20 romantic dinners to enjoy on Valentine's Day in San Diego (2024)

Couples planning a romantic evening on Valentine’s Day have plenty of dining options in San Diego, with dozens of restaurants offering specials to commemorate the day of love.

Adelaide at L’Auberge, Del Mar: Enjoy views of the ocean with dinner on Feb. 14, with menu options that will include steak tartar, scallops, ribeye and almond milk sorbet for dessert. The cost is $125 per person, with dinner starting at 5 p.m. 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar. (858) 793-6467. laubergedelmar.com/dining/adelaide

Ambrogio by Acquerello, La Jolla: On Feb. 13 and 14, try an eight-course tasting menu for $199 per person or the vegetarian tasting menu for $179, which can be made vegan upon request. Menu highlights include an omlette surprise and filet mignon.. A box of artisan truffle chocolates is included. 7556 Fay Ave., La Jolla. (858) 412-3432. ambrogiobyacquerello.com

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The dessert selections at Animae in downtown San Diego.

(Courtesy of James Tran)

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Animae, Downtown: Diners looking for romance can enjoy a four-course meal at Animae. Beet salad, jumbo shrimp, roasted oysters and lemongrass chicken are just some of the menu’s offerings, with a calamansi mousse or chocolate cremeux for dessert. Dinner is from 5 to 9:30 p.m. at $155 per adult with an optional wine pairing for $85. 969 Pacific Highway, San Diego. (619) 432-1225. nimaesd.com

Bleu Bohème, Kensington: This French restaurant will have a three-course prix fixe menu from 4 to 8 p.m. on Valentine’s Day. Highlights include wild mushroom soup, Faroe Island salmon and a flourless chocolate cake. The Ma Cherie co*cktail, made from cherry-infused brandy with bourbon and port wine and topped with vanilla creme, will also be available for $18. Dinner is $95 per person. 4090 Adams Ave., San Diego. (619) 255-4167. bleuboheme.com

Books & Records, Bankers Hill: Lovers of literature will be swept away with this three-course dinner with live music inspired by “Shakespeare in Love.” The $75 per person menu features a pan-seared halibut and blackberry tart . 5 to 9 p.m. on Valentine’s Day. 2202 Fourth Ave., San Diego. (619) 795-1000. booksandrecordsbar.com

Civico 1845, Little Italy: Bring your dog to dinner at Civico 1845. Along with its menu for couples, including short rib ragu or a vegan wild mushroom ragu, dogs can also enjoy options like lentil meatballs or turkey meatballs, carrots and green beans. There will also be a photo booth so diners can commemorate the occasion with their pup. 1845 India St., San Diego. (619) 431-5990. civico1845.com

El Sueno, Old Town: There will be a four-course dinner on Feb. 14, including items from Huastecan cuisine, like an ahi tostada, stuffed lobster tail and a churro cheesecake. The cost is $119 for two. There will also be a Valentine’s Day a la carte menu. 2836 Juan St., San Diego. (619) 510-9813. elsuenosd.com

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The beets and strawberry dish from Herb & Wood in Little Italy.

(Courtesy of James Tran)

Herb & Wood, Little Italy: Feast on Italian dishes this Valentine’s Day, with menu highlights such as beets and strawberry, mushroom risotto, plus dessert options like chocolate lava cake and a winter citrus tart. Dinner is from 5 to 9 p.m. for $125 per adult. Add a wine pairing for $68. 2210 Kettner Blvd., San Diego. (619) 955-8495. herbandwood.com

Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel, Jacumba: On Feb. 14, lovers staying at the East County resort can enjoy a prix fixe dinner menu. Starters include Baja tomato soup or roasted beets and carrots and main course options are seabass, Koji steak, a bone-in pork chop or portobello mushroom. Top off the meal with dessert — Devil’s food cake and strawberry shortcake crumble are on the menu. 44500 Old Highway 80, Jacumba. (619) 766-4333. jacumba.com

Jeune et Jolie, Carlsbad: There will be a five-course prix fixe menu with wine and co*cktail pairing options at this restaurant, where the pink aesthetic perfectly matches the Valentine’s Day vibe. Menu items include fresh seafood selections and a partridge dish. 2659 State St., Suite 102, Carlsbad. (760) 637-5266. jeune-jolie.com

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The interior of Jeune et Jolie

(Courtesy of Elodie Bost)

