Restaurants & Bars

Valentine's Day: San Diego County Dining Guide 2020

Whether your sweetheart loves romantic dinners, "heart-felt" treats or a Breadstick Bouquet, it's time to plan. Patch gives you options ...

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The "Red Velvet Raspberry Rose Mini Indulgence," at Seasons 52, is among many Valentine's-Day specialties on menus at area restaurants.
The "Red Velvet Raspberry Rose Mini Indulgence," at Seasons 52, is among many Valentine's-Day specialties on menus at area restaurants. (Seasons 52)

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — It's that time of year to wear your heart on your sleeve! Valentine's Day 2020 falls on Friday, Feb. 14, and area chefs and restaurants are pulling out all the stops with prix-fixe menus, specialty cocktails and desserts.

Patch has rounded up some of San Diego County's stand-out offerings, from upscale to the relaxed, even including a couple bashes for the anti-Cupid types, plus a unique "Breadstick Bouquet" available from Olive Garden.

Also, scroll to the bottom of this post to view a slew of Valentine concerts, plays and more fun activities going on in the region.

Find out what's happening in Carlsbadfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Enjoy, and Happy Valentine's Day, from Patch!

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Find out what's happening in Carlsbadfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

ALBACA, Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa, 2000 Second St., Coronado, CA 92118

Enjoy dinner for two with a bayside view on Valentine’s Day with a pre-fixed menu by Executive Chef Rafael Corneil and live music courtesy of Spanish Flamenco guitarist David De Alva. Dine on Charred Mexican BBQ Onion Potato Soup, Sugar Cane Shrimp Escabeche and such entrees as Grilled Swordfish, Grilled Snake River Ribeye or San Marzano Impossible Ragout. End the evening with Dulce De Leche Crème Brûlée with Raspberry Coulis and Vanilla Cream. Dinner is $75 per person, $140 for couples. Follow this link for reservations.

--Photo via Albaca

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ALBERT'S RESTAURANT, SAN DIEGO ZOO, 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, California 92101

San Diego Zoo Executive Chef Carissa Giacalone and Albert’s Chef Grant Toraason are preparing an elegant meal for Feb. 14. $115 per couple, plus tax and gratuity. Maximum party size is eight people. Wine pairings also are available at $20 per guest. Reservations required. Details.

--Shutterstock image

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CAFE GRATITUDE, 1980 Kettner Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101

From Thursday, Feb. 13 – Sunday, Feb. 16, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., The CUISINE + CONNECTION menu is a Valentine’s Day collaboration between Café Gratitude and Jessica Encell Coleman, founder of The Magic of Human Connection. Each course will be paired with a “Connection Course,” a heart-centered activity that you and your partner can incorporate into your dinner to amplify the connection experience throughout the evening. $45 per person. Link to Menu.

--Photo via Cafe Gratitude

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CANNONBALL, Belmont Park,3105 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA

FEB. 14: "Belmont Park is hosting its annual Valentine’s Day dinner. Cannonball invites guests to share beachfront romance on Friday, February 14, from 4pm to close. Cannonball will offer a four-course meal, plus a choice of any 14oz beer, OR choice of red, white or sparkling house wine for $90 per couple. The acoustic sounds of Latin guitar by Israel Maldonado will fill the air from 5 to 8pm. Wine and sake specials will also be available along with the regular Cannonball dinner menu. Reservations are highly recommended (limited space available).The award-winning Cannonball sushi and coastal cuisine rooftop restaurant is located on the Mission Beach boardwalk at Belmont Park." DETAILS

--Image courtesy of Tommy Sablan

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EUREKA!

  • SDSU: 5140 College Ave., San Diego, CA 92115
  • Carlsbad: 6021 Innovation Way, Carlsbad, CA 92009
  • La Jolla: 4353 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92122

From Thursday, Feb. 6 through Sunday, Feb. 16, the all-American restaurant will serve a special "Love Potion" cocktail, made with gin, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, Eureka!’s Signature Lavender Iced Tea, Grand Poppy Liqueur, rose water bitters, lemon bitters, rimmed with rose sugar and garnished with a cosmo flower. Adding to the "love is in the air" season, Eureka! is hosting three "Love Potion Cocktail Classes," an interactive dining experience — perfect for couples or a girl’s night out. Participants create the specialty cocktail, enjoy appetizers and leave with Valentine’s Day treats and swag. Tickets are $25 through Eventbrite links below.

--Photo credit: Eureka!

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GELSON'S

  • La Costa/Carlsbad: 7660 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92009
  • Del Mar: 2707 Via De La Valle, Del Mar, CA 92014
  • Pacific Beach: 730 Turquoise St., San Diego, CA 92109

Whether you’re cooking to impress or adding some romance with hand-dipped chocolate strawberries and long-stemmed red roses, Gelson’s has you covered. Keep it simple and shop for Certified Angus Beef® Choice Boneless New York Strip Steak & Lobster Tail “Surf n Turf” or Certified Angus Beef® Prime Porterhouse or T-Bone “Steak for Two.” Or place an order for hand-dipped chocolate strawberries. Last day to order is Feb. 12. Also available to complete the evening: Pick up roses and tulips or choose from a selection of Rosés and Champagnes.

