Valentine’s Day is a wonderful time to celebrate love, and San Diego’s most romantic restaurants and hotels have special offers just for the occasion. Whether you are celebrating with the girls, having a night out with the guys or looking to take the romance up a notch, going out to dinner on Valentine’s Day is the key to any foodie’s heart. From sweet cocktails and a la carte menus, to decadent desserts, these top restaurants have your Valentine’s Day covered.
Enjoy dinner with a fantastic ocean view. Pacifica Del Mar will be offering an a la carte menu where all entrees come with a soup or salad. The bar will also be serving their signature Chocolate Martini, as well as decadent desserts to share, like their Burnt Cream and Chocolate Semifreddo. 1555 Camino Del Mar – PacificaDelMar.com
It’s dinner with an ocean view from the 11th floor of Hotel La Jolla. Cusp’s executive chef, Ingrid Funes, will be offering swoon-worthy specials, like her take on Surf & Turf with Filet Mignon and Scallops. You can also order a la carte from their regular menu and enjoy dishes like Roasted Lamb Loin with sunchoke mashed potato, king mushrooms, baby carrots, pearl onions, and smoked demi glaze, as well as Roasted Scottish Salmon with pearl cous cous, roasted butternut squash, brussels, shaved beets and golden raisin puree. End the meal with two glasses of bubbly and chocolate covered strawberries. 7955 La Jolla Shores Dr. – CuspRestaurant.com
Giardino, a charming and cozy Italian restaurant, is the perfect place to head on Valentine’s Day. The newly opened, acclaimed eatery is serving a 3-course menu for $45 as well as an a la carte menu featuring dishes from their dinner menu. For those wanting a prix fixe, start with Chef Marco’s Strawberry Salad with mixed greens, strawberries, goat cheese and balsamic reduction, and move on to his Lobster Ravioli in a vodka cream sauce – a dish not available on their regular menu. End the meal with a bubbly toast and chocolate strawberries. 8131 Broadway –GiardinoSD.com
Looking for a restaurant that doesn’t take itself too seriously on Valentine’s Day? Try Curadero, whose vibrant and playful interior makes for an exceptionally fun night out. The Mexican kitchen will be serving their regular dinner menu, featuring sharable dishes like Chef Kraten’s Grilled Prime Carne Asada, and items from the Crudo Bar – like Tostada De Atun and Campechana. Dessert comes in many forms at Curadero, who will be offering a sweet and stiff sipper called the Buenas Noches with dorda chocolate, fernet branca, vanilla simple and a white chocolate skull as well as their popular Churros and Tres Leches. 1047 5th Ave. – Curadero.com
Union Kitchen & Tap in the Gaslamp District is gearing up for the romantic occasion with their Valentine’s Day Prohibition Party, including live music from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. starring K. Emeline, in addition to a romantic three-course prix-fixe menu for two, priced at $95 per couple. There will also be a wine pairing menu for $150 per couple, which will include wine with each course in addition to a champagne toast. Guests can also expect a special Prohibition cocktail menu, and to cap off the night, karaoke starting at 10 p.m.
If Valentine’s Day by the beach is in order, couples can make their way to Union Kitchen & Tap’s Encinitas location for an $85 prix-fixe dinner for two and ½ off all bottles of wine and champagne. Pair the restaurant’s coastally chic ambience with live music from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for a true SoCal-style Valentine’s Day.
For a fun Valentine’s Day spent in energetic Pacific Beach, head to Backyard Kitchen & Tap for their Lovebirds Valentine’s Day Dinner, which will include a three-course dinner priced at $59.95 per couple from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and will consist of one sharable appetizer, two entrees, a shared dessert and a complimentary glass of Chandon champagne or sparkling rosé. Appetizers will include a choice between an assorted Cheese Plate or Blackened Shrimp, prepared with avocado, blood orange, arugula, cilantro crema and pepitas, followed by entrée options such as Butternut & Goat Cheese Ravioli, crafted from herb puree, spiced hazelnuts and watercress, Crispy Skin Salmon, served with fingerling potatoes, market mushrooms, asparagus and mustard cream sauce, and other delectable options. Finish with either Blood Orange Sabayon, made with market berries and polenta shortbread cookies, or Chocolate-Covered Strawberries, served with goat cheese fondue and macadamia nut butter. Top this romantic evening off with live music by Joanna Gerolaga.
Seeking a spot with the idyllic Valentine’s Day dessert to cap off the evening? Wood Ranch in Mission Valley should be every couple’s go-to for their Warm Chocolate Cake, a rich blend of Flourless Guittard chocolate cake topped with fluffy whipped cream, complemented by candied pecans that have been perfectly glazed in-house, and served with creamy vanilla bean ice cream. Treat your sweet to this decadent dish, and see why this chocolate cake has become a local favorite!
