Valentine's Day Dining 2020: Malibu & Nearby

MALIBU, CA — Valentine's Day is fast approaching, falling this year on Friday, Feb. 14.

For those still in need of dinner plans, Patch is here to help you out with a round-up of a few regional restaurants offering special chef-curated menus and cocktails, along with shops ready to meet your V-day needs for chocolate-covered strawberries or sweet treats.

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

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ASTRO DOUGHNUTS & FRIED CHICKEN, 2309 Main St., Santa Monica, CA

Astro plays cupid with a Valentine's mini gift box ($24) filled with a dozen, dazzling, special-edition doughnuts, including: the Red Velvet with cream cheese glaze and topped with a real red rose petal; the Strawberry Smoothie, with strawberry yogurt glaze, strawberry drizzle and crowned with a hand-cut strawberry flower; the Tiramisu, filled with Mascarpone mousse and topped with Kahlua coffee glaze, cocoa powder, hand-piped white chocolate heart and edible gold flakes; and the Crème Brulée, Astro’s signature treat with individually torched sugar coating, filled with pastry cream and sprinkled with mini candy hearts. Pre-orders for boxes begin Feb. 10 at info@astrodoughtnutsla.com or 424-280-4414. Last-minute shoppers also can pick up a box Feb. 14 at the Main Street shop, while supplies last.

Photo credit: Astro Doughnuts

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BOA STEAKHOUSE, 101 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA

Valentine's Day specials include an a la carte, 36-ounce Brooklyn Porterhouse, served on a sizzling platter for $145, and lobster with stuffed sole sauce Américaine and warm potato salad for $54. Link here to book reservations.

--Photo credit: BOA

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CAFE BIZOU, 30315 Canwood St., Agoura Hills, CA 91301

Celebrate Valentine's weekend on Friday and Saturday with a prix-fixe menu, with entree options of lobster, scallop and shrimp pasta, shrimp and lobster risotto, salmon or a trio of filet mignon, short ribs and rack of lamb. $6 per person. Reservation and full menu here.

--Shutterstock image

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CASSIA, 1314 7th St. Santa Monica, Calif. 90401

The acclaimed Vietnamese restaurant is cooking up a $95-per-person Valentine’s Day prix-fixe menu, with such entrees as Beef Cheek Rendang and Whole Grilled Sea Bass. The dinner is served family-style — perfect for couples or groups — with other specialties like: Vietnamese-Cajun Boudin Balls made with fried pork, rice, pepper jack cheese, remoulade and pickled cabbage; Grilled Honey Lemongrass Pork Ribs; and “Spinach Artichoke Dip” with clay-oven bread. A half-bottle wine pairing, ideal for two, and fun cocktails also planned. Details here. The patio will be open for walk-ins with a limited, à la carte menu.Visit this link to book seats.

Cassia's Whole Grilled Sea Bass: Photo credit Rick Poon

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THE DOLLY LLAMA, 9301 Tampa Ave., Northridge, CA 91324

How sweet is this? The Dolly Llama, a waffle and ice cream shop, has introduced a Valentine's Day-themed treat perfect for this holiday. The chef-curated, waffle-and-ice-cream dessert starts with a choice of a light and crispy bubble waffle or OG Liefe waffle and is then loaded with a massive scoop of ice cream and topped with heart candies and a generous drizzle of chocolate sauce ($11).

--Photos via The Dolly Llama

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ESTERS WINE SHOP & BAR, 1314 7th St., Santa Monica, California 90401

Celebrating Galentine’s Day? Meet up at Esters Saturday, Feb. 15 for a day of fun and friendship. Start with brunch, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., with Croque Madames and Brunchy Avocado Toast, a Galentine’s Sparkling Cocktail, Giffard’s Lichi-Li or Pinot Noir float. Follow that with local florist Krystal Chang's “The Language of Flowers – A Val/Gal-entine’s Workshop” from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Learn significant meanings behind various, seasonal flowers and how to build a loose, garden-inspired vase arrangement. Flowers, vases, tools and a glass of sparkling rosé provided. Limited spots available, and tickets can be purchased via Chang’s website.

--Photo credit: Krystal Chang

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EUREKA!, 6250 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 91364

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 "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.

• Tuesday, Feb. 11 -6:30 p.m: Love Potion Cocktail Class at Eureka! Woodland Hills (ticket link here); Hawthorne (ticket link here); Claremont (ticket link here); and Cerritos (ticket link here).

--Photo credit: Eureka!

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GELSON'S: Location finder here.

