With the highly anticipated holiday of love, Valentine’s Day, quickly approaching, now is the time to lock in your reservation at one of San Diego’s favorite restaurants. Whether you are planning a romantic date night with your partner, or you’re assembling a crew for a Galentine’s celebration, these local restaurants are offering Valentine’s Day dinner specials on Monday, February 14 as well as on Valentine’s day weekend, February 11 through 13, so you can commemorate the holiday by enjoying some of San Diego’s finest bites and drinks.
Lakehouse Hotel & Resort
Take a romantic escape to the lake this Valentine’s Day and experience all that Lakehouse Hotel & Resort has to offer. Head to the hotel’s main dining outpost, The Grill, and enjoy Valentine’s weekend specials, including Surf & Turf, Prosciutto and Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast, Flourless Chocolate Torte as well as specialty cocktails offered all month long. Looking for something more than just dinner? Head to The Marina at Lakehouse where they’ll be offering Love Boat Cruises, featuring a one hour Executive Duffy Rental, bottle of bubbly, macarons and a Souvenir Plushie for the kids.
Credit: James Tran
Herb & Sea
In true California fashion, enjoy a Valentine’s Day with a coastal breeze and romantic seafood-focused dinner at Herb & Sea in Encinitas. On Monday, February 14, Herb & Sea will offer a four course dinner starting with cold appetizer offerings like the Oysters preserved with lemon gel, fennel pollen and dill or the Beef Carpaccio highlighting a Moroccan Coffee rub, before moving on to hot appetizers such as the Baked burrata with fire-roasted cherry tomatoes, confit garlic, white balsamic or the Fish Croquette with muhammara, preserved lemon, walnuts, and castelvetrano olives. For the entree, enjoy one of four options including a pink peppercorn crusted Filet with a red wine sherry reduction and roasted turnips, an Aji Verde Halibut with radishes, sprouts and mint cilantro, or enjoy a pomegranate glazed Lamb Rack or Agnolotti stuffed with lemon and ricotta. Because no Valentine’s day is complete without something sweet, choose between the Chocolate Lava Cake or the Creme Fraiche Mousse. The Valentine’s Day four-course meal is $108 per person, with the option to add a $68 wine pairing. For a Valentine’s day you and your partner won’t soon forget, book your reservation here.
Ranch 45
Enjoy a romantic dinner under the stars Valentine’s Day weekend on Friday, February 11 and Saturday, February 12 at Solana Beach’s butchery and eatery, Ranch 45. Offering a special Valentine’s Weekend dinner menu on their firelite patio, choose from Seared Diver Scallops or Steak & Eggs, before moving on to an Endive Salad highlighting shaved Chino Farms beets, goat cheese and truffle vinaigrette, and then enjoy one of three entrees, the Bone In Brandt Ribeye for Two with Chino Farms vegetables, roasted fingerling potatoes, bearnaise, red wine sauce, the Pan Roasted Ocean Trout with beluga lentils and tahini vinaigrette, or the Grilled Lamb Loin with Chino Farms roasted root vegetables, arugula and preserved lemon jus. Before the magical night ends, grab a spoon and indulge your sweet tooth with a Chocolate Pot Du Crème. Add three glasses of wine per person at $55. Reservations are required and available through Tock. If you’d rather have a cozy date night at home, Ranch 45 is also offering a Pick Up Meal for Two on Sunday, February 13, at $175. The meal consists of the Endive Salad, the option to choose from four different entrees, a Brandt Bone In Ribeye for Two, a Brandt Prime Filet Mignon or Ocean Trout, or Lobster Tail for an additional $40, and the Chocolate Pot Du Crème. Each entree is served with Chino Farms vegetables and a choice of mashed potatoes or wild rice, with the option to add additional menu items including the Shrimp Cocktail for $28 and Pan Seared Crab Cakes for $18. Orders must be placed by 12pm on Wednesday, February 9, with pick up between 10am and 2pm on Sunday, February 13.
