The Best Restaurants for a First Date in Venice in Los Angeles

Gjelina is a Venice favorite known for its seasonal, produce-forward menu featuring ingredients from local farmers and producers. Credited with helping put Venice on LA's culinary map, the restaurant has become a neighborhood institution. It's a great choice for a dinner date centered around fresh, thoughtfully prepared food and a taste of Venice's dining history.

Market is a modern Italian restaurant tucked inside one of Venice's oldest buildings. With its dim lighting and moody atmosphere, the intimate dining room sets the scene for a romantic dinner date. It's a great choice for couples looking for a quieter evening together in a stylish, understated setting.

San Damian is an upscale, seafood-focused Mexican marisquería on Abbot Kinney from the chef behind Damian. Dinner here has a Baja feel.

The Tasting Kitchen is a Venice restaurant where couples fill the banquettes with charcuterie and G&Ts, so a table for two feels right at home. Gnocco fritto and spaghetti pomodoro stay on as old favorites, joined by a newer branzino served with seasonal vegetables and sweet peppers. The restaurant's original chef has returned to run the stoves.

Coucou brings the charm of a French bistro and wine bar to Venice, making it a lovely choice for a romantic dinner date. The wine selection is the main attraction, with plenty of options to enjoy over a leisurely meal. We'd recommend the steak frites, a standout dish that's beautifully cooked and pairs perfectly with a glass of wine.

Just steps from the Venice Boardwalk, Dudley Market is a seafood restaurant and wine bar that makes a great stop for a relaxed date by the beach. With a team that operates its own fishing boat, the restaurant puts seafood at the center of the menu. Pair your meal with a glass of wine, then head toward the ocean for a post-dinner stroll.

Felix is a lively Italian restaurant on Abbot Kinney, known for its handmade pasta and focaccia that draw diners from across Los Angeles. The restaurant even has a temperature-controlled room dedicated to pasta-making, reflecting its commitment to traditional techniques. With its energetic atmosphere and standout Italian dishes, it's a great choice for a first date over a memorable meal.

In Venice, Ospi serves Italian food a block off the boardwalk. Pastas are the standout here. The signature is crispy provolone in vodka sauce, and the fett'unta comes on Clark Street Bakery bread. It gets very busy on weekends, so book well ahead.

Ōwa is a Japanese restaurant and craft cocktail bar in Venice that sees itself as Japanese cooking's return to Abbot Kinney. In the kitchen, sushi staples and other Japanese dishes get a modern update. The bar leans on Japanese gin, which is light and floral, and Japanese whiskey, which is bolder. Tequila and mezcal drinks reflect LA's Mexican roots.

Si! Mon is an upscale Panamanian restaurant in Venice that sets itself apart from nearby spots. On the semi-enclosed patio, potted Bird of Paradise plants crowd in so thickly it feels a bit like a greenhouse. We recommend the kanpachi, cooked in banana leaves with a subtle sweetness, and the sweet shrimp dumplings.