BEST PLACES TO TAKE YOUR FOODIE FIRST DATE By ertelofthenight [1 more lists]

Picking a place for the first date is hard enough. But what if your date is a serious foodie, an aficionado with a discriminating palette who knows every hole in the wall ethnic communal table drinks-on-fire place in the city? Well then you've got to find the way to their heart through their stomach, and their stomach is like their Dad and he's already kind of pissed at you.

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1

Osteria Mozza

“ Top of the list and there's a reason for it. This is the absolute best restaurant in LA. It may not be hidden. It may not be under the radar, but it is the best. Something aside from the food that makes it special is the staff. This is one of the most attentive, endearing groups of people in LA and that's saying a lot considering how servers usually behave here. A good sense of humor, great suggestions on food and wine (h**lo wine sommelier). What is this Top Chef? Yeah, it's kind of like that. It’s owned by chefs Nancy Silverton, Mario Batali and Joseph Bastianich so you kind of know you are in for one of the best meals of your life. Complex and aromatic flavors, from the Amuse Bush to the last bite of Bombolini.The menu features many different types of Italian cuisine from north to south. Wine list is really incredible albeit expensive and as thick as a volume of Encyclopedia Britannica. Cheapest bottle is about $35 and honestly great. Probably the best you're going to have anywhere and if you're not a total wine aficionado you can still play one at this restaurant. They do everything. They pour a bit in at first to "season the glass" before even giving it to you. It's all very complex and classy and impressive while still keeping it grounded. No tiny mustaches and white aprons and such.The Grilled Octopus with potatoes, celery and lemon is going to be one of the best things you've ever had. The octopus is charred on the outside and tender on the inside. Not chewy in any way. Like a steak. It’s Buttery and lemony but neither flavor overpowers the taste of the ‘pus. You'll eat everything on every plate you get here starting with this one. All the celery. Not even a garnish. You'll want more of that celery. I know. It's hard to believe but so true. Really recommend getting something from the mozzarella bar. It's very important because again, delisha will not wait. One of the best is Burrata with bacon, marinated escarole and caramelized shallots. Creamy burrata, garlicky escarole and sweet shallots. Hi. Bacon. 'Nough said. Best thing to do from here is pasta and an entree. Because you want to leave room for dessert because you have to leave room because after this meal it's really gonna be on with this foodie. Like they may ask your hand in marriage. Like who knows. It may even be too serious.A little basic but really on the money are linguine with clams, pancetta and spicy Fresno chiles. Really not to be believed. The clams are the right size and they're salty and fresh. Pancetta is smoky and rich and thick. Linguine is completely al dente. It's a science. The pasta is obviously homemade and filled with the energy of that.There are so many choices but the Beef Brasato with polenta & horseradish gremolata might be the way. Ok, beef melting in your mouth falling to pieces on the fork. Polenta not grainy, smooth and almost succulent. The horseradish? They grate it over the dish at your table. It's as fresh as it could ever be. You're going to be full and that's ok. Now, it espresso time. Get on the dessert side of things.Bombolini with mountain huckleberry compote and vanilla gelato. The Bombolini can only be described as a doughnut from heaven. Literally from the Lord. It is undeniably one of the best things you'll ever put in your mouth. Outside crispy, inside doughy. This little dynamo is Cinnamon, sugar and who the h**l else knows what CRACK MAGIC on top. Listen. This is really it. You want to impress them? This is the call. It's not going to be cheap but you can go Dutch or whatever. No one will care how it's dealt with at the end of the meal because it'll have been worth it. „
2

Sushi Ike

“ Sushi Ike will make you think places in strip malls are like the second coming for food in LA. You go there with a real cool person; they don't know what's up. Oh no! You have to order everything? Well, that's what you want to do. You see, Ike, he's the head of this operation and he's a genius. Assembling large plates of fish at rapid speed making great conversation and smiling from ear to ear. Sit at the bar. Trust. This is the way to do it. Ike once said, "You have to sit at the bar because you wait from the time I cut the fish to make it to the table. You must eat it right away." He is 100% right. This fish might have died five minutes before you got there it's so fresh. See what's good. Albacore, Toro, Spanish mackerel, yellowtail and salmon are all favorites. Also get the grilled octopus. It’s Lightly charred but soft inside, served on a bed of thinly sliced lemon. It will knock you out. Unreal. You're so in the know. Seriously. „
3

