1. Tower Bar at The Sunset Tower Hotel 323.654.7100
The secret is out!!!! The Sunset Tower Hotel is the first on our list for few reasons. The dining room is overseen by our favorite host, the incomparable maître d’ Dimitri Dimitrov, who was named among the 100 people you should meet in 2011. It’s formal but not stuffy. This place has dark woods, sexy dimmed lighting, and makes us want to dress up, put our diamonds on and flirt. The live music and Art Deco glamour of old Hollywood definitely puts us in a totally romantic mood. The view of L.A. is unreal.
Our favorites: While the cuisine takes its inspiration from Italy and France, the overall accent is Californian, with fresh local and seasonal ingredients. We recommend the lobster tacos, ahi tuna tartar and the truffle fries (by far the best in town) but everything is just delish.
2. Chateau Marmont 323.656.1010
If you are able to get a “rezzie” here, you will experience one of L.A.’s most spectacular outdoor terraces. There is also a tiny indoor dining room at the legendary Château Marmont, but you should really insist on settling in under the palm trees…no worries, there are heat lamps at this time of the year.
Our favorites: Chef Carolynn Spence puts together a classical California menu with appetizers like crab cakes, crispy calamari, black truffle risotto, beef carpaccio and goat cheese bruschetta with beets and pistachios. Don’t forget their superb wine list which pairs perfectly with your dinner choices.
3. Bastide at Assouline 323.651.5950
This gem of a restaurant is discreetly hidden on Melrose Place, and makes for an intimate romantic dinner. This spot doesn’t hold that many tables, but the patio is lovely and the Assouline bookstore inside looks more like an old library.
4. Lucques 323.655.6277
It’s a next-door neighbor to the famous Ago, but we prefer this place for our romantic date. This place is cozy and charming with an all-weather semi patio and a small lounge with a fireplace–you won’t feel like you’re in L.A. at all. The French-Mediterranean cuisine is exquisite. The service is great; we like everything we had here.
5. The Restaurant at The Sunset Marquis 800.405.8203
The vibe is California casual, the cuisine is market fresh. If you’re looking for four-star ambiance in a stylish restaurant setting dine indoors or outdoors. Finally, if you see any celebrities just remain calm and be cool about it. Leave them alone, as they deserve their privacy. This is L.A. after all!
Our favorites: Yellow fin ahi tuna poki with crispy taro root and wasabi emulsion, and lobster angliotti with madeira and light cream.
6. The Little Door 323.951.1210
A hidden paradise with the ambiance of a romantic European courtyard, The Little Door is located on Third Street. The cuisine is French-Mediterranean. You can choose where to be seated for your romantic dinner; The Patio, Winter Garden, Piano Room or Blue Room. You will be seduced by the flair of the restaurant’s Euro/Country Style–a romantic fireplace and deep passionate colors. One of THE best wine selections in L.A.! The Valentine’s Day set menu is available at $150 per person including champagne. Our faves: lobster bisque and duck confit raviolis. Make sure to splurge on a bottle of Chassagne-Montrachet, 1er Cru ‘Morgeot’, Domaine Bachey-Legros, 2006
7. Sur 310.289.2824
One of the sexiest rooms in LA. Low lighting, crisp white linens, intoxicating aromas, decorated with unique accessories from around the world, candles everywhere, super music and a VERY attractive staff. Seating choices are indoors in cozy rooms with candles and flowers, or outdoors amongst gorgeous tall hanging white curtains. The cuisine is California-fusion. Our favorites are the fried goat cheese balls, crab gorgonzola risotto, and fresh fish of the day. The drinks and tunes will have you feeling sexy in no time.
8. Via Veneto 310.399.1843
Cuisine is Italian. If you are looking for one of the most romantic restaurants in L.A. with the best Italian food–you have to go to Via Veneto. Fresh pasta and spectacular food overall.
9. Il Ristorante di Giorgio Baldi 310.573.1660
Darkly romantic with lots of ambience, Giorgio Baldi is where you want to go on your romantic date, if you don’t mind the drive to Santa Monica.
Our favorites: pasta with truffles, and the mozzarella with tomatoes.
10. Il Cielo 310.276.9990
The restaurant sparkles with masses of twinkling lights and a lovely patio. A totally romantic diner with the Italian cuisine. We like the location too, a Beverly Hills classic.
Make sure to call ahead to book a table at these places. The lighting, the cuisine and the atmosphere at each of these spots are in high demand for Valentine’s Day. Our aim is to guide you there. Their pleasure is to provide you with one of the most romantic evenings of your life. And your goal is to just enjoy it!
Have a delicious Valentine’s Day!
To read more from Project Lena, check out their blog at projectlena.com or visit their Facebook page.
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