The Terrace at Jose Andres’ San Laurel restaurant. Photo credit: San Laurel restaurant.
Valentine’s Day is just days away. Though the holiday falls uncomfortably close to Super Bowl Sunday this year, don’t think your other half will let you get away with not making dinner plans. Whether you’re craving a meal of decadent luxury or seeking more affordable price points, we’ve got you covered.
Michelin-starred chef Jose Andres‘ restaurant San Laurel, located atop Conrad Los Angeles, offers stunning views of one of our favorite Los Angeles architectural gems, Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall. With cuisine billed as “Californian with a Spanish accent,” San Laurel offers a special prix fixe menu from February 11-14, with options such as Oysters Hibiscus, Hamachi with Smoked Passionfruit, and Fennel Chocolate Cremeux. This 4-course meal is $140 per person.
Visit the iconic Magnolia Bakery‘s LA outpost, located on West 3rd Street, for exquisite Rose Cupcakes, Confetti Cake, or Magnolia’s internationally famous Banana Pudding. You’ll want to place your order soon — these delectable desserts tend to sell out quickly!
Downtown Italian restaurant Rossoblu has earned high praise from the likes of the late, great Jonathan Gold, the Michelin Guide, and Food and Wine. This Valentine’s day, the award-winning Bolognese eatery is offering dining options for both at-home and on the beautiful premises. A special 4-course meal to-go is $79 a person from February 10-14 and can be pre-ordered here. Highlights include Nonna’s Duck Lasagna, Scallop Crudo, and Passionfruit Cake. In-house specials, only offered on February 14, includeTagliolini with Santa Barbara Sea Urchin and Grilled Wagyu. You can make your reservation here.
Photo courtesy of Malibu Beach Inn.
Indulge your sense of romance at Malibu Beach Inn. Located just 34 steps from the ocean, this petite, five-star boutique hotel offers an intimate feel, along with special prix fixe Valentine’s Day dinners on February 10, 11, and 14. Among the scrumptious options on the 3-course (plus amuse bouche) specialty menu: Dungeness crab stuffed filet of sole, roasted bone marrow, and house-made profiteroles. You can book here or on Open Table.
Per L’Ora, the restaurant at Hotel Per La in DTLA, offers a luxurious Valentine’s Day experience all weekend long. You’ll also be able to try the new Aperetivo Hour, available daily — even on Valentine’s Day — in the hotel’s bar, lounge, and game room spaces from 4 to 6 p.m. You’ll find a Premium Negroni program ($14 each), bartender’s specialty cocktail ($13), zero-proof options, and reduced prices on Per L’Ora‘s small plates. For dinner, from February 10-14, you can order Valentine’s Day specials such as Petrossian Ossetra Caviar ($36), Oysters with Lambrusco mignonette ($22 for six), Truffle Tagliatelle ($55), and classic martinis for two, dry or dirty, for $25.
Take in incredible views of the Hollywood Hills when you dine at Terra. This gorgeous rooftop restaurant, part of Eataly in Century City, is expansive, yet encourages intimacy. On February 14, a three-course prix fixe menu will be served. Offerings include Beef Tartare on Roasted Rustic Bread, Housemade Pacchieri with Swordfish Ragu, and Gianduja Chocolate Mousse. In addition, an a la carte Valentine’s menu will be available this weekend from February 10-13.
Love indulging in caviar? The Imperia Caviar kiosk at Westfield Century City is offering its Valentine’s Day Caviar Tasting Trio (Amur, Sevruga Reserve, and Royal Ossetra caviar) between February 1 and 17.
Photo courtesy of North Italia.
North Italia offers superior Italian cuisine at its locations in Santa Monica, El Segundo, and Torrance. For Cupid’s special day, you’ll find a three-course prix fixe menu for just $65-70. Lobster Ricotta Gnocchi, Roasted Porchetta, and Dover Scallops with Mushroom Risotto are just a few of the offerings available on February 14. Dishes from this special menu will also be available a la carte at North Italia from February 10-13.
Fancy dinner not in the budget this Valentine’s Day? Don’t fret: Mickey’s Deli in Hermosa Beach has brought back its charming heart-shaped pizza for Valentine’s Day. Mickey’s knows a thing or two about pizza – they’ve been serving it for 70 years! Pizzas begin at $20, while additional toppings are $1.50 each. You can order in advance, pick it up, or order via Mickey’s website or a third-party delivery service.
