Photo courtesy of Pinstripes.
Valentine’s Day is mere days away, and whether you’re craving a decadently luxurious meal or seeking more affordable price points, we’ve got you covered.
1. ALK (acronym for “About Last Knife”) is the chic, lobby-level restaurant at The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood with a kitchen manned by talented French Chef Olivier Rousselle. On Valentine’s Day, visit ALK for live jazz, a special Komos tequila cocktail, Komos chocolates to take home, and a special 4-course meal ($68 per person). Meal highlights include a shrimp ceviche amuse bouche and braised short ribs. More info
2. Savor an elevated Valentine’s dining experience at Morton’s The Steakhouse. This elegant dinner for two ($169) includes a 28 oz. New York Strip, two cold water lobster tails, shared salad, two signature steak toppers (such as black truffle hollandaise, cognac au poivre sauce, or blue cheese butter), and two of Morton’s fantastic side dishes (choices include creamed spinach, jumbo grilled asparagus, smoked gouda au gratin potatoes, and more). Morton’s LA locations include DTLA, Woodland Hills, and Burbank. More info
3. Enjoy a drive to Los Olivos in Santa Barbara County and stop at Tensley Wine’s Tasting Room for the exclusive launch of their 2023 Rosé Grenache on February 14. Tensley Wine is growing in acclaim: it was hailed by Food & Wine for producing “The Best Syrah in America.” Priced at just $32 a bottle, this Rosé Grenache will make Valentine’s Day, or any day, very special. More info
4. Acclaimed izakaya-inspired restaurant n/soto is offering a very special, takeout-only Valentine’s Bento. Only 50 boxes, priced at $150 and serving two, are available. Each bento features 6 hand rolls per person, miso caesar salad, roasted beets, pork ribs, chicken kaarage, squid kaarage, hojicha panna cotta, and a black sesame brownie. Order via Resy.
5. One of LA’s oldest and best Thai restaurants, family-owned Chao Krung has a special four-course, prix-fixe offering on Valentine’s Day. Priced at $75 per person (plus $30 if you choose wine pairings), highlights include Crab Curry with Noodles, Seared Wagyu, and Crispy Branzino. Book your reservation on Resy.
Image courtesy of Fugetsu-do
6. Sadly long gone, L’Orangerie was one of LA’s most legendary restaurants of the ’80s, ’90s, and ’00s. Now you can enjoy a very special Valentine’s Day meal at Japanese-French fusion restaurant Azay. Chef Akira, who did his culinary training in the French countryside, met his wife Jo Ann when both worked at L’Orangerie. The prix-fixe menu will include starters of an Amuse-Bouche, Egg Caviar, and Soup Pistou. Entrees will include a choice of Pan-Roasted Turbot with white wine, thyme, garlic, cream sauce, zucchini flan, potato appetit, or a Pan-Roasted Veal Tenderloin, with three-mustard sauce, and potato anna al legume sympatic. Dessert options will include a Soufflé Grand Marnier or Thin Apple Tart with Cream Chantilly. Reservations are required. This special Little Tokyo dinner is $130 per person and an additional $65 for wine pairings. More info
7. Order one of Tender Greens‘ healthful, delicious entrees on February 14 and you’ll get a free dessert of your choice! More info
8. The oldest family-owned Japanese confectionary in the country, Little Tokyo’s Fugetsu-do has sold mochi since 1903. Fugetsu-do is offering gorgeous Valentine’s Day-themed manju (mochi) on February 14. More info
9. 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!
10. 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 5-course menu includes options like charred avocado and Dungeness crab salad, butter-poached scallops, vegan red Thai curry, and a warm fondue au chocolat.
Image courtesy of San Pedro Fish Market.
11. California Pizza Kitchen is still going strong 39 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 $50-60 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. Menu here
12. Enjoy a glamorous Valentine’s Day lunch or dinner beneath swaying palm trees and near the swimming pool at Sugar Palm, the restaurant/lounge/bar at Viceroy Santa Monica. Sugar Palm‘s three-course prix fixe meal includes a starter, entree, and dessert. Options include Grilled Swordfish, Lobster Bisque, and Rose Petal Panna Cotta. Menu
13. Enjoy a romantic Valentine’s Day at Terrazza, the restaurant at Santa Monica’s luxe, historic hotel Casa del Mar. The special menu starts with a welcome glass of champagne and amuse-bouche. Appetizers include Oysters, Kampachi Crudo, Burrata, and Celery Root Carpaccio. For entrees, pick from Chilean Sea Bass, American Wagyu NY Strip, Iberico Pork Chop, or Spaghettoni Puttanesca. Complete your meal with your choice of Banana Cream, Cupid’s Cake, or Salted Chocolate Mousse. You can book your reservation here.
14. Head to Pinstripes at Westfield Topanga if your idea of a great Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) Day includes bowling, bocce, and delicious food & drinks — all in one elegant space. Savor Heart-Shaped Pizza, love-themed cocktails, and Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Gelato. More info
15. Black Angus Steakhouse is offering two different Valentine’s feasts for two from February 11 to 14. Priced from $68 to $115 for two, options include filet mignon, lobster tails, grilled salmon, Big Mountain Fudge Cake, and two Prosecco splits. This special is available for dine-in, takeout, and delivery. You can learn more here.
Photo courtesy of Black Angus.
16. Take in views of the Hollywood Hills as you dine atop the Dream Hotel at the Highlight Room. The prix-fixe Valentine’s Day menu is $75 per perso. Sip specialty cocktails such as “Strawberry Kisses” (gin, lemon, strawberry, and champagne). You can make your reservation here.
17. Don’t want to deal with crowds? Place a to-go order from Little Tokyo gyoza bar Kaminari. Crafted with recipes from Utsunomiya, Japan’s gyoza capital, Kaminari offers shrimp, pork, or chicken gyoza in three styles with in-house sauces such as cilantro chili, yuzu kosho, garlic aioli, and more. Order online or call ahead at (213) 265-7351.
18. Fancy dinner not in the budget this year? Enjoy an affordable, plant-based meal from Kevin Hart’s Hart House that includes the new Chocolate Covered Strawberry Shake (a strawberry shake with chocolate cookie crumbles). While you’re there, you might want to try the new Twisted Tots (tater tots topped with melted cheese, signature sauce, and caramelized onion). Hart House is located in Hollywood, Westchester, Monrovia, and University Park South. More info
19. San Pedro Fish Market Long Beach is a relaxed waterfront restaurant that’s served generous portions of fresh seafood since 1956. This year, Valentine’s specials include Central Coast Surf n Turf (8 oz tri-tip, 6 oz Maine lobster, roasted new potato, sprouts, and lobster bearnaise for $39.99) and Seafood Risotto made with shrimp, lump crab, and fresh herbs for $27.99. Complete your meal with the Spumoni Tart, filled with chocolate mousse, amarena cherry, and pistachio gelato. More info
20. Visit your local Vallarta supermarket for Valentine’s Day-themed sweets and drinks in-store like Lil Red Velvet Cheesecake ($4.99), Valentine’s Day White Cake ($30.99), Valentine’s Day Cupcakes ($9.99), Strawberry Hearts Gelatin made with sweet strawberry jam ($14.99), Chocolate-covered Strawberries and a Stella Rosa Variety Gift Pack ($24.99). Floral bouquets and arrangements are also available. Vallarta has numerous locations around Los Angeles.
