A Love Letter to San Diego: Foodies Guide to Valentine’s Day
Romantic Dinners? Galentine’s day shindigs? We got you covered on all of our favorite Valentine’s events throughout San Diego!
Movie on the Beach at Seaside Cinemas
Seaside Cinema’s, is a local business creating some of the cutest movie nights in town! They focus on bayside movie pop-ups with portable projectors that plug into your phone so you can enjoy Netflix and other streaming sites content. Complete with tiki torches, cozy blankets, pillows and cute lights its as photogenic as it is fun!
Be super extra and get a complementary covering of red rose petals for any Valentine’s Day week bookings along with 15% off for any bookings that use the code “SDFOODIES” It will be sure to make everyone on social media jealous!
Sweethearts in the City at The Westin San Diego Gaslamp
Let your romance thrive at The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter!
Toast to your special someone with a complimentary bottle of champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries or truffles delivered upon arrival. Experience the best of San Diego, side by side, with complimentary use of the hotel bikes, your choice of kayak or paddleboard rentals, and a Flagship Harbor Cruise, all included in the Destination Amenity Fee.
Dine-in a romantic setting with a variety of restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy and Seaport Village all nearby our central Downtown location – or the hotel’s new Bronze Bird restaurant and bar located only an elevator ride away from your accommodations. Sleep in and snuggle up on the Westin Heavenly Bed with a complimentary room upgrade, based upon availability. More to love about this package, guests arriving by car will also receive complimentary valet parking throughout their stay.
Book your “Sweethearts in the City” stay now through February 28, 2022. Be sure that the Promotional Code LVU appears in the Corporate/Promotional code box when making your online reservation, or call +1 619-239-2200 and ask for the promotional code LVU. Terms and conditions apply.
Romantic Mediterranean at Callie
Photo by Lucianna McIntosh
Callie puts the farmers, fisherman, and ingredients of the greater San Diego region at the forefront, and blends them with a Mediterranean palette. At Callie, the two come together to create light, bright, and bold flavors. Cuisine du soleil.
Callie is a perfect spot to enjoy a romantic night with your significant other or a foodie night out with friends. We highly recommend trying their Valentines Day Lovers Feast! Going on February 12 - 14th, this five course menu features incredible menu options ranging from CHILLED PRAWNS & BURRATA with confit tomato, taggiasca olives, genovese basil to MOROCCAN BRAISED LAMB SHANK with preserved apricots, green olive, almonds. Leave room for LABNEH CHEESECAKE with meyer lemon, chino farm strawberries.
Eat Your Heart Heart Out at The Marine Room
Celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend at The Marine Room, a San Diego landmark and award-winning oceanfront restaurant for more than 80 years.
New Executive Chef Mike Minor has designed an unforgettable dinner complete with unparalleled views and romantic candlelight that will be offered from February 11-14.
Couples will be treated to an eclectic four-course menu featuring a choice of decadent dishes such as Salmon Belly Cornets with caviar, yuzu and togarashi, Pan Seared Diver Scallops with shaved fennel, corn velouté, brown butter aioli and iberico ham, Westholme Farm Wagyu Beef Ribeye with humboldt fog spoon pudding, purple brussels sprout, blackberry herb butter, and a sweet finale of Lemon Lavender Cake, Chocolate Lava Cake or a Spindrift Cappuccino Cobblestone Pie for dessert.
The special 4-course menu is priced at $150 per person and includes a 4-piece box of locally-made Nola Rose chocolates. For those who prefer to customize their dining experience, The Marine Room’s regular menu will also be available.
Dinner and a Movie at The Lot
Visit the Lot at either their La Jolla or Liberty Station location for the perfect date night or girls night out on February 14th, from 4 PM- 9PM. For $90 a Person, enjoy a 3 course dinner, complimentary glass of Prosecco, a movie, and live entertainment! Reservation required through opentable.com. Take a peak at their special menu, below!
First Course: Choose between Pepita Crusted Pacific Crab Cake or Roasted Butternut squash soup or Duck Confit & Belgian Endive Salad
Main Course: Choose between Fennel Pollen Coasted Scallop & Prawn or Pan Seared Colorado Lamb Rack or King Oyster Mushroom Risotto
Dessert: Tropical Chocolate “Bombe”
Romance Boosting Meats & More at The Wise Ox
Want to impress that special someone with your cooking game? The Wise Ox’s Meaty Valentine’s Day Package is the perfect idea for a date-night-in. Trust Restaurant Group’s butcher shop & eatery in North Park will feature a case filled with special Valentine’s Day cuts to cook at home, including Chef Brad Wise’s recommended romance boosters: Filet Mignon, Dry-Aged Ribeye, and Bone-In Ribeye.
