual and very cute, fitting for a dinner with a friend or a date. Food offers high-quality Chinese comfort without long waits when arriving early.

People are saying

"The Chinese food, especially the beef noodles, had an authentic, charred flavor."

"The noodles here are amazing, complex, and savory."

"The beef noodles here are a must-order, so flavorful and chewy."

Good to know

1

Parking is street only, but ample in the area.

2

Reservation is recommended for groups larger than 8.

3

You order at the front and grab your own drinks.

07
Sushi Aria image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers cozy atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating including a lovely patio with heaters. The vibe is calm and inviting, suitable for casual dining or a date. Decor blends simple, clean lines with a casual sports bar feel, creating a relaxed environment.

Atmosphere feels nice and relaxed, making it suitable for a date. It works well for date nights or a calm family dinner.

A cool and relaxed vibe sets the tone with casual dining and a laid-back atmosphere. The setting feels easygoing and unpretentious.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and delicious."

"The fish here is so fresh and melts in your mouth."

"The service here is genuinely kind and attentive for your date."

Good to know

1

The patio is perfect for happy hour drinks with friends or coworkers.

2

Parking is available in the rear, and the spacious bank lot next door is accessible in the evenings.

3

The price of $20 per roll is common, but portions may be small.

08
Sama Hand Roll / Grill image 1

Sleek design and minimalistic branding create an upscale and inviting atmosphere with perfect lighting and beautiful wall art. Spacious interior suits families, large parties, or intimate dinners with a calm, non-flashy vibe. Sake cocktails and exceptional hand rolls stand out alongside fusion dishes and quality grill options.

Atmosphere suits date night with a cozy vibe for two. It works well for dinner with friends or special occasions like birthdays, and welcomes families too.

Warm and inviting vibe with chefs who clearly love what they do. Music features 90s hip hop, creating a casual atmosphere despite a wine list that includes Dom Perignon.

People are saying

"You have to try the crispy rice at this Lunch Spot; it's perfectly crunchy."

"The hand rolls here are unbelievably fresh with crisp seaweed and warm rice."

"The Date Spots here have the freshest fish and hand rolls."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 5:00-6:30pm with special menu items.

2

Parking is free for two hours with validation from the restaurant.

3

Validated parking is available on E 3rd St and Aliso parking.

09
Baby Bistro image 1

Small house setting creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere with natural finishes and a warm vibe. Calm and casual energy suits date nights and small dinners, featuring creative, fresh California farmers market-centric cuisine. Space feels like a comfortable old home with thoughtful design and a memorable front patio.

Setting suits a small dinner or date night with a cozy, thoughtful vibe. Cuisine focuses on fresh California farmers market ingredients, making meals feel special and well executed.

Calm and cozy ambiance creates a casual and thoughtful atmosphere. Serious food comes from world-class industry professionals in a setting that feels detailed and loving.

People are saying

"The wine here is exquisite, complementing the creative California cuisine."

"The food at this dinner spot was unbelievable and creative."

"This cute space is perfect for Date Spots with its amazing ambiance."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

2

The menu changes seasonally, offering fresh, local ingredients.

3

Corkage fee is $40, allowing guests to bring their own wine.

10
Sora handroll bar image 1

Rooftop setting offers outdoor seating with sunset views and an open-concept bar where chefs assemble hand rolls. Atmosphere feels vibrant yet cozy, blending casual bar energy with an elevated dining escape. Guests gather mostly outside, enjoying a lively but relaxed vibe.

Sora handroll bar offers a nice date spot vibe for both daytime and evening. Friendly staff make the experience personal, like complimenting your partner's hair during the date.

Vibrant yet cozy atmosphere creates a casual vibe that feels more like a bar than a formal restaurant. The setup suits a relaxed night out with food that matches the easygoing mood.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic and delicious."

"The service here makes it a great spot for dates."

"It's a fantastic spot for a casual yet memorable dinner."

Good to know

1

Happy hour drinks and light bites are available, making it a great spot for casual dining.

2

Parking validation is available for the original farmers market, reducing costs.

3

The menu is limited, so plan accordingly before visiting.

11
Lucia Mediterranean Grill image 1
Middle Eastern restaurant

Small dining area with cozy seating and Arabic music creates a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Outdoor seating and interactive games add to the experience. Known for exceptional Mediterranean food served on beautiful plates, it offers free drink refills and complimentary desserts.

Complimentary dates and baklava add a sweet touch to the meal. The owner shows incredible hospitality, making the atmosphere warm and inviting for a special date night.

Bright, clean space offers quick lunch and casual dinner options. Seating suits meals with friends or family in a fast casual setting.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and cooked to perfection."

"The Mediterranean food here is amazing, especially the lamb chops."

"The Mediterranean food here is fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait for food as everything is cooked fresh.

2

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

3

Happy hour specials are offered from 4-6pm on weekdays.

12
Enchant LA image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Garden-inspired decor with floral themes and whimsical lighting creates a chic, upscale atmosphere. Cozy seating and a private room support intimate gatherings and events. The space shifts to a lively bar scene with signature cocktails in the evening.

Offers a lovely atmosphere ideal for date nights and catching up with friends. Suitable for intimate conversations and casual gatherings like brunch or girlโ€™s night out.

People are saying

"The brunch fusion here is amazing, especially the bulgogi quesadilla."

"The food at these date spots is creamy, flavorful, and super fulfilling."

"This casual spot's Korean fusion dishes are a creative, well-balanced surprise."

