✦ Local Guide · Venice

🕯️ Date Night Restaurants in Venice

The best romantic and intimate spots perfect for a date in Venice — curated from over 200 LA restaurants.

5 picks

Venice has one of the most layered date-night dining scenes in Los Angeles — you can go Michelin-starred tasting menu or a candlelit 30-seat counter and never feel like you're settling. These 5 picks range from splurge-worthy special occasions to spots that make a Tuesday feel like an event. Every restaurant comes with a real TikTok review so you can check the vibe and the crowd before you book. Top of the list: Felix Trattoria, Gjelina, RVR.

Venice's dining scene balances casual beach-town energy with serious culinary ambition — Abbot Kinney and Rose Ave are two of the best restaurant streets in the city.

Felix Trattoria

Felix Trattoria

Italian · Venice · $$$

★★★★½ 4.6

Venice's definitive neighborhood Italian — hand-rolled pasta daily

Must-try: Carbonara, Burrata, Porchetta

📍 1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Full Details Reserve on Resy

Gjelina

Californian · Mediterranean · Venice · $$

★★★★½ 4.5

The Abbot Kinney institution that made LA's dining scene

Must-try: Mushroom Pizza, Kale Caesar, Burrata Toast

📍 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Full Details Reserve on OpenTable

RVR

Japanese · Izakaya · Venice · $$$

★★★★☆ 4.4

Travis Lett's Japanese izakaya on Abbot Kinney — local produce meets sake and Japanese drinking fare

Must-try: Hiramasa yuzu kosho hand roll, Duck meatball tsukune, Seasonal persimmon salad

📍 1305 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Full Details Reserve on Resy

Gjusta

Bakery · Deli · Californian · Venice · $$

★★★★☆ 4.4

Venice's bakery-deli fever dream — smoked fish, crusty sourdough, and pastries so good they justify the chaotic ordering process

Must-try: Bagel with smoked salmon, Tahini croissant, Beet-cured lox board

📍 320 Sunset Ave, Venice, CA 90291

Full Details View on Maps

Café Gratitude

Plant-Based · Organic · Venice · $$$

★★★★☆ 4.2

Venice's plant-based pioneer — intentional names, abundance bowls, and a Rose Avenue patio worth lingering over

Must-try: I Am Grateful (grain bowl), I Am Magical (black bean burger), I Am Worthy (pancakes)

📍 512 Rose Ave, Venice, CA 90291

Full Details View on Maps

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best date night restaurant in Venice?

Felix Trattoria consistently tops the list — it combines exceptional food with an atmosphere that feels genuinely special without being stuffy. Book ahead; it fills up on weekends.

Are there romantic restaurants in Venice that aren't too expensive?

Yes — RVR is a great choice if you want a memorable meal without the fine-dining price tag. The food is excellent and the setting still feels like a proper night out.

Do I need a reservation for date night dining?

For most of these picks, yes — especially on Friday and Saturday. Book at least 3–5 days ahead on Resy or OpenTable. A few spots are walk-in friendly on weeknights.