40+ Best South Bay Date Night Restaurants
Finding time for a date night is hard enough. Deciding where to go for an evening without kids shouldn’t have to be stressful too. We’ve searched high and low and polled the parents in our Local Anchor Facebook Group, and from Manhattan Beach to Hermosa Beach to Palos Verdes – and everywhere in between – we’ve got the top recommended date night restaurants in the South Bay here for you! Whether you’re looking to shake things up with a new place or just too busy to search, we’ve got the best options for a memorable night.
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Best Romantic Night Out Restaurants in the South Bay
Manhattan Beach Date Night Restaurants
The Strand House, New American Restaurant
The Strand House is a classy yet welcoming restaurant founded by a group of South Bay families who share a passion for outstanding food, wine, and company. The Restaurant and Lounge feature a stunning view of the ocean.
The Arthur J, Steakhouse
The ultimate Manhattan Beach neighborhood steakhouse, including an outstanding wine list and superb steaks roasted over a wood fire.
Tin Roof Bistro, American Restaurant
The Tin Roof Bistro embodies their vision of a wine country local’s hangout: a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere with chef-inspired cuisine and attentive, competent service.
Mangiamo Ristorante & Bar, Italian Restaurant
Serving Calitaliano cuisine since 1984, this spot is just steps from the famous Manhattan Beach Pier. It’s an Italian restaurant with a lovely wine cellar and traditional Italian fare. Mangiamo!….. “Let’s Eat!”
SLAY Steak + Fish House, American Restaurant
Grass-fed beef, sustainable seafood, several vegan alternatives, and locally grown veggies from their own organic garden all round out this delectable menu.
Manhattan Beach (MB) Post, American Restaurant
Chef and co-owner David LeFevre’s Manhattan Beach Post (M.B. Post) is a soulful, intimate restaurant, providing a fun, artisanal menu of small shared plates, hand-crafted cocktails, and small-production wines to the South Bay.
Fishbar, Seafood Restaurant
Only the finest seafood, handcrafted drinks, and world-class clam chowder are served. Every day, all of their fish is flown in from all around the world.
Love & Salt, New American Restaurant
Love & Salt operates on a belief that great food requires only two components. It’s a vibe that pervades the restaurant, as well as the menu’s Italian-inspired cuisine with a Southern California twist. The restaurant’s colorful SoCal environment, just steps from the Manhattan Beach Pier, is reflected in its approachable wine list and traditional cocktail menu.
Fishing with Dynamite, Seafood Restaurant
An oyster-centric seafood bistro with traditional and innovative dishes served among a nautical vibe of wainscoting and lobster buoys.
Nick’s Manhattan Beach, American Restaurant
In a cozy but stylish environment, this modern restaurant provides typical American comfort food with an elevated twist.
Esperanza, Mexican
Esperanza’s smart design crosses the barriers between art and utility, drawing inspiration from both Cabo San Lucas’ stunning shoreline and Mexico City’s dynamic cosmopolitan neighborhoods. Esperanza’s interiors represent an elevated coastal ambiance that exaggerates the grandeur of a beach town mansion, and were masterfully designed by internationally famous Islandic architect Gulla Jónsdóttir.
Chef Ray Alverez leads a menu of fresh Sonoran interpretations, while Head Mixologists John Fox and Kevin Williams devised Esperanza’s bar menu to feature not just great and creative drinks, but also the South Bay’s largest tequila list and mezcal collection.
Nando Trattoria, Italian
From Sicily to the Manhattan Beaches, this classic trattoria provides an authentic Italian vibe. The chefs honor the home cooking they were raised on by taking traditional recipes that reflect their deep Sicilian roots and updating them by adding a modern twist to these Italian staples.
Joey Manhattan Beach, American Restaurant
JOEY Restaurants have a polished modern industrial aesthetic that is tempered with warm materials. Executive Chef Chris Mills and his culinary staff are always experimenting with new flavors, methods, and recipes.
dan modern chinese, Chinese
Hand-made dumplings and noodles, wok-fried rice, vegetables, and other delicacies are featured at dan modern chinese, a modern spin on classic Chinese cuisine. Each dish on the menu, which includes handmade noodles and dumplings, has elegance that comes from the skills employed to create it, as well as the use of fewer ingredients, allowing the food to speak for itself.
