Best of SGV

Where should I take a date in SGV?

Places that feel like an occasion without trying too hard.

Fresh ranking. Your vote shapes it.

The short answer

Locals' current top pick for date night in SGV is Kaijin Sushi in San Gabriel, followed by iWagyu in Monterey Park and Osawa in Pasadena. Best is relative, so filter by price and vibe below, and vote for the pick you'd stand behind.

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#1Kaijin SushiSan Gabriel · Sushi · $$$★ 4.9

"Sushi-focused Japanese spot with date-night potential."

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#2iWagyuMonterey Park · Japanese · $$$★ 4.9

"iWagyu is a premium Japanese-style wagyu BBQ spot in Monterey Park where servers help grill your meat, with set menus starting at $64 per person and a la carte options going up to…"

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#3OsawaPasadena · Japanese · $$$★ 4.7

"Japanese spot in Pasadena. Sushi."

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#4The DerbyArcadia · Steakhouse · $$$★ 4.7

"Steakhouse spot in Arcadia. History."

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#5Good AlleyRosemead · Dumplings · $$$★ 4.6

Order: Kurobuta Pork & Truffle Soup Dumplings

"A modern Chinese restaurant in Rosemead known for its soup dumplings."

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#6Vino’s Back AlleyAlhambra · American · $$$★ 4.6

"Vino's Back Alley in Alhambra is a cozy, dimly lit wine bar and pasta spot, the kind of place you go when you want the evening to feel intentional."

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#7Akasaka RestaurantHacienda Heights · Sushi · $$$★ 4.6

"A tucked-away Hacienda Heights sushi spot known for huge portions, generous cuts of fish, and chirashi bowls that people still drive across SGV for."

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#8Bacchus' KitchenPasadena · American · $$$★ 4.6

"American spot in Pasadena. Date night."

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#9Yang’s KitchenAlhambra · Chinese · $$$★ 4.5

"Yang's Kitchen in Alhambra is one of the more interesting spots in SGV, a modern Chinese restaurant that leans into local ingredients and seasonal menus."

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#10GenoveseAlhambra · Italian · $$$★ 4.5

"Italian in SGV worth knowing."

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#11Maestro RestaurantPasadena · Mexican · $$$★ 4.5

"Mexican spot in Pasadena. Date night."

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#12UnionPasadena · Italian · $$$★ 4.5

"Italian spot in Pasadena. Date night."

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#13Porta ViaPasadena · Italian · $$$★ 4.5

"Italian spot in Pasadena. Date night."

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#14FishwivesPasadena · Seafood · $$$★ 4.5

"Seafood spot in Pasadena. Oysters."

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#15Daisy MintPasadena · Thai · $$★ 4.5

"Thai spot in Pasadena. Thai."

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#16La Vie French RestaurantRosemead · French · $$$★ 4.4

"A Vietnamese family-run French restaurant in Rosemead known for garlic-butter escargot, tender veal, rack of lamb, and airy soufflé in a relaxed setting."

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#17MikomiAlhambra · Japanese · $$$★ 4.4

"A modern sushi restaurant known for fresh fish, creative rolls, and one of the most extensive menus in Alhambra."

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#18Newport seafoodSan Gabriel · Chinese · $$$★ 4.4

"Newport Seafood in San Gabriel is a popular Chinese dinner spot and a go-to for date night or group meals."

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#19The Raymond 1886Pasadena · American · $$$★ 4.4

"American spot in Pasadena. Date night."

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#20CelestinoPasadena · Italian · $$$★ 4.4

"Italian spot in Pasadena. Date night."

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#21Mama Lu’sAlhambra · Monterey Park · Dumplings · $$$★ 4.3

"Date-night-leaning dumpling spot with a bigger reputation."

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#22Sichuan ImpressionAlhambra · Chinese · $$★ 4.3

Order: Stir-Fried Angus Beef with Scallions

"Sichuan cooking on Main Street in Alhambra, with a broad menu that makes it easy to build a meal to share."

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#24Bone KettlePasadena · SGV · $$$★ 4.3

"Southeast Asian spot in Pasadena. Date night."

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#25Bistro Na’sTemple City · Chinese · $$$★ 4.2

"Bistro Na’s offers a different experience from most Chinese restaurants in SGV."

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#26Mi PiacePasadena · Italian · $$$★ 4.2

"Italian spot in Pasadena. Date night."

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#27Xiao Long KanAlhambra · Hot Pot · $$$★ 4.1

"Xiao Long Kan is a famous hot pot chain in Alhambra that specializes in Chinese hot pot. The interior makes you feel like you're eating in a Chinese palace."

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#28Crystal PalaceMonterey Park · Dim Sum · $$$★ 3.9

"Crystal Palace offers the classic Cantonese dining experience, where the best meal comes from sharing a little bit of everything."

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#29Eats Ayce SushiAlhambra · Sushi · $$$★ 4.4

"An all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant known for its extensive menu, specialty rolls, and premium upgrade options."

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