Romantic Valentine’s Day Specials From San Diego’s Top Restaurants

Juniper & Ivy

Join Juniper and Ivy to celebrate love, friendship, family, and everything in between. 

James Beard nominated Chef Anthony Wells & his culinary team have crafted a locally-sourced, 4-course prix fixe menu showcasing the finest seasonal ingredients in Southern California.

Reservations can be made here.

Animae

This Valentine’s Day dress to impress and indulge in a four course dinner at San Diego’s stunning art-deco-inspired, Animae. Start with Mantou bread service followed by a cold appetizer like Beef Tartare or Tuna Crudo with the option to make this an even more memorable Valentine’s Day by adding Caviar Service for $100.

Choose from a selection of Jumbo Shrimp, Lamb Chops and Kabocha Squash Arancini for a second course before indulging in main course selections like the Filet, Soy Braised Short Rib and Mushroom Ragu with the option to add an A5 Striploin for $125 and Maine Lobster with Mapo Tofu for $75. And of course, save room for the Mostra Mousse Bar and Matcha Mochi Cake for dessert.

Animae’s four course meal starts at $155 per adult with the option to add an $85 wine pairing. Book your reservation here.

Herb & Wood

For the playful romantics, spend Valentine’s Day in the energizing yet comfortable sanctuary that is Herb & Wood. Serving a four course meal priced at $125 per person, with the option to add a $60 wine pairing, Chef Carlos Anthony is preparing a vibrant Mediterranean feast with a range of bold flavors patrons won’t soon forget.

Begin the meal with Herb & Wood’s classic Parker House Rolls before choosing from first and second course offerings like Oysters with meyer lemon cloud pink peppercorn dust; Hamachi with blood orange, sea bean and pearls; Warn Spanish Goat Cheese with blackberry, kataifi and pistachio dust; or Bone Marrow with black garlic onion jam and toast.

Indulge in entree offerings like the Beef Tenderloin with dungeness crab, asparagus and brown butter bearnaise; Rack of Lamb crusted with herb pistachio and served with mint chimichurri and whipped potato; Halibut with lemon caper cream, dill, parsnip puree and braised chard; Wild Mushroom Risotto with turnips, peas, mint pesto, pea tendrils and shaved manchego and more.

Conclude the evening by enjoying something sweet with your sweetheart, like the famous Chocolate Lava Cake with chocolate sauce, hazelnut creme anglaise and praline ice cream or Raspberry Tart with lemon curd, berries and meringue.

Reservations are required, and are available here.

LAVO Italian Restaurant San Diego

LAVO Italian Restaurant San Diego, located in the heart of the Gaslamp, will be offering an a la carte menu with specialty dishes created for the evening by the culinary team. To make the occasion an even more memorable one, guests can add on several options to have awaiting their arrival at the table including a dozen roses for $97, a Valentine’s Day box of hand-crafted chocolates for $25 and bottles of champagne ranging in price from $140 to $500.

Behind the bar, the team has created two specialty cocktails for the night, the Romeo with Old Forester, Montenegro, Aperol and lemon and the Juliet with vodka, Cointreau, strawberry, lemon and egg white. The Valentine’s Day offerings will be served from 5PM-11PM on Tuesday, February 14th and reservations can be made online. LAVO San Diego is located at 611 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101.

Farmer’s Bottega

Known for their farm-to-table cuisine and romantic back patio, Farmer’s Bottega will host a picturesque Valentine’s dinner for a night to remember! Enjoy specials on Surf & Turf, Homemade Lobster Ravioli, Pan Roasted Fresh Halibut and Dive Scallops, and an extensive menu of other starters and entrees including Homemade Meatballs, PEI Mussels and Clams, Fennel Sausage Cavatelli, Mary’s Farm Chicken, and Braised Short Rib!

Farmer’s Bottega also hosts a speed dating and chocolate and wine pairing event in honor of V-day:

Grab your sweetheart and your sweet tooth. Available Monday, February 13 through Wednesday, February 15 for $45 per person, guests will enjoy a flight of three wines and chocolates, made in-house and professionally paired by a sommelier to bring your taste buds pure bliss!

