Los Angeles' Best Romantic Date Spot 2008

Cal-Asian Japanese cuisine with flair, set amid stunning views and architecture.

Reviews:

• “Great ambiance, nonexistent service in the bar”
• “Yamashiro – My Favorite L.A. Restaurant”
• “Totally Surprised”
• “A Night to Remeber”
• “Average Food, Spectacular View, Great Service, Very Friendly Valet)”

Tips: You have no choice—valet parking is required.

Yamashiro

Pasadena landmark craftsman cottage offers New American cuisine.

Reviews:

• “Sub par service”
• “Best Date Spot for the Grundge Crowd with Kids”
• “Bridal shower brunch was fantastic!”
• “Great atmosphere!”
• “Good romantic restaurant”

Tips: An extensive wine list includes mostly Californian and French selections, such as the light Napa Valley Plumpjack Chardonnay and the Duhart-Milon Rothschild Bordeaux.

The Raymond Restaurant or email The Raymond Restaurant

Music maestro Herb Alpert helms this intimate Bel-Air steakhouse and jazz club.

Reviews:

• “Excellent dinners for special occasions”
• “Pricey but worth it for a fancy occasion”
• “This Restaurant SUCKED!”
• “Romantic and good food”
• “lazy sevice, bad food and overpriced”

Tips: Expect in very rare cases, there’s no cover charge or a drink minimum. Call ahead to confirm.

Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. or email Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.

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

Mediterranean-backpacker chic eatery serves Cal-Italian dishes in a secret Silver Lake courtyard.

Reviews:

• “Except for the atmosphere, this place stinks….”
• “Great food, but overprice.”
• “Abundance of Ambiance”
• “Rustic Romantic Ambience in Silver Lake”
• “Ambience GREAT… food and service average.”

Tips: The restaurant has no sign or other identifying features. Look for the entrance directly north of the neighboring 99 Cent store.

Cliff’s Edge Italian and Mediterranean Restaurant or email Cliff’s Edge Italian and Mediterranean Restaurant

A classically refined Italian dining experience in a nonpareil setting.

Reviews:

• “Sundays Are Exceptional at Cicada”
• “The last supper club on the west coast and fine food and drinks!”
• “Best Vintage Dance Club In Town!”
• “The music was worth the trip and the food was just perfect.”
• “A great find!”

Tips: A complimentary shuttle to the Music Center is available on most nights. Call ahead to confirm.

Cicada Restaurant or email Cicada Restaurant

Sophisticated French cuisine and stellar wine list bask in a romantic South Bay bistro setting blocks from the ocean.

Reviews:

• “You need to try Poulet a la Mourarde "
• “Good food. "
• “Overpriced for what you get, Avoid on Friday Nights, Waiter didn’t have a clue.”
• “familiar faces”
• “Lovely!!”

Tips: Valet parking is available on Friday and Saturday nights only. Otherwise, there’s a covered three-story lot at the restaurant’s back entrance with two-hour metered parking.

Cafe Pierre or email Cafe Pierre

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

A lush patio and refined Cal-French fare set a dazzling scene for any occasion.

Reviews:

• “The worst afternoon ladies tea in the city.”
• “Get the Trio of Sorbets”
• “One of the best for breakfast!”
• “Beautiful, Romantic, and Serene”
• “Plush ambiance with a price”

Tips: Special occasion? Let your server know and a candlelit, personalized plate of goodies will arrive at the end of the meal.

Hotel Bel-Air Dining Room

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