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
Since Valentine’s Day lands on a Monday this year, why not spend the entire weekend at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, a hacienda-style retreat situated on 10 acres between San Diego’s seaside villages of La Jolla and Del Mar. Spend a romantic getaway walking through the lush gardens, relaxing by the pool or spending a day at Spa Estancia. Treat your special someone to Estancia La Jolla’s La Jolla is for Lovers Package which includes champagne, chocolate truffles and a floral arrangement in your room. End the weekend with a special five-course Valentine’s Day dinner starting with the Truffle Corn Soup with Potatoes and Celery Heart, followed by Albacore Tuna Nicoise Salad paired nicely with Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc. Enjoy the Purple Potato Gnocchi with California Walnut Pesto, Pecorino Romano and Duck Egg paired with Palazzo Allegrini Veronese. For the main course, choose one of three options including Diver Scallops, Braised Escarole, Gigante Bean and Pork Belly paired nicely with Drumheller Chardonnay, Blackberry Short Rib, Carrot Emulsion, Baby Carrots and Roasted Radish paired with Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon or Vegetarian Risotto, Roasted Market Vegetables, Arugula Pesto and Blistered Tomatoes. And for everyone’s favorite course, choose between the Olive Oil Cake or Strawberries & Cream to cure your sweet tooth. This five-course dinner is $275 per couple and $35 Cocktail & Wine Supplemental.
Photo Credit: John Dole
Barbusa
Celebrate your Valentine’s Day in true Lady and The Tramp-style-fashion, over a bowl of spaghetti, at the Busalacchi Family’s Barbusa in Little Italy. Try classics like the Lobster Ravioli, Gnocchi or the Cavatelli con Bone Marrow and gourmet fan favorites like the Fiori di Zucca fried squash blossoms, the Sicilian Meatballs, or the selection of handcrafted Pizzas. Toast to your evening spent together with a glass of wine, or one of Barbusa’s hand crafted cocktails such as the Sicilian Mule made with Absolut Elyx Vodka, Aperol, Ginger Beer, Lemon and Peychaud Bitters. Before heading home, choose from the Deconstructed Cannoli or traditional Sicilian Donuts. Secure your spot via OpenTable.
The Guild Bar
The luxurious bar at The Guild Hotel is the setting for an interactive cocktail pairing this Valentine’s Day. Limited to eight guests and ideal for a couple or duo looking to shake things up, the cocktail class and pairing will run from 5pm-7pm and feature four courses. The first course starts with a class of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label paired with a White Chocolate Strawberry; the second course is where your skills will come into play and guests will mix their own Classic Rum Daiquiri, the cocktail will be paired with a Tropical Ceviche; the third course offers another interactive cocktail with guests making a Whiskey Sour paired with NY Strip & Crostini Nduja & Gorgonzola Cheese; the fourth and final course is a glass of Tawny Port paired with a Port wine pot de crème. The Valentine‘s Day interactive cocktail pairing costs $85 per person and can be booked by emailing austin.hiller@theguildhotel.
Garibaldi
Celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend at Garibaldi, the InterContinental San Diego’s Southern Italian-inspired rooftop hot spot, with a newly revamped dinner menu from Chef de Cuisine Todd Benicivenni. Check out menu items such as the House Folded Culurgiones made with Sweet Potato, House Ricotta, Swiss Chard, Hazelnut, and Sage Burro, San Diego Spiny Lobster Fra Diavolo with Red and Green Chilis, San Marzano Tomatoes, and Saffron Fregola, and Roasted Pork Belly with Smoked Braising Greens, White Bean Mash, Salted Tomato Relish, and Pork Jus. To get in the spirit of love, Garibaldi is offering a shared cocktail for two at $16, half off the normal price, for the entire Valentine’s day weekend. Book your reservation via Resy.
Photo Credit: James Tran
Animae
On Monday, February 14, indulge in a four course dinner at San Diego’s stunning Animae. Start with a cold appetizer like Oysters with Yuzu Hibiscus Mignonette, Cilantro oil, Nasturtiums or A5 Wagyu Tartare, and to make this Valentine’s Day even more memorable add a Caviar service for $100. Warm up with Veggie Lumpia and Tawainese Fried Chicken before enjoying your choice of entree: Filet with Soy Demi, Potato, Mushroom, Ginger Scallion oil, or Halibut Cha Ca with Rice Noodles, Herb Salad and Turmeric. There is the option to go with complete decadence by adding on an A5 Wagyu strip ($125) or Maine Lobster ($75). And of course, save room for the Chocolate Taiyaki Mousse Bar or Jasmine, Raspberry, and Prosecco Entremet. Animae’s four course meal starts at $128 per person with the option to add-on an $80 wine pairing. Book your reservation here.
Belmont Park
Looking for a more unique way to celebrate Valentine’s Day and spread the love this year? Bring your loved ones to Belmont Park, San Diego’s iconic beachfront boardwalk and amusement park to celebrate a ‘Month of Love’ featuring interactive events and specials throughout the month of February. Make your reservation now for the Tuesday, February 11, screening of “50 First Dates” at 6pm at Beach House, enjoy sushi and acoustic sunsets at Cannonball every Tuesday and Thursday at 5pm and specialty food and drinks throughout the property. Make a day of it and get a Park Pass, finishing up at one of Belmont’s casual or high-end restaurants or with a Valentine’s Day treat from Sweet Shoppe. Plan your month of love now, and celebrate at Belmont Park!