Pair Henry Fessy Vire-Clesse Bourgogne Blanc France 2019 with decadent white chocolate, The Calling Pinot Noir Oregon 2021 with creamy milk chocolate, Bellacosa Cabernet Sauvignon California 2017 with rich dark chocolate, and Castello Di Borgomare Malbec Argentina 2017 with flavorful truffle chocolate. Taste the sommelier’s pairings or mix and match!

Jeune et Jolie

Michelin-starred Jeune et Jolie Executive Chef Eric Bost captures the essence of Valentine’s Day with a 6-course prix fixe with wine and cocktail pairings options.

Reservations can be made here.

Herb & Sea

Dine and drink at Encinitas coastal seaside escape, Herb & Sea, this Valentine’s Day while enjoying a nostalgic yet lavish four course dinner.

Set the mood with flavorful starters like the Raw Oysters served with pomello mint granita and serrano salt, and Snapper Crudo with blood orange shoyu, apples, aleppo oil, with the option to indulge in an Caviar add on for $100, before moving on to second course offerings like Broiled Brie with lemon beurre blanc, apricots, walnuts and crostini, or Pork Belly with mustard frill, pomegranate glaze, hot honey and apples.

Order from a variety of protein and vegetarian friendly starters including Cioppino featuring bay scallops, tiger shrimp, mussels, tomato fish broth, la vein; and Seared Halibut served with beet puree, pea tendrils and radish; or Mushroom Risotto with shaved black truffles, shiitake and hon-shimeji mushrooms and herbs.

Reminisce on the romance, and the mouthwatering meal, while taking a bite of the Lava Cake with chocolate sauce, hazelnut creme anglaise and praline ice cream or the Raspberry Mousse Bar with blondie, raspberry jam and chocolate decor.

Fort Oak

Heralded as one of the city’s finest, Fort Oak is centered around the hearth, serving elevated yet approachable wood-fired dishes and a venerable seafood and raw bar program, alongside a progressive cocktail line-up that includes just the right amount of martini variations.

Looking to turn your Valentine’s dinner into the perfect romantic getaway?

The Brick Hotel

The Brick Hotel in Downtown Oceanside offers room packages that include drinks at Cococabana Rooftop Bar and Q&A Restaurant and Oyster Bar. With both attached to the original brick building from the 1880s, you’ll never have to leave the hotel for sunset drinks and an intimate dinner!

Cardellino

In Mission Hills, guests can make a reservation to enjoy Valentine’s specials at Cardellino, Chef Brad Wise’s establishment blending a midwest chophouse and an Italian trattoria.

Cardellino’s Bar Manager Jess Stewart will be offering a special cocktail menu that takes cues from classic Valentine’s Day gifts, including a sipper made with edible flowers, a chocolate-infused direct concoction, and a cocktail for two that comes with a custom Valentine’s card.

Gather some friends or plan a double date to enjoy Cardellino’s Tuscan Experience, a four-course ultimate chophouse meal consisting of dishes meant to be shared by three to four people, curated by Chef Brad Wise based on what he is particularly passionate about or loving at the moment.

End the meal with Cardellino’s newest addition to the dessert menu, the Tiramisu Cheesecake: a decadent combo of ricotta cheesecake topped with mascarpone mousse and a crust of ground espresso and lady fingers. Plated with a scoop of house made espresso sorbet, the dessert is finished tableside with a topping of marsala anglaise.

Coco Maya

Valentina

Treat your special someone to a romantic evening at Valentina located on the 101 in Leucadia. Complete with ocean breezes and twinkle lights, this European-style bistro is offering a three-course dinner from Chef Jonathan for $89 per person.

The menu features a curated selection of classic Valentina favorites such as market-available Half Dozen Oysters and Sea Bass with Potato Pave and Picada Sauce, joined by specials fit for the occasion like the Pepper Crusted Carpaccio and Lamb Chop with Sunchoke Purée and Chimichurri.

For the romantic looking to wow their date, Valentina also provides an expansive wine and bubbles program featuring 120 bottles from producers ranging from the mountains of Napa Valley to the rolling hills of the Rhône and the sommelier team will be more than happy to procure bottles of meaningful vintages to celebrate the night.

Reservations are required and can be booked via OpenTable.

Louisiana Purchase

Puesto

Celebrate both Valentine’s Day and Taco Tuesday simultaneously at Puesto, San Diego’s much beloved Mexican hotspot on Tuesday, February 14. To commemorate the holiday of love, all of Puesto’s tortillas will be turned red using only vegetable juice for color.

