Valentine’s Day Guide

Valentine’s Day Guide

Posted on Feb. 1, 2020

From romantic dinners and adventurous activities to “galentine’s” celebrations and venues that will even let you bring your furry best friend along, our guide presents something for every beating heart.

Estancia La Jolla has partnered with One Love Movement and Mint Studio in an effort to challenge guests and the community to rethink the “month of love” to include self-love, love for others, love for the present moment, and love for the journey. On February 3, from 3-5pm, the resort will present an inspiring afternoon that will include One Love Movement founder Kim Bauman and business manager Priscilla Luckhurst, who will host a speaking session on their San Diego-based nonprofit that advocates for children who don’t have a voice to share themselves. At the event, complimentary appetizers and drinks from Mustangs & Burros will be served. Additionally, the first heart will be painted on an interactive love-inspired mural that will be displayed just outside the restaurant. The mural will remain available for all to leave their mark throughout the month of February. A “Self-Love Is The Best Love” overnight package will be offered through the end of the month, where guests will have the chance to enjoy a getaway to Estancia’s ten lush acres, dine under the stars at Mustangs & Burros, and experience the best of the award-winning Spa at Estancia with a $50 spa credit. For every “Self-Love Is The Best Love” package booked, Estancia La Jolla will donate $20 to the One Love Organization. meritagecollection.com/estancia-la-jolla

The San Diego Museum of Art presents its pre-Valentine’s Day edition of Culture & Cocktails, themed “Flight of Love” after the exhibition Bouguereau & America. The popular after-hours event returns on Thursday, February 13, from 6-10pm. Celebrate love by touring the museum’s galleries with a special stop to view paintings of Cupid, his arrows, and his escapades portrayed in the exhibition. Create new memories with your loved ones as you make your own paper corsages and boutonnieres, then strike your best Cupid pose in the rose petal photobooth. Enjoy the evening’s signature drink, “Dream of Spring,” made with Suerte Tequila and nibble on waffle dessert bites by Molten Waffles, Crepes & More. DJ Gabe Vega will be spinning a sundown set, so grab a date or a friend to dance the night away. Tickets are $10 for members; $25 for nonmembers. This is a 21+ event. sdmart.org/event/culture-cocktails-flight-of-love

Join fellow art lovers on a special Valentine’s Day excursion February 13-15, presented by the Timken Museum. Megan Pogue, Executive Director, and Derrick R. Cartwright, Director of Curatorial Affairs, present a special three-day/two-night adventure for individuals and couples, exploring the rich landscape of museums, galleries, private artist studios, and Los Angeles’ new dimension to its thriving cultural scene — Frieze LA 2020 at the historic Paramount Pictures Studios in Hollywood. Frieze LA offers the most focused and intimate of the Frieze Art Fairs, bringing together around 70 of the most significant contemporary galleries from across the city and around the world. A custom itinerary features curated tours of the exciting world of contemporary art in the city of angels and advance viewing to Frieze LA. Also included is a group Valentine’s Day dinner at the NoMad Restaurant, the latest creation of world-famous Chef Daniel Humm, the man behind the Michelin 3-star Eleven Madison Park in New York, tapped by Conde Nast as one of the top three restaurants in the world. More than a vacation, travel with the Timken combines curatorial expertise, behind-the-scenes access at museums, world-class cuisine, and interesting companionship.  We invite you to discover the vibrant contemporary arts scene of Los Angeles. 619.550.5955, ariley@timkenmuseum.org

