From romantic dinners to two to unique “Galentine’s Day” festivities, here are the 30+ best places to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Los Angeles.
Edited by Alicia Luchak.
DINNER
Café Gratitude
Feb. 13-16. Share an intimate and interactive dining experience with your partner at Café Gratitude & The Magic of Human Connection’s collaborative Valentine’s Day celebration, “Cuisine & Connection.” With every food course, guests will partake in a “connection course” in order to cultivate a sacred space within their relationship while strengthening their romantic bond. 4-10 p.m. $45 per person. Available at all locations– Arts District, Larchmont and Venice Beach. Visit website to find the address closest to you. cafegratitude.com
Firefly
Feb. 13-16. All weekend long, celebrate the love in your life at upscale ivy-covered hideaway, Firefly. With two fireplaces on multiple rustic-chic patios, cozy private cabanas and a beautiful dimly-lit bar, the ambience oozes romance. Whichever day you visit, you start the evening off with sparkling rosé and Big Eye Tuna Cornette; then choose 3 courses from a prix-fixe menu like Lobster Bisque, Black Perigord Truffle Risotto, Bouillabaisse, Colorado Lamb Sirloin, Creekstone Farms Filet Mignon; and for dessert, layered dark chocolate cake or Mignardise for two. On Valentine’s Day, there will be a fourth course and additional options like Charred Octopus, Sea For Two and more. Th,Sa,Su $95. Valentines Day $150 per person. 11720 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. 818.762.1833 Make Reservation
The Front Yard
Feb. 13-14. Whether you are looking for a amorous dinner on Valentine’s Day or a feast the night before with your girlfriends for “Galentines Day,” The Front Yard at The Garland has the perfect festive menu prepared. In addition to the contemporary casual indoor seating, the open poolside dining area alit with string lights and cozy fireplace is the perfect setting to dine with someone special. On both Thursday and Friday, savor limited-time Valentine’s Day dishes like Blue Lump Crab Cakes, Beef Crudo, Surf & Turf and Warm Raspberry Crumble. Th 5:30-10 p.m., F 5:30-11 p.m. The Garland Hotel, 4222 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood. 818.255.7290 Make Reservation
Tam O’Shanter
Feb. 13-16. In honor of Valentine’s Day, Scottish pub Tam O’Shanter is offering four-course dining experience for the whole weekend. Guests will enjoy an amuse bouche of grilled shrimp with chimichurri and a second-course choice of roasted celery root soup or a winter salad. Entree options include roasted California cut prime rib with mashed potatoes and Yorkshire pudding, roasted salmon or Beef Wellington with red wine soy au jus. For dessert, diners have the choice of sticky toffee pudding or a C.C. Brown’s hot fudge sundae to share. $129 per couple. 2980 Los Feliz Blvd., Glendale. Make Reservation
Adamae
Feb. 14. Spend your romantic evening at Adamae’s Valentine’s Day celebration, “Crazy Little Thing Called Love: An Echo Park Dinner Party.” The boho-chic restaurant’s Chef Matt Cheek prepared an exciting array of shared plates and delicious desserts along with a “Slow Jam” cocktail menu and bottles of bubbly. To further set the mood, a lovey-dovey playlist has been prepared, full of timeless love songs and first-date classics. Reservations strongly recommended. $95 per couple. 1538 Sunset Blvd., Echo Park. 213.266.8001 Make Reservation
Castaway
Feb. 14. Bring your special someone to the tucked-away dining experience that was dubbed one of OpenTable’s “50 Best Restaurants for a Date in America.” Take in the dazzling views of the valley as you sit back and enjoy Castaway’s special five-course Valentine’s Day menu, featuring highlights like the Dungeness Crab Salad, Cape Grim Filet and King Crab Surf & Turf, and Alaskan Halibut. Vegetarians can enjoy savory delights such as Market Vegetable “Tartare” and Vegan “Scallops.” Seatings at 5, 5:15, 7, 7:15, 9:30 and 9:45 p.m. Patio $125+, Window $120+ per person, Inside $95+ per person. 1250 E. Harvard Rd., Burbank. 818.848.6691 Make Reservation
Cattle & Claw
Feb. 14. This Valentine’s Day, the SoCal-cool eatery is shaking up its typical burger and lobster roll offerings in celebration of the year’s most romantic dinner with a five-course, prix fixe menu featuring dishes that eloquently fuse the crustacean and beef love affair. Carnivores can indulge in a powerful mix of appetizing flavors and lobster lovers are in for an insatiable seafood experience. 8555 Beverly Blvd., Beverly Hills. For reservations, call 310.770.1654, visit OpenTable, or cattleandclaw.com
Circa 55
Feb. 14. Celebrate your sweetheart with a five-course prix fixe feast at The Beverly Hilton’s upscale eatery, Circa 55. The evening’s menu highlights include a Trio of Oysters, Portobello Mushroom & Goat Cheese “Wellington”, and Mushroom Risotto with Vegan Scallops, which was served to the stars at this year’s Golden Globes. To cap off the evening, enjoy shareable desserts like Basil Mascarpone Mousse, Peppered Strawberry Gelée, Edelweiss Croquantine, Almond Chiffon and Butter Crumble. $65 per person. 9876 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. 1.310.887.6055 Make Reservation