Order taco favorites like the Chicken Al Pastor with crispy melted cheese, braised free range Jidori, hibiscus and chipotle tinga, avocado and piña habanero pico or Short Rib Quesabirria with crispy melted cheese, Jalisco salsa, pickled radish and classic guacamole, or try new seasonal specials like the Pozole with crispy melted cheese, braised Salmon Creek Farms pork, avocado, cabbage, radish, cilantro and crunchy hominy or the Chicken En Mole Negro with free range Jidori chicken, mole negro, mexican crema, onion and sesame seeds, all wrapped in a cheesy blanket and handmaid, red corn tortilla.

While devouring your red tacos, sip on one of Puesto’s newly unveiled cocktails, like the Guava Marg with Siete Leguas blanco tequila, guava, fresh lime and almond cordial, Ranch Water with El Tesoro blanco tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime, fever tree sparkling spring water or the Espresso Martini highlighting Grey Goose vodka and espresso. Whether you’re looking for a fun, romantic night out with your partner or are planning a Galentine’s celebration, come Taco Tuesday/Valentine’s Day, Puesto is the place to be.

Cloak & Petal

Vistal

Celebrate the most romantic day of the year at Vistal with special dishes and cocktails offered from Friday, February 10 through Valentine’s Day. Located in The InterContinental San Diego Hotel, Vistal offers an elevated dining experience overlooking the San Diego bay with California Baja inspired cuisine.

Vistal’s perfect for sharing specials include the impressive Seafood Tower for Two stacked with fresh oysters, shrimp cocktail, coconut ceviche, tuna poke and jonah crab claws; as well as Braised Beef Cheeks with huitlacoche demi-glace, carrots w/dried pipian, Melipona honey, polenta, brown butter hominy; and the 22oz Bone-In NY Strip with house truffle-cheddar tots, wild mushrooms, black garlic butter. The baja-inspiration continues through dessert, with options like Churros con Chocolate with mole poblano and cinnamon salt, or the Duo Lover Cake, with chocolate sponge, cherry jelly and vanilla whipped ganache.

For a night of romance and chef crafted cuisine, book a reservation here and let Vistal take care of the rest!

Garibaldi

Enjoy a picturesque evening watching the sunset, then under the stars, on the rooftop Southern Italian-inspired restaurant Garibaldi, located within The InterContinental San Diego Hotel. Order options from their classic menu throughout the weekend, or make a reservation for the evening of February 14 to enjoy a special pre-fixe menu priced at $85 per person, offered from 5PM-9PM, complete with live music from guitarist Robert Chini.

Entice your appetite with an amuse bouche of Uovo Capo Carbonara, with soft-cooked egg yolk, toro pancetta, black pepper, caciocavallo cream, Sturgeon caviar, before moving on to starters like House Folded Culurgiones made with sweet potato, house ricotta, swiss chard, hazelnut, and sage burro or Aragosta Alla Catalana, with poached and chilled San Diego spiny lobster, lemon olive oil, red onion, capers, verbena aioli.

Main courses include Sea Bass Alla Cartocchio with lemon, parsley, olives, caramelized fennel, fresno chili and white beans; Pan Roasted Quail with fregola, roasted cherry tomato, shallot, capers, fig, prosciutto and gremolata; or Braised Lamb with Artichokes fingerling potato, pearl onion, vermentino, myrtle, fried sage, polenta.

A night meant for indulging with loved ones is completed with desserts like the Dolce Amore, a light combination of green tea sponge, raspberry jelly, white chocolate, cherry blossom mousse, or the Formaggi, a quintessentially Italian quartet of Southern Italian cheeses and compotes. The full menu can be found on the Garibaldi website here. Reservations can be made via Resy.

The Seventh House

The Presley

Liberty Station’s outdoor patio restaurant and bar, The Presley, is the perfect spot for a romantic Valentine’s weekend (February 10, 11 and 12) or Valentine’s Day (February 14) dinner. The restaurant’s talented team of chefs have curated a prix fixe menu featuring a variety of flavorful dishes to choose from, for just $50 per guest, including one glass of champagne or house wine.