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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GEOFFREY'S MALIBU, 27400 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA

Celebrate at an oceanfront icon, with Executive Chef Bijan Shokatfard's three-course, prix-fixe menus for brunch and dinner on Feb. 14. Brunch, at $68 per person or $48 for children 12 and younger, offers four starter selections including, Mixed Green Salad with fresh Raspberries or Lobster Spring Roll. Among entree choices: Lobster Cake Benedict; Herb Crusted Salmon; or Grilled Filet Mignon. The dinner, $125 per person, features such options as Miso Braised Tofu, Fresh Maine Lobster and Braised Kobe Beef. Decadent desserts for both. See menu details here. A "Day After Valentine’s Day Menu," on Feb. 15, also is available with three courses for $85 per person. Details on that here.

--Shutterstock image

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HUCKLEBERRY BAKERY & CAFE, 1014 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90401

Huckleberry Bakery & Café is offering Valentine’s Day sweets that can be ordered in advance, with some available in the pastry case that day. Highlights include Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries in boxes of six for $12, Heart-Shaped Shortbread Cookies with strawberry glaze and Valentine’s icing messages for $3 each, a Heart-Shaped Chocolate Caramel Tart with ganache, whipped cream and cocoa nibs in individual sizes for $7.50 or large (feeds 10-12 people) for $45. Catering orders must be placed by Feb. 11 at 5 p.m. by calling 310-451-2311 or ordering online, with the full menu available here.

--Huckleberry's Chocolate Caramel Tart. Photo Credit Lindsey Huttrer

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LUCIFER'S PIZZA, 11266 Ventura Blvd. Studio City, CA, 91406

Show someone you care with a heart-shaped pizza from Lucifer’s Pizza, known for its signature spice levels, ranging from "zero" to "blazing." The offer will be Friday, Feb. 14 for four hours — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All specialty combinations pizzas, or those with chosen toppings, can be turned into the symbol of love, for any large, regular crust pizza at no additional charge. Personal-size pizzas and gluten-free dough are not included in the offer. See company web site for phone numbers and details.

Credit: Lucifer's Pizza

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MICHAEL'S SANTA MONICA, 1147 3rd St., Santa Monica, CA 90403

Enjoy a romantic, four-course, prix-fixe menu in a gorgeous setting on Friday, Feb. 14, courtesy of Executive Chef Brian Bornemann. Dinner begins with two plates to share, including a yellowtail aguachile and flowering pea tendril salad, with an option to add roe-adorned oysters for an additional $15 per person. Pasta and main courses follow with choices ranging from black truffle risotto and Bornemann’s signature caviar cappelletti, to dry-aged prime rib with Barolo jus and slow local polenta with blistered mushrooms. End the night with passion fruit pavlova or dark chocolate Averna mousse with candied hazelnuts. $99 per person with optional wine pairing for $55 per person. Reservations here.

--Credit: Michael's Santa Monica

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MILO & OLIVE, 2723 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90403

The Milo & Olive team is prepping for some awesome Valentine’s Day specials like: Black Truffle Risotto with crispy king trumpet mushrooms, pecorino and micro chervil; Crispy Braised Pork Belly with celery root & sunchoke purée, apple cider vinegar jus and crispy Brussels sprouts; and Blood Orange Galette with einkorn sucrée, vanilla bean pastry cream & citrus curd. Optional wine pairings available, too. See website here.

Milo & Olive's Blood Orange Galette. Photo credit Lindsey Huttrer

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MOONSHADOWS, 20356 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu CA

Enjoy this "world Famous" Valentine's prix-fixe dinner featuring three courses. Multiple selections per course, and three seating options: 4 p.m.; 6 p.m; 8:15 p.m $89. per person. Reservations recommended. More info here.

--Shutterstock image

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MOORPARK VALENTINE'S WINE HOP, Various locations, Moorpark CA

Feb. 15: "Come celebrate Wine Love with all of us at Cavaletti Vineyards, Lucas Sellers Wine, and McGregor's Craft Beer and Wine at our first annual Valentine's Wine Hop. ... Tickets include: SIX wine tastings, 25% off wine bottle purchases, and a special treat at each location." Details and ticket link here.

--Shutterstock image

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94TH AERO SQUADRON, 16320 Raymer St., Van Nuys, CA 91406

Celebrate the holiday with a la carte options or a signature, four-course, prix-fixe menu, as well as a specialty Valentine’s Day cocktail "Cupid." A la carte items include: Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail; Lump Crab and Lobster Bisque; Crab Stuffed Salmon; Lobster Tail; or 12-ounce Herb Crusted Prime Rib Au Jus. The prix-fixe menu features: Mini Beef Wellington and Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail; Pan-Seared Scallops; 8-ounce Charbroiled Filet Mignon; or 18-ounce Roasted Rack of Lamb. Reservation and menu details here.

--Photo credit: 94th Aero Squadron

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ODYSSEY, 15600 Odyssey Drive, Granada Hills, CA 91344

Choose from two events: Love Is In The Air Dinner and Dance from 7 p.m. to midnight; or a romantic, three-course dinner from 4 p.m.-10 p.m. The three-course Valentine's menus range from $65 to $99, featuring such specialties as: Kampachi Crudo; Center Cut Filet Mignon; North Atlantic Lobster Tail: Poach Scottish Salmon; Red Beet Risotto with Arborio rice; and a Banana Brûlée Tart. Full menu available here. More details here.

