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25+ Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in San Diego

When it comes to the most romantic day of the year, options abound in America’s Finest City

Published
Image Credits Animae, Herb & Wood: Dustin Bailey; Beach Terrace Inn: Tanveer Badal Photography; Garibaldi, Herb & Sea: Kimberly Motos; The Presley: Courtesy of Good Time Design; Herb & Wood: Dustin Bailey; Puesto Food: Mandie Geller, Puesto Drink: Jim Sullivan; CUCINA enoteca: Auda Coudayre, CUCINA urbana: Singler Photography; Valentina Oysters: Sophia Kicko; Valentina Champagne: Heather Cleaves Ranch 45: Chris Costa; Pendry: Photo by James Tran

Whether you’re looking for casual or decadent, Downtown, North County, or in-between, our comprehensive list is sure to have just what you’re looking for to mark February 14 with flair!

Downtown/ Marina

Downtown, Roy’s at Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina will host a prix fixe Valentine’s menu on the 14th featuring filet mignon, lobster tail, Maryland-style jumbo crab cakes, and prime New York strip steak. Dinner prices start at $129 per adult and $19 for children. Reserve online or by phone.  333 West Harbor Drive, San Diego. 619.239.7697

Or, take in bay, city, and Coronado views from the water as the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina debuts a new partnership with Picnic Voyage, fittingly, on February 14. Soak in a magical evening with an excursion on the bay in a beautifully decorated boat as you enjoy bites from the Marriott’s Marina Kitchen. Of course, there’s always the option to extend the day into tomorrow with an overnight stay in one of the Marriott Marquis San Diego Bay Marina’s newly redesigned rooms. 333 West Harbor Drive, San Diego. 619.234.1500

Located within Pendry San Diego in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, Provisional Kitchen, Cafe & Mercantile will feature a four-course, prix fixe menu (paired with crisp champagne for an additional charge) and live music from guitarist John Dean. Begin with a Clam Aguachile complemented with a French sparkling rosé, then savor Cupid’s Artichoke Stuffed Pasta with Taittinger La Française Brut Champagne, followed by a Maine lobster tail and Veuve Clicquot Brut, with the option to add three ounces of Japanese A5 Wagyu paired with Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon for the third course. Strawberries & Cream offers a sweet conclusion paired with a Strawberry French 75 cocktail. The menu is offered from 6-9pm and can be booked on OpenTable425 Fifth Avenue, San Diego. 619.738.7300

Garibaldi at The InterContinental San Diego Hotel invites you to celebrate with your Valentine under the stars with a special prix fixe menu priced offered from 5-9pm, complete with live music from guitarist Robert Chini. An amuse bouche of Uovo Capo Carbonara, with soft-cooked egg yolk, toro pancetta, black pepper, caciocavallo cream, and Sturgeon caviar, gets the evening started, then move 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, and verbena aioli. Mains include Sea Bass Alla Cartocchio, Pan Roasted Quail, or Braised Lamb. Complete the evening 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. Reservations can be made via Resy901 Bayfront Court, Suite 1, San Diego. 619.436.1081

Spend the day strolling in beautiful Balboa Park and cap it off with a three-course prix fixe dinner at Artifact at Mingei, one of Ranch & Coast’s 2022 Editor’s Picks for Best Restaurant. The special Valentine’s Day menu is available (in addition to its regular offerings) from February 9-12 as well as February 14. 1439 El Prado, San Diego. 619.704.7523

Invite your valentine to celebrate amidst the charm of Liberty Station at The Presley, either on the weekend before Valentine’s Day (February 10-12) or for Valentine’s Day dinner. A prix fixe menu features a variety of dishes that include one glass of champagne or house wine. Start with greens options like the Liberty Greens Salad or Arugula & Brussels before your choice of entree, with options including the Grilled Pork Prime Rib, Skirt Steak, or Horseradish Crusted Salmon. Dessert is the one and only, famous Presley Made Ice Cream Sandwich. Make reservations via OpenTable2855 Perry Road, Building #8, San Diego. 619.877.1800