Start with greens options like the Liberty Greens Salad with spring mix, grape tomato, cucumber, shallot, sunflower seeds, goat cheese, parker house croutons and honey-balsamic vinaigrette or Arugula & Brussels made with baby arugula, shredded brussels, shallots, dried blueberries, walnut, crispy garbanzo, pecorino romano and meyer-lemon vinaigrette, before selecting an entree, including options like the Grilled Pork Prime Rib made with apricot-whole grain mustard grain and served with potato puree and grilled green beans, Skirt Steak topped with chimichurri and served with potato puree, charred heirloom and crispy parsnip or the Horseradish Crusted Salmon served with swiss chard, smoked tomato puree and roasted fingerling potatoes.

Whether you’re bringing a date, friend or a group of Galentines, The Presley’s Valentine’s dessert is sure to be one everyone can enjoy, the famous Presley Made Ice Cream Sandwich. Secure your spot today, with reservations available via OpenTable.

Oculto 477

On February 14, cozy and dimly-lit speakeasy, Oculto 477, (hidden within Tahona in Old Town) will host a cocktail pairing event featuring a trio of creative drinks dreamed up by Oculto 477’s expert bartenders and paired with small bites from Tahona’s Executive Chef Adrian Villareal. Priced at $75 per person, each of the menu’s cocktails and bites are uniquely created for and themed around Valentine’s Day. Reservations are available via Resy.

Arely’s French Bakery

Arely’s French Bakery has served the Clairemont neighborhood divine French-style sweets for almost twenty years now! Their attached restaurant and wine bar is hosting a three-course prix fixe menu on the night of the 14th. For $85 per couple, guests can enjoy three courses, a bottle of wine, and chocolate-dipped strawberries!

La Valencia

Celebrate love at La Valencia Hotel with a romantic four-course dinner against the backdrop of panoramic Pacific ocean views.

Executive Chef Fabian Aceves has prepared a special prix fixe menu, including a trio of appetizers (oysters/calamansi mignonette, pani puri/ chickpeas & blini/caviar), California Kohuko crab arancini (with serrano butter sauce, savoy cabbage, meyer lemon aioli, tangerine, parsnip salad), hamachi crudo (with lilikoi leche de tigre, salsa criolla, aji amarillo, crispy corn kernels), baked lobster (with lemon mascarpone, whole grain mustard, choy sum cabbage, champagne butter sauce, charred lemon), and seared filet mignon au poivre (with grilled asparagus, smoked potato puree, roasted cippolini). Dinner will be followed by a selection of delectable housemade desserts from La Valencia’s Executive Pastry Chef.

$129/person. Reservations can be made via OpenTable or calling (866) 905 – 6269.

Spill the Beans

Nothing says “you’re my everything” like heart-shaped everything bagels from Spill the Beans! Stop by their Gaslamp or Seaport Village location to grab one for you and your sweetie. Enjoying bagels and coffee together in the morning—what a lovely way to start your Valentine’s Day! They will also be serving the ‘Pizza-My Heart’ pizza-flavored bagel, with sun-dried tomato cream cheese all month long.

SEA180° Coastal Tavern

SEA180° Coastal Tavern, located inside the Pier South Resort in Imperial Beach, will ignite romance with a three-course prix fixe meal, available from 4PM to 9PM.

The seaside dinner will begin with an amuse bouche, smoked deviled egg with black tobiko caviar, along with a choice of salmon tartare, octopus with fresh kimchi and blistered shishito peppers or crab toast for the first course. The entrée selections will include California halibut served with little neck clam risotto; short rib pappardelle; Australian lamb rack; acorn squash stuffed with Humboldt Fog goat cheese; and more. Sweethearts may then choose from an array of desserts including passion fruit Napoleon, chocolate Pavlova and New York cheesecake.

There will be a variety of themed, handcrafted cocktails available, including Chocolate Bliss, made with Grey Goose vodka, Crème de Cacao White, Baileys Irish cream and cocoa powder; Bloodlust, a combination of El Tessoro tequila, triple sec, blood orange purée, lime juice and simple syrup; and others in addition to a curated selection of sparking, white and red wines.

The romantic dinner is priced at $69.95 per person and reservations are available by calling 619.631.4949. Guests may also treat their sweetie to each of the prix fixe menu items a la carte during the day from 11:30AM to 4PM.

