Romantic Nights Out: 10 South Bay Restaurants Perfect for Date Night
Planning a romantic evening in Los Angeles? You don’t have to head to Beverly Hills or downtown LA to find a memorable restaurant. The South Bay has some outstanding date night destinations, from oceanfront dining rooms overlooking the Pacific to intimate Italian restaurants, neighborhood wine bars and upscale steakhouses.
Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, planning a first date or simply looking for a special evening together, the best date night restaurants in the South Bay offer something for nearly every occasion.
For couples staying at Best Western Plus South Bay Hotel in Lawndale, many of these restaurants are in nearby beach communities, making it easy to combine dinner with a sunset stroll, cocktails or a walk along the waterfront.
Here are 10 South Bay restaurants worth considering for your next romantic night out.
1. The Strand House – Manhattan Beach
Best for: Ocean views, sunset dinners and special occasions
If your idea of a romantic dinner involves watching the sun disappear over the Pacific Ocean, The Strand House deserves a place near the top of your list.
Located just steps from the Manhattan Beach Pier, this upscale restaurant offers sweeping ocean views through its large windows. The coastal California menu emphasizes seasonal ingredients, with seafood, steaks and creative preparations that suit a special occasion.
The setting is a major part of the experience. Book a table around sunset, enjoy dinner overlooking the water and take a walk along the Manhattan Beach Pier afterward. If you’re not ready for the evening to end, StrandBar downstairs offers cocktails and a livelier atmosphere.
Address: 117 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Phone: (310) 545-7470
Website: The Strand House
2. Love & Salt – Manhattan Beach
Best for: Romantic Italian dinners and sharing great food
Love & Salt combines Italian-inspired cooking with the relaxed energy of Southern California, making it an excellent choice for couples who want a memorable dinner without an overly formal atmosphere.
Located a short walk from the Manhattan Beach Pier, the restaurant is known for its thoughtful approach to Italian cuisine, seasonal ingredients, boutique wines and inventive cocktails.
It’s particularly appealing for couples who enjoy ordering several dishes to share. Start with a drink, explore the menu together and leave time for a stroll through downtown Manhattan Beach afterward.
Love & Salt also works well for an early relationship date. It’s lively enough to feel exciting, but the food and setting give you plenty to talk about.
Address: 317 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Phone: (310) 545-5252
Website: Love & Salt
3. Fishing With Dynamite – Manhattan Beach
Best for: Seafood lovers, first dates and intimate dinners
Fishing With Dynamite proves that a romantic restaurant doesn’t need an enormous dining room or elaborate decorations.
This intimate seafood restaurant near the Manhattan Beach Pier has just a few dozen seats and a lively raw bar. Oysters, shellfish, seafood preparations and a carefully considered drinks menu make it an excellent choice for couples who love exploring food together.
The atmosphere is more energetic than quiet, which can be perfect for a first date. Sit at the oyster bar, order a selection of seafood and enjoy the conversation without the pressure of a formal fine-dining experience.
Because the restaurant is small and popular, reservations are strongly recommended. After dinner, the beach is only a short walk away.
Address: 1148 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Phone: (310) 893-6299
Website: Fishing With Dynamite
4. RYLA – Hermosa Beach
Best for: Creative cocktails, Japanese-inspired cuisine and stylish date nights
RYLA brings a sophisticated but lively dining experience to downtown Hermosa Beach.
Created by chefs Ray Hayashi and Cynthia Hetlinger, the restaurant combines coastal California cooking with Japanese techniques and broader Asian influences. The menu encourages sharing, with options that can include sashimi, sushi, noodles and thoughtfully prepared larger dishes.
The dining room has a warm, contemporary atmosphere that feels especially suited to date night. Creative cocktails add to the experience, whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or simply looking for somewhere different to spend Friday evening.
RYLA is also close to the Hermosa Beach Pier, so couples can easily extend the evening with a walk along the waterfront.
