We’re over a year into this pandemic and just beginning to see a light at the end of this tumultuous tunnel, what with COVID cases trending downwards, a vaccine finally here and many stay-at-home mandates being lifted. That said, attempting to jump head-first into the fun foray – let alone trying to pull off a proper date – still requires a patience-testing amount of research, military-esque preparation and a willingness to scrap your plan and come up with a new one at the drop of a dime.

 

If none of this sounds appealing (and we don’t blame you if it doesn’t), we’ve come up with a CliffsNotes version of better-than-decent safe date spots in Woodland Hills you can try with someone you’re trying to impress…or just another human being who isn’t driving you completely crazy at the moment.

 

Sagebrush Cantina, located at 23527 Calabasas Road in Calabasas, makes for the perfect late night date backdrop, the eatery open Monday through Thursday from 11 am to 12 am, Friday from 11 am to 2 am, Saturday from 9 am to 2 am and Sunday from 10 am to 12 am. Whether it’s appetizers you crave or a Mexican entrée you won’t find at too many other So Cal joints north of the border, Sagebrush fulfills every late night hunger pang with delicacies such as Tijuana Egg Roll, Cheese Quesadilla, Nachos, Taquitos Dorados and more.  Enjoy a bevy of beverages with your meal, including a selection of beers, Negra Modelo, light lagers, Sangria, Cadillac Margaritas and the on-premises specialty Sagebrush House Margarita. No matter what you go with, you won’t go wrong at Sagebrush Cantina of Calabasas.

 

Adagio Ristorante, located at 22841 Ventura Boulevard, is a premier and authentic Italian restaurant that has been proudly serving Woodland Hills and the Los Angeles area community since its inception, the mission here always focusing on providing exceptional Italian cuisine including fresh pastas, chicken/seafood/veal entrees, tableside Caesar Salad and more to neighbors in an upscale-casual setting. When a late date night is on the agenda, Adagio comes to the rescue, the dining room open from 5:30 pm to 9 pm Tuesday through Sunday, to say nothing of the succulent dishes waiting to fulfill every one of your Italian culinary fantasies.

 

Leo & Lilly, located at 22420 Ventura Boulevard, has been a staple on these Woodland Hills Magazine lists for some time now, but there’s a good reason for that: A unique fusion of European and Mediterranean flavors create healthy, out-of-the-ordinary and delicious dishes here, culminating in a specialization that encompasses fresh, organic and top quality ingredients. At Leo & Lilly, everything is made in-house, all meats and seafood hormone-free, sustainable and/or grass-fed and free-range, the owners striving to use produce from local farmers whenever possible. Not just great for date night, Leo & Lilly offers a wide range of pastries and breads, full breakfast menus and a lunch/dinner selection that must be seen to be believed. 

 

Afters Ice Cream, with locations all throughout the Golden State but situated at 6344 Topanga Canyon Boulevard #1075 in Woodland Hills, is more than just an ice cream parlor – it’s considered a lifestyle by the many loyal customers that return to enjoy its sweets like moths to a raging flame. Looking for a cool date night idea? Come on down to Afters and experience handcrafted ice cream and signature flavors that are completely out of this world, such as Milk and Cereal, Cookie Monster and Jasmine Milk Tea. If that’s not enough, impress your date with The Milky Bun, the ultimate mix of a glazed bun with one of Afters’ unique ice creams stuffed in-between. 

 

Often referred to as “the best Mexican restaurant in Woodland Hills,” Xoc Tequila Grill, located at 6316 Topanga Canyon Boulevard #1110, is ideal not just for a later date night but for any time of day or occasion. From the well-curated Mexican menu items to the amazing service and convenient location, Xoc has become popular amongst locals and visitors alike, the special Mexican cuisine here made carefully from the freshest, finest ingredients, cooked just right and finished with the best techniques to give it a taste every Mexican food aficionado will surely appreciate. Whether it’s Nachos Grandes, Street Corn, Tacos or Enchiladas, you’re guaranteed a genuine experience at this Woodland Hills dining staple.

 

Whether you’re already in the wedding planning stages with your significant other or are trying to woo someone new, there are a multitude of date ideas in Los Angeles – so many, in fact, that it can be overwhelming to choose one. We hope this roundup helps you plan the best night out when you’re going to be in or around Woodland Hills.