Where to Dine Solo and People Watch
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Coucou
Location: Venice & West Hollywood
Perfect for taking yourself out on an elegant dinner date, this little French bistro brings a chic laid-back atmosphere while indulging yourself in their classic French dishes like the Onion Soup Gratinee and Steak Frites. With its cozy bar and counter seating, it's an ideal spot to order a glass of wine and romanticize your life. Be sure to stop by on a Thursday for Jazz night at their West Hollywood location.
Violet Bistro
Location: Westwood
Escape for a night out in Paris with this little French bistro. Tucked away in Westwood, this charming European ambiance creates the perfect place to sit alone with a book and enjoy some small plates. The food feels upscale but in a way that’s super approachable and easy to enjoy alone like their warm baguette and their pommes frites with homemade lemon aioli. Their outdoor courtyard is both peaceful and romantic, you’ll want to sit and admire those around you.
Night + Market
Location: West Hollywood, Venice, & Silver Lake
If you’re into bold, spicy Thai food and a lively atmosphere, add this to your list. The counter seating and communal vibe is perfect for people-watching while you indulge in some of their staple noodles and stir-fries. This restaurant is full of energy and spirit, so you won’t feel out of place and you definitely won’t leave hungry.
Uovo
Location: Multiple Locations
Uovo is the ultimate solo dining experience! Fresh handmade pastas from Italy are not only made daily, but served right at the counter as you watch the chefs prepare the dishes. Their menu allows for singles served plates or a tasting menu to choose from, allowing you to try a variety of pastas from. Save room for their Tiramisu you’ll be thinking about for days after.
Crossroads Kitchen
Location: Melrose + Calabasas
A stylish, vegan fine-dining spot with an elegant interior made to feel like you’re dining at a fancy upscale restaurant. Specially curated to create a new taste of vegan food, the menu offers creative options and unique flavors leaving both vegans and non-vegans impressed. Great for taking yourself for a long lunch or a nice dinner, come in and experience this one of a kind kitchen.
Girl & the Goat
Location: Arts District
Chicago’s original hotspot has an LA location and it’s a must-try! It's warm and vibrant atmosphere serves as a fantastic contrast to the ambiance of their original Chicago location. Utilizing the open space in the Arts District, the venue offers a variety of both indoor and outdoor seating. Their small plates are what make the restaurant so quaint and cozy, perfect for if you wanted to take yourself out for a drink. (You won’t want to miss out on their naan and dips appetizer). Seated at the bar counter, experience the crowd of first dates, happy hours mingles, and strike up a conversation with the friendly bartenders.
Cento Pasta Bar
Location: West Adams
This intimate pasta spot is all about the minimalistic vibes, seasonal ingredients, and pasta pasta pasta. A spot at the counter offers an open kitchen experience where you can see bubbling sauces and smell the divine dishes being prepared for you. The cozy atmosphere and small curated menu creates a real connection between the restaurant and customer, so grab a reservation while you can and experience a modern spin on Italian classics. Before you leave, be sure to order their iconic Banana Pudding Tiramisu for a fun ending to your solo date night.
Piccalilli
Location: Culver City
A unique Culver City hot-spot curating an inventive menu and bold mix of Southeast Asian and American flavors. Not only will you have a one-of-a-kind tasting experience, but you’ll experience the contemporary and eclectic decor elevating your night out. Choose between bar seating inside or a nice patio, you’ll have a great view to people-watch down the main strip of downtown Culver City. If you want a flavorful experience, check out their Korean Chili Brussel Sprouts and Nam Prik Wings while taking in all the action.
Yunomi Handroll
Location: Arts District, Culver Steps, Toluca Lake
Stop in for a quick solo sushi date or a full dining experience, Yunomi specializes in fresh hand rolls made right in front of you. Their rolls feature high-quality classics and seasonal catches, creating a nice combination of simplicity and premium quality. Unlike other dining experiences, Yunomi focuses on their counter seating as you watch the chefs prepare the food in front of you. This is a great place to know other singles dining next to you or experience your food being rolled right to your plate.
The Benjamin
Location: Hollywood
This upscale American restaurant is an underrated gem in Hollywood. Known for their luxurious dining experience and golden age style decor, The Benjamin has been a timeless location for many special occasions. Specializing as a steakhouse, come try their juicy burger or New York strip. This restaurant and bar is perfect for a casual solo meal where you can sit at the bar, sip a cocktail, and order a classic American dish.
Gjelina
Location: Venice
This beloved Venice spot offers a variety of plates, salads, and wood-fire pizzas. With their emphasis on grilled, charred, and braised vegetables, the menu is super vegetarian friendly. Communal tables and counter seating make it a great choice for solo dining and for those who want to people-watch while enjoying fresh foods. Their rustic interior and cozy exterior welcomes all energies to experience dining here. Built on a hospitality atmosphere, be sure to check out their bakery, grocery, hotel, and flower shop services.
Butcher's Daughter
Location: Venice (and West Hollywood)
If you’re looking for a healthy mid-day solo run, this plant-based cafe is as chill as it gets. Its beachy laid-back atmosphere perfectly captures the beachy vibes of LA, offering health conscious brunch options and a variety of fresh juices/smoothies. The menu ranges from various bowls, salads, and plant-based plates, great for a casual dine-in after a sunny beach day or if you’re on your health and wellness journey. With its ambiance focused around natural light and greenery, dine at their communal tables while mingling with those around you or opt for a more private experience, you’ll leave feeling more relaxed and energized embodying the true Venice lifestyle.
République
Location: Miracle Mile
République is a stunning French-inspired bakery and restaurant known for their baked goods selection during brunch and exquisite dinner options. Solo diners can sit at the bar or communal tables, enjoying flaky croissants and crafted tarts, or indulging themselves to creamy pastas like the Flora Bella Tahitian Squash Agnolotti. Its old-world sophistication and beautifully historic setting, mixed with their top tier dinner service, offers the highest dining experience. Reservations can be tough to get, so plan your night out in advance and treat yourself to a stand-out French dining experience.
Nossa Caipirinha Bar
Location: Los Feliz
This Brazilian bar is the spot for signature caipirinhas and tropical cocktails. It captures the authenticity of Brazilian cocktails paired perfectly with some of their traditional plates. The colorful decor and relaxed space captures the warmth that this bar strives to provide. With smaller sized tables and a lively atmosphere, this is a great pick for your next casual solo dining experience.
Bestia
Location: Arts District
LA’s well known Italian restaurant brings people from all over the city to taste their wood-fire pizzas and creative pasta dishes. Its industrial design and vibrant interior adds to the foundation of their lively atmosphere. Great for groups or solo diners, their impressive selection of wines and plates cater to everyone who wants a unique dining experience. Get on the list to one of LA’s hot-spots and indulge yourself to a new kind of Italian cuisine.
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