Date Night in Encino 2026: Romantic Restaurants for Every Mood

Encino has quietly become the San Fernando Valley's most romantic dining destination. Tucked along Ventura Boulevard and its surrounding streets, you'll find intimate restaurants, rooftop lounges, and hidden gems perfect for everything from first dates to anniversary celebrations.

Whether you're looking for candlelit Mediterranean cuisine, lively atmospheres with live music, or quiet corners for deep conversation, this 2026 guide covers the best date night spots in Encino for every mood and budget.

The Romantic Scene: What Makes Encino Special

Unlike the chaotic energy of Hollywood or the pretension of Beverly Hills, Encino offers:

• Easy parking: Most restaurants have lots or valet
• Walkable stretches: Hop between multiple venues
• Diverse cuisines: Persian, Mediterranean, Italian, Japanese, and more
• Lower prices: Better value than Westside spots
• Locals-only vibe: Intimate, not touristy

Best for First Dates: Low Pressure, High Vibes

Carnys Mediterranean Kitchen & Lounge

Why it works: The perfect first-date formula—shareable mezze plates (so you're not stuck with entrée commitment), live jazz creating conversation backdrop, dim lighting that flatters everyone, and optional hookah lounge if things go well and you want to extend the night.

Best tables: Request a booth near the live music area—close enough to enjoy, far enough to talk.

Order this: Start with the mezze platter (conversation starter), koobideh kebabs to share, finish with baklava and Persian tea.

Budget: $$-$$$

Reserve: Book online or call (818) 489-2557

Katsuya Encino

Why it works: Sleek, modern Japanese with sexy ambiance. The omakase experience shows you're willing to invest in the evening without being stuffy.

Best tables: Bar seating if your date enjoys watching chefs work.

Budget: $$$

Il Tiramisu

Why it works: Classic Italian that never disappoints. Comfortable, familiar cuisine removes stress from menu decisions.

Budget: $$

Best for Anniversary Celebrations: Pull Out All the Stops

Carnys Private Dining Experience

Why it works: We offer semi-private dining areas that can be reserved for special occasions. White tablecloths, customized menus, champagne service, and a dedicated server who remembers your names.

The move: Call ahead and mention it's your anniversary. Our team will prepare a special dessert presentation with sparklers and a personalized note.

Budget: $$$-$$$$

Mistral Restaurant

Why it works: French-California cuisine with an extensive wine list. The kind of place where you linger for three hours without realizing it.

Budget: $$$$

Sushi Iki

Why it works: Intimate 12-seat omakase experience that feels like a private culinary journey. Reservations are hard to get—showing you planned ahead impresses.

Budget: $$$$

Best for "We've Been Together Forever": Comfortable & Fun

Carnys Hookah Lounge

Why it works: When you've been together long enough that you don't need to impress, sometimes the best date is settling into comfortable seats, sharing a hookah, ordering too much food, and people-watching while enjoying live music.

Best for: Couples who want to relax, not perform.

Budget: $$

Casa Vega

Why it works: Legendary since 1956. Strong margaritas, consistent Mexican food, no-pretense atmosphere. Sometimes the classics are classic for a reason.

Budget: $$

Buca di Beppo

Why it works: Family-style Italian that encourages sharing and conversation. Fun, festive, zero pressure.

Budget: $$

Best for Impressing Someone: When You Really Want to Shine

Carnys Chef's Table Experience

Why it works: Reserve our chef's table for a multi-course tasting menu prepared specifically for your party. You'll meet Chef Ali, learn about each dish's Persian heritage, and experience hospitality that makes you look like you know all the right people.

Book in advance: At least one week

Budget: $$$$

The Hideaway

Why it works: Speakeasy vibes with craft cocktails. The entrance is deliberately hard to find (ask your server at the connected restaurant), which adds adventure to the evening.

Budget: $$$

Best for Budget-Conscious Romance: Quality Without Breaking the Bank

Carnys Happy Hour (5-7 PM)

Why it works: Our happy hour offers half-priced appetizers, $8 signature cocktails, and the same ambiance as prime time—just earlier. Perfect for a pre-movie date or early birds who want the full experience affordably.

Pro tip: Sit at the bar for extra attention from our mixologists.

Budget: $-$$

Falafel Palace

Why it works: Casual, authentic, delicious. Sometimes the best date is grabbing falafel wraps and walking along Ventura Blvd. Romance doesn't require white tablecloths.

Budget: $

Porto's Bakery

Why it works: Grab Cuban pastries and coffee for a casual afternoon date. Sit on the patio, share a guava cheese strudel, and prove that expensive dinners aren't required for connection.

Budget: $

Best for Late-Night Romance: After 10 PM Options

Carnys (Open Until 2 AM)

Why it works: One of the only upscale options in Encino open this late. Full kitchen until midnight, hookah lounge until 2 AM, live music most nights. Perfect for spontaneous dates or extending a good evening.

Best move: Order the after-9 PM hookah special, share a dessert, and watch the late-night crowd arrive.

Coral Café

Why it works: 24-hour diner with surprisingly good food. When you want pancakes at midnight with someone special, this is your spot.

Budget: $

The Perfect Date Night Timeline

Here's how to structure an evening for maximum romance:

The Classic Dinner Date

• 6:30 PM: Arrive, park easily in Carnys' lot
• 7:00 PM: Seated, order cocktails and mezze to share
• 8:00 PM: Main courses, live music begins
• 9:00 PM: Dessert and tea
• 9:30 PM: Move to hookah lounge or take a Ventura Blvd stroll

The Extended Evening

• 5:00 PM: Happy hour at Carnys (appetizers + cocktails)
• 7:00 PM: Dinner at a different spot for variety
• 9:00 PM: Return to Carnys for hookah and live music
• 11:00 PM: Nightcap and conversation until close

Date Night Don'ts

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Don't skip reservations: Popular spots fill up, especially Friday/Saturday
• Don't over-order: Sharing plates is more romantic than individual entrées
• Don't check your phone: Keep it in your pocket
• Don't rush: The point is quality time, not efficiency
• Don't forget valet cash: Have $10-15 ready

Special Touches That Elevate Your Date

At Carnys, we help guests create memorable moments:

• Pre-arranged flowers: Call ahead, we'll have them at your table
• Custom dessert messages: "Happy Anniversary" written in chocolate
• Reserved seating: Request specific tables (booth, near music, quiet corner)
• Champagne service: We'll pour when you arrive
• Photo moments: Staff happy to capture your evening

Just call (818) 489-2557 and tell us you're planning something special. We'll make it happen.

Why Carnys Is the Date Night Standard

We've hosted thousands of dates—first dates, 50th anniversaries, proposals, and everything in between. What makes us special:

• Versatility: Can be casual or upscale depending on what you order
• Atmosphere: Live music, dim lighting, intimate seating—romance built-in
• Options: Don't like your entrée? Move to hookah lounge. Want more? Extend with dessert and tea.
• Hours: Open late when most restaurants close
• Value: Get more experience per dollar than comparable venues

Book Your Encino Date Night

Whether it's your first date or your 500th, Encino offers the perfect setting. And if you want our honest recommendation: start at Carnys, see where the night takes you.

Make a reservation or call (818) 489-2557. We're at 16101 Ventura Boulevard, Encino—easy to find, plenty of parking, and ready to make your date memorable.

Here's to romance on Ventura Boulevard. 💕