Roses are red, violets are blue, here are some Valentine’s Day feasts just for you!
Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day weekend with a special someone, bestie or by yourself, there’s plenty of dining options available to help keep your kitchen clean all weekend long! Here’s a roundup of Orange County restaurants that are offering romantic menus for outdoor dining and takeout.
Let’s share the love and support for our local businesses during these trying times!
Note: Call or check websites for pandemic-related updates and to confirm hours of operation before visiting venues as they can change without notice.
Adya | Takeout
Preorder by Feb. 9. Spice up your Valentine’s weekend with Adya’s Valentine’s dinner for two ($85 per couple). Fresh Indian flavors come through in a special menu that begins with a citrus salad with mint and fennel; followed by entree choice of grilled lobster tail with garlic chili butter or stuffed squash with truffled farro, greens and nuts. Chefs Shachi Mehra and Sandeep Basrur include grilled asparagus, saffron pulao and naan basket to this meal, which ends with a decadent chocolate tart and packet of Adya’s house-ground chai masala. Email info@adyaoc.com to preorder. Dinners may be arranged for pick-up on Feb. 12 in Irvine, Anaheim or at the OC Baking Company; Feb. 13 in Irvine, Anaheim or at Orange Home Grown Farmer’s Market; or Feb. 14 in Irvine or Anaheim. Anaheim Packing House, 440 S. Anaheim Blvd., Suite 201, Anaheim, 714.533.2392; Irvine University Center, 4213 Campus Drive, #P-166D, Irvine, 949.679.2299.
Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar | Takeout, Delivery
Preorder by Feb. 11. Valentine’s Day is a whole weekend this year … so Tommy Bahama is offering meal kit to-go to celebrate your love all weekend long! The kit features two filet mignons, two Maine lobster tails, cauliflower potato mash, grilled asparagus, Caesar salad, Crown bread with cinnamon-nutmeg butter and triple chocolate cake. $125 (serves two). Pick-up or delivery available from Feb. 13 to 14 through online ordering. 854 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach, 949.760.8686.
Billy’s at the Beach | Outdoor Dining, Takeout
Feb. 12-14. Spread the love this Valentine’s Day with a prix-fixe three-course meal ($150) from Billy’s at the Beach and be transported to the shores of Hawaii. This meal for two starts with a Pupu Platter curated from an assortment of Billy’s famed apps including crab cakes, sesame crusted ahi tuna and coconut shrimp; followed by the main course of surf and turf—a filet of beef and broiled lobster tail paired with roasted mashed potatoes. Finish it off with a Diamond Head chocolate rum cake topped with macerated strawberries and sweet cream. Add Billy’s famous mai tais ($25) or a bottle of Veuve Clicquot ($75). Call to make a reservation or preorder for takeout. 2751 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.722.1100.
Cafe Sevilla | Outdoor Dining, Takeout
Feb. 12-15. Let Sevilla set the mood for romance this Valentine’s Day weekend! Dine your heart out with the three-course “Lovers in Spain” menu, featuring a bottle of Poema Cava Brut sparkling wine to share, chorizo basque stew, paella valenciana topped with two cold-water lobster tails and “Almond tarta de Cupid” with fresh berry coulis and Licor 43 for dessert. $125 per couple. Triangle Square, 1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.688.1555.
Great Maple | Takeout, Delivery
Feb. 12-14. The modern American eatery at Fashion Island in Newport Beach presents a special prix-fixe menu that is available to locals for the whole weekend. For the first course, choose between a cup of seasonal soup or a mini modern Caesar salad. Next up is the main course choice of either the surf and turf featuring a flat-iron steak and sauteed shrimp, or the pan-seared mahi mahi. End on a sweet note with a house-made strawberry shortcake doughnut filled with creme brulee custard, and topped with macerated strawberries. $45 per person. Add a bottle of pinot grigio, malbec or Champagne for $25 to pair with your meal. Fashion Island, 1133 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.706.8282.
Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar | Outdoor Dining
Feb. 12-14. It’s love at first bite as Haven’s executive chef Craig Brady presents the most romantic meal of the year all Valentine’s weekend! Guests will be able enjoy a special three-course prix-fixe menu for outdoor dining or to take to-go. For the first course, guests have a choice of hamachi crudo or egg yolk raviolo, followed by an entree choice of seared sea scallops or 8-ounce Allen Brothers fillet. For dessert, guests have a choice of chamomile creme brulee with rosé-infused strawberries or flourless chocolate hazelnut cake. Guests may enjoy full bar offerings for dine-in or add beers, a variety of wines and cocktail kits to orders placed for carryout. To make reservations or place orders, call or visit the website. $65 per guest. 190 S. Glassell St., Orange, 714.221.0680.
Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen | Outdoor Dining, Takeout
Through Feb. 12. Michelin-recognized chef Ali Mookhi of Downtown Fullerton’s critically-acclaimed Khan Saab welcomes couples to indulge in a special Valentine’s Day menu on the restaurant’s outdoor patio or for takeout to enjoy from the comfort of home. The five-course, customizable meal features dishes such as roasted red beet curry shots, goat cheese naan and a twist on a caprese salad—as well as a choice of an entree to share with options such as a 100% halal Australian wagyu “NY” strip and open-fired Chilean sea bass with apricot curry. Of course, no Valentine’s celebration would be complete without a sweet treat, so chef Mookhi created strawberry, marshmallow, and chocolate kabobs just for the occasion! Call to preorder for takeout. Reservations for outdoor dining are available on OpenTable. $120 per couple. 229 E. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, 714.853.1081.
Knife Pleat | Outdoor Dining, Takeout
Feb. 12-14. Michelin-starred Chef Tony Esnault is offering a special Valentine’s menu from Feb. 12-14 for dine-in service on the restaurant’s outdoor patio, as well as a to-go option (available Feb. 13-14) that guests may enjoy at home. For takeout, the four-course luxe menu for two includes the amuse bouche trio (cured kampachi, Cape Grim beef and vichyssoise spherifications), followed by Maine lobster salad with Harvest Farm chicory, blood orange, mandarin and oro blanco. Entree options include ora king salmon or grass-fed beef short ribs. To finish, diners will be treated to a chocolate dessert with Jivara milk chocolate mousse, lemon-ginger crémeux and Maca biscuit. There’s also two holiday cocktails available: The bourbon-based “Italian Affair” and the “Love Elixir” made with Empress gin. Outdoor dining: Begins at 5 p.m., $175 per person (does not include beverages, tax and service charges), optional wine paring at $75. Takeout: $195 for two, optional wine pairings for two at $95. South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Suite 3001, Costa Mesa, 714.266.3388.
Las Brisas | Outdoor Dining
Feb. 12-14. The iconic restaurant perched over the cliffs of Laguna Beach is the perfect destination for a romantic dinner with breathtaking views of the coast. Make reservations to enjoy the five-course menu featuring a Champagne toast; calamari ceviche tostada; grilled lamb chops with chipotle-agave glazed carrots; scallops with cauliflower, olives and tomatillo; and tres leches cake with toasted coconut. The regular menu will be available for takeout. 3 p.m.-close. $125 per person. 361 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, 949.497.5434.
Marché Moderne | Outdoor Dining, Takeout
Feb. 12-14. Elevate your Valentine’s Day dinner with a delectable prix-fixe menu from husband-and-wife chef team Florent and Amelia Marneau at their coastal restaurant nestled in Newport Beach. Available for both patio dining and curbside takeout, the menu consists of indulgent dishes such as “Steak & Egg Soigné,” fresh Dungeness crab, braised veal cheek & roasted beef filet, Macaron La Saint Valentin and more. There’s also an a la carte Seafood Tower ($99, serves two) that is also available for pickup. Call to make reservations and to place orders. Patio Dining: 4-9 p.m. at $155 per person. Takeout Packages: Pickup available from 1-4 p.m. on Feb. 12-14 $135 per person. 7862 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 714.434.7900.
The Resort at Pelican Hill | Takeout
Preorder by Feb. 12. Love is always on the menu at The Resort at Pelican Hill. The resort’s chefs are serving up a romantic carry-out menu to enjoy in the comfort of your own home featuring dishes such as lobster bisque, truffle-braised short ribs, diver scallops and black forest cake. Preorder your meal and enjoy convenient pick-up from Pelican Hill’s front drive or Caffe & Market. For convenience, dinners are served refrigerated with reheating and serving instructions. Pick-up on Feb. 14, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. $95+ per person. 22701 Pelican Hill Road South, Newport Coast, 949.467.6808.
Anaheim White House | Outdoor Dining
Feb. 13-14. Experience a four-course prix-fixe dinner at the historic landmark Anaheim White House. The heart-shaped Ravioli Amore appetizer is followed by the Aphrodite baby-greens salad. For the entree, enjoy the Romeo & Juliet dish, an oven-roasted filet mignon with a black truffle reduction, paired with Atlantic lobster tail in a Champagne sauce. End the evening on a sweet note with Cupid’s Confection, made with chocolate mousse, raspberry compote and vanilla creme brulee surrounded by moist chocolate cake on a mirror of crème anglais. Vegetarian entree option available upon request. Call to make reservations. $85 per person. 887 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, 714.772.1381.