Taylors

“ Taylor's is really one thing and one thing only and that's history. A supper club that opened in 1953 and never really changed all that much. The decor was classy, the food was classy so really they just left it alone. Moved it a couple times but that's about it. Crab Cakes and Shrimp Alexander have been around forever and that's because they're good. The Prime Rib however, is a masterpiece. You have a couple of choices as to how you want it and they're really all good. Regular cut, dinner cut or English cut (carved thin, extra lean, drenched in Au Jus). Their horseradish is out of this world and strong and non-apologetic. The crowd is mixed. Older people (who have been going for years), families and you and yours. Food is not inventive or new or even particularly interesting but just really well done and has been forever. That's the best part. Get a dirty martini and a shrimp cocktail and pretend you’re characters on Mad Men. It won't break the piggy bank but it'll feel pretty good. R Bar next door is a great after dinner place to hang. Change it up. Do what you must. The night is young. „
4

El Chavo

“ Here's the word humming bird. There's a lot of Mexican food out there. It's kind of a thing here in LA. But knowing the best, though it's widely disputed, is like taking your skills to a whole other level. Consider El Chavo at the top of it's game. It's had a little face-lift in the last year but what matters now are two things: the margarita and The Monterey. Margaritas here are super strong. That's really all you need to know. The balance is right and they go down easy. Get it on the rocks with the salt rim and you'll never look back. Two is really kind of more than enough. Trust. The food is all really excellent and you can get your combination dinners with like a taco and a Chile relleno and what not but if you know, you know. The winner is the Monterey through and through. This is Spencer steak, an enchilada and a taquito served with guacamole, refried beans, rice and tortillas for literally $12. I’d say that's quite a deal. The steak is cooked right and isn't huge but just enough. Their enchilada and taquito are awesome and don't get soggy by the end if you don't eat them first. Great guacamole with nice whole chunks of onion and tomato. Never ever a bland bit of food on the plate. By the way. Meals come with soup. The soup is great in it's own right. It varies from night to night but great lentil, green corn and tortilla. Speaking of the green corn persuasion they also have an amazing special most nights (but not all) in the Green Corn Tamales. Very rich and mealy tamales packed in the husk with cheese. Perfect for the vegetarian who still wants something authentic. Get a Monterey and a Green Corn Tamale and switch half way. The decor is kind of cheesy but that's really okay. The staff is kind and attentive. The place does feel familiar and gentle. A staple great for Mexican food in the Mexican-American food capital of America. „
5

Mo Chica

“ It's like don't get me started. Don't EVEN get me started. Mo Chica is starting to get into the real deal my friends. It's not any kind of hot spot and is in a peculiar warehouse type food court downtown. The adventure is intriguing and the food is rich. This gemstone is a Peruvian restaurant with the most amazing ceviche available in LA. Fresh fish of the day, great citrus, crunchy corn and savory, crisp onions. Also must get the Quinotto (quinoa in the style of risotto with mushrooms). The dish is hearty, hot, comforting and real. Sauces on the side are a complete bonus. A little dish set delicately next to the plate looks slightly like an interpretation of a traffic light with the red sauce, of course, being the real kicker. I'd also indulge in their passion fruit drink (similar to an agua fresca). Another great place for sharing, tasting and general canoodling that's off the beaten path. „
6

Two Boots

“ Hey. Hi. So you're thinking of going out and having like a night on the town (Echo park side wise). Maybe you're going to hit up El Prado or Gold Room or Little Joy or something and you need to think of a place to get a bite either before or after with the new found crush. You've got a killer idea, pizza. But you're in LA so you're thinking like, "How's that gonna work?" That's where Two Boots comes in. They've been around since '87 but have only had restaurants in NY until now. Brooklyn, West Village, Bleecker Street and now Silver Lake. Wowee! We are in luck. Make your own or have one of theirs. By the slice or take the whole pie. Main hits are The Dude (Cajun bacon cheeseburger pizza with Tasso, ground beef, cheddar and mozzarella) or the very interesting and unique Bayou Beast (BBQ shrimp, crawfish, andouille, jalapenos and mozzarella). If the mood is right don't even go there. They'll bring it to you... „
7