The Wise Ox is also including a card with every purchase featuring side dish and dessert recipes, such as chili garlic broccolini and roquefort blue cheese compound butter, as well as tips on how to cook them. And don’t forget to pick up a pint of chocolate covered strawberry ice cream from Mr. Trustee Creamery. To top off a perfect evening, check out the selection of special wines to pair perfectly with the fancy meats, provided by Trust Restaurant Group’s Wine Director Ben Zuba.
Love is in the air at Herb & Wood
A beautiful restaurant for a special night! Visit Herb & Wood on February 14th in Downtown San Diego for a great Valentine’s day 4 course menu, at $108/person (with an optional $68 wine pairing). Reservations required through their website! Take a peak at their special menu, below!
Cold Appetizer: Choose between Oysters or Beef Carpaccio or Chicory and Citrus or Hamachi
Hot Appetizer: Choose between Baked Burrata or Croquette or Bone Marrow or Scallop
Entrees: Filet or Halibut or Agnolotti or Lamb Rack (+Add on to any dish: Lobster Tail)
Dessert: Chocolate Lava Cake or Creme Fraiche Mousse
Pasta Time at Bencotto Little Italy
In addition to their regular dinner menu offerings, Monello and Bencotto in Little Italy will be featuring two delicious pasta recipes specially made for lovers starting Tuesday February 8 through Valentine’s Day.
The first is a decadent Black Squid Ink Stuffed Gnocchi, with shrimp and ricotta, smothered in creamy prosecco sauce. The second is an indulgent creation, a Paglia & Fieno straw and hay bicolor tagliatelle tossed in a 60lb Parmigiano cheese wheel and coated in a luxurious truffle sauce with mushrooms and topped with crunchy ham.
They’ll also serve a Valentine’s Day cocktail to get you in the starry-eyed mood. The Cupid Sour is a refreshing elixir made with spiced rum, aperol, mint and agave and the perfect pre or post dinner cocktail. Monello and Bencotto will be open for Valentine’s Day for dinner from 4 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Reservations are recommended.
Swim on up to Herb & Sea
One of our favorite restaurants in North County, Herb & Sea, is also inviting everyone up for a delicious Valentine’s dinner on February 14th. For $108/Person (with an optional $68 wine pairing) you get to explore both land and sea! Reservations can be made on their website! See the menu below!
Cold Appetizer: Choose between Oysters or Beef Carpaccio or Chicory and Citrus or Hamachi
Hot Appetizer: Choose between Baked Burrata or Croquette or Bone Marrow or Scallop
Entrees: Filet or Halibut or Agnolotti or Lamb Rack (+Add on to any dish: Lobster Tail)
Dessert: Chocolate Lava Cake or Creme Fraiche Mousse
Be Serenaded at The Roxy
Bustling Encinitas hotspot, The Roxy is a time-machine back to the 1920's, with a fun, jazzy atmosphere, classic cocktails, and live music seven days a week. Every aspect resembles the look and feel of a classic 1920's speakeasy, and the menu is designed to create a sense of community between friends, family and neighbors. Indulge, relax, and converse until your heart is content.
The Roxy is graciously offering Complimentary Salmon Canapés (spicy salmon, cucumber, sesame seeds & sriracha mayo) to guests that join them that night.
Order the house-made chocolate-covered strawberries along with their cocktail pairing: Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned for a sweet night out!
Live in-house music artist will be Johnathan Bennett & Friends (Americana, classic rock, & country) from 6-10pm.
Photo by Kimberly Motos
12 Course Valentine's Day Wagyu Experience - SWAGYU
Photo by J. Dixx
Treat your sweetheart to an unforgettable Valentine's Day dinner with Chef Steve Brown & Chef Nate Horton as they take you through a 12 course Progression of Wagyu Tasting Menu at Swagyu
Experience a unique in-depth Wagyu educational offering unlike any dining experience you've ever had as you explore the best Wagyu in the world, tasting your way through regions of Japan, Australia, and the United States.
Tasting Menu Ticket: $200pp
Make it a complete dining experience by adding our $60 curated wine & sake paring to your meal.
Location: Swagyu Pacific Beach
Check In: 7:00pm-7:15pm | 1st Course: No later than 7:30pm | Departure: 10:00pm-10:30pm
Romantic Lake Views at Lakehouse Hotel and Resort
Take a romantic escape to the lake this Valentine’s Day and experience all that Lakehouse Hotel & Resort has to offer.
Located on the 80 acre recreational Lake San Marcos, Lakehouse makes for the perfect romantic getaway. Head to the hotel’s main dining outpost, The Grill, and enjoy Valentine’s weekend specials, including Surf & Turf, Prosciutto and Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast, Flourless Chocolate Torte as well as specialty cocktails offered all month long.