Lionfish, Gaslamp Quarter: Diners on Feb. 14 can look forward to a lobster dinner at Lionfish, complete with a grilled Maine lobster, ricotta agnolotti with miso vodka sauce and fried sage, plus two glasses of Veuve Clicquot Champagne as a cost of $110 for two. 435 Fifth Ave., San Diego. (619) 738-7200. lionfishsd.com

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Little Frenchie, Coronado: The three-course prix fixe menu at Little Frenchie includes whole Maine lobster, escargot and opera cake. Diners can dine for $120 per person, with an optional wine pairing, on Valentine’s Day. 1166 Orange Ave., Coronado. (619) 675-0041. littlefrenchiesd.com

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Heart-shaped pizza from Lumi.

(Courtesy of Lumi by Akira Back)

Lumi, Gaslamp Quarter: This restaurant and rooftop bar has Valentine’s Day written all over it, with cozy fire pits, co*cktails and locally sourced Nikkei cuisine, which is a combination of Japanese and Peruvian food. Lumi will also be offering heart-shaped pizzas from Feb. 9 to 14. 366 Fifth Ave., San Diego. (619) 329-5864. lumirooftop.com

Paradisaea, Bird Rock: Menu items on this three-course prix fixe menu include roasted heirloom chicken and a chocolate tart. Women dining in will be given a fresh Hawaiian lei upon arrival. The price will be $130 per person. 5680 La Jolla Blvd., San Diego. (858) 255-8011. paradisaea.com

Puesto, multiple locations: Puesto is doing something different for Valentine’s Day, turning its classic tortillas red with vegetable juice to mark the holiday. Taco options include short rib quesabirria, Baja fish and pozole. Enjoy the meal with a Serrano margarita or pink lemon drop co*cktail, plus handmade dessert options such as strawberries with cream. eatpuesto.com

20 romantic dinners to enjoy on Valentine's Day in San Diego (6)

Puesto changed the color of its tortillas to match the Valentine’s Day love aesthetic.

(Courtesy of Mandie Geller)

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RustiCucina, Hillcrest: Guests can enjoy a prix fixe menu and Valentine’s Day specials, such as lobster lasagna and a customizable pasta menu with a tableside Carbonara cheese wheel. The prix fixe menu starts at $59 per person. 3797 Park Blvd., San Diego. (619) 310-5291. rusticucina.com

Temaki Bar, Encinitas: There will be an eight-piece nigiri platter for Valentine’s Day dinner, plus options like salmon with honey mustard miso and a surf and turf set featuring beef tataki, king crab, truffle butter and chives. The meal is $60 and available on Feb. 14. 575 South Coast Highway 101, Encinitas. (760) 704-8888. temakibarsushi.com

The Presley, Liberty Station: The menu here includes calamari and shish*tos, liberty greens salad, shrimp scampi pasta and horseradish-crusted salmon. End the evening with dessert options of chocolate budino or bread pudding. 2855 Perry Road, San Diego. (619) 877-1800. thepresleysd.com

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The interior of Urbana Mexican Gastronomy and Mixology in Del Mar.

(Courtesy of Black X Marketing)

URBANA Mexican Gastronomy and Mixology, Del Mar: For $50 per person, Valentine’s Day diners can enjoy a three-course prix fixe meal, with dishes that include shrimp ceviche and butter fish ‘a la diabla. For dessert, decide between flan or a bread pudding made with crispy bacon. Add a bottle of champagne to the meal for $40. Skydeck,12841 El Camino Real, Del Mar. (858) 925-7236. urbanadelmar.com

Vessel Restaurant , Point Loma: There will be several Valentine’s Day dining options at Vessel Restaurant + Bar, including the “shareable sweetheart” menu focused on dishes that couples can share for $130 per couple. A prix fixe menu will include options like roasted beet salad and a seafood trio ravioli, priced at $150 per couple. The restaurant will also have an a la carte menu. 1551 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego. (619) 819-8195. resortkonakai.com/shelter-island-restaurant

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maura.fox@sduniontribune.com

20 romantic dinners to enjoy on Valentine's Day in San Diego (2024)

FAQs

20 romantic dinners to enjoy on Valentine's Day in San Diego? ›

1. Steak with peppercorn sauce. Every Valentine's Day, steak is the overwhelming favourite of Good Food users. Thousands of you want to know how to cook the perfect steak (top tip: the secret is quick cooking and constant attention).