Chef Brian Malarkey’s buzzy, art-deco-inspired Wagyu steakhouse, Animae, is offering four delicious courses so indulgent that even the starter course kicks off with the option to take things to the next level by adding Caviar Service (for an extra charge) before moving on to a second course. Then, indulge in mains like the Filet or Soy Braised Short Rib and Mushroom Ragu, with the option to add an A5 Striploin for $125, or Maine Lobster with Mapo Tofu for $75. No meal is complete without dessert, so save room for the Mostra Mousse Bar or Matcha Mochi Cake for dessert. Wine pairings are also available for an additional charge. Reserve through OpenTable. 969 Pacific Highway, San Diego. 619.432.1225

Another Malarkey outpost, Herb & Wood, will offer its own four-course meal with the option to add a wine pairing. Begin with Herb & Wood’s classic Parker House Rolls before choosing from first and second course offerings such as 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 with the famous Chocolate Lava Cake with chocolate sauce, hazelnut crème anglaise and praline ice cream, or Raspberry Tart with lemon curd, berries and meringue. Reservations must be made in advance on OpenTable. 2210 Kettner Boulevard, San Diego. 619.955.8495


On the Coast

Set alongside Mission Bay, the indoor/outdoor Covewood at the completely transformed San Diego Mission Bay Resort invites couples to enjoy a romantic dinner by the water this Valentine’s Day with a three-course dinner with both wine and champagne pairings available. Menu highlights include a strawberry panzanella salad, lobster bisque, or fresh kiss oysters to start; main options of a prime ribeye cap, halibut and gnocchi, or a black truffle campanelle; and a sweet treat to round out the evening. Tickets can be booked online via OpenTable. 1775 E. Mission Bay Drive, San Diego. 619.275.7922

Soak in the ocean views from a table at La Jolla landmark George’s at the Cove, a perennial Prospect Street favorite. A Valentine’s Day special prix fixe menu features an amuse course followed by a first course, which includes choice of halibut ceviche, roasted beet salad, or beef carpaccio, a second course of Baja striped bass, mushroom ragu lasagna, lamb loin, or New York Steak, and of course, dessert. The menu also includes a complimentary glass of sparkling wine as well as a complimentary truffle box for each couple, with wine pairings available at an additional cost. Reservations can be made online. 1250 Prospect Street, La Jolla. 858.454.4244

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa gets a jump on Valentine’s Day with the starlit Sweethearts & Symphony Prix Fixe Dinner on Saturday, February 11 (starting at $125/person). The dinner will include live music from a string quartet, bottomless bubbly, and a four-course menu that includes an innovative lobster cappuccino, beet or beef carpaccio, a monkfish or cauliflower entree, and a red velvet carajillo. Then, on Valentine’s Day night, Greenfinch Restaurant & Bar will host another intimate four-course dinner, inclusive of champagne toast and menu highlights like Baja Kumiai Oysters, Potato & Lobster Chowder, a choice of a filet or cauliflower steak, and dessert. 9700 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla. 858.964.6537

Whether you want to call it Valentine’s Day or Taco Tuesday, keep things casual with dinner at your favorite Puesto location, where they’ll be serving up all your favorite dishes with a twist: red tortillas, in the signature color of the day. Pair your red tacos with one of Puesto’s newly unveiled cocktails, like the Guava Marg with Siete Leguas blanco tequila, Ranch Water with El Tesoro blanco tequila, water or the Espresso Martini crafted with Grey Goose vodka. 

Lovebirds wanting to celebrate the day without the crowds might opt for a daytime meal rather than dinner with brunch at The Cottage, where both La Jolla and Encinitas locations will be offering sweetness in the form of peaches and cream pancakes with honey lemon curd and fresh berries. 7702 Fay Ave, La Jolla; 127 N. El Camino Real, Suite H, Encinitas

A few reservations still remain at Adelaide at L’Auberge Del Mar, where Executive Chef Nick Green’s talented team will be serving a Valentine’s Day ticketed dinner, with wine pairings offered for an additional charge. Or, enjoy a romantic pre-Valentine’s Day brunch on Sunday, February 12 with specials like a coconut milk chia seed pudding, ricotta toast with pear, fig, and wildflower honey, and a tasty smoked salmon potato pancake. Reservations can be made online through OpenTable. 1540 Camino del Mar, Del Mar. 858.793.6467

