Love is in the air at San Diego’s most romantic restaurants this Feb. 14.
VAGA at Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas has dreamy ocean views PHOTO: COURTESY OF VAGA AT ALILA MAREA BEACH RESORT ENCINITAS
Addison
Visit San Diego’s first three-star Michelin restaurant to enjoy Californian gastronomy in a heart-fluttering setting with scenic views of Del Mar’s surrounding hillside. Chef William Bradley’s Valentine’s Day menu will showcase caviar and other seasonal luxuries to celebrate the occasion. addisondelmar.com
Animae
Located near Downtown San Diego’s waterfront, this unique restaurant spotlights Filipino flavors with a wagyu steak program and Asian-inspired dishes that will leave any date impressed. Executive chef Tara Monsod’s Valentine’s Day offerings will include her take on tuna crudo, jumbo shrimp, filet and diver scallop. animaesd.com
Mille Fleurs serves French classics. PHOTO: BY LUCIANNA MCINTOSH
A.R. Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Dine at The Lodge at Torrey Pines’ signature restaurant for an elegant and memorable Valentine’s Day experience in La Jolla. Enjoy regional San Diego cuisine by executive chef Kelli Crosson from an upscale indoor-outdoor dining room overlooking the 18th hole of Torrey Pines Golf Course. lodgetorreypines.com/ar-valentien
AVANT at Rancho Bernardo Inn
AVANT will have you head over heels for its inventive blend of French and new American cuisine. Pair decadent dishes by chef Sergio Jimenez—such as braised wagyu zabuton or Maine lobster—with wine selections by sommelier Joe Baumgardner. ranchobernardoinn.com/dine/avant
Animae spotlights Filipino flavors from a festive location near Downtown San Diego’s waterfront. PHOTO: BY DUSTIN BAILEY
Callie
Taste your way through the Mediterranean on Valentine’s Day and the Saturday prior to it at East Village favorite Callie—Greek for “the most beautiful.” On Feb. 11 and Feb. 14, guests looking to celebrate can enjoy a special five-course feast lovingly prepared by chef Travis Swikard and his team. calliesd.com
Enjoy modern Mexican food in a beachfront setting at Mission Pacific Hotel’s Valle PHOTO: COURTESY OF VALLE OCEANSIDE
The Marine Room
Spark your passion—and appetite—at this seaside favorite, which just completed a renovation inspired by the surf and ocean. Located on the water in La Jolla Shores, The Marine Room serves delicious dishes made with locally sourced and sustainable ingredients from executive chef Mike Minor. Sit in the dining room or the new lounge for killer sunset views. marineroom.com
Dine overlooking the golf course at A.R. Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE LODGE AT TORREY PINES
Mille Fleurs
French classics, live piano music and an acclaimed wine cellar with 5,000 bottles—need we say more? Come to Rancho Santa Fe’s Mille Fleurs (“1,000 flowers” in French) to indulge in decadent dishes like Maine lobster risotto and duck confit by chef Brandon Jennings served in an upscale country-home space with a flower-filled patio. millefleurs.com
Mister A’s
Enjoy unmatched 180-degree views of Downtown San Diego and top-notch American, French and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine at this Bankers Hill staple atop the Manchester Building. Pair dishes with creative cocktails or impressive wines from a 15- page wine list. asrestaurant.com
The Marine Room’s beef tartare baguette PHOTO: BY NANCY INGERSOLL
VAGA at Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas
VAGA has love in its DNA—it’s chef Claudette Zepeda’s love letter to her hometown of San Diego. Her dishes will take drifters and wanderers on a journey with ingredients and inspirations from both near and far. Add the dreamy ocean views from the restaurant’s vantage point atop a coastal bluff and you’ve got the perfect date spot. vagarestaurant.com
Valle at Mission Pacific Hotel
Recently added to Michelin’s California guide, Valle is helmed by esteemed Baja chef Roberto Alcocer. For a romantic evening out, try his four-course tasting menu that brings modern Mexican food and wine alchemy to a beachfront setting in Oceanside. valleoceanside.com
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