Whisk that special someone away for the perfect romantic getaway at Fairmont Grand Del Mar.  The luxury Forbes triple five-star resort is magnificently surrounded by 400 acres of pristine coastal canyon and is tucked away from the crowds, making it the perfect destination for couples looking to get away. Take your relationship to new heights with the “Love Takes Flight” package. In partnership with IEX helicopters, guests can fly between Los Angeles, Orange County, or Palm Springs to Fairmont Grand Del Mar — arriving in grand fashion. With the “Spa-ctacular Getaway” package, love birds can spend the day at the adults-only relaxation pool or enjoy a Couples Classic spa package at the resort’s Center for Wellbeing, which includes a mineral-rich bath, 60-min massage, and moisture-intensive wrap with a blissful head and foot massage for two. And with the resort’s “Five Star Dining” package, couples can spend Valentine’s Day at San Diego’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, Addison, where Chef William Bradley will take them on a culinary journey with a sublime nine-course tasting menu ($275 per person). fairmont.com/private-helicopter-charter, fairmont.com/san-diego, addisondelmar.com

This Valentine’s Day, enjoy the night at one of San Diego’s top-rated, award-winning restaurants, Mille Fleurs, located in Rancho Santa Fe. A special prix fixe menu will be offered featuring four courses highlighting the seasonal winter harvest for $145 per person. In the mood for some piano tunes? Then a table by their newly renovated bar is the experience for you with live piano tunes by longtime piano man Randy Beecher starting at 7pm. And don’t forget to order Pastry Chef Sam Bird’s house-made and han-dipped chocolates featuring seasonal flavors to enjoy at the restaurant or at home. 858.756.3085, millefleurs.com

You’ll fall in love with your date and the San Diego skyline when you dine at the iconic Mister A’s. This timeless dining destination offers a modern blend of casual elegance and sophisticated dishes, making it the ideal setting for a one-on-one dinner. A special seasonal four-course prix fixe menu will be available at $145 per person, highlighting the best in Californian winter produce. Pair the seasonal flavors with a glass or bottle from their extensive wine list and take in the panoramic views of the city and sparkling San Diego Bay. 619.239.1377, asrestaurant.com

The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe is hosting a Valentine’s Day weekend full of prix fixe wine dinners, poetry, pampering, and pooches. On February 14, from 6-9pm, Executive Chef Chris Haas will prepare a three-course prix fixe menu which can be enjoyed alongside live music and personalized poetry penned by Typewriter Troubadour Jeremy Brownlowe. Morada will also offer a Prix Fixe menu, available February 14-16, from 5-10pm, at $75 per person or $120 per person with wine pairings. The Spa at The Inn is toasting to love and friendship with treatments, pairing massages, and treats to enjoy with one’s significant other or best friend including the ODE to Gal-entines Day, the Sweetheart’s Retreat, and a Chocolate Strawberry Facial. Lastly, on February 16, from 10am-1pm, you can find true love during The Inn’s Pooch Smooch & Adoption Event, hosted in collaboration with SPOT (Saving Pets One at a Time). During Sunday brunch, guests can cozy up to these darling dogs at the Pooch Smooch kissing booth and take advantage of SPOT’s matchmaking to be paired with the perfect single canine cutie. bit.ly/TheInnValentine2020

In partnership with Jessica Encell Coleman, the founder/creator of The Magic of Human Connection, Café Gratitude will offer a special Valentine’s Day dinner February 13-16 themed “Cuisine + Connection.” In an effort to foster human connection, the event pairs each course with an interactive heart-centered activity designed to encourage gratitude and to honor the abundance within a relationship. Menu offerings include the “I Am Appreciated” course, featuring “Faux Gras” with French lentil and cognac terrine with crostini, accompanied by an interactive portion asking participants to complete the sentence, “Thank you for ________” ten times. The remaining three courses have also been curated to inspire love and connection. cafegratitude.com

Turn up your skin’s radiance the natural way for Valentine’s day with Four Moons Spa’s Sweet Cheeks facial by Eminence Organics. Experience the delicacy of this uniquely customized firming and hydrating facial, while calming sensitive skin types. This facial consists of a cleanse with a layer masque using the strawberry rhubarb and chocolate masque by Eminence Organics. Repair, replenish, and renew your skin’s elastin, stimulate muscle, calm redness, eliminate fine lines, oxygenate skin, stimulate blood circulation, and accentuate the true beauty of your complexion. Enjoy a 60- or 90-minute customized, pampering experience featuring a facial with detox peel and a neck and shoulder massage (plus an added foot treatment with 90-minute treatment. fourmoonsspa.com

The Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, a tropical hideaway in San Diego’s Pacific Beach community, presents a range of Valentine’s celebrations including a specialty cocktail, “American Beauty,” offered throughout the month of February. Inspired by the “American Beauty” rose, it is made with watermelon vodka, mint, simple syrup, lemon juice, and sparkling rosé, and is garnished with small frozen flowers. For a girl’s night out, Catamaran’s Galentine’s Day celebration on February 13 offers half-priced bottles of wine at the resort’s signature restaurant, Oceana Coastal Kitchen, along with delicious California cuisine and live music all night long. And on Valentine’s Day, hearts and stomachs will be full at Oceana Coastal Kitchen’s three-course Valentine’s Day dinner. Couples will be greeted with a complimentary rose and glass of Champagne. As they enjoy the sparkling views of Mission Bay, guests will have the choice of beautifully crafted entrées like an herb crusted rack of lamb or beet caramelle pasta, followed by Grand Marnier crème brûlèe for dessert. catamaranresort.com

Available for dinner on Friday, February 14 and Saturday, February 15, Juniper & Ivy’s special prix fixe menu, developed by Executive Chef Anthony Wells with wine pairings from Beverage Director and Sommelier Nick Gergin, will include four courses with three to four options for each, in addition to optional add-ons for a wine pairing, caviar service, and two special cocktails — “They Love Me” and “They Love Me Not.” juniperandivy.com

Seasons Restaurant at Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara has partnered with local Chuao Chocolatier to present some indulgent options for the holiday weekend. Awaken your inner chocolatier with a hands-on chocolate truffle rolling class set inside Seasons Restaurant’s working kitchen. Pastry expert Wendy Williams will be covering the ins and outs of making indulgent chocolate truffles — baking skills not required! The class will be held on Friday, February 14, at 3pm. Cost is $40 per person. Those looking for a more lavish option will be surprised and delighted by Chef de Cuisine James Waters’ sumptuous Valentine’s menu featuring chocolate joyfully crafted by local Chuao Chocolatier. The four-course menu boasts a house-made chocolate infused tagliatelle with smoked bacon and a creamy-buttery sauce, and a chili-marinated brick chicken that is well balanced with a delectable chocolate mole sauce. For dessert guests will delight in s’mores with luscious chocolate and a house-made vanilla marshmallow. This creative menu will be available February 14-16. 760.814.8677

La Valencia’s The Med will offer an exclusive Valentine’s Day five-course pairing dinner, inspired by premium Remy Martin XO cognac. Executive Chef Timothy Ralphs has created a special menu that incorporates Remy Martin XO cognac into each dish, including Lobster plated with parsnip, radish, caviar, peas, and XO, and the Muscovy Duck rangoon with pistachio, salsify, and cognac clementine glaze. Thoughtfully curated wine pairings will be served with each course, too. Reservations can be made on OpenTable. Throughout the entire month, The Med is offering a special Valentine’s cocktail menu, including the “Remy XO Old Fashioned,” “Chocolate Raspberry Martini, and the “Love Potion” with gin, Lillet, Pamplemousse, and lemon juice served over ice.

Whether you’re single, falling in love for the first time, or falling in love again, spend Valentine’s night at Copley Symphony Hall celebrating Broadway’s greatest love songs sung by Broadway’s shining stars. Get a thrill out of hits like “Don’t Let Me Be Alone Tonight,” “Love is Here to Stay,” “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight,” “Love and Marriage,” “The Look of Love,” and many more! Featured artists include Rob Fisher (music director and piano), Norm Lewis (vocals), Emily Skinner (vocals), Jim Hershman (guitar), Richard Sarpola (double bass), Steve Kenyon (various woodwinds), and John Redsecker (drums). sandiegosymphony.org/performances

February 14-16, San Diego Ballet inspires romance at the Lyceum Theatre with Dances of Love and Laughter. On the bill is the San Diego premiere of “Voices of Spring” with choreography by the Royal Ballet’s Frederick Ashton, as well as an assortment of the company’s favorite romantic and charming pieces with music by Nat King Cole, Roberta Flack, Rachmaninoff, and more. The performance will also include Artistic Director Javier Velasco’s take on A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Purchase tickets by clicking here.

