Emma Watson sparked romance rumours with game programmer and former Oculus CEO Brendan Iribe as they enjoyed a dinner date in Los Angeles on Sunday evening.

The Harry Potter actress, 29, attempted to make a low-key departure from Santa Monica’s Via Veneto Restaurant as she was pictured heading into a black taxi, while the entrepreneur, 39, followed her into the vehicle shortly after.

On their alleged romance, a source told MailOnline: ‘They have been dating for some time. Hilariously her last boyfriend before him was also a tech CEO called Brendan.’

New man? Emma Watson, 29, sparked romance rumours with game programmer and former Oculus CEO Brendan Iribe, 39, as they enjoyed a dinner date in Los Angeles on Sunday evening

The screen star looked effortlessly chic for her casual outing as she donned a fierce leopard print floor-length skirt, teamed with a black coat with feathered cuffs and a matching collar.

The award-winning actress rounded off her trendy ensemble with a plain black T-shirt and black flats.

With her tresses styled into a low-slung ponytail, the Perks of Being a Wallflower star complemented her complexion with minimal make-up.

University of Maryland alum Brendan opted for a dapper display as he donned a crisp white shirt and dark-wash jeans.

Spotted: The Harry Potter actress attempted to make a low-key departure from Santa Monica's Via Veneto Restaurant as she was pictured heading into a black taxi following her outing

Claims: On their alleged romance, a source told MailOnline: 'They have been dating for some time. Hilariously her last boyfriend before him was also a tech CEO called Brendan'

MailOnline has contacted Emma’s representatives for further comment.

The brainbox co-founded Facebook-owned virtual reality company Oculus back in 2012, before leaving the company late last year.

On his exit, Brendan said: ‘After six incredible years, I am moving on. Working alongside so many talented people at Oculus and Facebook has been the most transformative experience of my career.

‘This will be the first real break I’ve taken in over 20 years. It’s time to recharge, reflect and be creative. I’m excited for the next chapter.’

Off she goes: The screen star looked effortlessly chic as she donned a fierce leopard print floor-length skirt, teamed with a black coat with feathered cuffs and a matching collar

Brainbox: University of Maryland alum Brendan co-founded Facebook-owned virtual reality company Oculus back in 2012, before leaving the company late last year

He served as CEO of the company until 2016, when he was replaced by Facebook VP of VR Hugo Barra.

The Circle star Emma previously dated Glee’s Chord Overstreet last year, before they called it quits after a six-month relationship.

A source told The Sun at the time: ‘Emma and Chord kept quiet about their relationship at first but they really hit it off.

‘They spent a lot of time together in Los Angeles and were photographed quite a bit just a couple of months ago.