Top Los Angeles Date Spots: Cecconi's

OUR TAKE:

If you’re looking for that elusive combination of old-style Italian and modern, elegant dining, Cecconi’s is it. You can find classic Italian dishes, along with plenty of more innovative options - including a full menu section dedicated to plant-based vegan food.

When the weather is good, sit with your date in the airy, plant-filled section at the front of the restaurant to feel like you’re sitting in an Italian piazza.

LOCATION:

West Hollywood at Melrose and Robertson.

PARKING SITUATION:

Valet available. There is also ample meter parking on Robertson just South of the restaurant.

WHEN TO GO:

Cecconi’s has a great Aperitivo (happy hour) from 3 to 6 PM, Tuesday through Saturday. They’re open from 8 AM until at least midnight, seven days a week.

Mondays are usually packed because there’s a special membership program called Friends of Cecconi’s that gives members (with a special keychain) 50% off on Mondays and access to special cooking classes. We love the perks and the people we meet through Friends of Cecconi’s! Contact us if you’re interested and we’ll see what we can do.

OUR FAVORITE DISHES:

The whipped ricotta with truffle honey is one of their most popular appetizers, and the baked gnocchi is also a satisfyingly rich starter. The pastas are all made in-house; we love the garganelli and the chitarra, with octopus and sea urchin.

Whether you’re a vegan or a carnivore, you need to try their Beyond sausage plant-based pizza. They use Beyond burgers to make a delicious version of sausage. The risotto verde is another excellent vegan choice.

FULL MENU:

Click here to check out the full Cecconi’s menu.

WHAT TO EXPLORE:

If you’re still hungry or looking for a drink after dinner, there are lots of high-end spots to check out in the area. SUR Restaurant (great cocktails) is right across Melrose, while Zinqué, a wine bar and cafe, is a block down the street.

The Pacific Design Center is also just down the street, and it is open to the public. This sprawling, modern building houses showrooms for designers as well as art exhibits and a Wolfgang Puck restaurant.