Coronado’s Primavera Ristorante will set the mood for amore on Valentine’s Day with a romantic prix fixe dinner menu available exclusively on Friday, February 14. The restaurant’s specialty three-course “menu di San Valentino” is priced at $75 per person, with a specialty cocktail, “Love Potion #9,” also available for $14. For starters, guests may choose between baked oysters on the half shell topped with panko crumbs, brunoise roasted peppers and smoked bacon; herb-baked goat cheese with oven-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olive pesto, and grilled artisan bread; insalata and roasted red and gold beets with shaved fennel, arugula, goat cheese and citrus vinaigrette; and more. Entrée options include lobster-stuffed ravioli with sun dried tomatoes and sage brown butter sauce; arborio rice with imported Italian cheeses, wild mushrooms and asparagus; filet mignon with port wine glaze and EVOO whipped potatoes; and more. Dessert selections include a choice between tiramisu, flourless chocolate torte, and more. 619.435.0454, primavera1st.com

Fall in love all over again at Bleu Bohème this Valentine’s Day with a candlelit three-course dinner and specialty cocktail. Created by owner and executive chef, Ken Irvine, Bleu Bohème’s specialty menu will be priced at $75 per person. The “Martini d’Amour,” created for the holiday, is made with Flor de Cana rum, Grand Marnier, Fonseca port #27, and fresh lime juice. For starters, guests may choose between steak tartar, salade de canard, crab croquettes, or Maine lobster crêpe. Entrée options include pan-roasted Faroe Island salmon with crab, New York strip, sea scallops, gnocchi à la Parisienne, or Moulard duck leg confit. Dinner will conclude with a choice between crème brulée, a mascarpone, chevre goat and cream cheese cake; warm gingerbread with strawberry confiture and caramel ice cream; or a flourless chocolate cake with Kirsch Chantilly cream. The restaurant will open early for Valentine’s Day, with the first seating available at 4pm. 619.255.4167, bleuboheme.com

Celebrate Valentine’s Day all weekend long at International Smoke. The Del Mar restaurant has several Valentine’s Day specials to enjoy with your sweetheart. Start the meal in style with the restaurant’s decadent Smoked Caviar for Two appetizer. The dish features premium Sturgeon, egg white, egg yolk, chives, shallots, creme fraiche, and bellini. Next, enjoy the best of both worlds with Surf and Turf for Two, a smoked 24 oz porterhouse steak and lobster tail with grilled asparagus and potatoes. Finally, for dessert, diners can indulge in International Smoke’s delicious Chocolate Cake, an eight-layer cake accompanied by strawberry sorbet and a table-side champagne pour-over. reservations.internationalsmoke.com

Couples can create memories on an experience-based, budget-friendly date with a guided kayak tour with La Jolla-based ocean adventure and apparel company, Everyday California. Daily kayak tours are offered in the La Jolla Ecological Reserve, a Marine Protected Area that boasts one of the highest concentrations of sea life in the entire state. The tour explores La Jolla’s Seven Sea Caves and offers a unique, close-up glimpse of sea lions sunbathing on rocks and the California state fish, the bright orange Garibaldi. Perfectly timed, February is whale watching season in San Diego and kayakers can spot these massive sea creatures swimming beneath them. In addition to kayak tours, Everyday California provides stand up paddle boarding and surf rentals and lessons — another great way to spend the day for the adventurous couple. In honor of Valentine’s Day, the company is offering a “California Living + Loving” package, which includes a BOGO offer on surf lessons so you both can experience the true California dream for the price of one! Afterwards, head down the street to Barbarella restaurant and show your Everyday California receipt to receive two complimentary specialty cocktails. This package is bookable using code “Valentines.” everydaycalifornia.com, barbarellarestaurant.com

