Date Night in Corona del Mar

Whether you're planning a first date or celebrating a lifelong connection, Corona del Mar offers the perfect canvas for unforgettable evenings. From candlelit dinners under olive trees to sleek coastal lounges with panoramic views, this seaside enclave blends sophistication and intimacy in equal measure. Here are our top picks for the best date night spots in Corona del Mar.

 

 

Tucked inside the lush, ever-blooming expanse of Roger’s Gardens, Farmhouse offers an atmosphere that feels lifted from a storybook. Long communal tables beneath olive trees and market lighting set the tone, while the menu—crafted by Chef Rich Mead—features hyper-seasonal, locally sourced dishes. Expect elegantly plated entrées like roasted organic chicken with citrus glaze and a curated selection of wines and craft cocktails. It’s serene, sensory, and ideal for unhurried connection.

 

Perfect for: Golden hour garden romance
Pro tip: Arrive early to stroll the gardens before dinner.

 

With moody lighting, curated art, and velvet-accented interiors, CDM Restaurant is the embodiment of modern sophistication. The menu offers inventive takes on American cuisine—think wagyu tartare with truffle vinaigrette or wood-grilled branzino—alongside a dynamic cocktail program. Downstairs, “Under CdM” is a sultry speakeasy lounge perfect for a post-dinner drink.

 

Perfect for: Elevated cuisine with chic, urban ambiance
Pro tip: Make time for a nightcap in the hidden lounge below.

 

Cozy, elegant, and consistently well-regarded, The Bungalow is a longtime local favorite. Wood paneling, fireplace warmth, and white tablecloth service evoke a timeless charm. The menu leans classic—filet mignon, Chilean sea bass, and seasonal risottos—with impeccable wine pairings. It’s the type of place where the servers remember your name and your drink order.

 

Perfect for: A refined, intimate night out
Pro tip: Request a booth near the fireplace for extra ambiance.

 

A newcomer with a bold presence, Ocean 48 is redefining upscale coastal dining. Designed for elevated experiences, the restaurant offers prime steaks, fresh seafood, and panoramic marina views. Begin with oysters on the half shell or a hand-crafted cocktail at the bar, then enjoy entrees like bone-in ribeye or miso-glazed black cod. The modern, glass-encased interior opens to a breezy outdoor terrace—perfect for ocean-kissed dinners.

 

Perfect for: Sunset dinners with a view and modern elegance
Pro tip: Time your reservation around dusk and ask for patio seating.

 

Steeped in character and history, Five Crowns is a charming English-style inn that exudes old-world romance. Inside, flickering candlelight, velvet drapes, and wood beams set a nostalgic tone for indulgent prime rib dinners or seasonal fare. Next door, SideDoor is its stylish younger sibling—a gastropub known for curated charcuterie, whiskey flights, and cozy leather seating.

 

Perfect for: Cozy winter nights or holiday-season romance
Pro tip: Start at SideDoor for drinks, then transition to Five Crowns for dinner.

 

 

 

Corona del Mar is more than a coastal village—it’s a feeling. Each of these spots captures a different facet of that magic, from soft-lit elegance to garden enchantment and contemporary chic.

Make your reservation, take your time, and savor every moment.