For Valentine’s Day dining in California 2023, click here.
This past year has certainly brought about a lot of change—and perhaps that’s all the more reason to show the people we love just how much they mean to us whenever we can. Here are some of the best ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in California this year.
DINING
Everything from upscale restaurants to local food chains are getting in the Valentine’s Day spirit this. At the famous Umami Burger, guests can purchase the “Umami & Chill” Valentine’s Day Combo Box ($45) at any one of their Los Angeles locations. The box includes: an Umami Cheeseburger and Double Truffle Burger, Truffle Fries, Cheesy Tots, Ben & Jerry’s, “Netflix & Chill’d” ice cream pint, and a slice of red velvet cake.
SOL Mexican Cocina (with locations in Playa Vista and Newport Beach) have unveiled a new specialty cocktail just in time for Valentine’s Day, Frozé—which is SOL’s signature frozen margarita topped with sparkling rosé and guava nectar. Its pink hues make it the perfect celebratory Valentine’s Day cocktail to enjoy on the spacious outdoor patio.
Laguna Beach’s, Las Brisas, is the perfect destination for a romantic dinner with unmatched OC coast views. This Valentine’s Day weekend, Las Brisas will be offering a 5-Course Menu for $125/person from 3 p.m. to close. Among the highlights from the special menu include a Champagne Toast; Calamari Ceviche Tostada; Grilled Lamb Chops with chipotle-agave glazed carrots; Scallops with cauliflower, olives, and tomatillo; and Tres Leches Cake with toasted coconut.
In the heart of Hollywood, you can indulge in a delicious and romantic dinner at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele from Executive Chef Antonio Giordano and Michele Rubini, Head Pizzaiolo. Da Michele will be serving a curated menu for the romantics, available for takeout or for outdoor dining at restaurant’s charming garden-like patio. Diners will be able to choose between a two-course menu (choice of appetizer + pasta or risotto + choice of dessert) at $65, or a three-course menu (choice of appetizer + choice of linguine or risotto + choice of fish or steak + choice of dessert ) at $100. Reservation required for dine-in. Takeout can be ordered via the restaurant’s website.
Thanks to the critically acclaimed Baltaire, this Valentine’s Day, guests can share a romantic evening at home with their loved ones courtesy of the restaurant’s talented culinary team. In honor of the holiday, they’ll be offering a Valentine’s Day package for two ($220), with dishes including Ahi Tuna Poke with yuzu ponzu, macadamia, and taro root chips, Prime Filet Mignon & Lobster with truffle bordelaise and drawn butter or Blue Crab Crusted Chilean Sea Bass with lemon-caper cream sauce.
STAYS
As per usual, if you’re looking for an extravagant way to celebrate, The Ritz-Carlton has you covered. While lifted stay-at-home orders in Los Angeles means booking your Valentine’s Day getaway is once again possible, for folks looking to still be COVID-friendly in their holiday endeavors, The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles is offering The Love Bubble—an ultra-luxe kit that delivers iconic hotel amenities directly to your door so you can recreate the luxury guest room experience in your very own home. Everything from robes and slippers, to a bottle of Veuve Clicquot are included. And yes, the package is really as luxurious as it sounds. Orders should be placed by Feb. 10 to ensure delivery by Valentine’s Day.
If you’re looking for something a little more casual and cozy, there are a number of dining options that are sure to make your Valentine’s Day unforgettable. The Cottages at Savoca are launching just in time for the holiday, and are partially enclosed, heated table setups that allow for fresh air circulation and are thoroughly sanitized between each reservation (see image below). They’ll also be offering the menu on the restaurant’s spacious outdoor patio—which includes everything from seared scallop to roasted prime filet, and risotto milanese to a Valrhona chocolate passion fruit tart.
TREATS
Another great spot for flavorful treats is Art Delectables—which specializes in “better-for-you sweets.” This fully female-led, BIPOC company specializes in luxury cheesecakes and other couture treats using only organically grown, non-GMO ingredients, with one third less sugar compared to traditional desserts. This Valentine’s Day, they’ll be offering delectable menu items like Brownie Truffles with a boozy twist ($29.99 for a box of six) which is made up of a fudge brownie soaked in Macallan Scotch, blended with a Macallan infused chocolate ganache and hand dipped in 46% dark chocolate, sprinkled with raw almonds and dusted in 24 karat gold.
Speaking of decadent and delicious desserts and goodies, Disneyland Resort is back up and running with some of their hit restaurants and treat shops open for business. At Marceline’s Confectionary and Trolly Treats on Buena Vista Street, visitors can order a “Bee Mine” apple, enrobed in chocolate and decorated with a cute, edible bee. At Kayla’s Cake, you can treat yourself to a premium box of macarons in six flavors including rose Champagne heart, sea salt caramel and mango dragon fruit. And nothing completes a meal at Earl of Sandwich better than heart-shaped cookies and brownie desserts paired with their signature sandwiches and drinks.
Starting Feb. 5, at the Happiest Place on Earth, visitors can also make dining reservations at Naples Ristorante e Bar, Uva Bar & Café, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, and Ballast Point Brewing Co., among others.
ACTIVITIES
For a more experience-driven date night, consider stopping by the local drive-in to catch an old-timey film. At Street Food Cinema couples can enjoy a showing of Lady and the Tramp and When Harry Met Sally in Santa Monica. And Parking Lot Cinema will screen a Casablanca and When Harry Met Sally double feature in Glendale.
And finally, for a truly unforgettable (and purple-drenched) Valentine’s Day, locals can indulge in all of their over-the-top culinary fantasies via the Disco Dining Club’s Valentine’s Day offering, When Doves Cry. The $180 bundle brings all things purple to your door, including booze, glitter, adult whipped cream, oil, ube pancakes, a bath bomb and a lava lamp, with buy-up add-ons like a five-course meal and a Prince-inspired performance—that, similar to everything else, also magically arrives at your doorstep.