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Where to Wine and Dine on Valentine’s Day

Top spots for a romantic rendezvous

by Keri Bridgwater Updated Feb 5, 2020, 8:30am PST

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by Keri Bridgwater Updated Feb 5, 2020, 8:30am PST

Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Love it or loathe it Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, which means it’s time to either A) ignore the holiday entirely or B) figure out how - and where - to impress your partner like it’s that first date night all over again.

In addition to restaurants offering special prix-fixe menus, we’ve sprinkled in a handful of alternatives, too, including a couple’s cooking class in Solana Beach, an “anti-love” themed cocktail party downtown, dedicated dessert-only bar in Little Italy, plus a pretty cool chocolate and cocktail pairing on Convoy.

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Jeune et Jolie

While there’s no set Valentine’s Day menu at Jeune et Jolie, love birds can plan on stopping in early to catch the Premier Hour (before 6 p.m.) when dinner is just $44 for any Un, Deux and Trois on the menu or drop by later on Friday evening (from 9 p.m. until close) for absinthe cocktails during L’Heure Vert.

2659 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008

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A dining room with modern art on the wall.

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Valentina Restaurant

Encinitas’ coastal eatery is celebrating love and romance with a three-course dinner ($63). Opening with an oyster amuse-bouche, dish selections include a shrimp and octopus aguachile, and prime bone-in New York steak with Okinawa yam mash. Add wine pairings by Valentina’s resident sommelier for $23.

810 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024

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Herb & Sea

Herb & Sea’s three-course pre-fixe Valentine’s menu showcases coastal cuisine with dishes like hamachi crudo with white ponzu, radish sprout, Fresno peppers, citrus, and avocado, and lobster gnocchi with Grana Padano, asparagus, lemon, and tarragon. Dinner costs $75, and reservations can be made online.

131 W D St, Encinitas, CA 92024

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Ranch 45

Do Valentine’s Day differently this year with a couple’s cooking class on February 13. Sear the perfect steak, whip up a killer emulsion, and take mash to new levels from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Ranch 45. The class costs $140 per couple (limited to 15 couples) and includes recipes, dinner, and non-alcoholic beverages. Wine and beer will be available for sale.

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512 Via De La Valle #102, Solana Beach, CA 92075

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ADDISON RESTAURANT

Make it a date to remember at San Diego’s most lauded, and only, Michelin-starred restaurant this Valentine’s Day, where chef William Bradley has created a special nine-course tasting menu ($295 per person) in honor of the occasion.

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5200 Grand Del Mar Way, San Diego, CA 92130

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Addison

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The Marine Room

Alongside oceanfront views at The Marine Room, couples can enjoy a four-course menu with selections like wild prawn and Diver scallops, Mayan kabocha squash soup, and roasted Mary’s Farm duck, followed by an orchid lychee panna cotta for dessert.

2000 Spindrift Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037

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THE MED

Executive chef Timothy Ralphs’ is serving a five-course pairing dinner inspired by Remy Martin XO Cognac at THE MED for Valentine’s Day. Priced at $275 per couple dishes include lobster plated with parsnip, caviar, and XO, and Muscovy duck Rangoon with a cognac clementine glaze.

1132 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

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Realm Of The 52 Remedies

Sleek Convoy cocktail den Realm is featuring a special Woodford Reserve or Ford’s Gin cocktail and Eclipse chocolate pairing on February 14. In addition to ordering drinks a la carte, guests can also order both cocktails, and accompanying chocolates, plus two paired small plates for $52.

4805 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111

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JRDN Restaurant

Kick things off with a Domaine Chandon tasting paired with small bites by executive chef David Warner from 6 to 8 p.m. on February 13 ($40, tickets here) or do Valentine’s Day dinner by the beach with chef Warner’s three-course prix-fixe menu for $65 per guest on February 14.

723 Felspar St, San Diego, CA 92109

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Oceanfront patio at JRDN at Tower23 Hotel

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Acqua California Bistro

Acqua California Bistro will be offering a special Valentine’s Day dinner at $120 per couple from February 13 through 15. The evening includes a bottle of wine, two starters, one entrée, and a dessert with dish options ranging from seafood paella, and marinated octopus, to prosciutto and Gruyere chicken roulade.

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1775 E Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109

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HOPE 46

Hope 46 at The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows in North Park will be serving a three-course dinner on Valentine’s Day from 5 to 9 p.m. Dish selections include Australian lamb chops to start followed by crab stuffed Alaskan salmon with a triple chocolate mousse cake for dessert.