Credit: Kimberly Motos
Valentina
Celebrate this Valentine’s Day at Valentina, Leucadia’s European-style bistro. Valentina will be serving a pre-fixe three-course dinner menu on Valentine’s Day for $70/per person from 4pm to 10pm. Offering classics like its Oysters on the Half Shell and Spanish Sashimi, the restaurant will also serve specials like the Pepper Crusted Carpaccio to be perfectly paired with the Valentine’s Day champagne flight, specialty-priced bottles of champagne, or rose champagne fitting for the occasion. Suppose diners are looking to celebrate this Valentine’s Day the weekend before. In that case, Valentina is offering a pre-book option via OpenTable to give guests the romantic experience Saturday, February 12, or Sunday, February 13.
Photo Credit: Let’s Frolic Together
Communal
Sip on something sweet this Valentine’s Day from San Diego’s Communal; the café and shop will be serving a specialty drink for the month of February. The Raspberry White Mocha is made with housemade raspberry syrup, white chocolate mocha syrup and espresso and is topped with raspberry powder. Offering more than just craft coffee and pastries, Communal’s North Park and Oceanside locations also have large selections of fresh flowers. For Valentine’s Day, they’ll be selling hand-crafted bouquets with the option to add on a candle, chocolate, bottle of wine, or jewelry item to create the perfect V-Day package for a loved one.
On Valentine’s Day only from 5:00 – 9:00 PM, treat your love to an evening filled with grandeur at the iconic Hotel del Coronado. Take a seat on the expansive two-tiered patio at Serēa overlooking the Pacific Ocean as you sip on a his-and-hers concoction. Inspired by the iconic film Titanic, couples can delight in a Jack & Rose. The “Jack” is bright and tart, combining Jack Daniels, Cointreau, raspberry, lemon, egg white, and soda, where the “Rose,” is direct and elegant, featuring Absolut Citron, Chambord, rose, lemon, and sparkling wine. Then, be sure to take advantage of Serea’s extensive menu of sustainable seafood and prime meats and give way to James Beard Smart Catch Leader and Executive Chef JoJo Ruiz’s Valentine’s Day specials, which will include a Tuna Sashimi, served with red shug, red grapefruit, pickled red beet emulsion, confit tuna aioli, and onion ash, in addition to a 24 oz. Prime Ribeye which will be served with morel mushrooms, king crab, creamed watercress veloute, grilled white asparagus, and a shaved asparagus salad. Reservations are recommended and can be made on OpenTable here.
ARLO at Town and Country Resort
Celebrate a romantic evening at ARLO, located at the landmark resort in San Diego’s Mission Valley, Town and Country. Indulge in Executive Chef Josh Mouzakes’ special four-course prix-fixe Valentine’s Day menu, featuring Kamei and Baja Fried Oysters, Dungeness Crab, Poached White Fish, Salt Crusted Beetroot (hello Vegans!), and more. For dessert, enjoy a Poached Pear or a slice of Chocolate Cake filled with raspberry buttercream and basil anglaise. Couples will also have the choice to stick to Chef Josh’s sought-after classics and delight in a Greatest Hits four-course prix-fixe menu, which features ARLO’s Lamb Meatballs, Pulpo & Passion, Maple Halibut, Salt Crusted Beetroot and more. And to top it off with something sweet, you can choose between the scrumptious Wood Fired S’mores or Smoked Dulce de Leche Crème Brûlé. Don’t forget to toast to a night of cherishing the past and living in the moment with a Strawberry Fields Forever in-hand, which features Rosé Champagne and strawberries with an essence of rose. Reservations can be made here and the full menu can be found here ($75 per person).
Harrah’s Resort Southern California
Cheers to a night filled with romance at California’s playground for adults, Funner, California — the city where fun lives. With plenty of love to go around, Harrah’s Resort SoCal has it all for an ideal Valentine’s Day weekend celebration, with specialty items, cocktails and a prix-fixe menu from the property’s most sought-after eateries. The ultimate date night begins with an Aphrodite at Spiked, the resort’s craft cocktail bar, before heading to Fiore Steakhouse for a luxurious prix-fixe dinner, which features Scallops Crudo, Red Beets and Duck Prosciutto, Lobster Bisque, Butter Poached Prime Striploin of Beef, Herb Crusted Sea Bass, Chocolate Marquise and a Red Velvet Cake for $160 per couple or $85 per person. All venues will have normal operating hours and Valentine’s Day Weekend kicks off on Friday, February 11.
Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day at the picturesque Rancho Bernardo Inn tucked away in North County, San Diego, offering luxurious accommodations, decadent dining and 256-acres of lush greenery. Driven by an innovative blend of traditional French and new American dishes, Chef Christopher Gentile’s AVANT plays host to engaging culinary experiences, including a four-course prix fixe Valentine’s Day dinner. Menu highlights include smoked ricotta, spring peas and lemon; charcoal lobster, turnip and pomegranate; roasted lamb sunchoke and elderflower; Snake River Farms wagyu striploin, artichoke and onion; triple chocolate mousse with caramelized chocolate; and much more. Dinner is available from Friday, Feb. 11 to Monday, Feb. 14 and is priced at $150 per person with an additional $50 per person for a four-course wine pairing. Reservations can be made here and the full prix fixe menu can be found here.
VAGA at Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas
Perched atop a picturesque ocean bluff in the quintessential Southern California town of Encinitas, VAGA, the signature dining destination at the luxurious Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas, invites guests in for a special Valentine’s Day immersive culinary experience. Created as a love letter to the city of San Diego, showcasing the confluence of the rich and diverse cultures of the area through the use of the freshest, locally sourced ingredients, VAGA will be serving up a delectable 5-6 course Valentine’s Day menu, including a tuna and caviar “taco,” oyster and cactus salsa mignonette, sunchoke cream cashew chili crisp, smoked mushroom tostada, poached sea bass, braised short rib, passionfruit nicuatole, and gold beignets, all complemented by sweeping coastal views and an intimate ambiance. What’s more, guests can choose to take the final course home for breakfast in bed, which consists of chocolate granola and kumquat jam. Reservations can be made here and the full prix-fixe menu can be found here ($165 per adult), with wine or cocktail pairings available.
Pendry San DiegoSpecial for Valentine’s Day evening, Provisional, Kitchen, Cafe & Mercantile will serve a prix-fixe dinner paired with fine wine and house-made desserts. Romantic menu highlights include Moroccan tomato soup melted with goat cheese, roasted chickpea, heirloom carrot and garnished with cilantro; ahi carpaccio with beetroot, cucumber, mango, coriander, chive and red chiles; a decadent rack of lamb with gooseberry Demi, red quinoa, whole grain mustard and sous vide fennel; wagyu ribeye with porcini “Robuchon” potatoes, truffle honey carrot and mustard madeira sauce (add $25). A sweet Valentine’s treat will be satisfied with a heart-shaped chocolate tart with dulce, salted caramel, almond semifreddo and browned butter tuile, or raspberry angel food cake. The menu is priced at $85+, served from 6-10PM on February 14. Optional beverage pairings are priced at $35, including a dessert pairing of First Kiss Tito’s, strawberry, hibiscus, vanilla and condensed milk.
At chic cocktail bar, Fifth & Rose, couples can delight in a special three-course menu filled with sweet desserts and seasonal craft cocktails and bubbly. Share ahi carpaccio before enjoying pan seared dover sole with blood orange beurre blanc and Chile roasted turnips or wagyu ribeye, and chocolate tart or raspberry angel food cake for dessert. Toast to love with a Queen of Hearts cocktail mixed with Volcan Blanco, cointreau, strawberry hibiscus syrup and lime, Moët & Chandon or Terrazas de los Andes. The menu is priced at $150+ per couple and served from 6-10PM.
Sally’s Fish House & Bar at Manchester Grand Hyatt
Enjoy a romantic evening overlooking the San Diego Bay at the West Coast’s tallest waterfront hotel, Manchester Grand Hyatt. Gather around the fire pits at Sally’s Fish House & Bar this Valentine’s Day and indulge in a two-course dinner featuring oven-roasted lobster tail and wagyu flat iron steak and a dessert trio including chocolate dipped long stem strawberries, flourless chocolate cake with raspberry coulis and vanilla bean cheesecake with blueberry compote. ($85)
The Pony Room at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
Rancho Valencia welcomes guests to a Valentine’s night of romance with a decadent four-course experience at The Pony Room with menu highlights including BlueFin tuna aguachile, house made ricotta raviolo, red curry squash bisque, mero sea bass, veal tenderloin “saltimbocca” and herb crusted main lobster tail. End the evening sharing a sweet dessert for two with the choice of a Valrhona chocolate trio (fudge brownie, dark chocolate homemade truffles, lava cake and chocolate dipped strawberries); sharing box (cherry fruit tart, heart shaped macaroons, red velvet mini cookies and variations of chino strawberries); or Chino Farms strawberry pavlova (Frais du Bois strawberry, housemade vanilla and pink peppercorn frozen yogurt) ($130/per person | Reservations: Call 858-759-6246 or visit OpenTable.com). Overnight guests can enjoy a specialty Breakfast in Bed menu and indulge in a selection of treats including strawberry nutella waffles, lovers avocado toast, a sweet endings basket and more. Splurge and treat your special someone with a Seafood Tower for Two ($150), including poached Mexican prawns, main lobster tail, mussels escabeche, tuna tartar and oysters.
