Favorite Restaurant's

Maestros  in Malibu

I love returning  to Maestro’s when I want an evening that feels both effortless and quietly romantic.

The Malibu location remains a particular favorite—the ocean air, the soft quality of the light, and the sense of arrival the moment one steps inside. Atmosphere, comfort, and elegance exist here in easy balance. The cuisine is consistently exceptional, and the private dining rooms accommodate gatherings of every scale with equal grace. When the occasion calls for something more intimate or expansive, the entire Ocean Club may be reserved exclusively, turning the space into a private world for the night. I am especially drawn to the upper-level terrace, with its retractable roof and understated lounge seating. On the right evening it opens to the sky and the familiar Malibu coastline, creating an open-air setting that feels both secluded and full of possibility. Soft live entertainment continues each night in the Piano Bar Lounge, adding a gentle warmth that never overwhelms the mood. My preferred detail remains the 1980 Dom Pérignon Brut—rich, toasty, and true to the character of the great older vintages. With several locations available, I am able to enjoy this same standard of dining and that particular bottle wherever I may be. It is a place I recommend without reservation when the evening calls for quiet romance and refined company.
 

Crawford's Social in Westlake 

I keep finding myself drawn back to Crawford’s Social, as if the place itself remembers me. There’s something quietly addictive about it—lunches that stretch into lazy, golden afternoons, brunches that feel like stolen hours meant only for two, dinners that linger long after the last plate is cleared, the air still warm with possibility. Nightly live entertainment drifts through the room like a soft promise, never intrusive, always perfectly timed, as though the music knows exactly when to lean closer. The setting is deeply comforting yet unmistakably elegant—lounge-like, indoor-outdoor, the kind of space that wraps around you without ever becoming ordinary. Soft light pools across tables, conversations hush into something more intimate, and the evening seems to slow just for you.

Everything is served in a stunning indoor-outdoor environment that somehow feels both intimate and expansive—like a secret shared between the two of you and the night. I’ve watched them do it. I’ve felt it. And every time I leave, some quiet part of me is already planning the next return, already imagining the soft light, the low music, and the way the evening might unfold differently if shared with the right person.

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Montes Steak House in Woodland Hills

I love the vibe at Monty’s. It’s classy without ever feeling stuffy—you can dress up or keep it semi-casual and still feel completely at home. The soft dim lighting wraps the room in a warm glow, making it perfect for a quiet romantic evening or a lingering brunch that turns into something more.

The walls are lined with memorabilia that quietly tells the restaurant’s story, and you can feel the care that’s gone into every detail. Live jazz drifts through the air, low and sensual, adding just the right touch of intimacy. When I lived in Woodland Hills, I found myself returning here often—drawn back by the atmosphere as much as the food. It’s more than a restaurant; it’s a place that lingers with you.

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Spago in Beverly Hills

I still think about the evenings I’ve spent at Spago. Wolfgang Puck’s flagship feels like the heart of Beverly Hills — elegant yet relaxed, with that polished energy that never tries too hard. The cuisine is fabulous, and the menu shifts with the seasons, always offering something new to discover. I’ve loved the Chino Farms Beet Layer Cake and the Prime Côte de Boeuf for Two, both unforgettable in their own way. Service is warm and seamless, making you feel quietly cared for.

The atmosphere is lively — conversations fill the room, full of energy and life — yet the covered patio, lined with greenery, soft twinkle lights, and glowing fireplaces, creates a more intimate, romantic space. It’s perfect for a special night, the kind of place where the evening feels a little more meaningful.

Celebrities come and go, and yes, it’s a wonderful spot for people-watching if you’re visiting Los Angeles, but what stays with me is the feeling of being somewhere beautiful and alive. Spago is one of those rare restaurants that somehow manages to be both glamorous and genuinely warm.

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Bouchon in Santa Barbara 

I always look forward to evenings at Bouchon in Santa Barbara. The moment I step inside, the warm, inviting atmosphere wraps around me — a cozy French-country dining room softly lit by candlelight, with wood accents and fresh flowers that make everything feel intimate and special.

On cooler nights I love the covered, heated terrace, where the air stays comfortable year-round and the evening feels a little more private. Service is professional yet genuinely friendly and relaxed, never stuffy, which only adds to the romance of the night. The menu celebrates the best of the Santa Barbara Channel and the surrounding farms, each dish thoughtfully paired with beautiful Central Coast wines. Their wine list has long held a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, and it shows. My favorite is the maple-glazed California duck breast with confit of thigh — rich, tender, and unforgettable. Reservations are essential, and I always book ahead. Every visit feels like a quiet, elegant escape.

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These are just some of my personal favorites 💋