For the city’s early risers, Fig Tree Café’s three locations in Pacific Beach, Liberty Station and Hillcrest have a morning indulgence that will spice up any romantic occasion. Enjoy a sweet awakening with an order of Fig Tree’s Valentine French Toast, stuffed and topped with fresh raspberries, white chocolate and raspberry sauce. Pair this with the eatery’s charming and cozy design for a Valentine’s Day brunch to beat all!
Pacific Beach’s latest seaside addition, Waterbar, will be offering a special Valentine’s Day menu that is sure to pair seamlessly with the location’s unbeatable panoramic ocean views. For only $70, couples will enjoy the choice of one starter to share from a selection of Tiradito of Red & White Tuna, prepared with American caviar, avocado, crispy rice and piri piri sauce, Chopped Little Gem Salad, crafted from hearts of palm, white cheddar, tomato, cucumber, asparagus and green goddess, and Clam Toasts, consisting of grilled sourdough, jamon serrano, Romesco, cippolini onion and gremolata. Featured entrees will include Sweet Potato Curry, made with red Thai curry and coconut rice, Beef Tenderloin served with creamed spinach, smoked fingerling potatoes and béarnaise sauce, Jidori Chicken with roasted mushrooms, broccoli and honey vinaigrette, Baked Salmon prepared with a mustard glaze, root vegetables, ginger and mustard seed, and finally, Grilled Sea Bass bathed in smoked tomato broth, ancho pepper, onion marmalade and corn dumplings. Sweeten the deal with the choice of one dessert per couple, including Rose Panna Cotta made with strawberry consommé, huckleberry preserves and white chocolate, Chocolate Sponge crafted from chocolate custard, almond butter powder, macerated cherries and cherry rum ice cream, and Pink Doughnuts infused with raspberry jam, champagne icing and dehydrated berries.
For couples seeking elevated Japanese dishes this Valentine’s Day, head to Cloak & Petal in Little Italy to delight in a four-course prix-fixe menu priced at $95 per person, and curated to include a variety of chef-inspired specialties that match the restaurant’s unique Japanese social dining environment. Walk-ins will be accepted at 5 p.m., followed by their first reservation-only seating at 7 p.m. and another at 9 p.m. Pair your meal with one of their unique craft cocktails and you’re in for a romantic Valentine’s Day at one of Little Italy’s newest hot-spots.
For a farm-to-fork experience this Valentine’s Day, couples can make their way to Farmer’s Table in La Mesa to enjoy a romantic three-course prix-fixe menu priced at $49++ per person and the option to add wine pairings for another $15. First course selections include Lobster Salad, prepared with celery aioli, avocado and organic tomato, Clams/Mussels, made with roasted garlic, roasted tomato, Anaheim peppers, olives and capers, their signature Burnt Carrot Salad, crafted from local avocado, red onion, cilantro and feta, all tossed in a citrus-thyme vinaigrette, and their Soup of the Day. Entrees will include Bison Filet, served with poached pear, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed red swiss chard and a blackberry port wine reduction, Pan Seared Lemon Chicken, prepared with wild mushroom, lemon butter, caper sauce and fresh herbed mashed potatoes, and Lobster Ravioli bathed in pistachio pesto light cream sauce, among other flavorsome options. Desserts will include Chocolate Lava Cake, Bread Pudding of the Day and a chef-inspired Special Dessert of the Day.
If Farmer’s Table’s menu sounds like your idyllic Valentine’s Day feast, but La Mesa is a bit of a trek from your stomping grounds, you can rest assured that Farmer’s Bottega is serving up the same delectable menu options in Mission Hills. Bask in their charming atmosphere as you sip wine and enjoy a splendid dinner with your loved one at this dreamy dining destination.
Lakehouse Hotel & Resort starts at Decoy Dockside Dining in Lake San Marcos. You and your love can enjoy a dinner for two with Decoy’s Perfect Pair Valentine’s Day special, $225. Dinner includes: Two appetizers, 12 oz. prime chateaubriand & 14 oz. lobster tail, with dessert; Roasted garlic demi, béarnaise, cracked pepper and sour cream mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus and a dessert. Because one day of celebrating love isn’t enough, Decoy will be offering a special Valentine’s Day menu that will be available Thursday–Saturday. The Love Potion Aphrodisiac Dinner will be $75 per person with a $25 optional wine pairing, this will include an appetizer and an entrée option from the special Valentine’s Day menu and a desert. Adding to your adventure Decoy will have live music for all to enjoy. Please call the Decoy at (760) 653-3230 for a reservation.
Treat your special someone to an overnight stay at Lakehouse Hotel &Resort after dining at Decoy. Overnight accomodations include a three course dinner for two and a welcome bottle of champagne. Rates start at $229/night + tax and reservations can be made by goint to http://www.
