Valentine’s Day San Diego is one of the busiest dining nights of the year, with nearly 70% of couples choosing to celebrate over a special meal. San Diego’s culinary scene has you covered whether you’re planning a romantic first date, an anniversary-worthy evening, or just a memorable night out. You’ll find everything from oceanfront fine dining to neighborhood gems offering menus for you and your plus one.
But how do you pick the right spot for the occasion? That’s where I am happy to help. This post will help you navigate the best restaurants across San Diego’s regions, offering lots of options for that special meal. Here are some of the top places to eat this Valentine’s Day.
San Diego Restaurants Perfect for Valentine’s Day
San Diego offers something for every couple. Candlelit tables with ocean views, rooftop restaurants with city lights, and intimate spots. Many of these restaurants have created an elegant multi-course dinner, featuring their signature dishes.
San Diego Valentine’s Day Restaurants You Need to Try
When it comes to Valentine’s Day San Diego, choosing the right restaurant can make all the difference. Get ready to impress your date with a meal they’ll never forget.
Best Fine Dining Restaurants in North County
North County San Diego is a haven for fine dining, offering a mix of upscale restaurants that are perfect for an elegant Valentine’s Day dinner. I am recommending these North County spots for a romantic and delicious meal.
Glass Box
On February 14th (from 4 pm to close) Glass Box will be offering a 4-course Valentine’s Day menu for $85 per person. Amuse-bouche of Truffle King Crab Roll. First choice of Oysters, Strawberry & Avocado Salad, or Wagyu Tataki. Second-course choice is Burrata with Tomatoes, Lobster Miso Soup, or Asian-Style Cold Gazpacho. Third-course choice of Cherry Blossom-Infused Duck Breast with Plum Sauce, Wagyu Beef with Pomegranate Reduction, Pan-Seared Scallops, or Truffle & Shiitake Mushroom Risotto. And a dessert choice of Dark Chocolate Matcha Cake or Asian-Style Crepe Cake.
Lilian's
Lilian’s offers a four-course Valentine’s Day dinner for $165 per person. The first course (plus bread) is Red Kuri Squash & Truffle Caviar Tartlet. Second course is a choice of Filet Tartare, Winter Vegetable Louie Salad, Southern Style Hot Quail, or Kumamoto Oyster. Third course is a choice of Balsamic Vinegar Braised Short Rib, Butter Poached Lobster Tail, Roasted Cauliflower Crown, or Confit Duck Leg. Dessert is Rose Pavlova or Cherry Dusted Tres Leches.
The Grill at Torrey Pines
The Grill at Torrey Pines is celebrating with a three-course prix fix menu by Executive Chef Kelli Crosson. Enjoy a view of Torrey Pines while you dine on Smoked Beet Soup (with lobster and crème fraîche; Beef Short Rib (truffle risotto, roasted brussels sprouts), and Champagne Panna Cotta. $135 per person (+$65 with wine pairings). Make it more romantic by spending a night at the Lodge at Torrey Pines.
La Valencia
Experience the romance of Valentine’s Day at La Valencia’s signature Mediterranean Room. There are breathtaking ocean views from the restaurant. Executive Chef Alex Pailles’ has a four-course menu, featuring Beet Tartare, Yakatori Kissed Iberian Pork, King Koa Salmon, Bone-In Short Rib, and Matcha Banana Cake. Reservations are available via OpenTable for $150 per person excluding tax + gratuity.
Marisi
Executive Chef Cameron Ingle from Marisi will be offering a special four-course Valentine’s menu, alongside a glass of sparkling rosé for $125 per guest, excluding tax and gratuity. The menu highlights include Steamed Saffron Mussels, King Crab Carbonara, pasture-raised New York Strip – with the option to add burgundy black truffle – and Baked Alaska.
Mille Fleurs
Mille Fleurs in Rancho Santa Fe. has a four-course prix fixe menu from Executive Chef Harrison Axelrod. It includes Prime Beef Filet Tartare, Lobster Agnolotti, Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb, Wild Caught Atlantic Dover Sole, and more for $195 per person. Executive Pastry Chef Kevin Jorgensen is preparing a Deconstructed Strawberry Shortcake and Chocolate Heart with kumquat coulis.
Unique Dining Experiences in INLAND AREA
Trattoria Cori Pastificio
Trattoria Cori Pastificio will offer an intimate dining experience inspired by the romance of Italian evenings. Guests can choose from a four-course ($95) or six-course Chef Tasting Menu ($125). The 6-course includes Arancino alle Barbabietole; Tortino al Parmigiana Reggiano; Funghi e Panna Cotta Salata; Crudo di Tonno e Molograno; Aragosta & Risotto al Basilico; Brasato di Guancia; and Cocco, Zafferano e Limone.
Valentine’s Day Specials in Central and Coastal San Diego
Cannonball
Cannonball is offering a three-course menu for two guests on February 14th, with a stunning view of Mission Beach. You get a choice of two appetizers (Duck confit Spring Rolls; Tamarind Glazed Charred Ribs; or Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice). 2nd Course choice of 1 entree (Tomahawk for two from Brandt Farms, or Three Special Rolls, Chef’s Choice 5 Piece Sashimi, Chef’s Choice 5 Piece Nigiri). Plus Forbidden Rice puddingfor dessert.
Dockside 1953
Dockside 1953 is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a special four-course prix fixe menu. Enjoy stunning panoramic views of Mission Bay, live entertainment, and a complimentary champagne toast. The 4-course prix fixe dinner with complimentary champagne toast is $105 ++ per person | $140++ with wine pairings. You will find Local Bluefin Tuna Carpaccio, Surf & Turf and Raspberry & Lemon Tart on the menu.
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
The Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa is offering a three-course prix fixe dinner with complimentary champagne toast. The menu includes Kingfish Crudo (first course), a “Perfect Pair” entrée of Petite Filet Mignon and Butter-Poached Jumbo Prawns, and “Love Bomb” (Vanilla Sponge Cake, Lychee Mousse, Raspberry Compote) for dessert. They are also offering Valentine’s Day treatments at The Catamaran Spa.
Ponyboy
Menu highlights from PonyBoy’s three-course retro dining experience include Uni Rockefeller, “Marry Me” Duck Confit, and Pineapple Upside Down Cake. If you love fondue, you can have a cheese fondue with the first course and a chocolate fondue for dessert. Reservations are available for Friday, 2.14 + Saturday, 2.15 from 5 – 10 p.m. for $129.
If you are looking for Valentine’s Day events, there is a great list on the city website.
