Long gone are the days where we have to order take out and eat it in our cramped cars or out of boxes at homes. The restaurant scene is back and better than ever! To alleviate some pressure to find that perfect date night spot, we have listed our favorite restaurants in the Hollywood area, perfect for any romantic outing. Right on time because our new Hollywood tour has launched and pairs perfectly with any of these restaurants. These high-end spots make the perfect treat after a long day of road tripping.  

Pace Restaurant:
Nestled in the mountainous Laurel Canyon, Pace is a Hollywood staple. It’s Italian heaven as it offers authentic cuisine from pizzas to pasta. With homemade pasta prepared daily, we recommend splitting the Ravioli D’Aragosta Burrata e timo, a lobster ravioli topped with burrata cheese. Pair the adventurous pasta with a classic pie, such as the Mamma G’s, which is topped with pork sausage, fennel, and mozzarella to create a delectable bite. What truly makes this restaurant exquisite is the fun seating arrangements. Pace creates a cozy atmosphere with missed matched colorful chairs and the fun bench-style seating with decorative pillows. The mood lighting only makes Pace more of an intimate space. If you end up checking this place out, make sure to call an Uber because parking is pretty impossible!

Norah Restaurant:
Next on the list is the classy little spot Norah. This New American joint is famous for its shareable dishes. The freshly made ricotta is whipped to perfection and resembles a fluffy cloud. Another must-have is the cornbread skillet which is served right out the oven with french style butter. Although the food is excellent, what really makes this place jump out is the drink selection. For a summertime cocktail, the spicy passion fruit margarita is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. On the flip side, for a richer flavor, go with the La Cerise, where the chocolate undertones really make the drink. In terms of the ambiance, definitely request a table outside. The patio seating resembles an oasis with palm trees right next to the tables and the ivy covering the brick walls of the exterior. If you forget to snag a reservation, have no fear and just take a seat at the marble bar.

Olivetta:
Olivetta is a Mediterranean dream! Before we get into the delicious food, we have to talk about the scenery. The wicker chairs, the flowers growing from the ceiling, the leaf fan blades, and the fireplace truly make this place unmatched. The fairytale-like atmosphere will make you feel like you are transported into a magical land. The food only makes this place better. The lamb bolognese is the perfect dish. It’s robust and tender and, to make it better, is served on an adorable red floral plate. We also recommend the Spanish-style octopus as it is fresh and cooked to perfection.

Ardor:
Ardor makes you feel like you took a trip to the Jungle Book with its tropical theme. The modern white leather chairs mixed with all the lush plants truly transport you out of LA. The wood features also contribute to the almost Tommy Bahama feel of the place. The featured item on the menu is milk bread. After you have their light, fluffy, and tender bread, you won’t be able to go back to the standard stuff. The milk bread comes as a whole loaf, which makes it perfect for sharing. Fitting with the jungle theme, the menu is heavy on vegetables with innovative dishes such as the raw cauliflower cacio e Pepe or the tandoor carrots. However, they still have heartier dishes like filet mignon or a roasted lamb for the meat lovers out there.

Cavatina:
Last on this list of great spots is the one and only Cavatina. In the beautiful Marquis hotel, Cavatina gives you a date night spot you could only dream of. Complete with a garden, koi pond, and twinkling string lights around the trees, this restaurant creates tranquil vibes for a relaxing date night. Because of the great outdoor atmosphere, we recommend that you sit outside. When seated, you will be given a menu with so many great options it will be hard to choose! We recommend the pork belly kimchi risotto topped with a quail egg. The crispness and saltiness from the pork belly pair so nicely with the creamy and spicy risotto. For a lighter option, go for the Mediterranean sea bass, with a skin crisped to perfection served with root vegetables. Another plus to this restaurant is that there is always parking available through the hotel! 

Make sure to check these restaurants out after you take our Hollywood tour!

Written by Jada Gritton