AnQi Bistro | Outdoor Dining, Takeout
Feb. 13-14. Indulge in an exclusive five-course Valentine’s feast for two (or more) from AnQi Bistro at South Coast Plaza. Begin with artichoke-black truffle congee with lemon basil scallops. Next enjoy butternut squash ravioli with lemongrass brown butter sauce followed by entree selections of Zabuton steak with shiitake mushroom galette or almond-crusted filet of snapper, white asparagus gratinée and kaffir lime chutney. Finish with dark chocolate-banana mousse with dulce de leche and milk chocolate ganache. Call to make outdoor dining reservations. To preorder for takeout, click here or call. Valentine’s menu only all day, noon-9 p.m. on Feb. 14. $75 per person (minimum order for two). Adjacent to Bloomingdales at South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.5679.
Sushi Roku | Takeout
Preorder by Feb. 13. For a romantic meal at home, Sushi Roku is offering a special Lover’s Box with choice of two boxes (Sushi Fix or Bento Box, with options to upgrade), choice of 16-ounce signature cocktail (makes 3-4 drinks), and Valentine’s Day must-have Choco Bomb—all for $85. Guests can still order the restaurant’s normally available Sushi Fix Boxes and Family Packs (Allstar Specialty Roll Pack, Sushi Family Pack, Hot Family Pack or Signature Pack). Add wine and sake by the bottle for 50% off, as well as Sushi Roku signature cocktails packaged to-go. Available for preorder through Feb. 13 by 5 p.m. for pick-up on Feb 14. Order online for curbside pick-up. Fashion Island, 327 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.706.3622.
Water Grill | Outdoor Dining
Feb. 13-14. For the ultimate in Valentine’s dining, Water Grill’s four-course menu is on point. Choose from starters such as jumbo lump crab cake, oyster sampler, wild jumbo shrimp cocktail or A5 Japanese satsuma wagyu. Second course options are WG’s signature clam chowder, roasted beet salad or classic Caesar. Guests select from seven entrees—among them Dover Sole, wild Chilean sea bass, Double R Ranch filet or NY Strip and the seasonal offering of Wild California Spiny hard-shell lobster. Dessert options include chocolate espresso cake or Key Lime pie. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. $120 per person, optional wine pairings for $40. 3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 949.208.7060.
Café Gratitude | Takeout, Delivery
Through Feb. 14. For Valentine’s Day this year, Café Gratitude will be selling their Valentine’s Day Chocolate Sugar Cookies Kit, pre-baked, gluten free and plant-based with natural and organic colorings—e.g. pink dragon fruit icing, purple sweet potato icing, red beet icing and white sugar icing—to decorate and to enjoy at home for date night or an evening with the kiddos. Available via Café Gratitude’s online store through Feb. 14 for $25 (plus shipping). Lastly, don’t forget to add on chef Dreux Ellis’s unforgettable Artisanal Chocolate Box to any takeout or delivery by ordering through the website or by calling Café Gratitude To-Go. 1617 Westcliff Drive, Newport Beach, 949.386.8101.
Driftwood Kitchen | Outdoor Dining
Feb. 14. Driftwood Kitchen executive chef Rainer Schwarz plays Cupid with a special Valentine’s Day dinner. The meal begins with a Champagne toast and Driftwood’s noted fresh-baked Parker House rolls. For the first course, guests have a choice of red and white endive salad or hamachi tartare, followed by white asparagus soup for the second course. Entree selections include a choice of Double R Ranch petite filet and braised prime beef short ribs with truffled mashed potatoes, sauteed chanterelles and port demi-glace; or Chilean sea bass filet with hearts of palm and Maine lobster risotto in parsley émulsion. The meal ends with a sweetheart chocolate dessert for two. Driftwood Kitchen offers a full bar with signature cocktails and a selection of wines by the glass and bottle. Reservations recommended; Visit the Yelp page to place a reservation. 4:30-9:30 p.m. $95 per person (not including beverages, tax and gratuity). 619 Sleepy Hollow Lane, Laguna Beach, 949.715.7700.