Little Italy’s Carté Hotel  is offering 20 percent off its best available rates for Valentine’s Day, along with rose petal evening turndown service, a sunset Champagne toast for two at Above Ash Social, and a fixed dinner for two at Watercolors with menu selections includling Hamachi Tiradito, Porcini Stuffed Chicken, Poached Halibut, Seared Duck Breast, Meyer Lemon Granita, and more. Click here for more info.

Spice things up this Valentine’s Day with a weekend getaway and intimate stay at Temecula Valley’s Ponte Vineyard Inn and adjacent Ponte Winery, plus a visit to Ponte’s sister property, Bottaia Winery, situated along the same stretch of road. Valentine’s Day celebrations at Ponte Winery include private horse-drawn carriage rides for up to four guests through Ponte’s vineyards, a seasonal pairing menu featuring hearty dishes suited to cooler weather, and wines fit for Valentine’s Day such as Ponte 2019 Pas Doux and Ponte 2016 Beverino. Bottaia’s Wine Blending Lab experience ($100 per person) allows guest gets to bottle, cork, capsule, and take home their own blend the same day. pontevineyardinn.com, pontewinery.com, bottaiawinery.com

Between February 10-14, bring your amor to GBOD Hospitality Group’s intimate Cuban restaurant, Havana 1920, located at 548 Fifth Avenue, to celebrate with a three-course meal made for sharing. The festivities will start with a shared cocktail followed by sampling of bocaditos including plantain chips, ham croquettes and picadillo-stuffed potato. For the second course, couples will share a salad, followed by main course selection including: lechón asado, classic Cuban-style marinated roasted pork; and Sergio’s vegetarian paella, a traditional saffron rice dish served with asparagus, mushrooms, bell peppers, sweet plantains and Caribbean avocados.  The specialty Valentine’s Day cocktail, “Mi Preciosa,” is made with Havana Club añejo rum, fresh lime juice, fresh sugarcane syrup, and passion fruit. 619.369.1920, havana1920.com

Mezé Greek Fusion, located at 345 Sixth Avenue, will set the mood for romance with a Greek-inspired four-course prix fixe menu offered February 10-14. The Valentine’s menu will include a bottle of house wine followed by a trio of cold meze to share: cilantro jalapeño hummus, tzatziki and baba ghanoush, made with grilled eggplant, tahini, garlic and lemon juice; served with warm pita bread. For entrée selections, guests will have a variety of choices, including: gyro, slow-roasted and marinated beef and lamb topped with onions, tomatoes and tzatziki, served with pita; or chicken souvlaki, grilled Greek kabob served with basmati rice, sautéed vegetables and tzatziki; among others. The “Opa Your Heart To Me” cocktail is a combination of Dobel Diamante tequila, blood orange, fresh jalapeño, lemon and raspberries, and will be available for the occasion. 619.550.1600, gaslampmeze.com 

Prohibition, the Gaslamp Quarter’s underground speakeasy, will throw a rebellious, anti-love-themed party on Friday, February 14. Guests with negative memories of love may fittingly enjoy “The Bitter End” cocktail, made with Old Forester Bourbon, Licor 43, and orange bitters. Prohibition’s “I’ve Got the Blues” party will begin at 7pm with a live performance by local musicians Fiore and Capt. Morgan Lee. Guests who bring a printed photo of their ex and rip it up in front of a bartender will receive a complimentary shot of whiskey. 619.501.1919, prohibitionsd.com

El Chingon will host a Single’s Day celebration in honor of the day. A specialty cocktail will be available for the party, “Te(quila) Amo,” is made with a combination of Azuñia blanco, house-made watermelon cordial, lime and Tajín. 619.501.1919, elchingon.com

