ASIA DE CUBA

$$$ - Asian Fusion

8440 Sunset Blvd. (in the Mondrian Hotel), West Hollywood

If you want to take your date’s breath away with the most gorgeous view of Los Angeles, then you want to go to Asia de Cuba. It doesn’t matter if you sit inside or out, every seat is front row here.

The indoor seating is completely decorated in crisp, clean white while the outdoor area allows you to dine among the enormously oversized terra cotta pots planted with ficus trees. The innovative menu features Asian fusion delicacies and the full bar boasts some creative original concoctions.

For more information, call (323) 848-6000 or visit www.mondrianhotel.com.



SADDLE PEAK LODGE

$$$ - American

419 Cold Canyon Road, Calabasas

The Valentine’s Day four-course tasting menu is a must-try for food lovers and romantics alike. Sample the most delectable oysters, foie gras, seafood and the unique choices of game the Lodge offers.

The dining room hosts a rustic edge in its décor with wood lining every corner and the requisite mounted deer heads. The lulling sounds of a babbling brook accompany you as you dine in this authentic hunting lodge.

For more information, call (818) 222-3888 or visit www.saddlepeaklodge.com.



THE LITTLE DOOR

$$$ - Mediterranean

8164 W. Third Street, Los Angeles

Quite possibly the most romantic restaurant in Los Angeles is the quaint and unassuming Little Door. Two simple wooden doors sit promptly at the entrance of the house-turned-restaurant and open up to an inviting and intimate setting sprinkled with flickering candles.

A romantic courtyard houses the coveted patio tables, perfect for dining al fresco on a warm winter evening. The low lights and indulgent delicacies will put any couple in the mood for love.

For more information, call (323) 951-1210 or visit www.thelittledoor.com.



OFF VINE

$$ - California American

6263 Leland Way, Hollywood

A romantic little house located, um, off Vine in Hollywood, is the home to an old-fashioned and charming little restaurant. The home, built in 1908, is of the arts and crafts style and now, as a restaurant, offers the comforts of home in a beautifully decorated and secluded setting.

Sit outside and dine with nature under an enormous tree or stay inside with the warm fire blazing in the dining room. The hearty menu offers everything from pecan-breaded chicken to broiled lamb chops to blackened jumbo shrimp and is sure to please any palate. The cuisine is served comfort home-style in unstinting portions with simple elegance.

For more information, call (323) 962-1900 or visit www.offvine.com.



CANAL CLUB

$$ - Sushi

2025 Pacific Avenue, Venice

Just a block away from the famous Venice Canals is the Canal Club. Offering eclectic and inventive sushi creations of Latin, Asian and American descent, the Canal Club is an adventure every time you go.

The interior of the restaurant features work by numerous Venetian artists and includes fish shaped tables, a lit sunset marble wall and a private second floor dining room inspired by the Venice pier.

For Valentine’s Day you can enjoy a special entrée/sushi meal prepared just for the special occasion.

For more information, call (310) 823-3878 or visit www.jamesbeach.com.



FIREFLY

$$ - New American

11720 Ventura Blvd., Studio City

It may be a challenge finding this well-hidden jewel of the Valley, but it’s worth a try. The tall ivory building has no sign but can be recognized by the street valet attendants.

New American cuisine is featured on a small but interesting menu. Pass through the front library-style bar and you will enter a cozy dining area that sits under a covered patio and offers its guests a central fireplace and a multitude of atmosphere-inducing candles.

A must-try menu item would have to be the fried olive appetizer served with a garlic sauce.

For more information, call (818) 762-1833 or visit www.fireflystudiocity.com.



DUSTY’S

$ - French Bistro

3200 W. Sunset Boulevard, Silver Lake

This cozy French Bistro tucked away in the laid-back Silver Lake area serves enticing European fare in a casual and romantic atmosphere. The dining room features large, comfy lounge chairs and banquets for intimate dining.

The tall windows and strategically placed décor create a large airy space while maintaining the romantic atmosphere. With the large portions and small prices, Dusty’s is the perfect place to impress a date while on a budget.

For more information, call (323) 906-1018 or visit www.dustysbistro.com.



URTH CAFÉ

$ - Organic

2327 Main Street, Santa Monica

Sip your java and enjoy unique organic cuisine indoor by the roaring fireplace or outside on the intimate seating under warm heating lamps. Just moments away from the beach and smack in the middle of the Santa Monica shopping district, you won’t need to make any additional plans for the evening.

The tempting menu of salads, soups and sandwiches will make you forget that it’s all good for you! But, save room for dessert. The homemade cakes, pies and tortes will leave you begging for more.

For more information, call (310) 314-7040 or visit www.urthcafe.com.



THE BUNGALOW CLUB

$ - Mediterranean

7174 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles

Arabian nights take over this finely appointed establishment from the candle-lined dining room to the curtained cabanas on the patio. If you’re lucky enough to nab a coveted bungalow you are in for an intimate and romantic evening.

Even if you’re not so lucky, don’t worry, the candle-lit tables on the patio are inclined to invoke romance and the plush seating in the dark dining room is equally alluring. A fresh spin on classic Mediterranean fare is sure to leave you satisfied and the elaborate menu will ensure you never need eat the same thing twice.

For more information, call (323) 964-9494 or visit www.thebungalowclub.com.