Agua Viva, José Andrés’ other restaurant at the Conrad Los Angeles, is perched on the hotel’s sixth floor. The gorgeous open-air destination, inspired by beach clubs of the Mediterranean, will feature Valentine’s Specials on February 11-14, in addition to its regular offerings. Agua Viva specials include Peruvian Scallops with Yuzu kosho, American Wagyu Tartare, and Santa Barbara Spiny Lobster and fried eggs with sobrasada and shishito.
Los Feliz’s beloved Little Dom’s makes it easy to enjoy a simple pizza dinner at home this Valentine’s Day with their pizza-making kit for two. Priced at $20, the Little Dom’s pizza kit includes two uncooked pizza doughs, a ball of mozzarella, and a jar of sauce. Extra toppings can be ordered for an additional price.
Hollywood Boutique hotel MAMA Shelter is renowned for its cool yet fun design and vibe. This Valentine’s Day, the downstairs restaurant at the lively urban refuge offers a 3-course prix fixe menu for $90 per person. Options include a black truffle and wine pairing, fresh beausoleil oysters, Hawaiian tuna carpaccio, black bass with baby carrot and shellfish bisque, and lemon olive oil cake with lemon sorbet. You can book your table here.
Zagat-rated one of the 10 best restaurants for waterside dining in LA, BALEENkitchen at the Portofino Hotel & Marina in Redondo Beach offers cozy firepits, well-crafted cocktails, and a special Valentine’s Day dining menu. Only available on February 14, BALEENkitchen‘s 4-course menu includes charred avocado and Dungeness crab salad, lamb shank osso buco, vegan red Thai curry, and a warm fondue au chocolat.
Lilly Rose at The Wayfarer DTLA. Photo credit: Frank Wonho.
Lilly Rose, the whimsical underground bar at Wayfarer DTLA, is offering a Valentine’s event that works as well for a Galantine’s celebration with your besties as for a romantic escape for two. The Lovers’ Lane High Tea & Highball experience takes place every Wednesday through Sunday in February and features unique teas, plus a tea tower laden with pastries and homemade savory bites. You also have the option to add tea-infused cocktails. Reservations are needed and can be made on Open Table.
La Venta Inn is a century-old Spanish Villa located atop the hills of Palos Verdes Estates. This historic property with breathtaking views of the shoreline is hosting a special Valentine’s Day dinner on February 14. Take in the views during the sunset cocktail hour, followed by a romantic three-course dinner ($86) from South Bay caterer Made by Meg. Tickets can be purchased here.
California Pizza Kitchen is still going strong 38 years after its founding in Los Angeles. This Valentine’s Day, CPK is bringing back its three-course “Sweet Deal For Two” meals for just $40 per couple. Each meal includes a shared appetizer, two entrées (choose from a selection of pizzas, pastas, or salads), and a dessert to share. This deal is available at CPKs all around Los Angeles, including the Westfield Topanga location.
ALK (acronym for “About Last Knife”) is the chic, lobby-level restaurant at The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood. ALK’s 2023 Valentine’s offering is a four-course prix fixe dinner, just $65 a person, available from February 10-14. Begin with sparkling rosé or a specialty cocktail with an amuse bouche, then proceed to a choice of starters, mains, and desserts. Some highlights: Mediterranean Salmon Tartare, Braised Short Ribs, and Pear-Almond Tart.
Enjoy a glamorous Valentine’s evening beneath swaying palm trees and near the swimming pool at Sugar Palm, the restaurant/lounge/bar at Viceroy Santa Monica. The three-course prix fixe meal includes starter, entree, and dessert, along with a selection of complimentary side dishes. Options include Wagyu short rib with chocolate mole, miso salmon, and strawberry shortcake.
Are donuts your love language? If so, you’ll want to visit Trejo’s Coffee and Donuts on February 11 or 12, when you can buy the Flowers of Love box of 6 mini donuts for $12. Heart-shaped, with pink or red buttermilk glaze, the donuts feature white chocolate ganache and sprinkles. Additionally, other Valentine’s Day donuts will be available daily through February 19.
Black Angus Steakhouse has brought back its Valentine’s Feast for Two from February 11 to 14. The meal, priced at $89 for two, includes two six-ounce filet mignons, two 4 oz. lobster tails, four classic side dishes, bread, a dessert to share, and two Prosecco splits. This special is available for dine-in, takeout, and delivery. You can learn more here.
