Valentine's Day: Orange County Dining Guide 2020

ORANGE 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 Orange County's stand-out offerings, from upscale to the relaxed, even including a unique "Breadstick Bouquet" available from Olive Garden.

Also, scroll to the bottom of this post to view a slew of Valentine activities going on in the region.

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

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BACK BAY BISTRO, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Dine on the picturesque waterfront Feb. 14 with a gourmet, four-course feast, courtesy of Executive Chef Daniel Jimenez. Entree options include Roasted Airline Chicken, Braised Short Ribs, Grilled King Salmon or Garlic Butter Portobello Mushrooms. $85 per person. See full menu here. Overnight-stay packages also are available at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. and include brunch and a one-hour, water-sports rental for two. To book your stay at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, call 949-729-3863 or to make dinner reservations, call 949-999-3170.

--Photo via Back Bay Bistro

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BRUNO'S ITALIAN KITCHEN, 210 W. Birch St., Brea, CA

Downtown Brea's popular Italian restaurant will offer a special, three-course Valentine's menu for $58 per person featuring such delectable Italian cuisine as Pappardelle Bruno, Bistecca "Flat Iron,” and the Linguini Frutti di Mare. For more information or to make reservations, call (714) 257-1000 or visit the web site here.

--Image via Bruno's

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CHA CHA'S LATIN KITCHEN

• Downtown Brea: 110 W. Birch St., Brea, CA 92821
• Irvine Marketplace: 13126 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, CA 92602

On Feb. 14, Cha Cha's is serving a Valentine’s Day, three-course menu featuring signature dishes for $38 per person. Options include the Guajillo Braised Short Rib Enchiladas, Wood-Oven Carnitas and Fresh Grilled Salmon. Reservations are highly recommended. Visit the web site here or call 714-408-7819 in Irvine or 714-255-1040 for the Brea locale.

--Carnitas: Photo courtesy of Cha-Cha's

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DAVIO'S NORTHERN ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE, 18420 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, CA, 92612

On Friday, Feb. 14 and Saturday, Feb. 15, Davio’s is offering a special three-course, prix-fixe menu with a menu featuring Sole and Clams and Center Cut Filet Mignon. $85 per guest (excluding tax & gratuity). Reservations can be made by calling 949-477-4810. See details and full menu here.

--Shutterstock image

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EUREKA!

• Huntington Beach: 7631 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92647
• Irvine: 4143 Campus Drive, Irvine, CA 92612

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 "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! Irvine (ticket link here); and Huntington Beach (ticket link here).

--Photo credit: Eureka!

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FIVE CROWNS, 3801 East Coast Hwy., Corona Del Mar, CA 92625

Enjoy a romantic dinner for two in a timeless, "English country inn" setting, complete with cozy fireplaces. On the menu, from Thursday, Feb. 13 through Sunday, Feb. 16, is a four-course dinner, created by Executive Chef Alejandra Padilla, with such entrée options as Roasted Prime Ribs of Beef, Potato Horseradish -Crusted Salmon, Double Cut Pork Chop or Beef Wellington, along with decadent desserts. $129 per couple not including tax or gratuity. Details here on menu and booking.

Photo via Five Crowns

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GELSON'S

• Dana Point:24 Monarch Bay Plaza, Dana Point, CA 92629
• Irvine: 5521 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA 92618
• Laguna Beach: 30922 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
• Newport Beach: 1660 San Miguel DriveNewport Beach, CA 92660
• Rancho Mission Viejo: 30731 Gateway Place, Rancho Mission Viejo, CA 92694

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 a selection of Rosés and Champagnes.

-Photo credit: Gelson's

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K'YA BISTRO BAR, 1289 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Indulge in a romantic, Valentine's date night with the eatery's special four-course, tapas-style menu. $50 per person and $99 per couple, with two shareable plate options per course. The main course features Grilled Vegetable Risotto with romesco sauce and parmesan, Braised Short Rib served with mashed potatoes, spinach, and porcini mushroom sauce, Lobster Macaroni & Cheese with smoked bacon and truffle crust, and Grilled Branzino served with basmati rice, asparagus, portobello mushrooms, lemon butter, and capers. For more information or to make reservations, which are highly recommended, visit www.kyabistro.com or call (855) 990-0281.

