Some restaurants in Sherman Oaks whisper romance, and some practically announce it the moment you walk in. Mistral does both. People kept telling us it was one of the best date night restaurants in Sherman Oaks, so of course we had to try it ourselves. The minute we stepped inside, it felt like we had entered a classic French movie where everyone looks a little better in dim lighting and the evening moves slower in a way that feels luxurious.

Mistral has been around for years, and there is a reason it keeps showing up in conversations about romantic restaurants on Ventura. It is elegant without being rigid, cozy without being casual, and the whole place has this quiet confidence that says, you are about to have a very good night.

The Vibe

The atmosphere at Mistral is one of the most instantly romantic in Sherman Oaks. You open the door and walk into a room filled with warm lighting, deep wood, soft linens, and a kind of polished charm you do not see very often in the Valley. It has that old school French bistro energy, but with a modern touch that keeps it from feeling outdated.

We sat down and noticed how well the room absorbs sound. The conversations around us blended together in a gentle hum that felt inviting instead of overwhelming. The lighting is soft enough to flatter everyone at the table but bright enough that you can actually see your date. The booths feel intimate without feeling too close.

Mistral has a grown up energy. You feel like you are out somewhere nice, somewhere intentional, somewhere that turns an ordinary night into something that feels meaningful. And because we are building this guide for the best romantic restaurants in Sherman Oaks, we knew immediately Mistral belonged on the list.

The Food

Mistral serves French food that is classic, comforting, and built for lingering over a long slow dinner. There is something about French cooking that feels naturally romantic, and they lean into that in the best possible way.

The escargot is buttery, rich, and one of those dishes that makes you feel a little bold in the best way. The French onion soup is deep and savory with a top layer of melted cheese that basically forces you to smile. The filet mignon is tender, flavorful, and cooked with the kind of precision you rarely see outside bigger fine dining restaurants.

If you like seafood, the Dover sole is famous for a reason. Delicate. Fresh. The kind of plate you remember later. The mashed potatoes are whipped perfectly, the vegetables taste clean and balanced, and everything has that warm, comforting, rich quality that French food is known for.

We shared everything, which is honestly the best way to eat here. Something about passing plates back and forth always feels romantic, and at Mistral it just fits.

The Drinks

A date night restaurant in Sherman Oaks only works if the drinks are strong, smooth, and designed to match the food. Thankfully, the wine list at Mistral is one of the highlights. It is extensive but not overwhelming. You can ask for help and they will guide you gently to something you will love.

If you are a wine lover, you will appreciate the range. If you are not, they make it easy to find something that fits your mood. Reds, whites, champagne, and a few special bottles that feel celebratory without needing a special occasion.

The cocktails are balanced and classic. Nothing overly sweet or flashy. Just well made drinks that keep the evening smooth.

The Experience

Our date night at Mistral felt like the kind of evening you look back on and think, this was nice. Not chaotic. Not rushed. Not loud. Just nice. The staff moves with a calm confidence and you can feel how experienced they are. Service is attentive but not clingy. They check in without hovering and somehow always show up at the perfect moment.

This is one of the few restaurants in Sherman Oaks that makes you forget you are in the Valley. You could easily be somewhere in Beverly Hills or a quiet European city. The time slows down a little. You get wrapped up in conversation. And before you know it, you are debating dessert because the night feels too good to end.

It has that rare quality where the environment supports the date instead of becoming the focus. You talk more. You smile more. You enjoy the food more. And the evening becomes easier than you expected.

Who This Place Is For

Mistral is perfect for:

• romantic date nights

• anniversaries

• couples who love classic restaurants

• anyone who wants a dinner that feels more upscale without feeling intimidating

• first dates that you want to impress without going over the top

• Valley locals who want fine dining without driving over the hill

This is not the place for loud groups or casual nights with friends. It is made for two people who want something elegant and slow paced.

Final Verdict

Mistral is one of the strongest date night restaurants in Sherman Oaks. It has a romantic atmosphere, beautifully prepared French dishes, and a sense of timeless charm that you cannot fake. Everything feels intentional. The lighting, the service, the pacing of the meal, the energy of the room. It all works.

If you want a dinner that feels elegant and slow and special, Mistral belongs at the top of your restaurant rotation. It is the kind of place that reminds you why date nights matter.