2223 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104

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Tahona Bar

Couples looking for a cozy meal can make reservations for Tahona’s four-course prix-fixe dinner on Friday, February 14 ($80, two seating times available 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.) or a chocolate and mezcal pairing in the tasting room, which runs February 14 through 15, for $30 per person.

2414 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110

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Bivouac Ciderworks

Bivouac’s three course Valentine’s Day dinner for two comprises a shared appetizer, two entrees, and dessert for $65 with an optional $20 cider pairing. Highlights include miso sunchoke huitlacoche puree and tomato-furikake street corn, a short rib short rib risotto, and S’mores in a Lavender Field brownie.

3986 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104

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The Smoking Goat

The Smoking Goat’s three-course Valentine’s Day menu costs $70 per person. Dish options range from a Veal Oscar with lobster, Béarnaise sauce, heirloom broccoli, and herb-roasted tomatoes to ricotta, pea and truffle ravioli with shiitake, cream, and Grana shaved black truffle.

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3408 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104

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The Smoking Goat

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Mister A's

Sophisticated dishes, superb cocktails, and San Diego’s twinkling skyline set the bar for romance high at the iconic Mister A’s, whose special seasonal four-course prix-fixe menu is priced at $145 per person. Pair with a glass or bottle from the extensive wine list. Get a reservation on the books here.

2550 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

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CUCINA urbana

Choose from dishes like roasted pork belly and apple followed by striped bass with leek basil mashed potatoes, and a chocolate panna cotta for dessert from executive chef Tim Kolanko and executive sous chef Frankie Beccera’s four-course prix-fixe menu, which costs $68.

505 Laurel St, San Diego, CA 92101

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Juniper & Ivy

Executive chef Anthony Wells’ four-course menu knocks things out of the park with add-ons like a wine pairing by beverage director/sommelier Nick Gergin, caviar service, plus two special cocktails – They Love Me, and They Love Me Not. Available Friday, February 14, and Saturday, 15 dinner costs $115.

2228 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

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Juniper & Ivy

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Cloak & Petal

Spoil your SO under the cherry blossoms on Valentine’s Day. Selections from Cloak & Petal’s four-course dinner ($65) include toro new style sashimi, glazed duck, and Koji Wagyu steak. Pair with a Feudal Princess cocktail - a twist on a classic martini made with Elderflower, dry gin, and Crème de violette.

1953 India St, San Diego, CA 92101

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Extraordinary Desserts

Extraordinary Desserts’ historically sold-out Dessert Bar is back for Valentine’s Eve this year at the Little Italy location only. Dig into a decadent selection of desserts at the serve yourself style bar from 7 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, February 13. Priced at $24.95 there will also be specials on Champagne and Prosecco.

1430 Union St, San Diego, CA 92101

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Vistal Bar + Restaurant

Skip the crowds and head to Vistal on February 15 for the first in the “Iconic Endings” pairing dinner series. An intimate 12-seat only four-course prix-fixe menu ($115) held at the chef’s table that culminates with a glass of luxury LOUIS XIII Cognac during the final course. Call for reservations.

901 Bayfront Ct Suite 1, San Diego, CA 92101

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Animae

Animae’s four-course menu ($95) includes appetizer selections like Misty Point oysters or a green papaya salad, followed by butter dumplings and glazed black cod. Round things out with the mandarin semifreddo and matcha milk crumble for dessert. Make reservations here.

969 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101

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Prohibition Lounge

Prohibition is throwing an anti-love themed “I’ve Got the Blues” party on February 14. Guests can sink The Bitter End cocktails (Old Forester Bourbon, Licor 43, orange bitters) while those who bring a printed photo of their ex - and rip it up in front of a bartender - will get a complimentary shot of whiskey.

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548 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

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Lionfish

Enjoy a special three-course dinner on February 14 from executive chef JoJo Ruiz. Available for one night only and starting at $95 dish standouts include a fresh sashimi rose, hanger steak, and Baja striped bass, plus You Melt My Heart Chocolate Heart mousse and fresh berry dessert.

435 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

lionfish

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Seréa

The Hotel del Coronado has an old fashioned romantic charm all of its own so where better to sit down to dinner for two than at Seréa, where chef Jojo Ruiz will be serving a three-course menu ($95) from 5 to 10 p.m. on February 14.

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1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118

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Jeune et Jolie

2659 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008

While there’s no set Valentine’s Day menu at Jeune et Jolie, love birds can plan on stopping in early to catch the Premier Hour (before 6 p.m.) when dinner is just $44 for any Un, Deux and Trois on the menu or drop by later on Friday evening (from 9 p.m. until close) for absinthe cocktails during L’Heure Vert.