Trust is known for their innovative menu choices perfect for sharing. Lobster Risotto with wild mushrooms, poached egg, herbs, house pancetta, kale or a 22 oz Meyer Ranch Bone-In Ribeye with radish butter, Cipollini onions, blue cheese fingerling potatoes are perfect options that lovers can enjoy. Let’s not forget Trust’s exotic wines and hand-crafted cocktails to pair while enjoying one of their exceptional desserts. Trust’s newest decadent dessert creation is Goat Cheese Bavarios with Concord grape sorbet, house made saltine cracker and pistachio is a picture-perfect and mouthwatering dessert to enjoy this Valentine’s Day!
Buon San Valentino! Take your loved one to Little Italy’s Bencotto Italian Kitchen for a night of romance and authentic Italian cuisine. Bencotto Chef Fabrizio Cavallini has created a special a la carte Valentine’s Day menu in celebration of love. Bencotto’s extraordinary and ever-changing wine list will compliment this special menu as well. Visit www.lovebencotto.com or call (619) 450-4786 to make a reservation.
Monello, known for being the first restaurant to offer the cheese wheel in San Diego and the most authentic Italian experience in Little Italy, celebrates Valentine’s Day with 40 lbs of cheese! Monello’s special Valentine’s Day offer, Risotto Valentino or Tagliolini Agli Scampi, is a $35 dinner special available on Wednesday, February 14 through Sunday, February 18, and is guaranteed to be your cheesiest Valentine’s Day yet. 
Celebrate this Valentine’s Day at the Westgate Hotel, located in the heart of Downtown San Diego, is the ultimate destination for romance. The Westgate room will offer an exquisite 4-course French Wine pairing dinner created by Executive Chef Fabrice Hardel. This special dinner is $89 per person Wednesday, February 14, 2018 from 5pm-9pm. After a romantic dinner, lovers can enjoy Julia Vari and luxury in the Plaza Bar from 8-10pm. Julia Vari is a multilingual singer-pianist and is one of the most celebrated jazz artists in Latin America, juliavari.com. Make your reservations by calling (800) 522-1564.
Make plans to visit any of the five Tajima San Diego locations for a Valentine’s Day date ideal for hopeless ramen-tics. For $30 you get any two ramen dishes on the menu; choices include Spicy Sesame, Creamy Chicken, Tajima and Vegan bowls. As a couple, you’ll also receive a bottle of Sayuri Nigori Sake to sip with your ramen. End the night with delightful Mochi Ice Creams for both you and your sweetie. Price: $30 per couple
Convoy – 4681 Convoy Street, Ste I, 92111
Mercury – 4411 Mercury Street, Ste 110, 92111
Hillcrest – 3739 6th Avenue, Ste B, 92103
East Village – 901 E Street, 92101
North Park – 3015 Adams Avenue #102b, 92116
Celebrate tu amor this Valentine’s Day at Del Sur, an eclectic Mexican cantina nestled in the heart of South Park. A three-course romantic dinner for two is $55 and includes a sharable plate of Street Corn or the Queso Fondido cheesy appetizer, along with your choice of two specialty plates, such as Carnitas or Enchiladas (vegetarian options available). Each couple will also get two House Margaritas or Sangrias and a plate of cinnamon Churros. If you don’t want to leave your four-legged love at home, Del Sur’s patio is pet friendly so fido can share the love with you and yours!
Share a ‘lil pizza your heart with that special someone at The Haven this Valentine’s Day. Dine in at the quaint pizzeria, located in the Kensington neighborhood, and enjoy a three-course meal for two, for only $50. Share a house salad, 14” specialty pizza of your choice, ice cream cookie dessert and bottle of house red or white wine.
Chef Jamie Dunn has created a Sharing is Caring Valentine’s Day Menu available at Crown Landing on February 14, from 5-10pm. The special menu is $45 per person and includes selections such as Mediterranean Mussels, Baja Snapper and Chocolate Strawberries with a glass of champagne. Reservations can be made at www.crownlanding.com.
Enjoy a meal at JSix with a special menu from locally renowned Executive Chef Anthony Sinsay. The menu is meant to be shared between couples and includes an Amuse-bouche of Hot Oil Seared Red Snapper, Oysters on the half shell, a Belgian Endive Salad, and Red Curry Braised Short Ribs. For dessert sink your teeth into the Red Velvet Baked Diego, a red velvet cake served with mascarpone ice cream, raspberry sorbet and raspberry port sauce. Dinner costs $100 and includes a complimentary glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne.
Before dinner, plan the perfect Valentine’s Day excursion—kayaking off the San Diego coast with Everyday California, a lifestyle company offering ocean adventures and premium apparel. With whale watching season in full swing, what better way to catch a glimpse of the gentle giants than in a kayak. Everyday California also hosts daily kayak tours and provides SUP and surf rentals—another great way to spend Valentine’s Day for the adventurous couple.