Address: 1220 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Phone: (424) 247-9881
Website: RYLA
5. The Bottle Inn – Hermosa Beach
Best for: Classic romance, Italian food and wine
Some date nights call for something timeless: a cozy Italian restaurant, a good bottle of wine and an unhurried dinner together.
The Bottle Inn has been part of the Hermosa Beach dining scene since 1974. Its intimate atmosphere, classic Italian dishes and extensive wine selection have made it a longstanding favorite for romantic evenings and celebrations.
The menu includes traditional pasta dishes, seafood, Italian entrées and house-made desserts. The restaurant also has an outdoor patio with sunset views, along with a cozy dining room and wine cellar.
For couples who prefer a quieter, more traditional romantic setting over a high-energy restaurant, The Bottle Inn is particularly appealing.
Address: 26 22nd St, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Phone: (310) 376-9595
Website: The Bottle Inn
6. Radici – Hermosa Beach
Best for: Handmade pasta and an elegant Italian dinner
Radici offers another excellent Italian date night experience in Hermosa Beach, with a more contemporary atmosphere and a strong emphasis on traditional cooking.
This family-owned restaurant draws inspiration from Italian culinary traditions, serving handmade pasta and carefully prepared dishes in an upscale but welcoming dining room.
It’s a particularly good choice for couples who want dinner to feel special without committing to an elaborate tasting menu. Share an appetizer, enjoy pasta and wine, and take your time over dessert.
Located near the Hermosa Beach Pier, Radici also makes it easy to enjoy the neighborhood before or after your reservation.
Address: 934 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Phone: (310) 318-0778
Website: Radici
7. Vin Folk – Hermosa Beach
Best for: Intimate neighborhood dining and wine lovers
Not every romantic dinner needs a dramatic ocean view. Sometimes a welcoming neighborhood bistro with thoughtful cooking and good wine is exactly what makes a date memorable.
Vin Folk is a family-run restaurant in Hermosa Beach with a focus on seasonal ingredients and supporting local producers. The atmosphere is intimate and relaxed, making it a good choice for couples who enjoy discovering smaller restaurants.
Rather than treating dinner as a formal occasion, Vin Folk invites guests to settle in, explore the menu and enjoy the evening at a comfortable pace.
It’s especially appealing for couples who value conversation, wine and a restaurant with a distinct neighborhood personality.
Address: 1501 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Phone: (424) 473-5909
Website: Vin Folk
8. The Rex Seaside Steakhouse – Redondo Beach
Best for: Steak dinners, anniversaries and upscale celebrations
If your ideal date night involves a beautifully prepared steak, cocktails and an elegant dining room, The Rex Seaside Steakhouse is worth considering.
Located in Redondo Beach’s Hollywood Riviera neighborhood, The Rex offers a modern steakhouse experience with premium beef, seafood, an extensive wine selection and signature cocktails.
The restaurant’s polished atmosphere makes it particularly well suited to birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions. It’s also within walking distance of the beach, allowing couples to pair dinner with a sunset stroll.
For a more traditional upscale date night, The Rex provides an appealing alternative to the restaurants in Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach.
Address: 221 Avenue I, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Phone: (310) 316-9041
Website: The Rex Seaside Steakhouse
9. Jame Enoteca – El Segundo
Best for: Casual romance, fresh pasta and wine
Jame Enoteca is an excellent reminder that a great date night doesn’t have to involve white tablecloths or a waterfront address.
Located in downtown El Segundo, this neighborhood Italian restaurant from chef Jackson Kalb and restaurateur Melissa Kalb specializes in house-made pasta, seasonal ingredients and Italian comfort food.
The setting is approachable and lively, making it a particularly good option for a first date or a relaxed evening together. Order pasta, enjoy a glass of wine and take your time exploring the menu.
After dinner, downtown El Segundo offers a pleasant setting for a walk, with additional places to stop for a drink or dessert.
