Best of SGV

Where should I take a date in the 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 the 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.

#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

"A modern Chinese restaurant known for exceptional soup dumplings, handmade noodles, and creative regional specialties."

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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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#11MikomiAlhambra · Japanese · $$$4.5

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

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#12Maestro RestaurantPasadena · Mexican · $$$4.5

"Mexican spot in Pasadena. Date night."

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#13UnionPasadena · Italian · $$$4.5

"Italian spot in Pasadena. Date night."

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#14Porta ViaPasadena · Italian · $$$4.5

"Italian spot in Pasadena. Date night."

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#15Daisy MintPasadena · Thai · $$4.5

"Thai spot in Pasadena. Thai."

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#16Eats 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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#17Newport 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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#18The Raymond 1886Pasadena · American · $$$4.4

"American spot in Pasadena. Date night."

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#19CelestinoPasadena · Italian · $$$4.4

"Italian spot in Pasadena. Date night."

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#20FishwivesPasadena · Seafood · $$$4.4

"Seafood spot in Pasadena. Oysters."

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#21La Vie French RestaurantRosemead · French · $$$4.3

"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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#22Mama Lu’sAlhambra · Monterey Park · Dumplings · $$$4.3

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

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#23Sichuan ImpressionAlhambra · Chinese · $$4.3

"Chinese spot in Alhambra. Sichuan."

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#24Agnes Restaurant & CheeseryPasadena · American · $$$4.3

"American spot in Pasadena. Cheese."

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#25Bone KettlePasadena · SGV · $$$4.3

"Southeast Asian spot in Pasadena. Date night."

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#26Bistro Na’sTemple City · Chinese · $$$4.2

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

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#27Mi PiacePasadena · Italian · $$$4.2

"Italian spot in Pasadena. Date night."

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#28Crystal PalaceMonterey Park · Dim Sum · $$$4.0

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

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#29Xiao Long KanAlhambra · Hot Pot · $$$4.0

"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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