--Photo credit: Odyssey

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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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PACIFIC PARK, 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA

Make it a night to remember with a whirl on the Ferris wheel, lit up for Valentine's Day, while being serenaded by renowned viola player Daniel Morris. Performing Valentine's Day from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., he will set the romantic mood under the moonlight. Through Sunday, Feb. 16 from sunset to midnight, the Ferris wheel will be illuminated in red, pink and white. After the ride, follow up with dinner at one of the restaurants or grab such light-bites and treats from various carts or food stalls as churros, Whac-a-mole Tacos, funnel cakes or pizza. Sounds like a date! Find the park's website here.

--Photo credit: Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier

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RUSTIC CANYON, 1119 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401

It's a family-style Valentine's Day at Rustic Canyon with a four-course dinner at $85 per person, where couples or friends order as a table from eight different dishes. Entrees will be hyper-seasonal, with a lot of "naturally red" dishes to mark the day, alongside the eatery's famous “Peas & White Chocolate.” Wine pairings and specialty cocktails round out the experience, and there’s a “Stag Menu” at the bar for anyone without a date. Details here. Reservations available now via Resy.

--Rustic Canyon's Peas & White Chocolate dish. Photo credit: Lindsey Huttrer

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SALT & STRAW, 12180 ½ Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604

For the sweetheart with a sweet tooth: Salt & Straw head ice cream maker Tyler Malek worked with local chocolatiers to create a February flavor showcase. For the limited-time menu, Malek collaborated with Twenty-Four Blackbirds, Milla, Ococoa, Compartés and Nibble for flavors such as Milla Chocolate Hazelnut Praline and Compartés Caramelized Popcorn Milk Chocolate. The five flavors are at LA shops by the scoop and pint through Friday, Feb. 28, as well as through Postmates. Details here.

--Chocolatier Series. Credit Salt & Straw

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SUSHI ROKU SANTA MONICA, 1401 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401

Valentine's Day festivities at this locale include an Izakaya Feast for two for $140, including an optional wine/sake pairing for $35 per person. On the menu: Oysters; Santen Mori; Sesame Shrimp Noodles. And Roku Hanabi for the Table, Entree Choice of a Valentine’s Special Sushi Selection, Filet Mignon “Japonais,” or Baked Barramundi and a Red Velvet Cheesecake for dessert. Reservations can be made here.

--Photo credit: Sushi Roku

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SWEET ROSE CREAMERY

• Brentwood Country Mart, 225 26th St., Santa Monica, CA 90402
• Pacific Palisades, 970 Monument St., Los Angeles CA 90272
• Santa Monica, 2726 Main St., Santa Monica, CA 90405

Sweet Rose Creamery is whipping up heart-shaped Valentine’s Day Ice Cream Sandwiches featuring its fresh strawberry ice cream and housemade chocolate wafer cookies. Pop into any of the three shops with your date or pals for a sweet treat.

--Sweet Rose Creamery's Strawberry Ice Cream Sandwich. Photo credit: Lindsey Huttrer

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TEXAS DE BRAZIL, 2770 Seaglass Way, Oxnard, CA 93036

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 recommended and can be made here.

-Red Velvet Fusion Cake: Photo via Texas de Brazil

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VINTAGE WINE + EATS, 12023 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA

"Enjoy Tuna Tartare with Toasted Pink Peppercorns; Grilled Caesar Salad with Brussel Sprouts, Toasted Croutons & Anchovy; Cherry Braised Pork with Mustard Spätzle and London Fog Creme Brulée. This isn’t a pick-and-choose menu either, the prix-fixe menu includes all items! ($49) The only choice love birds and anti- Valentiners alike will have to make is whether to pair their delicious feast with Vintage Wine + Eat’s unique wine offerings, which can be added on for an additional $30. With trained Sommeliers on hand, this meal will pair with vino way better than Romeo and Juliet ever did." Details here.

--Shutterstock image

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VITELLO'S, 4349 Tujunga Ave., Studio City, CA 91604

On Valentine’s Day, enjoy a special, one-night-only menu featuring Lobster Pappardelle, Chicken Rollatini, Petite Fillet Skewers or Oven Roasted Arctic Char. Pair your dinner with a signature cocktail or a bottle of wine, and end your night with either a Chocolate Truffle Delight or Lemoncello Raspberry Cake. Add entertainment to your evening, and check out Feinstein’s at Vitello’s schedule here. See restaurant menu and booking info here.

--Arctic Char. Photo credit: Vitello's

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ALSO SEE: Love Potion: A Cupid-Approved, Valentine's Day Cocktail

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FOR THE FULL REGION: Valentine's Day: Greater L.A. Dining Guide For 2020