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{ ivory on sunset at the mondrian hotel }
As much as I love supperclubbing with friends, I can’t help but think about how beautiful some of these places become at night with someone special. For me, adding the sound of ocean waves or some twinkle lights to a tree is enough to make me swoon. But I’ve noticed a certain essence to these places that makes for a little something extra special. There are so many great places to eat out in this city, but here are the ones I specifically have fallen for in Los Angeles. Enjoy.
1. Giorgio Baldi This place tops my list because it’s the absolute epitome of what I find romantic. It’s located on a much less frequented and quite beautiful, area in Santa Monica. It’s just steps away from the ocean and right night door to my favorite bar for a late night drink and shenanigans. It’s incredibly cozy with a very simple decor, rustic small tables placed really close together, dimly lit and white tablecloth, did I mention how amazing the food is as well? Be sure to try the corn agnolotti and look out for our girl Rihanna.
2. Il Cielo A beautiful spot in Beverly Hills, with twinkle lights and trees. It’s been filmed in so many reality shows and for good reason. They have a great outdoor patio and some delectable dishes, and I have often seen rose petals sprinkles throughout the table. I also happen to believe Italian food is the most romantic, but maybe that’s just because I am truly in love with pasta.
3. Ivory on Sunset It’s just as beautiful as pictured above. The Mondrian Hotel is quite the venue for what I consider to be LA’s prime selling point. There’s a glimmering blue pool, sparkly lights and most importantly a true “LA” view. I’d recommend going anytime of day as it’s equally pretty at night with the city lights and during the day with a clear blue sky. The restaurant has its own bar on the patio with open seating, but it’s better to go next door to Skybar, which surrounds the glamorous pool and takes up even more of the fabulous view.
4. Rose Café It’s quite pretty at night with candles on each table, a large open floor plan and high ceilings. The food and drinks are really delicious and not super pricey for the area. Usually I go for dinner but it’s also a great spot to just to grab a drink as the bar is super spacious, with a large communal table and a very low key vibe. I absolutely love the cacio e pepe pasta, crispy brussels sprouts and the paella fried rice.
5. Nobu Malibu A spectacular place for so many reasons, the highest quality sushi, the parade of Malibu’s low key but equally as glamorous socialite set and most importantly, the prime ocean views, especially at sunset over a glass of rosé to match the pink sky. Getting a reservation can be tricky in the summer so I recommend you grab a drink at the bar and sit outside in the non-food service patio or snag a spot at the bar where you can order from the full menu. My must haves are the miso cod, nigiri sushi and the spicy tuna on crispy rice.
6. A.O.C. Set inside a Spanish style villa, this tapas spot is uber cozy and warm. The patio is surrounded by stucco walls just like the courtyards in Spain and Italy so you feel as if you are really sitting in the back of someone’s charming house. I also love the upstairs dinning room with an adorable view of the garden. And the dessert platter has the best items on it, I’d recommend it even for a small group. You’re welcome.
7. Moonshadows Another great oceanfront spot for food or just drinks. I prefer to go to the blue lounge patio at sunset where it’s first come first serve and they have some great cocktails and appetizers to munch on. I haven’t been for dinner but the view from the ocean facing tables looks spectacular.
8. L’Ami This space used to be an Italian restaurant called Villetta, then became a french restaurant called The Little Door, before settling into L’Ami, with a French Mediterranean cuisine. The space is charming with chic Mongolian fur throws hanging on the backs of chairs and a stucco fireplace to make the semi outdoor space feel very warm and cozy.
9. The Tower Bar at Sunset Tower Hotel It’s classic Los Angeles, with the air of that old Hollywood glamour we all kinda want Los Angeles to have even if we make fun of it. The patio views are spectacular during the day but even more so are the dimly lit, small, white tablecloth tables inside that make this place really feel timeless and secluded. It’s a great spot to celebrate something special and romanticize some of Hollywood’s past.
10. The Bar at Hotel Bel-Air Shhh, the secluded location itself is 50% of what makes this place so special! Hidden behind the Bel-Air community gates, surrounded by Fresh Prince worthy mansions, is this oasis of from city life. The bar really reflects that concept with dark walls and a cozy, jazz bar feel where they play live music and serve drinks and snacks at little café tables. There’s a fireplace and a small patio too. I love all the black and white artwork of musicians and the grand piano where there’s often someone playing some sweet tunes. It’s a great spot to grab a drink after dinner and take a late night stroll through the ground gardens where the swans live! Oh yeah, did I not mention the swans?
Cheers lovers!
-M
Authentically,