2659 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Visit Website

A dining room with modern art on the wall.

Valentina Restaurant

810 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024

Encinitas’ coastal eatery is celebrating love and romance with a three-course dinner ($63). Opening with an oyster amuse-bouche, dish selections include a shrimp and octopus aguachile, and prime bone-in New York steak with Okinawa yam mash. Add wine pairings by Valentina’s resident sommelier for $23.

810 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024

Visit Website

Herb & Sea

131 W D St, Encinitas, CA 92024

Herb & Sea’s three-course pre-fixe Valentine’s menu showcases coastal cuisine with dishes like hamachi crudo with white ponzu, radish sprout, Fresno peppers, citrus, and avocado, and lobster gnocchi with Grana Padano, asparagus, lemon, and tarragon. Dinner costs $75, and reservations can be made online.

131 W D St, Encinitas, CA 92024

Visit Website

Ranch 45

512 Via De La Valle #102, Solana Beach, CA 92075

Do Valentine’s Day differently this year with a couple’s cooking class on February 13. Sear the perfect steak, whip up a killer emulsion, and take mash to new levels from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Ranch 45. The class costs $140 per couple (limited to 15 couples) and includes recipes, dinner, and non-alcoholic beverages. Wine and beer will be available for sale.

Open in Google Maps

512 Via De La Valle #102, Solana Beach, CA 92075

Visit Website

ADDISON RESTAURANT

5200 Grand Del Mar Way, San Diego, CA 92130

Make it a date to remember at San Diego’s most lauded, and only, Michelin-starred restaurant this Valentine’s Day, where chef William Bradley has created a special nine-course tasting menu ($295 per person) in honor of the occasion.

Open in Google Maps

5200 Grand Del Mar Way, San Diego, CA 92130

Visit Website

Addison

The Marine Room

2000 Spindrift Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037

Alongside oceanfront views at The Marine Room, couples can enjoy a four-course menu with selections like wild prawn and Diver scallops, Mayan kabocha squash soup, and roasted Mary’s Farm duck, followed by an orchid lychee panna cotta for dessert.

2000 Spindrift Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

THE MED

1132 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Executive chef Timothy Ralphs’ is serving a five-course pairing dinner inspired by Remy Martin XO Cognac at THE MED for Valentine’s Day. Priced at $275 per couple dishes include lobster plated with parsnip, caviar, and XO, and Muscovy duck Rangoon with a cognac clementine glaze.

1132 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Realm Of The 52 Remedies

4805 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111

Sleek Convoy cocktail den Realm is featuring a special Woodford Reserve or Ford’s Gin cocktail and Eclipse chocolate pairing on February 14. In addition to ordering drinks a la carte, guests can also order both cocktails, and accompanying chocolates, plus two paired small plates for $52.

4805 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111

Visit Website

JRDN Restaurant

723 Felspar St, San Diego, CA 92109

Kick things off with a Domaine Chandon tasting paired with small bites by executive chef David Warner from 6 to 8 p.m. on February 13 ($40, tickets here) or do Valentine’s Day dinner by the beach with chef Warner’s three-course prix-fixe menu for $65 per guest on February 14.

723 Felspar St, San Diego, CA 92109

Visit Website

Oceanfront patio at JRDN at Tower23 Hotel

Acqua California Bistro

1775 E Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109

Acqua California Bistro will be offering a special Valentine’s Day dinner at $120 per couple from February 13 through 15. The evening includes a bottle of wine, two starters, one entrée, and a dessert with dish options ranging from seafood paella, and marinated octopus, to prosciutto and Gruyere chicken roulade.

Open in Google Maps

1775 E Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109

Visit Website

HOPE 46

2223 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104

Hope 46 at The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows in North Park will be serving a three-course dinner on Valentine’s Day from 5 to 9 p.m. Dish selections include Australian lamb chops to start followed by crab stuffed Alaskan salmon with a triple chocolate mousse cake for dessert.

2223 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104

Visit Website

Tahona Bar

2414 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110

Couples looking for a cozy meal can make reservations for Tahona’s four-course prix-fixe dinner on Friday, February 14 ($80, two seating times available 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.) or a chocolate and mezcal pairing in the tasting room, which runs February 14 through 15, for $30 per person.

2414 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110

Visit Website

Bivouac Ciderworks

3986 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104

Bivouac’s three course Valentine’s Day dinner for two comprises a shared appetizer, two entrees, and dessert for $65 with an optional $20 cider pairing. Highlights include miso sunchoke huitlacoche puree and tomato-furikake street corn, a short rib short rib risotto, and S’mores in a Lavender Field brownie.

3986 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104

Visit Website