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa and Carter Estate Winery and Resort invite for Valentine’s couples and friends to celebrate each other, sip award-winning wines, enjoy fine dining at South Coast’s The Vineyard Rose Restaurant, be pampered at GrapeSeed Spa, and bask in all the natural beauty of South Coast’s 63-acre vineyard and Carter Estate’s 112 acres. Throughout the month, GrapeSeed Spa will offer its “Decadent Romance Package” for couples, as well its “Galentine’s Package” for four gal pals. South Coast Winery’s Tasting Room will feature a luscious five-selection Wine and Cupcake Pairing. For overnight experiences, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s “Galentine’s Group Therapy Package” is a sensational vacay way for four girl friends to spend beautiful quality time together, and the “Carter Estate Winery and Resort Horseback Riding Package” is a uniquely romantic offering for couples to escape and spend fun and relaxing winery time with each other. southcoastwinery.com, carterestatewinery.com

Olivewood Gardens & Learning Center is offering a special Valentine’s Day cooking class on February 14 from 2-8pm. for San Diego lovebirds. Local couples will have the chance to pick fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden and prepare a meal with a professional chef.  All proceeds from the event will help Olivewood offer hands-on nutrition and environmental education programming to National City kids and families. olivewoodgardens.org

Theatre Box, the Gaslamp Quarter’s luxury theater, dining, and entertainment complex, is getting in the spirit of love with romantic Valentine’s Day offerings available at Sugar Factory American Brasserie and TCL Chinese Theatre, available through the month of February.  Sugar Factory American Brasserie will celebrate the season of romance with the introduction of the “Diamond Rosé Goblet,” made with Vanderpump Rosé, peach schnapps, raspberry vodka and lemon-lime soda, garnished with sour watermelon gummy bears, Ring Pops, and light up diamond ring. The “Hearts of Love Insane Milkshake” is a cookies and cream milkshake topped with whipped cream, a dark chocolate-dipped Rice Krispies heart, chocolate sprinkles and dark chocolate-covered strawberries drizzled with white chocolate, served in a dark red chocolate ganache-dipped mug covered in chocolate hearts and fresh strawberry slices. On Valentine’s Day, Sugar Factory American Brasserie will offer a three-course prix fixe dinner menu priced at $65 per person. To start, guests may choose from tomato bisque, creamy tomato soup served with garlic Parmesan toast; mac and cheese pops, homemade macaroni and cheese breaded and fried, served with creamy marinara basil sauce; or Caesar salad with shaved Parmesan and black pepper croutons with creamy Caesar dressing. Entrée options include pan-roasted salmon with Yukon gold mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus and bacon herb sauce; 8 oz. grilled Buckhead prime filet mignon served with Yukon gold mashed potatoes, asparagus and garlic herb butter; brick chicken, slow-roasted chicken basted with thyme and garlic, served with Yukon gold mashed potatoes, green beans almondine and lemon-herb sauce; or asparagus tomato alfredo. The meal will conclude with the choice between velvet fondue or chocolate-covered strawberries to share. TCL Chinese Theatres, located on the second floor of Theatre Box, will offer the Sweethearts Movie Package for couples to bundle up, eat, sip, and enjoy a movie of their choice. The movie package includes two movie tickets, charcuterie board, bottle of house wine or one Candy Goblet to share, four chocolate covered strawberries, and a customizable Valentine’s Day card, available for $99 per couple. theatrebox.com

Located right on the bay overlooking the Point Loma Marina is Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern, serving high quality, classic American fare. Jimmy’s is the perfect spot to take your sweetie for a relaxed evening of great food, great drinks, and great service. Catch the sunset and stroll the docks or enjoy a pre-meal cocktail on the open patio. In addition to the regular menu, which boasts freshly-prepared comfort food as well as a modern bar program, Jimmy’s is offering a special three-course Valentine’s Day prix fixe special. 619.226.2103, j-fat.com