Sushi Roku, Japanese
Combines the finest, freshest fish from pristine waters around the globe with the kind of artistry that can only be provided by a mature sushi chef ensuring superlative traditional sushi with a splash of California innovation. Sushi Roku is a pioneer of contemporary sushi, incorporating diverse, non-traditional ingredients from Latin America (e.g. jalapeños) and Europe (e.g. olive oil) into its edible works of art.
Hermosa Beach Date Night Restaurants
RYLA Restaurant & Bar, Asian Cuisine
RYLA Restaurant & Bar by Chef Ray Hayashi features seasonal SoCal fare with reimagined Asian cuisines set in vibrant Hermosa Beach.
the Hook & Plow, Seafood Restaurant
They strive to source their seafood, meats, produce, and other ingredients as locally and organically as possible without sacrificing quality. All of their wines and artisan beers are also from California, some of which are only a few miles away. Enjoy their open-air restaurant in lovely Hermosa Beach, which has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Tower 12, American Restaurant
The Tower 12 team enlisted Consulting Chef Brendan Collins to produce California-inspired, updated takes on American staples in order to create a welcoming, truly distinctive venue for friends and neighbors to kick back and enjoy fantastic cuisine and drink. Tower 12 is the best beach-side venue for sunset sessions, après surf, and always-welcome atmosphere, located on a second-story terrace with interconnecting rooms overlooking the ocean and pier.
Steak and Whiskey, Steakhouse Restaurant
Steak & Whisky delivers outstanding ingredients and attention to detail to every dining experience. To provide you with the greatest quality beef available, each piece of meat has been hand-selected from a single-source herd of cattle. The extensive thoughtfully crafted whiskey menu, featuring whiskey flights is equally impressive.
Zanes, Italian
Zane’s in downtown Hermosa Beach serves a gourmet menu and premium beverages. Freshly cooked appetizers, entrees, and desserts are served to visitors in a stylish, comfortable setting. Italian food and steak, as well as sophisticated cocktails, are served from a prime people-watching vantage point near the shore.
Vin Folk, Fine Dining
Blends the charm of a natural wine bar with the soul of a chef-run bistro. With globally-inspired small plates, candlelit tables, and wines chosen with care, it’s the perfect spot for meaningful conversation and a laid-back, elevated date night.
AttaGirl, Coastal Mediterranean
Lively atmosphere with the finesse of engaging and thoughtful service. Featuring a live wood fire, menu includes grilled meats and seafood, market vegetable-driven mezze, spreads, and light pastas. The wine list shares a love of renowned Californian winemakers and Mediterranean climate varietals.
SLAY Hermosa, Farm-to-table
This casual upscale Farm-to-Beach bistro boasts light, clean fare, local, organically-grown wines, and retro beach club energy. From the teams behind Martha’s Cafe and The Bottle Inn + the Slay Restaurant Group bring you SLAY Hermosa.
Redondo Beach Date Night Restaurants
Blue Water Grill, Seafood Restaurant
Come in and become addicted to the freshest, most sustainable seafood available. A beachfront patio, full bar, and happy hour. Need we say more? Bluewater Redondo Beach, located in King Harbor among the yachts and palm trees, serves up great seafood with a fantastic view for a fabulous date night.
R10 Social House, American Bar & Grill
Farm-to-table cuisine, handcrafted drinks, and an unusual assortment of inexpensive artisan beers and wines are all available at this neighborhood gastropub. While taking in spectacular waterfront views and basking in picture-perfect California sunsets, guests can pick a picturesque spot for a quick nibble or linger over a meal.
Dominique’s Kitchen, French Restaurant
Homestyle Euro-French cuisine in a warm atmosphere. It’s their mission is to make good cuisine a regular occurrence in the community.
Bettolino Kitchen, Italian Restaurant
The menu of this family-run restaurant with a minimalist, casual environment is dominated by delicious homemade pasta.
HopSaint Brewing Company, American Restaurant
A tantalizing list of quality crafted beers coupled with tasty BBQ and other gastropub fare make this a fun stop before an evening out on the town.
Baran 2239, New American Restaurant
A bustling, family-owned hideaway in a strip mall with a seasonal cuisine, weekend brunch, and craft beer.