Beat the rush and celebrate before Tuesday, February 14, when the folks at Cucina Enoteca in Del Mar will be offering à la carte truffle menus the weekend of February 10-12. Or, head to its sister property Cucina Urbana in Bankers Hill on the 14th for a prix fixe three-course menu (additional wine pairing is available) if you want to stick to Valentine’s Day itself.  If your plans are to host your own celebration, Morena Provisions has curated a varied and delicious menu of pre-order options to be picked up on Valentine’s Day from starters and salads to mains and sweets. 

CUCINA urbana

Ranch 45, Solana Beach’s go-to for fresh, locally-sourced and sustainable meats and provisions, has your back with the Date Night at Home box which includes a salad starter, choice of proteins served with sides, and a dessert duo, with optional upgrades like Shrimp Cocktail, Crab Cakes, or a wine pairing (which includes three glasses of wine per person) for. Orders must be placed by Thursday, February 9 and will be available for pick-up on February 14. Or, let Ranch 45 do the cooking and make reservations to dine-in for a three-course meal with the highest quality, locally and regionally sourced ingredients. (Think: A Bone in Brandt Beef Ribeye for Two or Brandt Beef Filet mignon accompanied by fresh Chino Farms vegetables, or Pan Roasted Trout with Beluga Lentils and Tahini Vinaigrette). 512 Via de la Valle, Suite 102, Solana Beach. 858.461.0092

Chef Brian Malarkey fans looking for a seafood-forward menu should check out Encinitas’ Herb & Sea, offering another take on a romantic four course dinner. Start with Raw Oysters or Snapper Crudo (with the option of a Caviar add-on for an additional charge), 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 options including Cioppino, Seared Halibut, or Mushroom Risotto, and finish with Lava Cake with chocolate sauce, hazelnut crème anglaise and praline ice cream, or the Raspberry Mousse Bar with blondie, raspberry jam and chocolate decor. 131 D Street, Encinitas. 760.704.8300

Herb & Sea

Beloved Leucadia Bistro Valentina is offering a three-course dinner from Chef Jonathan Freyberg featuring a selection of favorites such as market-available Half Dozen Oysters and Sea Bass with Potato Pave and Picada Sauce, plus by specials like the Pepper Crusted Carpaccio and Lamb Chop with Sunchoke Purée and Chimichurri. Valentina’s sommelier team is happy to oblige with recommendations from the restaurant’s expansive wine and bubbles program featuring 120 bottles from producers ranging from the mountains of Napa Valley to the rolling hills of the Rhône. Reservations are required and can be booked via OpenTable810 N. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas. 760.943.6686

In Carlsbad’s Beacon at La Costa, home cooks can step into The Wise Ox, Trust Restaurant Group’s chef-led butcher shop (a second location is also found in North Park). There you’ll find select wines and a specialty ribeye, aged for 30 days and infused with red wine just for this special date to take home and cook to your exact taste in your own kitchen. 7750 El Camino Real, Carlsbad. 760.477.0377

Park Hyatt Aviara Resort’s Ember & Rye (tapped by Ranch & Coast editors for Best New Restaurant in 2021) is offering a prix fixe Valentine’s Day “Sweethearts Menu” with a little something extra: acclaimed celebrity chef Richard Blais will make a special appearance between 4-6pm (reservations are offered from 4-9pm). 7447 Batiquitos Drive, Carlsbad. 760.603.6908

Also on property, the resort’s Ponto Lago, serving Baja California cuisine, is also offering a prix fixe Valentine’s Day Menu. Those who don’t want wait until the 14th can celebrate early and enjoy the special menu at a reduced price between February 10-12. 7100 Aviara Resort Drive, Carlsbad. 760.603.3773