--Photo credit: Gelson's

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GLASSDOOR RESTAURANT, 1835 Columbia St., San Diego, CA 92101

If you're not into Cupid this year, consider this Anti-Valentine’s Day Bash Feb. 14 starting at 6 p.m. Singles will mingle among such festive décor as black roses, while enjoying music, complimentary V-Day-themed cookies, $3 Cupid Shots, $7 Love Berry Potion and $9 Ruffino Sparkling Rosé. Attendees may also bring a photo of their ex and hang it on the hotel’s “Their Loss Wall” to receive a free well shot. Details here.

--Image via Porto Vista Hotel

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HOTEL DEL CORONADO, 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, CA, 92118

Celebrate at Serẽa on Feb. 14 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. with a three-course dinner for two by Chef Jojo Ruiz. Pricing is adults: $95 per person. View the menu here. Booking info here. Another Del option: A Sunday "For The Love Of Art Brunch" on Feb. 16 is an artful affair, combining The Del’s lavish and legendary brunch with an artist painting live from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A small selection of art pieces will be available for purchase. Guests also enjoy a gourmet Bloody Mary bar, made-to-order mimosas and a spectacular candy and dessert bar. Details here.

--Image via Hotel del Coronado

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JRDN Restaurant, 723 Felspar St., San Diego, CA, 92109

The oceanfront eatery's Executive Chef David Warner is preparing a three-course, prix-fixe menu including Baked Oysters, Local Baja Sea Bass and Chocolate Ravioli and a special V-Day wine menu. $65 per person. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (858) 270-2323 or visiting the web site.

--Image via JRDN

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LIONFISH, 435 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101

Celebrate Valentine’s Day Feb. 14 at Lionfish, located inside Pendry San Diego, with a special, three-course tasting menu from Executive Chef JoJo Ruiz. The James Beard Smart Catch Leader restaurant will offer such specials such as its Fresh Sashimi Rose, Beet Tartare, Hanger Steak and Baja Striped Bass. Wind up the dining experience with mouthwatering desserts including the "You Melt My Heart Chocolate Heart" with mousse and fresh berries or a Lemon Yuzu “Meringue” pie. $95 per person. For reservations, visit https://lionfishsd.com/reservations or call (619) 738-7200.

--Photo credit: Lionfish

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OLIVE GARDEN: Find your nearest location here.

If your love loves Olive Garden, the "Olive Garden Breadstick Bouquet" may be the way to go! The one-of-a-kind gift is available in-restaurant for the first time starting Feb. 13. The bouquet pairs perfectly with never-before-seen Chocolate Mint Boxes for your after-dinner mints. The bouquet wrappers and chocolate boxes will be included in Olive Garden’s special Valentine’s Day ToGo Dinner for Two: three courses starting at $35. The wrappers are available in-restaurant while supplies last as part of the Valentine’s Day ToGo Dinner for Two, so hurry in! If you want to snag the wrappers in advance, the Breadstick Bouquet wrappers are also available for download on Olive Garden’s website.

--Photo credit: Olive Garden

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PATISSERIE MELANIE, 3788 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92103

On Friday, Feb. 14, Patisserie Melanie's "Most Loved" cookies will be offered in a presentation box, including one rose macaron, one poppy macaron and two mini heart-shaped chocolate-pistachio sables. On Saturday, Feb. 15, enjoy free coffee from Refill and the debut of Chaussons aux Pommes (apple turnovers)! To pre-order Valentine’s Day pastries, call (619) 677-2132.

--Image via Patisserie Melanie

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PUNCH BOWL SOCIAL, 1485 E St. San Diego, CA 92101

“Shot Through The Heart,” a rosy-hued, specialty punch, made with with Teakoe Pear Tea, Old Forester Bourbon and Strawberry Cinnamon Shrub, is on the menu through the Valentine's weekend. Share the beverage with someone special, then stay for bowling, shuffleboard, karaoke and bocce ball.

--Photo credit: Amber Boutwell

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SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK, 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA

A romantic couples' "Sweethearts Dinner" will be served Saturday, Feb. 15 at Hunte Nairobi Pavilion. The event includes an animal presentation, a no-host bar and a four-course, gourmet meal specially prepared by Safari Park Executive Chef Joshua Mireles. View Menu. Details here and reservations are required.

--Photo credit: David Allen/Patch

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SALT & STRAW

  • Del Mar: 3705 Caminito Court, San Diego, CA
  • Little Italy: 1670 India St., San Diego, CA

For the sweetheart with a sweet tooth: Salt & Straw head ice cream maker Tyler Malek worked with with local chocolatiers to create a February flavor showcase. For the limited-time menu, Malek collaborated with Eclipse, Milla, Ococoa, Compartés and Nibble for such flavors such as Milla Chocolate Hazelnut Praline and Eclipse Salted Lavender Toffee. The five flavors will be available by the scoop and pint through Feb. 28, as well as through Postmates. Details here.