Looking for something more than just dinner? Head to The Marina at Lakehouse where they’ll be offering Love Boat Cruises, featuring a one hour Executive Duffy Rental, bottle of bubbly, macarons and a Souvenir Plushie for the kids.
La Jolla is for Lovers at Estancia La Jolla
Since Valentine’s Day lands on a Monday this year, why not spend the entire weekend at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, a hacienda-style retreat situated on 10 acres between San Diego’s seaside villages of La Jolla and Del Mar.
Spend a romantic getaway walking through the lush gardens, relaxing by the pool or spending a day at Spa Estancia. Treat your special someone to Estancia La Jolla’s La Jolla is for Lovers Package which includes champagne, chocolate truffles and a floral arrangement in your room.
End the weekend with a special five-course Valentine’s Day dinner starting with the Truffle Corn Soup with Potatoes and Celery Heart, followed by Albacore Tuna Nicoise Salad paired nicely with Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc. Enjoy the Purple Potato Gnocchi with California Walnut Pesto, Pecorino Romano and Duck Egg paired with Palazzo Allegrini Veronese. For the main course, choose one of three options including Diver Scallops, Braised Escarole, Gigante Bean and Pork Belly paired nicely with Drumheller Chardonnay, Blackberry Short Rib, Carrot Emulsion, Baby Carrots and Roasted Radish paired with Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon or Vegetarian Risotto, Roasted Market Vegetables, Arugula Pesto and Blistered Tomatoes. And for everyone’s favorite course, choose between the Olive Oil Cake or Strawberries & Cream to cure your sweet tooth.
If you want a Valentine’s Day you’ll never forget this five-course dinner is $275 per couple and $35 Cocktail & Wine Supplemental.
Watch the Sunset at Garibaldi
Photo Credit: Kimberly Motos
Celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend at Garibaldi, the InterContinental San Diego’s Southern Italian-inspired rooftop hot spot, with a newly revamped dinner menu from Chef de Cuisine Todd Benicivenni.
Featuring menu items such as the House Folded Culurgiones made with Sweet Potato, House Ricotta, Swiss Chard, Hazelnut, and Sage Burro, San Diego Spiny Lobster Fra Diavolo with Red and Green Chilis, San Marzano Tomatoes, and Saffron Fregola, and Roasted Pork Belly with Smoked Braising Greens, White Bean Mash, Salted Tomato Relish, and Pork Jus, all the entrees are perfect for sharing with your special someone.
To get in the spirit of love, Garibaldi is offering a shared cocktail for two at $16, half off the normal price, for the entire Valentine’s day weekend. Book your reservation today via Resy.
Snag a Seat at San Diego’s Hottest Spot - ANIMAE
Photo by James Tran
On Monday, February 14, indulge in a four course dinner at San Diego’s stunning art-deco-inspired, Animae, which is opening on Monday specifically to give lovers a chance to dine at San Diego’s most talked-about restaurant.
Start with a cold appetizer like Oysters with Yuzu Hibiscus Mignonette, Cilantro oil, Nasturtiums or A5 Wagyu Tartare, and to make this Valentine’s Day even more memorable add a Caviar service for $100. Warm up with Veggie Lumpia and Tawainese Fried Chicken before enjoying your choice of entree: Filet with Soy Demi, Potato, Mushroom, Ginger Scallion oil, or Halibut Cha Ca with Rice Noodles, Herb Salad and Turmeric. There is the option to go with complete decadence by adding on an A5 Wagyu strip ($125) or Maine Lobster ($75). And of course, save room for the Chocolate Taiyaki Mousse Bar or Jasmine, Raspberry, and Prosecco Entremet.
Animae’s four course meal starts at $128 per person with the option to add-on an $80 wine pairing. Book your reservation here and celebrate this Valentine’s Day at the most romantic restaurant in San Diego.
Lady and the Tramp it up at Barbusa
Photo courtesy of John Dole
Celebrate your Valentine’s Day in true Lady and The Tramp-style-fashion, over a bowl of spaghetti, at the Busalacchi Family’s Barbusa in Little Italy.
With tried and true classics like the Lobster Ravioli, Gnocchi or the Cavatelli con Bone Marrow and gourmet fan favorites like the Fiori di Zucca fried squash blossoms, the Sicilian Meatballs, or the selection of handcrafted Pizzas, taking your person to Barbusa is the perfect way to say “I love you.” Toast to your evening spent together with a glass of wine, or one of Barbusa’s hand crafted cocktails such as the Sicilian Mule made with Absolut Elyx Vodka, Aperol, Ginger Beer, Lemon and Peychaud Bitters or the ever popular Barbusa Espresso Martini with The Finest Ingredients (A Barbusa secret) plus a touch of Grey Goose. Before heading home, choose from the famous Deconstructed Cannoli or traditional Sicilian Donuts.
