I recently resurrected the memories of the semi-formal father daughter dance my sister and I went to with our dad in high school.
Getting all dressed up to go somewhere was SUCH a big deal then! It made the day feel different than all the rest. More special…
As a tribute to these beautiful memories, I’ve composed a list of 32 places that dads can take their special girls this Valentine’s Day!
Musso & Frank
Because walking into the only restaurant that has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is always a classic move.
WHERE
Hollywood
GO FOR
Chicken and Lyonnaise Potatoes
Dan Tana’s
Photo Credit: @ _dan_tanas_
Checkered tablecloths in an upscale joint just seems more forgiving.
WHERE
Beverly Hills
GO FOR
Cesar Salad, A family occasion
Le Mervetty
Photo Credit: @lemervetty
Pretty desserts with glitter specs around cafe tables is a little girls dream!
WHERE
Beverly Hills
GO FOR
Anything meringue, The perfect host gift!
Flutter Experience
An incredibly interactive and artistic museum that stays open until 9pm! Your girls will deem you a rock star.
WHERE
West Hollywood
GO FOR
An immersive and healing art experience!
La Scala
Photo Credit: @lascalabeverlyhills
Because 1500 balloons on the ceiling is too fun not to.
WHERE
Beverly Hills
GO FOR
Chop Salad, Minestrone Soup, Chicken Meatballs (certain days only), Chicken Milanese (no cheese).
Hotel Intercontinental
So fancy it’ll feel like you’re on top of the world (literally).
WHERE
DTLA| Lincoln Heights
GO FOR
The Dekkadance Buffet
Sky Space
Photo Credit: @skyspacela
Though the slide will last as long as your little ones attention span, this is an experience they will never forget.
WHERE
DTLA
GO FOR
The View
The Huntington Rose Garden Tea Room
Photo Credit: @rosegardentearoon
Room and a walk in the gardens – Yes, this really does have Cinderella written all over it and you will be the Prince!
WHERE
Pasadena
GO FOR
Imaginative Landscapes
The Draycott
Because it’s a fancy enough restaurant to warrant a suit AND its location is so perfect that you’ll want to grab a scoop of McConnell’s and take a stroll on the lawn!
WHERE
The Palisades
GO FOR
The elegant scene
Bianca Bakery
Who wouldn’t want to make their own hot chocolate while all dressed up?
Farmhouse at Roger’s Garden
Photo Credit: @farmhouseatrg
Take a stroll in a garden before or after you’re quiet mid day snack and see where the night takes you.
WHERE
Newport Beach
GO FOR
Weekend brunch, a beautiful walk through the landscape
Inn of the Seventh Ray
You can play Christopher Robin in this very Winnie the Pooh’esque setting as you share a meal with your bestie!
WHERE
Topanga
GO FOR
The weekend buffet
The Getty Museum
Photo Credit: @gettymuseum
The tram ride up is worth every expression!
WHERE
Brentwood
GO FOR
The landscape
Habana
Photo Credit: @restauranthabana
A meal in this Cuban brasserie has festive written all over it!
WHERE
Costa Mesa
GO FOR
Ropa Vieja, The setting
Parkers’ Lighthouse
Photo Credit: @ parkerslighthouse
Views of the harbor lights (and of that ocean liner you forgot to book) is as gorgeous as the twinkle in your little ones dress at this O.C. spot!
WHERE
Long Beach
GO FOR
Lunch. Order seafood.
Tao
They didn’t know until this night that Dad was so cool. It’s a perfect pre-teen night out.
Dominique Ansel
Eating a pastry for breakfast, wearing a suit for no reason, walking past a Bellagio’esque fountain on the way in… you’ll wish to freeze this moment in time.
Teru Sushi
Photo Credit: @terusushi
Reserve a table outside and you’ll be having Sushi in a Japanese garden at a spot that also serves noodles!
WHERE
Studio City
GO FOR
The Rolls Royce, You Fancy, Yaki Udon
Le Petit Trois
Photo Credit: @petittroisla
If a burger is all she eats, then make it a good one in a fancy French place.
WHERE
Sherman Oaks
GO FOR
Steak Tartar, Le Big Mac
Eagle Rock Italian bakery & Deli
Photo Credit: @eagle_rock_italian_bakery
Grab some meatballs and Red Sauce and make a candlelight dinner for your leading ladies at home.
WHERE
Eagle Rock
GO FOR
Italian pastries and all the freshly made frozen food: esp. meatballs and marinara, pesto sauce
Orange Hill Restaurant
Be greeted by a Koi pond and have dinner on the patio overlooking the hills of OC.
Antica Pizzeria Da Michele
This just might be the fanciest (and most expensive) place to have a pizza in town, but dining on a fancy patio is well worth it.
Audrey at the Hammer Museum
Photo Credit: @audreyatthehammer
Lunch and a museum in one stop? Dreamy for your budding artist.
WHERE
Brentwood
GO FOR
Family Fun Activities
Brunch at the Queen Mary
Because a meal on a timeless ocean liner is super royal.
WHERE
Long Beach
GO FOR
The Big Chill or Lunch
Mission Inn
Every palace needs princesses.
WHERE
Riverside
GO FOR
Day Trip, Sunday Brunch, Holiday Light Spectacle
Fountain Grill at the Beverly Hills Hotel
A room that’s Pink, green and flowery? Enough said.
Marinos
Because this family owned Italian spot will take care of the little ones first… and THIS is always a special feeling.
WHERE
Larchmont
GO FOR
Bolognese and all the feels
Laduree at The Grove
Photo Credit: @maisonladuree
Colorful macaroons and a tea time is even dreamier with a Prince!
WHERE
West Hollywood
GO FOR
Shopping, playing, eating and entertainment!!
Breakfast/Lunch at Malibu Farms Rosewood Miramar
A meal on posh grounds and a stones throw from the Ocean is a memory that Daddy’s little girl will never forget.
WHERE
Montecito
GO FOR
LUNCH at Malibu Farm and a fun afternoon
The Original Fish Co.
It can be fancy or casual, depending on which side of the restaurant you choose. But c’mon, your girl just put on her favorite sparkly dress!
Las Brisas
Sitting oceanfront for a meal with your best girl(s)…what can be better?
Macaroons and a tea at Bottega Louie
Photo Credit: @bottegalouie
As if walking right into a colorful pastry case isn’t enough, the colossal high ceilings and bright airy space feels super important!
WHERE
DTLA | Lincoln Heights
GO FOR
Macaroons, Portobello Mushroom Fries