Address: 241 Main St, El Segundo, CA 90245
Phone: (310) 648-8554
Website: Jame Enoteca
10. Mar’sel – Rancho Palos Verdes
Best for: Luxury dining, breathtaking views and milestone celebrations
For a truly special occasion, Mar’sel at Terranea Resort offers one of the most dramatic romantic dining settings in the South Bay.
Perched along the Palos Verdes coastline, the restaurant overlooks the Pacific Ocean and combines elegant service with contemporary California cuisine. Seasonal ingredients, seafood, premium meats and an extensive wine program make it a destination for couples looking to celebrate.
The setting is the real showstopper. The rugged Palos Verdes coastline provides a different experience from the busy beach towns farther north, making dinner here feel like a romantic getaway within Los Angeles.
Consider arriving before sunset to explore the resort grounds and enjoy the coastal scenery before your reservation.
Mar’sel is one of the more luxurious options on this list, but for an anniversary, proposal celebration or milestone birthday, the experience can justify making a special trip.
Address: 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Phone: (866) 547-3066
Website: Mar’sel at Terranea Resort
Which South Bay Restaurant Is Best for Your Date Night?
The right choice depends on the kind of evening you’re planning. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide.
- Best for ocean views: The Strand House or Mar’sel
- Best for a first date: Fishing With Dynamite or Jame Enoteca
- Best for Italian romance: Love & Salt, Radici or The Bottle Inn
- Best for creative cuisine and cocktails: RYLA
- Best for an intimate neighborhood bistro: Vin Folk
- Best for steak lovers: The Rex Seaside Steakhouse
- Best for an anniversary or major celebration: Mar’sel or The Strand House
Make It More Than Dinner: Romantic Things to Do in the South Bay
One of the best things about planning a date night in the South Bay is that dinner can be just one part of the evening.
Watch the Sunset at Manhattan Beach Pier
Manhattan Beach is an especially romantic place to spend the early evening. Walk along the pier, enjoy the ocean breeze and watch the sun set over the Pacific before heading to a nearby restaurant.
Take a Walk Along the Hermosa Beach Strand
The Strand is a paved coastal pathway connecting several South Bay beach communities. A walk along the Hermosa Beach section before or after dinner is a simple way to enjoy the ocean together.
Explore Riviera Village in Redondo Beach
Riviera Village has a charming collection of restaurants, shops and cafes. It’s a pleasant neighborhood to explore before dinner at The Rex, especially if you arrive early enough to enjoy the nearby coastline.
Enjoy the Coastal Scenery in Palos Verdes
For a more dramatic coastal experience, Rancho Palos Verdes offers ocean overlooks and scenic landscapes. Pairing a visit to the peninsula with dinner at Mar’sel can turn an ordinary date into a memorable evening.
Tips for Planning a Romantic Dinner in the South Bay
A little advance planning can make a big difference, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Make reservations: Popular restaurants in Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach can fill up quickly, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
- Plan around sunset: If ocean views are important, check the sunset time and request a suitable table when booking. Specific tables and views are not guaranteed.
- Allow extra time for parking: Beach-town parking can be competitive during busy evenings, so arrive early or consider a rideshare.
- Check the menu: Restaurants may change their seasonal offerings, prices and hours. Review the current menu before visiting.
- Leave room for a walk: Some of the best date night experiences in the South Bay happen after dinner, when you can enjoy the coastline together.
Plan a Romantic South Bay Getaway
Whether you’re visiting Los Angeles for a weekend getaway, celebrating an anniversary or simply looking for a relaxing escape together, the South Bay offers plenty of opportunities for romance.
From the restaurants of Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach to the waterfront scenery of Redondo Beach and Rancho Palos Verdes, couples can enjoy outstanding food without venturing into the busiest parts of Los Angeles.
Best Western Plus South Bay Hotel in Lawndale provides a convenient home base for exploring the area’s beaches, restaurants and attractions.
Spend the afternoon at the beach, enjoy a romantic dinner at one of these South Bay restaurants and make the most of your time together on the Southern California coast.