We got the legend Thursday night on her way out of Crossroads Kitchen in L.A., and the first thing our camera guy asked her about was the big L -- LOVE! After all, she WILL always love you ... so she's kind of an expert in the field.

Second topic ... her fabulous dinner. We'd gotten word Sir Paul was inside, so we asked if they were together, and she said yes! Famed songwriter Linda Perry was with 'em too, and walked Dolly out to her car.