Here are our 30 picks for great places to cozy up for a romantic dinner plus lots more ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in L.A. Note: Most venues and activities require advance reservations. Be sure to call ahead to confirm availability.
Edited by William Yelles.
Alta Adams
This Valentine’s Day, chef Keith Corbin will be offering a three-course surf and turf dinner. Following a kale salad with grapefruit and avocado to start, guests will be served an entrée of grilled steak with lobster bearnaise, sauteed spinach and brown butter mashed potatoes, followed by strawberry shortcake for dessert. Alta’s regular dinner menu will also be available. $55/pp. 5359 W. Adams Blvd., 323.571.4999. altaadams.com
Bar Franca
Moody lighting, sexy artwork, and outstanding cocktails combine to make for a romantic Valentine’s evening. Tonight Bar Franca debuts A Love Bizarre, a modern metaphysical marketplace (think crystals, art, tarot cards, oils, and more). Bring your significant other, sip on a craft cocktail featuring Astral Gin, and peruse the new shop for last-minute gifts. 4 p.m.-2 a.m. 438 S. Main St., downtown, 213.935.8515. barfranca.com
Barton G
The whimsical destination offering a multi-sensory dining experience with one-of-a-kind culinary comfort food creations, will be offering a new take on their signature cotton candy dessert. Cupid’s Arrow Marie Antoinette is a towering cherry red cotton candy pompadour struck with cupid’s arrow, served with a decadent vanilla pannacotta, gianduja brownie, caramelized banana cream and Chantilly Bananas Foster “shake” for two topped with homemade “cherub” chocolates. 861 N. La Cienega Blvd. L.A., 310.388.1888. bartong.com
Beauty & Essex
Beauty & Essex will bring the romance tableside with a limited edition Wheel of Love dessert featuring a chef’s selection of Valentine’s Day-inspired desserts including strawberry dark chocolate macaron and rose water orange buttercream macaron. 6 p.m.-midnight. $32. 1615 Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, 323.676.8880. beautyandessex.com
The Belvedere at The Peninsula Beverly Hills
The Peninsula Beverly Hills’ signature Belvedere restaurant is offering a four-course prix fixe menu featuring fresh lobster caviar for starters, a juicy and robust filet mignon as a main course, and a decadent chocolate soufflé or tiramisu for dessert. Resident pianist Antonio will set the romantic mood. 5-10:30 p.m. $125. 9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.975.2736. peninsula.com
Cecconi’s West Hollywood
Available alongside the all-day menu, the Valentine’s Day prix fixe offers couples a shared plate of hamachi and salmon crudo to start, followed by a choice of adorable heart-shaped ricotta ravioli, petit filet with truffle jus or seabream with whipped potatoes and sautéed spinach. Expect another heart-shaped dish for dessert—a decadent chocolate lava cake for two topped with raspberry sauce and coconut gelato. $65/pp. 8764 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 310.432.2000. cecconiswesthollywood.com
Ciel Spa at SLS Hotel
Primp and pamper with the P50 Body Polish. Composed of silk extracts and Argan oil, the treatment nourishes dehydrated skin and frees skin cells and impurities. The deep exfoliating treatment combines fruit acids and essential oils with a stimulating exfoliation glove. Skin is left luminous, soft, and renewed. $225. 465 S. La Cienega Blvd., L.A., 310.246.5560. cielspabeverlyhills.com
District
The steak and seafood-forward eatery in the heart of downtown L.A. is offering a specialty menu with highlights including a “carving board” for two with Maine Lobster and Porterhouse Steak options, plus desserts including a crème Brulee cheesecake and triple chocolate mousse. The restaurant will also offer special Valentine’s Day cocktail. 700 W. 7th St., downtown, 213.612.3185. districtdtla.com
Eve American Bistro
The Mayfair Hotel’s signature restaurant prix-fixe menu highlights include Kumiai oyster gratin & spicy tuna sesame cone; prime fillet steak tartare with Dijon aioli, parmesan, bone marrow crème fraiche and grilled baguette; surf & turf grilled prime fillet, half Maine lobster tail, truffle mac & cheese and sautéed broccolini. Leave room for dessert (red velvet mini churros with Nutella sauce). $85/pp. 1256 W. 7th St., downtown, 213.632.1210. eveamericanbistro.com
Far Bar
Enjoy a colorful evening on Far Bar’s romantic skylit patio offering a deliciously special three-course dinner. Ignite the evening with a heartwarming bowl of lobster bisque, a choice of white bass and butternut squash or flank steak with chimichurri as the entrée, and finish off with a passion-filled slice of red velvet cake. $45. 347 E. 1st St., Little Tokyo, 213.617.9990. farbarla.com