Fable & Spirit | Outdoor Dining
Feb. 14. Head to Newport Beach for Fable & Spirit’s romantic dinner that you’re guaranteed to love! In addition to offering his award-winning menu, executive chef David Shofner created a Valentine’s Day special featuring Maine lobster tail gratin and 8-ounce prime filet mignon. Sommelier Ali Coyle will have recommended wine pairings for the special, which is only being offered during the dinner service and must be pre-ordered by 5 p.m. on Feb. 12. Reservations required; call to reserve a table. $79 entree. 3441 Via Lido, Suite A, Newport Beach, 949.409.9913.
The Hall Global Eatery | Outdoor Dining
Feb. 14. The Hall will serve its weekend lounge menu on its expansive patio with social distancing on Valentine’s evening. Specials include chilled poached lobster with truffle-miso vinaigrette, avocado-pickled beet hearts and shave summer truffles, as well as oysters on the half shell. A seafood briwat (Moroccan egg rolls) and an entree of roasted Chilean Sea bass with rock shrimp risotto and asparagus will be available. Call to make reservations. 6-9:30 p.m. A la carte pricing on lounge menu; specials range from $14-$44. South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Suite 1876, Costa Mesa, 714.515.5544.
Hendrix Restaurant & Bar | Outdoor Dining
Feb. 14. Get a taste of chef Rainer Schwarz’s LOVEly Valentine’s dinner menu. The meal begins with fresh-baked cheesy Parker House rolls and jumbo shrimp cocktail, followed by a Belgian endive and grilled Castroville baby artichoke salad. For their entree, guests have a choice of Greater Omaha black angus beef filet mignon with wild mushroom and rocket arugula risotto, heirloom carrots and a port wine reduction; or Chilean sea bass with baby fennel, heirloom carrots and potato cauliflower puree. For a sweet ending, guest will indulge in a Valrhona chocolate mousse cake with raspberries. Hendrix offers a full bar with signature cocktails and a selection of wines by the glass and bottle. Call to make reservations. 4:30-9:30 p.m. $79 per person. 32431 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel, 949.248.1912.
Portillo’s Heart-Shaped Chocolate Cake | Pick-Up, Delivery
Through Feb. 14. With Valentine’s Day coming, Portillo’s is spreading the love early with a limited-time heart-shaped chocolate cake. Known for its menu of Chicago-style favorites, the fast-casual restaurant brand has partnered with No Kid Hungry to bring this holiday spin on the brand’s iconic famous chocolate cake to your home. You can pre-order this now on the website or by calling 866.986.2333; or purchase the single-layer cakes at the restaurants through Feb. 14. 8390 La Palma Ave., Buena Park, 714.220.6400.
The Ranch Restaurant & Saloon | Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Delivery
Feb. 14. Crafted by executive chef Michael Rossi and brother pastry chef Dave Rossi, the curated Valentine’s Day four-course prix-fixe menu. Highlights include housemade sweet potato gnocchi, Dungeness crab and Champagne bisque, Colorado lamb chop and strawberry cheesecake. The Outdoor dining: 5-10 p.m., $95 per person (excludes tax and gratuity). Takeout: 5-8 p.m., $225 for two. 1025 E. Ball Road, Anaheim, 714.817.4200.
Terrace by Mix Mix and Hamamori | Outdoor Dining
Feb. 14. Once again chef-pals Ross Pangilinan and James Hamamori collaborate on a six-course fusion dinner for two served on the lush, covered terrace off the Bridge of Gardens. Hamamori will create a signature appetizer, followed by pristine sashimi. Guests will also experience James’ distinctive nigiri sushi. Terrace by Mix Mix will contribute a pasta course of heart-shaped ravioli with ricotta, butternut squash, sage and pomegranate; ribeye steak with potato fondant, ratatouille and ginger beet purée, truffle jus and finally dessert of chocolate ganache, tiramisu and fruit. To make reservations, call or click the link above. 6 p.m. $250 per couple (excludes tax and gratuity). South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa, 714.850.0880.
Vaca | Outdoor Dining
Feb. 14. Chef Amar Santana offers his popular a la carte menu, known for Spanish cheese and charcuterie, creative tapas, paellas and Aspen Ridge Farm wood-grilled steaks. For Valentine’s dinner, specials include pâté de foie gras on toast with cherries, kumquats and duck chicharron; Shigoku oysters with caviar and Santa Barbara uni; seared turbot filet with melted leeks, umami broth; and roasted Liberty Farms duck breast with vadouvan carrots. To make reservations, call or click the link above. 5:30-9:30 p.m. A la carte pricing on menu; specials range from $19-$64. 695 Town Center Drive, Suite 170, Costa Mesa, 714.463.6060.
Photo credits: Sushi Roku courtesy Moxxe PR. All other images are courtesy of the businesses.