Kincaids, Seafood Restaurant
Situated in the perfect location in the Fisherman’s Wharf, Kincaids offers high-quality steaks and fresh, creative seafood in their cozy, welcoming dining room with a fantastic view of the Pacific.
The Rex Seaside Steakhouse, Steakhouse
Every great meal starts with superb ingredients and this seaside steakhouse has got it. Just a short walk from the beach you’ll enjoy the stunning sunset as you devour a fantastic meal.
LoZio Osteria, Pizzeria & Bar
The menu is built from Chef Marco Aromatario’s collection of Marco’s family recipes, rooted in the rich flavors and memories of growing up in Southern Italy. Every dish is a tribute to where he comes from, and the family that fuels his passion.
Turquoise Restaurant, Middle Eastern Cuisine
Organic & Natural Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food starting from fresh homemade yogurt and hummus to sirloin or tofu kebabs, from Greek salads to Italian Paninis.
Friends of the Vine, Wine Bar
A boutique wine bar with curated selections of domestic and international wines from family-owned producers and boutique wineries. Also offering delicious charcuterie boards to complement your wine experience, with no televisions and a warm, inviting atmosphere, Friends of the Vine encourages conversation and connection.
El Segundo Date Night Restaurants
North Italia, Italian Restaurant
North Italia offers handcrafted, made from scratch Italian fare made for sharing and enjoying with a special someone.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, Steakhouse
Despite being a chain, Fleming’s prides itself in offering a one-of-a-kind steakhouse experience centered on warm hospitality, a welcoming ambience, and the finest USDA Prime beef available.
Sausal, Mexican Restaurant
By combining traditional Hispanic ingredients with contemporary farmers’ market meals, their Nuevo Rancho Cuisine propels history forward. The menu is inspired by Rancho cooking’s foundational elements: wood fire, smoke, and slow roasting. It celebrates the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine in combination with the elemental flavors of Spain.
Torrance Date Night Restaurants
Primo Italia, Italian Restaurant
Inspired by the cuisine from the area of Campania, home of the Amalfi Coast and Naples, to the island of Sicily, the menu highlights local purveyors and fine ingredients in making homemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and Mediterranean fish dishes.
Sushi Inaba, Japanese
Chef Yasuhiro Hirano turns out some of the most exciting sushi in town at a counter in a private room tucked within sister restaurant, I-naba. Weaving together a few key components, including exotic fish that he ages before blending with a host of ingredients. With just a handful of seats at the counter and one seating nightly, reservations are a must.
Palos Verdes Restaurants
Catalina Kitchen at Terranea Resort, New American Restaurant
The menu at Catalina Kitchen is friendly and familiar, offering New American cuisine with a California Coastal twist. Dishes are simply prepared and incorporate high-quality, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients. Signature meals that turn heads in the dining room are presented in a rustic and fun manner. And of course the view can’t be beat.
The Original Red Onion, Mexican cuisine
Offers Sonora-style Mexican food made from family recipes that have been handed down for generations. Everything is hand-made with only the best ingredients from their famous margaritas to the tasty chicken tacos.
Nelson’s at Terranea Resort, New American Restaurant
If you’re looking for outdoor dining with entertainment then Nelson’s Sound Series is the place to be for a warm summer date night. Named one of the top ten eco-friendly pubs in the United States, is the place to go for fresh California comfort food, delectable microbrews, and breathtaking sunsets.
Mar’sel at Terranea Resort, Spanish/French Restaurant
With spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, mar’sel at Terranea is the ideal spot for an exquisite dinner or a relaxing late-night nibble. Mar’sel combines approachable luxury with a breathtaking setting perfect for every palate, with a seasonally rotating fine dining menu that features locally sourced ingredients (citrus and herbs from the resort’s grounds, hand-ground chocolate, farm-fresh eggs), as well as playful takes on culinary favorites.
Gardena Date Night Restaurants
Eatalian Cafe, Italian Restaurant
Using their unique imported open stoves and traditional culinary methods, Eatalian is devoted to producing high-quality artisanal dishes using simple ingredients.
What are your favorite date night restaurants in the South Bay? Share any we missed in our Local Anchor Facebook group so we can add it to the list.
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