Some restaurants try very hard to be romantic, and you can feel the effort from the minute you walk in. Augustine Wine Bar does the opposite. It just exists in this perfect little world, and if you are on a date there, you suddenly feel like you have become more interesting, more mysterious, and somehow better at flirting. That is why Augustine keeps coming up whenever people talk about the best date night restaurants in Sherman Oaks.

We went because everyone kept saying the same thing:
“You have to try Augustine at least once. It is one of the real date spots on Ventura.”

They were right. Once the door closes behind you, the room does something to you. It feels like a wine cellar mixed with a vintage movie set mixed with a place you want to stay for at least three hours. And since we are building a guide to the best romantic restaurants in Sherman Oaks, this one easily earns its place.

The Vibe

Augustine has that warm amber glow that makes every skin tone look good and every date feel a little softer. The lighting is low, but not low enough to make you squint. The interior is filled with old framed art, dim lamps, shelves of rare bottles, and a little bit of intentional clutter that looks like it was designed by someone who knows romance better than the rest of us.

There is a quiet buzz in the room, the kind where conversations float but never interrupt yours. It feels intimate without feeling forced. We noticed couples leaned in more, talked slower, and stayed longer. It is a very obvious date night restaurant in Sherman Oaks, but it still feels personal, not cliché.

The music sits right in that sweet spot where you can focus on your date, but you also get moments where you think, this actually feels like a scene in a movie.

The Food

You do not come to Augustine Wine Bar for a giant dinner. You come for snacks that feel incredibly thought out, plates that encourage sharing, and flavors that pair beautifully with whatever wine you pick. The menu leans into cheeses, toasts, charcuterie boards, and smaller plates that taste richer than you expect.

The burrata is silky and mild with just enough acidity to balance the wine.
The charcuterie board feels intentionally built. Generous portions, great textures, and nothing random or filler.
The mushroom toast is warm, earthy, and perfect with a glass of red.

Everything has that cozy feel that fits the room. This is not comfort food in the heavy sense. It is comfort food in the date night sense. A slow bite here, a shared fork there, and suddenly you are halfway into a bottle without realizing time passed.

The Wine

This is where Augustine becomes one of the best restaurants in Sherman Oaks for couples. The wine list is ridiculous, but in a good way. Not overwhelming, not cheap, not snooty. Just thoughtful. They offer flights, rare bottles, and plenty of options for people who “kinda know wine,” “love wine,” or “pretend to know wine.”

The servers are some of the most helpful in the Valley. You can tell them what you like and what you absolutely hate, and they will bring you something that fits perfectly. They are patient, knowledgeable, and never pushy.

If you want something fresh and light, they have it.
If you want something richer and moodier for a romantic dinner in Sherman Oaks, they have that too.
If you just want a glass that makes you feel elegant, they definitely have that covered.

The Experience

A night at Augustine feels like it is happening in slow motion. Not because the service is slow, but because the environment encourages you to linger. The entire place feels like a secret you want to keep.

We loved how easy it was to settle in. The conversation flowed. The wine helped. The lighting helped more. You are close enough to hear your date breathe but far enough from other tables to feel like you are in your own world.

That is what makes Augustine stand out among date night restaurants in Sherman Oaks. It creates a moment without announcing it. You look around and see couples in every stage of their relationship. First dates. Long term couples. People who clearly just met. People celebrating something. And it all blends into this soft romantic energy that feels rare on Ventura.

Who This Place Is For

Augustine Wine Bar is perfect for:

• romantic first dates

• slow conversational date nights

• couples who want a quiet Sherman Oaks restaurant

• wine lovers

• people who want a night that feels cinematic

• anyone looking for a cozy restaurant in Sherman Oaks that is not chaotic

This is not the place for big groups, loud birthdays, or anything that involves shouting over a table. It is intimate, calm, and meant for two.

Final Verdict

If you are building a list of the best romantic restaurants in Sherman Oaks, Augustine is basically required. The vibe is warm and elegant, the wine list is one of the strongest in the Valley, and the overall experience feels intentional and personal. We left feeling relaxed, connected, and already planning the next visit.

If you want a date night that feels special without feeling pretentious, Augustine Wine Bar might be the best choice on Ventura.