--Chocolatier Series. Credit Salt & Straw

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SEASONS 52

  • UTC, 4505 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92122
  • Seaport District, 789 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

Two locations from which to choose, plus five days of specials. On Monday, Feb. 10, dine on a special Lobster Ravioli appetizer, featuring Maine lobster, shiitake mushrooms and sherry-lobster sauce. On Tuesday, Feb. 11: Toast to love with a Raspberry Rosé Martini. On Wednesday, Feb. 12: The delectable Red Velvet Raspberry Rose Mini Indulgence, red velvet cake layered with raspberry white chocolate mousse and raspberry purée, will be served. Thursday, Feb. 13: Enjoy a $99 Valentine pairing for two paired with Vanderpump Rosé with two Filet Mignon and Maine Lobster Tail entrées, a Caramelized Grilled Sea Scallops accompaniment to share and two glasses of Vanderpump Dry Rosé. Friday, Feb. 14: Going to pop the question? Get engaged at Seasons 52 on Valentine’s Day and celebrate with a tableside, complimentary toast every time you dine there for a year. Details & booking information here.

--Photo via Seasons 52

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TEXAS DE BRAZIL, 2525 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92008

On Friday, Feb. 14, the traditional Brazilian-style restaurant will serve its full rodizio-style menu and abundant salad area, along with a $9 special holiday dessert, the Red Velvet Fusion Cake. Available for the entire month of February, the cake features a layer of creamy white chocolate cheesecake batter baked on top of a moist red velvet cake with sweet chocolate chips, cream cheese icing and a drizzle of chocolate ganache. Reservations are recommended and can be made here.

Red Velvet Fusion Cake: Photo via Texas de Brazil

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TRULOCK'S LA JOLLA, 8990 University Center Lane, San Diego, CA 92122

On Feb. 14, the upscale Truluck’s will feature a specialty libation – the TruLuv cocktail – "a sensory tour de force of dry ice smoke, Vodka, cava, Chambord, pineapple juice and raspberries." Plus diners can enjoy such seafood as a Tuna Tartare Tower, Lobscargot (Maine lobster cooked in herb garlic butter with Gruyere and Havarti), Miso-Glazed Seabass, Alaskan King Crab and Pan-Seared Scallops, along with the eatery's signature Florida Stone Crabs, that make it from crabbers to tables within 24 hours. Decadent desserts and fines wines also on tap. Advance reservations strongly encouraged. (858) 453-2583.

--Miso-glazed sea bass. Photo credit: Trulock's

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20|TWENTY, Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa, 5480 Grand Pacific Drive, Carlsbad, CA, 92008

Executive Chef Julian Quiñones is crafting a three-course, prix-fixe dinner on Feb. 14. Be treated to an "Amuse-Bouche," (French for "mouth amuser," i.e. appetizer) then choose from Heirloom Tomato and Crab Bisque or Lobster Squash Blossom, such mains as Prime N.Y. Strip or Seared Yellowfin Tuna and Scallop Duo, and Flourless Chocolate Cake or White Chocolate Mousse, paired with the Royale Martini, to cap off the night. Enjoy coastal views as dinner is served 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. $75 per person. To make reservations, call (760) 827-2500 or follow this link.

--Photo credit: Kimberly Motos. Image via 20|Twenty

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QDOBA, CATERING HUB, 780 Hollister St., San Diego,CA 92154

Stop by the Hollister Street locale on Feb. 14 with the one you love, share a kiss and you'll receive a free entree with one entree purchase. Plus, it's free guac and queso all the time at QDOBA! Details here.

Photo credit: QDOBA

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THE WESTGATE HOTEL, 1055 2nd Ave., San Diego, CA, 92101

Indulge in Executive Chef Fabrice Hardel’s three-course, prix-fixe menu in the elegant Westgate Room on Friday, Feb. 14 or Saturday, Feb. 15. An optional wine pairing also is available. $79 per person, and tax and gratuity are additional. Reservations will be available from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Call (619) 238-1818 or visit this link for details.

--Credit: The Westgate Hotel

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RIPASSI ROOFTOP, Porto Vista Hotel, 1835 Columbia St., San Diego, CA 92101

San Diego’s favorite LGBTQ hotspot, Porto Vista Hotel’s Ripassi Rooftop will host an Anti-Valentine’s Day-themed Top of the Bay event on Feb. 14 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Guest bartenders will be mixing up $3 drinks and red Jell-O shots until 6:30 p.m. Other festive cocktails will include $7 Love Berry Potion and $9 Ruffino Sparkling Rosé. DJ Jinx Mirage will be spinning the decks and a free shuttle service will run from Rich’s San Diego in Hillcrest between 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. One lucky guest will win a free night stay at the hotel and a 2020 SDPIX VIP pass. Enter to win here. Event details here.

--Image via Porto Vista Hotel

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FOR OTHER VALENTINE'S FUN GOING ON NEARBY:

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