Between the energetic ambiance, selection of mouthwatering, shareable bites and sweet dulces to finish, a Valentine’s evening spent at Barbusa will transport you and your partner right to the picturesque streets of Sicily. Secure your spot via OpenTable today.
Cozy Up To The Bar at - The Guild
Photo by James Tran
The luxurious and refined bar at The Guild Hotel is the setting for an interactive cocktail pairing this Valentine’s Day.
Limited to eight guests and ideal for a couple or duo looking to shake things up, the cocktail class and pairing will run from 5pm-7pm and feature four courses.
The first course starts with a class of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label paired with a White Chocolate Strawberry; the second course is where your skills will come into play and guests will mix their own Classic Rum Daiquiri with help from Zach Shelvon the cocktail will be paired with a Tropical Ceviche; the third course requires another interactive cocktail with guests making a Whiskey Sour paired with NY Strip & Crostini Nduja & Gorgonzola Cheese; the fourth and final course is a glass of Tawny Port paired with a Port wine pot de crème.
The Valentine's Day interactive cocktail pairing costs $85 per person and can be booked by emailing austin.hiller@theguildhotel.com.
Stay Cozy, San Diego at Candles on Tap
Make your holiday extra special this year and head to Candles on Tap for a unique date night! Choose and blend from 90+ scents and build your own custom candle! This interactive activity allows for ample creativity and is a great way to spend a hour!
Romantic Dinner Under The Stars at The Ranch
Photo Credit: Exterior - Haley Hill
Enjoy a romantic dinner under the stars Valentine’s Day weekend on Friday, February 11 and Saturday, February 12, at Solana Beach’s favorite butchery and eatery, Ranch 45.
Offering a special Valentine’s Weekend dinner menu on their firelite patio, choose from Seared Diver Scallops or Steak & Eggs, before moving on to an Endive Salad highlighting shaved Chino Farms beets, goat cheese and truffle vinaigrette, and then enjoy one of three entrees, the Bone In Brandt Ribeye for Two with Chino Farms vegetables, roasted fingerling potatoes, bearnaise, red wine sauce, the Pan Roasted Ocean Trout with beluga lentils and tahini vinaigrette, or the Grilled Lamb Loin with Chino Farms roasted root vegetables, arugula and preserved lemon jus. Before the magical night ends, grab a spoon and indulge your sweet tooth with your sweetheart and a Chocolate Pot Du Crème. Add three glasses of wine per person at $55.
Reservations are required and available through Tock.
Carve up a Steak at Huntress
Photo by Sam Wells
Celebrate love all weekend long with a special Valentine’s Day Tasting Menu available February 11th – 13th! View Chef’s Valentine’s Tasting Menu
Don’t forget to pre-order a special floral arrangement or decadent take-home dessert for your loved one. Once you select your preferred reservation date & time, you will see a curated list of Valentine’s Weekend enhancements. View Here
Huntress will be closed Monday, February 14th.
European Style Bistro at Valentina
Photo Credit: Kimberly Motos
Celebrate this Valentine’s Day at Valentina, Leucadia’s favorite European-style bistro. Beloved amongst locals for its eclectic mix of seasonal plates, cozy atmosphere transporting diners to Spain and France, Valentina will be serving a pre-fixe three-course dinner menu on Valentine’s Day for $70/per person from 4pm to 10pm. Offering classics like its Oysters on the Half Shell and Spanish Sashimi, the restaurant will also serve specials like the Pepper Crusted Carpaccio to be perfectly paired with the Valentine’s Day champagne flight, specialty-priced bottles of champagne, or rose champagne fitting for the occasion. Suppose diners are looking to celebrate this Valentine’s Day the weekend before. In that case, Valentina is offering a pre-book option via OpenTable to give guests the romantic experience Saturday, February 12, or Sunday, February 13. Complete with ocean breezes and twinkle lights, Valentina is the perfect place to show your loved one how much you care.
Book your table here
Flowers + Latte = LOVE at Communal
Photo by Lets Frolic Together
Sip on something sweet this Valentine’s Day from San Diego’s beloved Communal. To celebrate the month of love, the creative-minded café and shop will be serving a specialty drink for the month of February. The Raspberry White Mocha is made with housemade raspberry syrup, white chocolate mocha syrup and espresso and is topped with raspberry powder. Offering more than just craft coffee and pastries, Communal’s North Park and Oceanside locations also have large selections of fresh flowers. For Valentine’s Day, they’ll be selling gorgeous, hand-crafted bouquets with the option to add on a candle, chocolate, bottle of wine, or jewelry item to create the perfect V-Day package for a loved one. With three variations of bouquets, the Valentine’s Vintage Bouquet, Valentine’s Romantic Bouquet and Valentine’s Fresh Bouquet, Communal has something for every flower lover.