Lady and the Tramp
Hollywood’s legendary El Capitan Theatre continues its annual Valentine’s Day tradition by showing Disney’s animated classic Lady and the Tramp, this year screening from Feb. 11-18. Add on a Valentine candlelit spaghetti dinner at nearby classic Italian restaurant Miceli’s. 5:30 p.m. dinner (Feb. 11-14 only); 7 p.m. screening. $40, dinner; $10, movie. El Capitan Theatre, 6838 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 800.347.6396. elcapitantheatre.com
Lucha VaVOOM
L.A.’s celebrated action-packed variety show combines electrifying Mexican masked wrestling, burlesque and comedy. This year’s Valentine’s engagement, Amor Prohibido, includes a huge helping of lucha libre-style wrestling plus plenty of tequila, minis, aerialists, hula hoops, low riders, comedy, live music and more. 21+. 7 p.m. doors; 8-10:30 p.m. show. $40-$55. The Mayan Theater, 1038 S. Hill St., downtown. luchavavoom.com
Luxe City Center Hotel
Enjoy your Valentine’s Day dinner gazing at the lights of L.A. Live. To sweeten the deal, and all women receive a rose to take upon departure. The special four-course menu at Nixo Patio Lounge starts with roasted pumpkin soup, followed by fried calamari or ginger ponzu glazed Korean short ribs, then salmon or bone-in steak, and chocolate hazelnut tarts with whiskey vanilla bean ice cream for dessert. 5-10 p.m. $69/pp; $89 with wine pairing. Luxe City Center Hotel, 1020 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.743.7600. luxecitycenter.com
Meat District Co.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Meat District Co. in Old Pasadena. The three-course menu includes lobster dip, Asian salad or tempura aparagus as the first course, followed by a choice of chipotle braised short Rib, pan seared chicken piccata or lobster linguini. Finish the evening with flourless chocolate cake or strawberry cheesecake for dessert. $50/pp; $20 optional wine pairing. 69 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, 626.765.9902. meatdistrictco.com
My Funny Valentine: A Stand-Up Comedy Show for Lovers and Loners
Cool Beans Comedy presents stand-up comics Tone Bell, Roxy Cook, Chris Fairbanks and Keon Polee. All guests receive a Valentine’s gift. 8 p.m. $20. The Pico, 10508 Pico Blvd., Rancho Park. Tickets
1 Pico at Shutters on the Beach
1 Pico’s Valentine’s Day menu celebrates the intimacy of sharing an exquisite meal with a loved one at the romantic oceanfront dining room. The eatery’s coastal Californian cuisine with an Italian flare suits couples seeking an elegant yet relaxed occasion with a sunset beach walk to follow. Menu highlights: sautéed mussels with spicy tomato broth, herbs and grilled country bread; burrata with delicata squash and watercress; campanelle pasta, homemade pesto and fingerling potatoes; raspberry charlotte with ladyfingers and whipped raspberry mousse. $115/pp. 1 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.587.1717. shuttersonthebeach.com
The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Los Angeles
The Chocolate & Rosé Stone Massage—inspired by Los Angeles chocolatier Compartes popular Rosé Wine Pink Chocolate Bar—is a twist on the traditional hot stone massage using fragrant chocolate and rose essential oils with heated rose palm and basalt stones to relax knotted muscles, relieve tension and soothe the soul. Post-massage, relax with a glass of rosé and your own Compartes Pink Chocolate Bar. $275. The Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles, 900 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.763.4400. ritzcarlton.com
Saddle Peak Lodge
The special four-course prix fixe menu includes Pacific Oyster “Menage A Trois” with champagne and caviar; Seared Foie Gras Vietnamese with salad of green papaya, crispy roots and herbs; Roasted Elk Tenderloin with chutney of bacon and asparagus, wilted arugula; and Petite Chocolate Flourless “Fudge” Brownie with Valrhona Chocolate, a tart of gelee of passionfruit and buttermilk sauce. $145/pp. 419 Cold Canyon Road, Calabasas, 818.222.3888. saddlepeaklodge.com
6th and La Brea Brewery & Restaurant
Give your loved one a delicious meal paired with fresh beer brewed on-site. The three-course menu will feature salmon mousse for two paired with the Get Buzzed Honey Golden Ale; steak bordelaise or fettuccine aux crevettes paired with the Miracle Mile IPA; and for dessert, Raspberry Charlotte and Fraises Chocolats paired with 6th & La Brea’s own Wake Me Up Coffee Porter made with Stumptown coffee. 5-10 p.m. $42/pp. 600 S. La Brea Ave., L.A., 310.998.8565. 6thlabrea.com
Stella Barra Pizzeria