Looking to charm a special someone? Take them to Carlsbad’s Jeune et Jolie, known for wooing diners with its globally-inspired French menu, exploratory cocktails, and impeccable interiors. The restaurant’s blush-hued velvet booths and impeccably-plated French nouveau cuisine offer a youthful romance — a little bit punk and a little bit precious. With a raw oyster bar, absinthe on tap, and French rock and roll playing from their vintage reel to reel, Jeune et Jolie has that special je ne sais quoi perfect for a first date or 20-year anniversary. Stop in early to catch the Premier Hour (before 6 pm) when dinner is a modest $44 for any Un, Deux and Trois on the menu. Or drop by later in the evening on Friday and Saturday from 9 pm to close, when Jeune et Jolie hosts L’Heure Verte (or “The Green Hour”). Absinthe drip or frappes are half off and absinthe cocktails are only $6. 760.637.5266, jeune-jolie.com

Take a stroll through Embarcadero Park with your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day and enjoy some fresh catch at Gaslamp hot spot The Oceanaire. Start at the raw bar for some fresh oysters and a seasonal Valentine’s cocktail, the “Rose d’Amour” comprised of a special blend of Wheatly vodka, Maschino prosecco, raspberry puree, rose syrup, fresh lemon juice and garnished with fresh raspberries. For the main event in the main dining room enjoy Chef Daniel Barron’s special Surf & Turf for two including a 50oz prime black angus tomahawk ribeye and a 1lb lobster tail for $169. End the night with the classic baked Alaska flambéed tableside and a special glass of port or wines by the glass. 619.858.2277, theoceanaire.com

For a low-key, but romantic, Valentine’s Day, skip the reservations and cliché prix fixe menus. Take your date to Lola 55, East Village’s answer for chic fine casual dining. Enjoy elevated tacos like the Filet Mignon taco (mesquite grilled filet, mash, avocado mousse, smoky pasilla salsa, crispy leeks, jalapeño toreado) and vegan Squash Blossom Relleno taco (housemade beet soyrizo, almond “cream cheese”, poblano salsa, potato chicharrones, cilantro) as well as craft cocktails — try the Lola (tequila, lime, grapefruit cordial, pasilla salt rim) or the Uptown Tijuana (chipotle-infused mezcal, honey, lemon). And don’t forget dessert — make your evening even sweeter with an order of Lola 55’s house-made churros and horchata ice cream. lola55.com

With sweeping views of the San Dieguito Lagoon, Viewpoint Brewing Co. is a beautiful spot for a fun Valentine’s night with or without a sweetheart, no reservations needed. Enjoy $4.50 craft Viewpoint pints, live acoustic tunes by Sam Bybee starting at 7pm, and Chef Gunnar’s special “Peanut Butter To My Jelly Burger” complete with jalapeño jelly, peanut butter aioli, grilled onions, bacon, and American cheese served on a house brioche bun. Don’t forget to bring your pup, as a special pup-friendly menu will be available along with heart-shaped treats so that your canine can dine with you too. viewpointbrewing.com

For those in the mood for a cozy Valentine’s Day date night, look no further than Carruth Cellars’ Little Italy Wine Garden. Nestled behind their tasting room on Kettner Blvd, Carruth Cellars’ secluded patio serves as an urban oasis amongst the hustle and bustle of one of San Diego’s busiest culinary neighborhoods. Cuddle up with your date on the gorgeous (and dog-friendly) patio, share a bottle of Carruth Cellars’ award-winning locally made wine, order a cheese board, and you’re set for the night. In addition to their regular wine list, for Valentine’s Day, Carruth will be offering discounted bottles of their special Four Play blend (ten percent off for public and 30 percent for members) at all locations. carruthcellars.com

The Inn at RSF: Photo by Describe The Fauna     Jimmys: Photo by Lucianna McIntosh     Lola 55: Photo by Sam Wells     Prohibition, Meze Greek, Havana 1920, El Chingons: Photography courtesy of GBOD Hospitality Group