Café Gratitude
Café Gratitude is excited to bring back Executive Chef Dreux Ellis’ 100% Organic Artisanal Valentine’s Day Chocolate Box ($20) this year. These delectable sweets are sure to have that special someone swooning with six vegan chocolates that include Almond Butter Squares, Coconut Almond Truffle, and White Chocolate Pistachio Cardamom. Available only from February 1st to 14th, grab a box before they’re gone at a nearby Café Gratitude or through a take-out/delivery order.
This Valentine’s Day, treat yourself at North Park’s Louisiana Purchase. Enjoy Chef Quinnton ‘Q’ Austin’s authentic New Orleans taste with his 4-Course Dinner for Two. Priced at $194, you’ll be treated to a chopped salad followed up with a choice between brown butter scallops and bone marrow soup. The main course gives you an option between roast chicken, 16oz prime ribeye, or honey chili salmon, all with accompanying sides. Chef Q rounds out the meal with a decadent dessert; choose between peach cobbler or a Cinnamon Toast Crunch bread pudding with a bourbon glaze. Like to pair your feast with a cocktail? Louisiana Purchase cooked up three special Valentine’s Day drinks for $13 each or try all three for $30. The menu, available from 5 pm – 9 pm, is for dine-in only, and reservations can be booked here.
Whether you’re with your significant other or with your best friends, check out barleymash’s Bourbon & Babes Valentine’s Day specials! On Monday, February 14th from 12pm – 2am, they’ll be offering two specialty cocktails with chocolate pairings for guests to celebrate with. Their Boo’d Up takes the spice up a notch with bourbon, cinnamon syrup, and bitters, while the Ridin’ Solo gives you a sweeter option with bourbon, lavender, honey, and lemon.
For $18, The Fish Shop will be featuring Tequila Lime Pasta on their menu for a special Valentine’s Day dish, comprised of sauteed shrimp and bay scallops tossed in a tequila lime crème sauce and served over a bed of linguine pasta garlic toast. All three locations – Pacific Beach, Point Loma, and Encinitas – have also partnered with Skrewball Whiskey and The French Gourmet to create creamy and delicious Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey Cupcakes!
Cloak & PetalTry sushi under a beautiful cherry blossom tree and twinkling lights this Valentine’s Day at Cloak & Petal! Impress your significant other by taking them out to this hidden gem in Little Italy for a romantic and intimate dinner. Make your reservations online here to try their special pre-set Valentine’s Day menu with your choice of appetizer, sushi roll, like the Crazy Usagi with seasonal vegetables, vegan miso aioli, yuzu gel, smoked salt, renkon, tomato, lemon oil, micro greens, and sesame seeds, followed by a main a course and dessert!
Looking for romantic Valentine’s date ideas that don’t involve going to a restaurant? Cork & Knife has the answer with their exclusive Valentine’s Day Charcuterie and Rose Package! For $75, surprise your valentine with a beautiful charcuterie board including two premium meats and two artisan cheeses with seasonal accompaniments. The board will be paired with a sparkling Rose and hand-crafted chocolates made by a local chocolatier! Orders can be placed at Cork & Knife’s Escondido and Rancho Santa Fe locations with pickup only available at their Escondido location.
If you’re in the mood for an all-around fun and festive Valentine’s Day, be sure to check out Mavericks Beach Club’s Dating Is A DRAG: Valentine’s Day Drag Show and Dating Game! The beach bar’s third drag show will be taking place on Monday, February 14th, with doors opening at 4pm, and the show starting around 6pm. Tickets are $5, can be purchased both online, here, and at the door, with 100% of the proceeds being donated to the Wings For Life Foundation! SEEN Dating App will also be on-site with swag, prizes, and a hilarious Dating Game that will kick off the Drag Show.
Mission Beach’s Miss B’s Coconut Club is mixing up the traditional Valentine’s Day scene by hosting a Paint Night at 6pm on February 14th! With $7 Mojitos offered all day, this is a great spot for a casual, fun date night or fun Monday with the gals. Paint Night is $35 per person, and participants can also enjoy 2-4-1 bottles while letting their artistic talents shine!
