If you’ve ever tried planning a date night in LA’s Westside, you know the struggle—finding a spot that’s both charming and wallet-friendly feels like navigating a minefield of overpriced cocktails and valet-only parking lots. But here’s the thing: the Westside’s not just for people with black cards. Between Santa Monica’s cozy corners, Culver City’s hidden gems, and Venice’s effortlessly cool patios, there are places where romance meets reason.
Let’s dive into a few local favorites that’ll impress your date and leave room in your budget for dessert—or maybe even a movie after.
Milo & Olive, Santa Monica
This neighborhood staple from the Rustic Canyon family is as LA as it gets—wood-fired pizzas, soft lighting, and the faint hum of good conversation. Their garlic knots are practically legendary, and the “squash blossom” pizza might just make your date think you’ve got impeccable taste.
A dinner for two with wine lands around $60–$70, which isn’t bad considering Santa Monica prices. Just remember, it’s first-come-first-served and fills up fast, so aim for an early evening table.
Loqui, Culver City
Located in Platform, Loqui serves up some of the best tacos this side of the 405. Think freshly made flour tortillas, tender carne asada, and a vibe that’s equal parts laid-back and stylish.
You can grab dinner for two for under $40 if you skip drinks—or make it $50 if you add a couple of craft beers. The outdoor seating makes it a perfect summer-evening pick.
Uovo, Brentwood & Santa Monica
Fresh pasta, flown in daily from Bologna. Yeah, seriously. Uovo has quietly become one of LA’s most beloved affordable pasta spots. Dishes hover around $20 each, but the flavors punch well above their price tag.
It’s casual but classy enough to impress without feeling stuffy. The “Carbonara” is a safe bet, but the “Ragù” is where the magic happens.
| Dish | Avg. Price | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbonara | $19 | Intimate, cozy | First dates |
| Ragù | $22 | Warm, rustic | Comfort night |
| Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe | $18 | Bright, buzzy | Pasta lovers |
Jameson’s Pub, Santa Monica
If you’re leaning toward a casual, fun night, this Irish-inspired bar has your back. Burgers, loaded fries, and surprisingly solid cocktails—all under a hundred bucks for two (including drinks).
They’ve got trivia nights and live music on weekends, so if you’re dating someone who loves a little chaos, this is your spot.
Gjelina Take Away (GTA), Venice
Venice’s Gjelina is famously hard to get into, but its grab-and-go sibling, GTA, offers the same flavor magic at a fraction of the cost. The wood-fired pizzas, seasonal salads, and sandwiches are perfect for a picnic on Abbot Kinney or the beach.
Dinner for two runs about $35, and if you time it right around sunset, it’s pure LA romance without the splurge.
Lunetta All Day, Santa Monica
By day, it’s a casual brunch favorite. By night, it transforms into a soft-lit haven of affordable California fare. Think roasted chicken, craft cocktails, and locally sourced veggies.
Expect to spend about $70 for two, including drinks. Bonus: their outdoor patio is one of the most inviting spots on Pico Blvd—less pretentious than you’d expect in this ZIP code.
Table: Quick Look at Westside Date-Night Spots
| Restaurant | Neighborhood | Price for Two | Vibe | Best Dish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milo & Olive | Santa Monica | ~$70 | Cozy, candle-lit | Squash blossom pizza |
| Loqui | Culver City | ~$40 | Cool, casual | Carne asada tacos |
| Uovo | Brentwood/Santa Monica | ~$45 | Chic, minimalist | Ragù |
| Jameson’s Pub | Santa Monica | ~$80 | Fun, loud | Burgers & whiskey sours |
| Gjelina Take Away | Venice | ~$35 | Relaxed, outdoor | Mushroom pizza |
| Lunetta All Day | Santa Monica | ~$70 | Romantic patio | Roasted chicken |
FAQs:
What’s considered “affordable” for a date night in LA?
Generally, dinner for two under $80 (including drinks) is considered affordable for the Westside.
Are any of these spots vegetarian-friendly?
Yes—Milo & Olive, Uovo, and Lunetta All Day have several vegetarian options.
Which of these restaurants take reservations?
Uovo and Lunetta All Day accept reservations. Milo & Olive and GTA are walk-in only.