Quiero

You + tacos = a perfect Valentine’s Day! Quiero is crafting a specialty Chocolate Mousse to be paired with a flight of beers. Enjoy the sunset at Seaport Village atop their second-story seating area, or just steps from the beach at their Imperial Beach location while sipping beer and sharing dessert with your lover!

Bleu Bohème

Mille Fleurs

Mille Fleurs Executive Chef Brandon Jennings’ curated à la carte menu is perfect for your special Valentine’s Day plans.

Highlights include “pata negra” iberico, butter poached lobster tail, A-5 wagyu japan, vegan beet “filet,” and more. End on a sweet note with desserts from Executive Pastry Chef “Papa” Moussa featuring specials such as deconstructed key lime pie and pineapple & apple “tarte tatin.”

Reservations are available from 4PM-9PM and can be made here.

Miss B’s Coconut Club

If you don’t have a date and are looking to meet someone new this Valentine’s Day, Miss B’s Coconut Club is partnering with Pacific Beach on Instagram to host a speed dating event at 7PM! Start strong with a welcome shot for good luck and get ready to fill out your dating card with your name, phone number, Instagram, and Tik Tok and get ready to meet some eligible bachelors and bachelorettes. Miss B’s will also host $7 margaritas and specials on tacos and beer to keep the night flirty and fun! Follow Pacific Beach on Instagram for any updates and sign-up information!

Ranch 45

Spend Valentine’s Day under the stars at North County favorite, Ranch 45, or cozy up at home after picking up their Date Night at Home to-go special. For those looking to leave the house, enjoy a three course meal with the highest quality, locally and regionally sourced ingredients for $135 per person, with an optional wine pairing for an additional $55 per person.

Choose from first course offerings of Seared Diver Scallops with melted leeks and truffle sauce or Seared Dry Age Ribeye with caviar, truffle aioli and sourdough, followed by an Endive Salad with shaved Chino Farms beets, goat cheese and truffle vinaigrette.

Entree offerings include a Bone in Brandt Beef Ribeye for Two served with Chino Farms vegetables, roast fingerling potatoes, bearnaise and red wine sauce, with the option to add Lobster Tail, Pan Roasted Ocean Trout made with beluga lentils and tahini vinaigrette, or Brandt Beef Filet Mignon with Chino Farms vegetables, fondant potatoes and crab bearnaise.

Reservations are encouraged and available via Eventbrite.

If going out isn’t in the cards, celebrate from the comfort of your own home with the Date Night at Home box for $200, which includes a salad starter, choice of the above proteins served with Chino Farms vegetables and mashed potatoes or wild rice, and a dessert duo, with the option to add a Shrimp Cocktail for $24, Pan Seared Crab Cakes for $28, or a wine pairing (which includes 3 glasses of wine per person) for $55 each.

Orders must be placed by Thursday, February 9 and will be available for pick-up on Valentine’s Day, February 14.

Carruth Cellars

Wine and love are a tried and true pairing. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a visit to any of Carruth Cellars’ tasting room locations across San Diego County – Little Italy (at Carté Hotel), Liberty Station, Solana Beach, Carlsbad, and Oceanside (at HANGAR76) – for the urban winery’s signature wine flights or to stock-up on bottles for the big night. For an extra-special V-day, reserve a 90-minute private tasting led by a wine host ($55/person + $45/members).

Plus, on February 13th and 14th, purchase two bottles of Carruths’ bold, California-style wines to receive a small floral bundle or four bottles and receive a large floral bundle. And beginning this week, the winery’s signature Rosé bundle is back for Valentine’s Day, featuring a bottle of Carruth Cellars’ 2021 Saignee Rosé and a Wine Reflections’s hand poured soy candle in a repurposed Saignee Rosé vessel featuring the signature heart label design. $50 retail + $45/members.

Al Dente

Al Dente aims to provide a dining experience that transports you back to Sicily from appetizer to dessert. For one night only, this Valentine’s Day, guests can enjoy an exclusive menu! At $49 a person, their three-course menu includes a wide variety of options for everyone including Burrata Vegetariana with grilled zucchini and eggplant, Beef Tartare, Heart Shaped Ravioli, filled with spinach and cheese in butter sage sauce, and Limoncello Cake for dessert. There will also be a small menu a la carte for the evening.

Smokey & the Brisket