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

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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

What is the most popular Valentine's Day meal? ›

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 traditional Valentines Day dinner? ›

A good-quality steak with a potato side is a timeless choice, but couples craving a lighter romantic meal may go for fish like sea bass or salmon. And naturally, there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan picks for Valentine's Day. Italian dishes, like pasta, are also a classic Valentine's Day choice.

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

The dinner featuring foie gras, risotto, and carbineros prawns with saffron, among other dishes, tops out at £61,000 (close to $100,000). Luxury website VeryFirstTo.com collaborated with Michelin-starred chef Adam Simmonds on the extravagant 8-course feast to be prepared in the comforts of the diner's home.

How to have a romantic Valentine's Day? ›

Fun Valentine's Day Activities for Adults
  1. Date Night Cooking Classes. A fun and romantic way to celebrate Valentine's Day together is with cooking classes near you. ...
  2. Attend a Paint and Sip Event. ...
  3. Enjoy a Luxurious Couples Massage. ...
  4. Go Ice Skating. ...
  5. Get Coffee Together. ...
  6. Plan a Staycation. ...
  7. Dinner and a Movie. ...
  8. Enjoy a Fondue Dinner.
Apr 22, 2024

What is the best meal of the day? ›

Breakfast is often called 'the most important meal of the day', and for good reason. As the name suggests, breakfast breaks the overnight fasting period. It replenishes your supply of glucose to boost your energy levels and alertness, while also providing other essential nutrients required for good health.

What is the most loved meal in the world? ›

Here is the top 10:
  • Pizza.
  • Burger.
  • Ramen.
  • Paella.
  • Pierogi.
  • Moussaka.
  • Boeuf Bourgignon.
  • Eisbein.
May 24, 2023

How to make a romantic dinner? ›

When planning a romantic dinner you should consider several factors: lighting, music, decor, and of course, the food and drinks. Candles and soft music are a great way to set the mood for romance. Select unscented candles or neutral-scented candles that won't interfere with the flavors of the food you intend to serve.

What does a romantic dinner consist of? ›

Whether you're serving a roasted rack of lamb or silky, rich pasta, a romantic dinner for two can make an ordinary evening a little more special. Go big with pan-roasted lobster or steak frites, or try your hand at homemade pizza.

What should I eat on Valentines Day alone? ›

6 Romantic Dishes to Make for Your Single Self on Valentine's Day
  • Cast-Iron New York Strip with Crispy Potatoes and Chimichurri.
  • Steak with Rosé Butter Sauce.
  • Cacio e Pepe.
  • Pork Chops with Sautéed Apples and Brussels Sprouts.
  • Chickpea and Kale Curry.
  • Pan Seared Scallops with Mustard-Caper Sauce.
Feb 13, 2018

What is the most eaten candy on Valentine's Day? ›

Everybody Wants Chocolate

According to CandyStore.com, 37 out of 50 states in the U.S. prefer some kind of chocolate to any other sort of Valentine candy. Chocolate is the most popular candy for Valentine's Day for a reason.

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 time is best for dinner Valentines Day? ›

Consider Eating Early or Late

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!

How to spice up Valentine's Day? ›

Taking a bubble bath together is the perfect way to relax and connect on valentine's day. Add some aromatherapy candles, bath salts, and a glass of champagne, and you'll have an extra special evening. Don't forget to set the mood with the perfect music you'll both love too.

How can I make Valentine's Day special? ›

Here are 14 ideas to help make this Valentine's Day extra special!
  1. Make a Valentine's Day Charcuterie Board. ...
  2. Send Valentines. ...
  3. Decorate in Hearts. ...
  4. Create a Valentine's Day Scavenger Hunt. ...
  5. Have a Valentine's Day Photo Shoot. ...
  6. Surprise Your Kids with Love Notes. ...
  7. Put Up a Valentine's Day Tree. ...
  8. Break a Heart-Shaped Piñata.

What is sold the most on Valentines Day? ›

Candy: As the saying goes, “Candy for the win!” It comes as no surprise that candy tops the list, with 57% of people purchasing sweets for their loved ones on Valentine's Day. Chocolates, in particular, are a timeless classic and a symbol of romance.

What is the most popular arrangement sold on Valentine's Day? ›

The most popular flower to give on Valentine's Day is the red rose. Red roses have long been a symbol of romantic love. However, if red roses aren't to their taste, you could always gift other popular Valentine's Day flowers, such as lilies, tulips or carnations.

What is the number one gift given on Valentine's Day? ›

1. Valentine's Day cards. Although cards are usually given in combination with other gifts like flowers or chocolates, more than 52% of consumers will present their loved ones with a Valentine's Day card. You can score some extra points by personalizing your card with a photo or heartfelt poem.

Which of the popular Valentine's Day items is bought most often? ›

Valentine Cards

60% of Americans planned to buy greetings and gift cards (NRF report 2023). Therefore, they are the top-selling items for Valentine's Day, especially if they are unique or personalized.

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