Photo via K’ya

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LADY M, 2967 Michelson Drive, Irvine, CA 92612

The luxury cake boutique is offering its six-inch ($50) and individual ($9.50) chocolate heart cakes from Feb. 12 through Feb. 16. Available in such varieties as: Framboise au Chocolat: chocolate mousse, raspberry compote, chocolate sponge, chocolate ganache, raspberry gelee; Gateau au Chocolat: dark chocolate sponge, crushed walnuts, chocolate mousse, dark chocolate ganache, gold dust; Couronne du Chocolat: alternating layers of chocolate sponge cake and dark chocolate mousse, finished with a chocolate ganache, chocolate crumbs and white chocolate shavings. See details here.

--Photo via Lady M

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LAS BRISAS, 361 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, CA, 92651

One of Laguna Beach’s most romantic restaurants overlooking the coastline is offering a weekend-long, five-course, prix-fixe menu, complete with a complimentary Champagne Toast or Gazpacho Shooter. Created under the direction of Chef and Executive General Manager Michael Gaines, menu highlights include starters such as Calamari Ceviche Tostada, with entrees of Seared Salmon or Filet of Beef. Top off the meal with seasonal desserts as the Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake, Winter Citrus Flan or Tres Leches Cake with toasted coconut. The Valentine's special runs Feb. 12 through Feb. 16. Follow this link to see the full menu or make reservations, or call 949-497-5434.

--Shutterstock image

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OLD VINE KITCHEN & BAR, 2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, CA 92626

The European-inspired restaurant at The Camp will offer a choice of three, chef-crafted, four-course menus — with wine pairings for $98 per person or $83 per person without. The Original Tasting Menu features sea scallops, Tagliatelle Al Pomodoro, Filet Mignon, and cheesecake with wild berry puree. The Vegetarian Tasting Menu features baby spinach salad, Hen of the Woods, Tagliatelle Al Pomodoro, and cream cheese frosted carrot cake. Or The Vegan Tasting Menu offers seasonal greens with hearts of palm, seared Head of the Woods, Indonesian curry and house-made sorbet. Reservations are required and can be made at 714-545-1411. For more information, visit www.OldVineKitchenbar.com

--Seared scallops. Photo via Old Vine

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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.

--Image via Olive Garden

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PATSY'S IRISH PUB, 28971 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel, CA

On Feb. 14, enjoy a $25 filet mignon and lobster dinner special, then stay for karaoke, DJ and dancing. Drink specials will run 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. See details here.

--Shutterstock image

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SEASONS 52, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Five days of dining 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..

Image via Seasons 52

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THE BLIND PIG KITCHEN + BAR

• 31431 Santa Margarita Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
• 4975 Lakeview Ave, Yorba Linda, CA 92886

The critically acclaimed The Blind Pig Kitchen + Bar in Rancho Santa Margarita and the newly opened Yorba Linda location are offering a special, four-course prix fixe dinner this Valentine’s Day. Guests will enjoy shareable appetizers, decadent entrees with two plate options and dessert, prepared by Executive Chef Karl Pfleider. Optional wine pairings will be offered for those looking for the ultimate dining experience. To make a reservation, visit www.theblindpigoc.com or call 949-888-0072 (RSM) or 714-485-2593 (Yorba Linda).

Image via The Blind Pig

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TEXAS DE BRAZIL, 13772 Jamboree Road, Irvine, CA 92602

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 credit: Texas de Brazil

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TOAST KITCHEN + BAKERY, 1767 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Chef John Park is preparing a delicious, three-course menu to be served Feb. 13 through Saturday, Feb. 15. $69 per couple with an optional drink pairing for an additional $20 per person. Details on menu here.

--Photo courtesy of Toast Kitchen + Bakery

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FOR OTHER VALENTINE'S FUN GOING ON NEARBY:

• Valentines for Vets Card Making & Dropoff
• #WeLove Valentine's Day Cannabis Education Event
• Celebrate Galentine’s Day at Irvine Spectrum Center!
• The World of Opera: Stories of Love
  
• Valentine’s Day • Gadbois Jewelry Trunk Show
  
• Heart Succulent Container Workshop with Catherine Smith
  
• Cupid's Champagne Brunch Cruise
  
• Cupid's Dinner Cruise
  
• Valentine's Special Spa Packages - Sycamore Spa by Hudson
• Valentines Day Whale Watching on the Dana Pride
  
• Valentine's Day Special Event -Couples Painting Classes