Stella Barra is serving a special prix-fixe menu featuring a bottle of bubbles and a Detroit-style pizza with heart-shaped pepperonis. Gluten-free options and the full menu are also available. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. $35 per couple plus tax and gratuity. 6372 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, 323.301.4001. stellabarra.com
Spa at Terranea Resort
Couples can enjoy the essence of sweetness with the Spa at Terranea’s Sweet Renewal treatment. Receive a Honey Body Bliss signature treatment followed by a 60-minute Renewed Youth Facial. Emerge relaxed and ready to stroll Terranea’s white sandy beaches with a glow from head to toe. $405. 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, 310.494.7891. terranea.com
TAO Los Angeles
TAO Los Angeles will dress up its signature Fortune Cookie dessert brushed with chocolate, sprinkled with mini hearts and served with love-inspired fortunes. Take the romance up a notch with personalized love notes—available upon advance request—perfect for proposals, anniversaries and more. 6 p.m.-midnight. $15. 6421 Selma Ave., Hollywood, 323.593.7888. taolosangeles.com
The Things We Do at ROW DTLA
The downtown L.A. wellness establishment is offering a Gal-entine’s Day special featuring a V-Steaming session and a complimentary Cryo-Cloud facial during the V-Steam. The growing trend of V-Steaming helps aide cramping, fertility, overall cleansing, libido, and more. Also: Reiki sessions with holistic provider Daphne Lim. Reiki cleansing helps facilitate the opening and strengthening the heart chakra. $125. Row DTLA, 777 Alameda St., downtown, 213.278.0358. rowdtla.com
Te’Kila
For the upbeat cantina’s prix-fixe menu, couples will share a large Tekini cocktail, made with peach, lime, tequila, and a Chandon rose champagne topper, while indulging in a signature appetizer of made-to-order Ceviche or fresh Guacamole. For the main event, couples can choose to share an epic taco platter or sizzling fajitas, followed by a sweet finish of strawberry ice cream wrapped in a crispy flour tortilla, topped with cinnamon sugar dust and chocolate sauce. $60. 13817 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, 818.986.4623. tekilashermanoaks.com
Valentines’ Couples Hike
Enjoy an outdoor adventure with a couples hike. Take a 2.5-mile hike through the vineyard of Saddlerock Ranch, meet Stanley the Giraffe, feed and meet exotic animal, then enjoy a bottle of Saddlerock Rosé and a gift box with cheese, crackers and sweets. 21+. $160/couple. Malibu Wine Hikes, 32111 Mulholland Hwy., Malibu. malibuwinehikes.com
Valentine’s Day at Swan Lake
Enjoy an intimate Valentine’s Day picnic next to Hotel Bel Air’s picturesque Swan Lake. Wolfgang Puck restaurant will provide caviar blinis and Dom Perignon Champagne. Couples will select from four savory snacks to enjoy by the lake and sweet selections to cozy up next to for a beautiful romantic picnic for two. $500. 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 701 Stone Canyon Road, Bel-Air, 310.472.1211. dorchestercollection.com
Valentine’s With Will Clarke
Forget the expensive dinner and chocolates or sulking on your couch because you don’t have a date. Instead, party the night away with DJ/producer Will Clarke at dance club Sound. 21+. 10 p.m. doors. $27. 1642 N. Las Palmas Ave., Hollywood. Tickets
Viviane
Chef Michael Reed will feature a four-course pre-fixe menu with offerings including a trio of oysters, truffle tortellini, king crab leg, and milk and honey duck breast. Catering to the single crowd, Viviane will also offer a cocktail and dessert tasting menu. Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills, 9400 W. Olympic Blvd, Beverly Hills, 310.407.7791. avalon-hotel.com
The Waterfront
Venice’s newest all-day boardwalk spot hosts an evening of youthful throwback revelry, along with their friends from INNOCNTS. They will screen romance film classics like Casablanca and Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet, while INNOCNTS will provide a killer ‘90s-style photo booth and DJ Alf Alpha brings the best selection of throwback dance music. 7 p.m.-midnight. 205 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, 424.309.5331. thewaterfrontvenice.com
Wood & Water
The prix-fixe menu includes a glass of Rosé Champagne and shoestring pommes frites upon arrival, followed by items like Oysters on the 1/2 Shell Five Ways; Spicy Tuna on crispy Japanese eggplant chips, avocado, cayenne aioli; Wild Mushroom & Truffle Risotto; Seared Scallops with Maine Lobster and Leek Risotto; Duo of Grand Marnier-infused strawberries over salted caramel creamy and dark chocolate pot de creme; and more. $95/pp. 13359 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, 818.855.1661. woodandwaterla.com
Photos: Wheel of Love at Beauty & Essex by Ryan Forbes. Chocolate and rosé stone massage courtesy The Ritz-Carlton Spa. Lovetini courtesy Stafford + Mathis Kitchen.