Where to go for Valentine's Day in San Diego? ›

10+ Romantic Things to Do in San Diego
  • Wander Balboa Park. ...
  • Stroll the Japanese Friendship Garden. ...
  • Explore the Art World. ...
  • Reflect on Your History. ...
  • Adventure Through La Jolla. ...
  • Hop Aboard a Romantic Cruise. ...
  • Indulge in a Romantic Dinner. ...
  • Take in a Show.

What is the most popular meal for Valentines Day? ›

1. Steak with peppercorn sauce. Every Valentine's Day, steak is the overwhelming favourite of Good Food users. Thousands of you want to know how to cook the perfect steak (top tip: the secret is quick cooking and constant attention).

What is the most expensive Valentine's Day dinner? ›

Pitched at the world's growing class of ultra-rich 1 percenters is the most expensive Valentine's dinner ever: a $99,300 meal that will be prepared by a Michelin-starred chef at your home.

Where is the most romantic place for Valentines? ›

Some popular romantic destinations for couples include Paris, the city of love; Venice, with its picturesque canals; and Santorini, with its stunning sunset views. Other options could include a cozy cabin in the mountains, a private beach resort, or a cultural city with plenty of dining and entertainment options.

Where is the best place to spend Valentines day? ›

What city is the most popular Valentine's Day destination? Orlando took the top spot in the U.S. this year, according to Allianz Partners' analysis, followed by fellow Florida cities Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Phoenix and Las Vegas rounded out the top five.

What time is best for dinner Valentines Day? ›

The busiest dinner hours fall between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. You can beat the crowds if you head to the restaurant early—plus your waiter will be fresher! Or, head out late, for a full dinner or maybe just a dessert.

What does a romantic dinner consist of? ›

Whip up a prime cut of flank steak that's even juicer than its steakhouse counterpart, or try your hand at a tender stuffed chicken recipe that's pretty as a picture. Celebrate the romantic dinner with a creamy and decadent chicken risotto, or indulge in rich fettuccine covered in Cajun sauce.

How do you plan a romantic dinner night? ›

Create a playlist to set the mood, think of creative ways to decorate the dessert, make a list of décor ahead of time (like fresh flowers or a new tablecloth), set up your cooking station, and take out any serving dishes, cooking utensils, and cutting boards you may need.

Who pays for Valentine's Day dinner? ›

“My rule of thumb, and the most widely acknowledged rule for who pays the bill, is the person who asked for the date, pays for it,” Sanders Lazarus emphasised. “From my experience, and talking to relationship gurus, this rule is the fairest and most reasonable way to split the bill.

What is the average cost of a dozen roses on Valentines Day? ›

FinanceBuzz says it found the above prices based on “the price for a standard order of one dozen long-stem roses from at least three individual florists or flower shops in each state.” From there, costs were averaged. Nationally, the average cost for a dozen roses is $88.61.

Where should I take my boyfriend for Valentines day? ›

Book tickets for a night out.

Peruse local events calendar to see what plays, concerts, or other events are going on and buy tickets in advance. You could even just go see a movie in theatres together. Whatever you choose, be sure to dress up and take a picture together at some point in the night.

What is the most popular Valentine's day activities? ›

Best Valentine's Day Date Ideas for Her
  • Take a Romantic Dance Class. ...
  • Revisit a Sentimental Spot. ...
  • Write a Love Letter. ...
  • Make a Delicious Dinner. ...
  • Go to the Ballet or Opera. ...
  • Attend a Local Festival. ...
  • Provide a Day of Pampering. ...
  • Give Her a Handmade Gift.
Mar 21, 2024

How do couples spend Valentine's day? ›

Spend Quality Time With Loved One

Make time for what's important and spend quality time with your loved ones. The easiest way to spend quality time with loved ones is to involve them in your day. Go out to a nice restaurant or create a special dinner. Cuddle with your significant other on a couch and watch a movie.

How do I celebrate Valentine's day with my girlfriend? ›

Here are some creative new ideas to plan a romantic Valentine's Day for your girlfriend and pamper her with the dose of extra love.
  1. Start Early With Breakfast in Bed. ...
  2. Spend the Day with Her. ...
  3. Watch a Romantic Movie. ...
  4. Recreate Your First Date. ...
  5. A Scavenger Hunt. ...
  6. Take Her for a Fancy Candlelight Dinner. ...
  7. Surprise with a Gift.

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