Los Angeles' Best Proposal Spot 2008

Lush outdoor setting makes for a romantic mood at this special-occasion favorite.

Reviews:

• “Inn of the 7th ray”
• “DIRTY”
• “Bad Experience with Management”
• “save your money”
• “Must have been a bad night…”

Tips: Closing times are only suggested—they’ll stay open till the last customer leaves the restaurant. For weekends, this sometimes means you can still get seated after 10pm.

Inn of the Seventh Ray or email Inn of the Seventh Ray

Ernest Hemingway’s favorite post-hunting BYO-game spot evolves into romantic, family-friendly retreat.

Reviews:

• “Amazing dining experience”
• “Pathetic”
• “Does not live up to its Michelin Star”
• “Michelin star? How?!”
• “Atmosphere is incredible – this is LA?”

Tips: Bask in the glow of Hemingway’s favorite hunting lodge hearth by reserving table 5.

Saddle Peak Lodge

Serenade your lover—or investor—in this lush, twinkling Italian courtyard.

Reviews:

• “Amazing Restaurant!!!”
• “all-around consistent, & romantic too!”
• “#1 intimate Resturant”
• “Avoid like the plague.”
• “HORRIBLE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Tips: Every Wednesday starting May 14, Enjoy “Dining Under the Stars” with live music by Marco Masinato.

Il Cielo or email Il Cielo

San Gabriel Valley’s aesthetic oasis of world-class archives and stunning botanical gardens.

Reviews:

• “excellent tea, beautiful sites”
• “Beautiful gardens all year round”
• “Beautiful and Expansive with something for everyone”
• “A place the refresh”
• “Gardens are Spectacular, but the Tea Room is Hardly Worth a Trip, Especially on the Weekend”

Tips: Admission is free on the first Thursday of every month.

Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens

A holy trinity of crystal chandeliers, smooth service and sumptuous food.

Reviews:

• “Food = Excellent; Service = Lousy”
• “Sublime and Friendly”
• “Fantastic Experience”
• “The Best!”
• “Excellent food at a high price.”

Tips: A tasting menu allows you to sample two or three items per course for $95 per person.

Melisse

A monolithic icon of early ’60s architecture gloriously embodying the Los Angeles credo that size does indeed matter.

Reviews:

• “Think Blue…”
• “All you can eat ticket is worth the $22.50!”
• “Great stadium minus the expensive snacks”
• “dodgers rock!”
• “GO DODGERS!”

Tips: Dodger Stadium offers plenty of parking. Designated lots are definitely the best parking option.

Dodger Stadium

Good food plus a gorgeous view equals a great time at this Malibu special-occasion favorite.

Reviews:

• “Great Date Spot”
• “Wonderful”
• “Worst Food Ever/Worst Customer Service Ever”
• “Good, but not the best in Malibu”
• “Stunning View, Great Service”

Tips: Request a two-seat table against the outer rail for the most romantic view.

Geoffrey’s

Sun-drenched boardwalk where Route 66 meets the sea and California dreamin’ takes shape.

Reviews:

• “Great for kids and worth seeing”
• “Fun to see if you happen to be in the area”
• “Disappointed”
• “great outings”
• “Awesome experience; sketchy at night”

Tips: Every Thursday night from late June through August, the Twilight Dance Series turns the pier into an all-out block party. The eclectic lineup ranges from rockabilly and swing to reggae and hip-hop.

Santa Monica Pier

Marina views and Asian-fusion cuisine enliven a Ritz-Carlton dining experience.

Reviews:

• “sustainable, five star, local, fine dining, patio seating, valet, celebrity chef, trendy bar, Los Angeles, Ritz-Carlton”
• “Great outdoors…”
• “Nice Atmosphere”
• “Food was AMAZING…(could be cheaper)”
• “What An Expensive Disappointment . . . "

Jer-Ne Restaurant & Bar