Where to Spend Valentine’s Day in San Diego

Nothing says “I love you” better than a meal that taunts the eyes, teases the taste buds and feeds the soul. Check out our picks for San Diego Valentine’s Day date spots.

RA Sushi
The sushi destination delivers seasonal menu offerings just in time for Valentine’s Day. The Red Heart Roll with its festive garnish is picture-perfect for the day, especially paired with the blue ginger martini. Other specialties include the seared ahi tuna with asparagus and creamy mushroom sauce, and the fresh king crab salad with avocado and sliced cherry tomatoes. For a little spice, the chili garlic shrimp is a must. RA Sushi also has a vegetarian option- their crunchy yami roll, filled with soft yam, avocado and cucumber and topped with spinach tempura and crunchy yam flakes. 474 Broadway, downtown. 619.321.0021. rasushi.com

CUCINA Urbana
Lovers and loved ones alike are invited to join CUCINA urbana for a curated three-course Valentine’s Day dinner. Dishes range from scratch-made pastas and seasonal catch to inventive California twists on Italian staples. Sample dishes from CUCINA Urbana include whole wheat ricotta ravioli, prosciutto wrapped pork tenderloin and chocolate semifreddo, along with an optional amuse of Kumamoto oysters for $15. The prix fixe menu is $48/pp. 505 Laurel St., Bankers Hill, 619.239.2222. urbankitchengroup.com

Vintana Wine + Dine
Enjoy the exclusive penthouse location with panoramic views and a library of local and international boutique wines. A three-course prix-fixe menu will include starters like crab beignets with fennel or lobster bisque, and main course options such as sesame crusted salmon or a bruleed pork porterhouse with fig jam, and a shared dessert for $59.95/pp. 1205 Auto Pkwy, Escondido, 760.745.7777. cohnrestaurants.com

Jsix
Jsix’s Valentine’s menu by Executive Chef Christian Graves includes dishes like oysters on the half shell, fresh crab and scallops. Jsix’s Valentine’s Day dinner also includes a box of house made chocolates to take home. While you’re there, try some equally appealing drinks from their new cocktail menu by Head Bartender Chris Burkett, like The Affair, a mix of Sauvignon Blanc barrel-aged gin, Benedictine, fresh lemon and spiced red wine syrup topped with Prosecco. The three-course menu is $55/pp and will be served from 3:30-11 p.m. 616 J St., downtown, 619.531.8744. jsixrestaurant.com

The Hake Kitchen & Bar
Located in the heart of La Jolla, The Hake Kitchen & Bar provides guests with a gathering space to enjoy globally inspired cuisine this Valentine’s Day. Dine on a five-course prix-fixe menu for two people; four courses will be served family style for couples to share. In addition to the menu, The Hake will be offering specials on select bottles of wine. $90/per couple. 1250 Prospect St., Ste. B10, La Jolla, 858.454.1637. thehake.com

Croce’s Park West
Enjoy live jazz music alongside its renowned cuisine at Croce’s Park West. The restaurant will offer two options: $45/pp which includes a three-course dinner or $55/pp which includes a three-course dinner and live music as Gilbert and Lorraine Castellanos perform at 7 p.m. in the Expatriate Room. Menu highlights include pomegranate-braised lamb shank and the decadent meter lemon budding. 2760 Fifth Ave. #100, Bankers Hill, 619.233.4355. crocesparkwest.com

Urbn St. Brewing Co.
El Cajon’s popular brewery is proud to announce its first-ever cask party release to kick off Valentine’s a Day early. Starting at 4 p.m., goblets from a cask of the new limited edition chai spiced triple brown will be available for $5 while supplies last. On Saturday, join in for an all day “craft beer & dinner pairing special” which includes a shared appetizer, one small craft pizza, coal-fired chocolate souffle and craft beer pairings for two for $39. 110 N. Magnolia Ave., El Cajon, 619.328.6922. urbnstbrewing.com

Leroy’s Kitchen & Lounge
The Crown Island favorite will be serving up a three-course Valentine’s Day menu including contemporary fare such as spicy carrot soup with curried crème fraîche and shrimp, and a Cavendish quail with barley, Swiss chard and port wine cherries. For dessert, choose from the milk and dark chocolate tart with candied kumquat, or a passion fruit mousse vanilla bean cake to satisfy any sweet cravings. With seatings from 5-10 p.m.; $55/pp, or $80 with wine pairings. 1015 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.437.6087. leroyskitchenandlounge.com

Kitchen 4140
For a farm-to-table experience, Kitchen 4140 offers a four-course prix fixe wine-pairing dinner. Some highlights include seared ahi served side by side with pork belly with polenta, proscuitto, pomegranate seeds and a spiced citrus sauce, butternut squash soup with butter-poached lobster claw, filet mignon with lobster, and a selection of miniature European pastries. It will also offer a Valentine’s Day Hangover Brunch with bottomless mimosas the following Sunday. 4140 Morena Blvd., Clairemont, 858.483.4140. kitchen4140.com

Extraordinary Desserts
Valentine’s Day turns into an entire weekend celebration at Extraordinary Desserts, starting with St. Valentine’s Thursday from 5 p.m. to close, and wrapping up with Valentine’s Sunday Brunch. Center stage is the famous Amor Chocolat Cake, specially reserved for Valentine’s. The port moistened chocolate cakes are layered with milk chocolate creme brulee, dark choclate mousse, and port flavored chocolate ganache. (photo above courtesy of Rebecca Antuna). For vegan and gluten free dessert fanatics, they also offer the decadent yogi cake. 2929 Fifth Ave., Balboa Park, 619.294.2132. and 1430 Union St., Little Italy, 619.294.7001. extraordinarydesserts.com