Good to know

1

Enchant LA offers free underground parking for guests.

2

A gratuity of 18% is automatically added to all bills.

3

Happy hour is available during brunch with discounted menu items.

13
jilli modern sool jib image 1
Korean restaurant

Small space with 90โ€™s hip hop theme and neon lights creates a cozy, intimate vibe. Loud music and silent anime projection add to the unique atmosphere. Frequented by those who enjoy cult-classic Korean drinks and creative fusion dishes.

Cool vibe sets the mood but can get a little loud for quiet conversation. Great for date night and casual dinners with friends or groups.

Easy and fun vibe suits casual dinners and intimate get togethers. Great spot for date night or hanging out with friends.

People are saying

"The food here is a cool, modern take on Korean fusion."

"The pasta dishes here are amazing for date spots."

"This casual pasta dish is so good, I'd marry it."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant is often fully booked.

2

Happy hour runs from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm on weekdays.

3

Korean BBQ night is held every Sunday with special menu items.

14
Chubby Cattle BBQ | Little Tokyo image 1

Compact space balances spacious seating with a modern Yakiniku vibe and steampunk decor. Atmosphere stays fun and energetic without overwhelming noise or smoke. Self-serve unlimited drinks and ice cream add a unique touch to the lively dining experience.

Celebrations often happen here with birthday dinners and lunches. Unlimited milk tea on tap adds a fun touch, and staff pay close attention to allergies.

Friendly service and a fun ambiance create a casual vibe ideal for dates or hanging out with friends and family. The menu features a variety of Japanese BBQ and sushi that suits relaxed dining.

People are saying

"I loved the melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu quality here."

"I always return because of Ben K., who is the best server."

"The casual Wagyu here is top-tier, well-marbled, and fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand, especially on weekends.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, particularly for dinner.

3

There's a pay-to-park lot right next door for $15.

15
Re/creation Cafe image 1

Cafe combines indoor and outdoor seating with live music every weekend creating an artsy, community-oriented vibe. The space hosts long community tables and a dog-friendly atmosphere, encouraging both work and socializing.

The patio offers a perfect setting for a date with its relaxed vibe. It suits both casual dates and date nights, making it versatile for different moods.

Space suits family friendly vibes and works well for casual dates or professional networking. Attempts to host casual community meetups face resistance from management.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and great."

"The food and drinks here are so delicious and flavorful."

"It's a cool spot for casual hangouts with a great atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Attending the Reggae music night requires RSVP because space is limited.

2

The cafe has a 'No Computer' policy from Friday to Sunday.

3

Parking is free and easy next to the cafe.

16
Barra Santos image 1
Restaurant

Cozy European-style bar with mostly bar seating and a comfortable outdoor patio often featuring live music. Atmosphere feels lively and intimate, suited for small groups or date nights with a low-light, lived-in vibe. Wine selection stands out, complementing casual curb dining and a wait typical on busy evenings.

Small size creates an intimate atmosphere ideal for date night. The spot feels cozy and offers great date night vibes.

Cozy and intimate vibes make it a solid spot for casual dining. The fun wine list pairs well with tapas and shareable dishes, though the food menu stays on the limited side.

People are saying

"The wine selection here is lovely and creative."

"The tuna crudo here is silky and amazing for Date Spots."

"I loved the creative and delicious tapas here."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 45 to 60 minutes on peak nights.

2

Parking is available only on the street and can be difficult to find.

3

They do not take reservations, so be prepared to wait for seating.

17
Haidilao Hot Pot Century City image 1

Spacious hot pot restaurant with clean, stylish decor and kid-friendly seating offers an energetic yet cozy atmosphere filled with the sounds of chatting and laughter. Guests enjoy interactive dining with attentive service, free snacks, and entertainment like dancing noodle performances and robot servers. The environment balances premium dining with thoughtful extras such as aprons and eyeglass cleaning services.

Lively yet relaxing ambiance creates a comfortable setting for dates. The red date and white fungus soup adds a unique touch to the experience.

Space suits both casual dinners and birthday parties well. Atmosphere fits special occasions and everyday meals.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"The food at these Date Spots is super good and creative."

"The service here is attentive and exceptional."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers 31% off on all dishes from Sunday to Thursday after 9 PM.

2

Daily specials before 5 PM on weekdays feature angus beef short plates and Australian lamb shoulders for under $3.00.

3

The restaurant provides a unique noodle dance performance during dining.

18
HATCH image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a beautiful space with calm, peaceful vibe suited for intimate dining. Loud 90s music and low lighting create a lively yet dim atmosphere. Bar seating provides views of kitchen prep and creative Japanese dishes stand out alongside interesting cocktails inspired by Japanese whiskey.

Modern and stylish vibe suits relaxed dinners and intimate date nights. Space fits couples better than large groups, making it a solid choice for special occasions.

Stylish yet laid-back atmosphere fits casual dinners or after-work drinks. Food quality surprises with delicious dishes that match the lively vibe.

People are saying

"These dinner spots offer unique, crispy squid ink karaage and perfectly grilled yakitori."

"It's a casual spot with surprisingly delicious Japanese skewers and small plates."

"The yakitori here is smoky and perfectly grilled, making it a great Date Spot."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy hours.

2

Parking validation is available to avoid extra charges.

3

Happy hour runs from 4 to 6 pm with $10 Japanese highballs.

Discover more

Los Angeles, California

Area guide
Loading Map...