It's pretty safe to say: Codie Elaine Oliver and Tommy Oliver, co-founders of Black Love, know exactly where to go for romance done right, with great food to match. The married duo shares their favorite Black-owned spots serving the best V-day vibes.
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- Find out moreLindenNew American CuisineClosing Soon11 AM – 4 PM
Go to Linden if you're trying to impress bae for Valentine's Day. We love the cocktails—and be sure to get the sweet corn truffle and pea agnolotti. Bonus points for the Lobster Spicy Reggaetoni, it's a delicious curry lobster cream sauce. Give yourself time to visit the speakeasy in the back!
- Find out moreAltaSoul Food RestaurantOpen10 AM – 9 PM
We love Alta in West Adams for the vibes! That said, the food is good and there are vegan options. The restaurant is laid back yet chic. There's a bomb wine bar, and a cool patio, which makes for a great experience.
- Find out moreGritz N WafflezBreakfast and Brunch RestaurantTemporarily Closed
This is our go-to catering spot for everything—from our kids' birthdays (the grown ups deserve to eat well!) to brunching at home with our homies. For Valentine's Day, you can grab breakfast with your love or cater! Just remember to get the waffles, the catfish, and ALL of the sides.
- Find out more1010 Wine and EventsWine BarClosing Soon11 AM – 4 PM
We love this Black sibling-owned restaurant & wine bar and being able to grab good food and our favorite Black-owned wines like Brown Estate, Wade Cellars, and La Fete.
- Find out moreSomervilleSteakhouseClosed Now6 – 11 PM
Somerville is all the rage right now because it's new and it's owned by Issa Rae. But we love it because it's actually GOODT and brings folks to our neighborhood along the Slauson corridor. Everything here is tasty, so grab bae and have a night!
- Find out moreTwo HommésWest African CuisineClosed Now10 AM – 3 PM
This spot is gooooood! Pair any protein with jollof or garlic noodles and the apps are fire, too. Importantly, the music is quality and they have record covers on the walls giving it a 90s vibe and paying homage to great music.
- Find out moreBludso's BBQBBQ RestaurantOpen11 AM – 10 PM
Sometimes on Valentine's Day, you just want to go IN. Let's not be demure. The meat at Bludsoe's is perfect and the BBQ sauce options offer something for everyone. But—as usual—it's the sides for us. Hush puppies, baked beans, greens, oh my. Take the one you love and fill them up as you celebrate your love.
- Find out moreMy 2 CentsSoul Food RestaurantClosing Soon11 AM – 4 PM
This intimate LA staple serves everything from oxtail tacos to catfish and greens and goat cheese salad, to amazing desserts like peach cobbler. And they have vegan options, too!
- Find out moreJoyceSouthern CuisineClosed Now11 AM – 3 PM, 5 – 9 PM
As a Texan, Codie likes this spot because of it's upscale southern dishes from the shrimp and grits to the oysters and beignets!