The Kitchen

“ The Kitchen is literally the local bistro. Like Paris or something only you still sit across from one another and you can't smoke inside or anything. But it's warm, sweet and lovely. Good service with just one waitress there at a time. It's pretty impressive. What's more is that the food is really top notch and special. A board above the till offers nightly specials. But it is best known for the Buttermilk Fried Chicken (7oz boneless breast w/gravy, garlic mashed and sautéed vegetables). It will NEVER EVER be a bad choice. Chicken is tender and incredibly flavorful and juicy without being greasy. Garlic mashed is like a condiment for the main hang and really does it justice. They have great cornbread that's sweet and fluffy with whole pieces of corn and jalapenos. If you're not looking to indulge in fried bits you might want to do the Grilled Pork Chops (goat cheese potato latkes & sautéed vegetables, topped with roasted apple sauce). A really more inventive combination at play here but you can imagine the simpatico elements. The sweetness of the roasted applesauce set off by the robust goat cheese latke. It really is quite a coup. Portions are large. Wine is cheap. So have a lot of both. Right? Right. „
8

8oz Burger Bar

“ 8oZ Burger Bar is kind of cool and trendy and the burgers are really good. Normally I would recommend Father's Office for the best burger of any date or time but I must tell you that it's nice not having to lord over someone to get a bite to eat. 8oz Burger Bar has some pretty amazing elements aside from their burgers and beer. Side dishes there really do shine. Truffled potato skins. Need I say more? The addictive, umami is kind of just unreal. Crispy, sweet and hot. The fried pickles are fried in that great cornmeal that they use for Fried Green Tomatoes. Another kicker is the small snacks. Fried olives stuffed with Chorizo? Oh come now. The meaty middle of a salty shell. That is the truth. Having said all that, the burgers really are the boss. Among the pre determined are The Melrose (wild baby arugula, garlic roasted tomatoes and onion marmalade) and the Estancia Grass Fed (heirloom tomato ketchup, garlic aioli, sliced tomato, onion, pickle, charred escarole and roasted mushrooms). They really do know what they're talking about with those but you can always make your own or get a Short Rib Grilled Cheese or something. Bottom line: Lots of options for the foodie who's got gripes. Give 'em a shot at making the best burger in town without going through the whole grilling process and trip to the Farmer's Market. Tah dah! „
9

Nyala

“ Nyala is the place you go with someone who loves the world of hearty food and good beer. This serious staple of Little Ethiopia on Fairfax has not only vegan/vegetarian fare but also great stewed meats that don't ever disappoint.Best thing to do is to get a variety of things and share them. The Injera is like a sourdough pancake which you eat with your hands and scoop piles of yellow split peas cooked with onion, fresh garlic and ginger and chicken marinated in lemon juice. Then it's sautéed in seasoned butter, fresh garlic, onion, ginger and red pepper sauce. Simple and perfect. The spices are sweet and hot and the beers Harrar, Hakim or Tusker are bold and crisp. If you want to get a last minute table the place is never too busy and the staff are attentive. It won't shred through your wallet either and it's guaranteed to be a hit for the one who thought they knew it all. „
10

Blossom

“ Blossom is that great corner bistro except it's Vietnamese. Vietnamese food is simple and fresh with light crunchy ingredients. The excellent Pho and Shaking Beef with tender filet mignon are not overdone. Simple. Just salt and pepper to taste. The Bahn Xeo or Vietnamese Crepe is really special as well. Made with shrimp, pork, jicama, mung beans, and bean sprouts it also boasts a side of fresh herbs and fish sauce. A delicate and awesome dish. It's open until 10PM so that means you can stop by when you're hungry, not just when you're supposed to eat (cause that's a real snoozer).Being that it's downtown (Main and Winston) it already comes with a lot of great perks. The best time to go is during the Art Walk, which happens the second Thursday of every month. It fills up fast but they turn tables around like whoa. So go to The Hive or something and then get your Pho on. „

Osteria Mozza

Sushi Ike

Taylors

El Chavo

Mo Chica

Two Boots

The Kitchen

8oz Burger Bar

Nyala

Blossom