Casa de Bandini devotees won’t be disappointed with the restaurant’s Valentine’s Day menu, a delicious three-course dinner for two. Dishes include a Concha de Guacamole appetizer and choice of entrées (Carnitas a la Michoacan, Pollo de Pina, Especial de la Casa carne asada, or Fiesta Fajitas with all the accompaniments), and your choice of one dessert. 1901 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad. 760.634.3443


Destinations

Get away without having to go too far with a stay at Carlsbad’s recently renovated Beach Terrace. The property’s “Celebrate Us” package, only available during the month of February, includes accommodations in an Ocean Front King with a private balcony and panoramic ocean views plus breakfast in bed for two on the morning of your choice and a specialty “Be Mine” amenity featuring a playful welcome beverage, gourmet gift box from local chocolatier Chuao, and a thoughtfully curated keepsake. 2775 Ocean Street, Carlsbad. 760.729.5951

Also nearby, indulgence awaits at Park Hyatt Aviara, with special experiences and a staycation to remember. Melt away stress at Hideaway Spa Aviara with a Couples Cabana Massage with Wine and Pastries or Classic Couples Massage (Indoor) with poolside Wine and Pastries, each available in 50- or 80-minute options. Take home a plush Aviara Bathrobe with custom Valentine’s embroidery to remember the day for an additional charge, available through February 14. When you just don’t want the day to end, opt to stay for a night (or longer) at the beautifully remodeled, AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star luxury resort. 7100 Aviara Resort Drive, Carlsbad. 760.448.1234

Park Hyatt Aviara Resort & Spa

Book a luxury staycation at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, a secluded garden retreat on the bluffs just minutes from the quaint village of La Jolla. Enjoy a luxurious overnight stay with the resort’s Romance in the Garden rooms package, bookable for dates February 10-13. This package includes two tickets to Estancia’s Sweethearts & Symphony Prix Fixe Dinner, a champagne/sweets welcome amenity, and complimentary parking. 9700 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla. 858.412.0100

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

“The Heartstopper” special package at TOWER23 might be just what the romantic in you is looking for, with decadent chocolate truffles upon arrival, plus a dozen roses and a bottle of Val de Mer, Brut, France, and two welcome cocktails, available for the entire month of February. However, it doesn’t have to be all about lovers, so celebrate your friends with TOWER23’s “To Friends, with Love” offer, also available anytime throughout February. The package includes a heart-shaped box of chocolates and a bottle of Tablas Creek rosé, plus two welcome cocktails at check-in. Voted one of the top 25 hotels on the water in the U.S., this Pacific Beach beachfront property offers complimentary beach cruisers to enjoy the miles of boardwalk along the beach, shopping, and local bars and restaurants. 723 Felspar Street, San Diego. 858.270.2323

SpaTerre by Kona Kai Resort & Spa is helping you celebrate with your Valentine all month long with twopackages bookable from February 1-28. The “Be Minecouples package includes overnight accommodations in a romantic couple’s suite, a 50- or 80-minute Couples Massage, two glasses of prosecco, chocolate truffles, and an Eminence sample gift pack for two. Or, relax solo for the day with the “Hugs & Kissespackage, which includes a 50- or 80-minute Noble Massage or 50-minute Signature Facial, a glass of prosecco, chocolate truffles, and an Eminence sample gift pack. 1551 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego. 619.452.3138


Indulge for the Day

If a picnic is the way to your heart, book a Picnic at the Park at Park Hyatt Aviara. Reserved through Park Hyatt’s concierge, the resort will supply delicious food, drinks, and a picturesque site to enjoy your Aviara Basket ($145) or Park Basket ($220) lovingly packed with lunch for two, complete with serveware and a blanket. 7100 Aviara Resort Drive, Carlsbad. 760.603.3715

Park Hyatt Aviara Resort & Spa

If it’s Galentine’s Day you’re celebrating, plan a day of pampering at Spa Pendry in the Gaslamp for an extravagant retreat to unwind. Enjoy a 60-minute body scrub, 60-minute hydrating facial, complimentary bubbles, and a take home spa gift — all for you and each of your best gal pals. Appointments are based on availability, from February 1-10. 550 J Street, San Diego. 619.738.7000

Pendry

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