Citrin
Feb. 14-16. Get into the romantic spirit at renowned two-time Michilin-starred chef Josiah Citrin’s latest upscale restaurant concept, Citrin. Set the vibe with the dreamy atmosphere and creative luxurious dishes. The special menu features Caviar with soft poached egg, lemon crème fraiche, and Kaluga caviar; followed by Sweet Pea Soup; Japanese Yellowtail Hamachi; choice of Lobster Risotto or Stonington Maine Diver Scallop; Loup de Mer “En-Ecailles”; choice of Filet of Beef or California Lamb Loin; finishing on a sweet note with a chocolate, strawberry, and spearmint dessert. Plus, you have the option to add specialty wine pairings to your meal. For Saturday and Sunday, you can enjoy a slightly tailored-down six-course version of Valentine’s Day’s seven-course feast. F $195 per person, Sa-Su $145 per person. 1104 Wilshire Blvd suite a, Santa Monica. 310.395.0881 Make Reservation
Conservatory
Feb. 14. Whether you’re single or celebrating with your soulmate, Conservatory’s special Valentine’s Day specials have something for everyone to love. For a romantic dinner date, enjoy a 3-course prix fixe menu with highlights like Kusshi Oysters, Uni & Caviar Toast, 36 oz Cote De Boeuf and Branzino A La Plancha. For those embracing the single life with some friends, sip on their “Heartless Valentine’s” cocktail (and mocktail) menu, with drinks like “It’s Complicated,” “Stupid Cupid” and “Swipe Left.” Drinks available Th-Sa. Dinner $100 per person, Cocktails $15, Mocktails $9. 8289 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood 323.654.0020 Make Reservation
Crossroads Kitchen
Feb. 14. For all the vegetarian Valentines, Mediterranean vegan restaurant Crossroads Kitchen’s chefs Tal Ronnen and Scot Jones put together a five-course prix fixe feast. Start the night off with a complimentary glass of bubbly and a choice of “foie gras” with cabernet demi or almond milk burrata with poached pear and fried basil. Main courses include pasta dishes like Black Risotto with braised leeks, lemon cream and toasted pine nuts; sun dried Tortelloni Alla Vodka; or Fettuccine with black truffles for an additional $55. For dessert, guests have a choice of passion fruit creme brulee or chocolate brownie ice cream sundae with coconut whip and brandied cherries. 8284 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood. 323.782.9245 Make Reservation
Employees Only
Feb. 14. Get cozy this Valentine’s Day at West Hollywood’s retro prohibition-inspired restaurant and bar Employees Only. As you sip on their specialty cocktail specials, savor romantic celebratory dishes like their house-made Lobster Gnocchi and 35-Day Dry Aged Ribeye with Lobster Tail. If you’re up for it, you can add Black Perigord Truffle to either dish. 7953 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood. 323.536.9045 Make Reservation
Faith & Flower
Feb. 14. WaterMarke Tower’s chic 1920s-meets-2020s eatery Faith & Flower is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a three-course prix-fixe menu. Choose from mouth-watering dishes like Salad of Marinated Hearts of Palm, Handmade Spaghetti, Coal Roasted Beets and Their Greens, Petit New York Steak and more. Finish dinner off with a romantic chocolate fondue for two with seasonal fruits, marshmallows and assorted cookies. $79 per person. WaterMarke Tower, 705 W. 9th St., downtown. 213.239.0642 Make Reservation
Fia
Feb. 14-15. Legendary michelin-starred chef Brendan Collins carefully put together a special seven-course tasting menu for Valentine’s Day weekend. Enjoy signature Fia dishes like Hamachi and Branzino as well as romantic holiday specials like the Blini and Caviar, Fettuccine with Oysters and Champagne sauce, Panzarotti, New York Steak and more. For those who can’t have a romantic dinner on the actual day, Fia is offering the exact same course-for-course menu on Saturday. $140 per person. 2454 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica. 424.280.4196 Make Reservation
Fig & Olive
Feb. 14. For the most romantic day of the year, upscale Mediterannean restaurant Fig & Olive will serve a four-course prix fixe meal with optional wine pairing. For the first three courses, choose from lavish dishes like Oyster Rockefeller, Halibut a la Diable, Braised Veal Osso Buco, Grass-Fed Filet Mignon, Kabocha Squash Risotto, and more. For the final course, guests will be treated to a dessert tasting of chocolate obsession cake with a raspberry and chocolate glaze and a brûléed cheesecake with amarena cherry, cookie crumble & cherry syrup. Dinner $75 per person, Wine pairing $42 per person. 8490 Melrose Place, West Hollywood. 310.360.9100 Make Reservation
Gwen
Feb. 14. Love is in the air at Gwen Butcher Shop and Restaurant, offering at six course prix fixe specialty dinner. Chef de cuisine Juan Renden’s menu highlights include Gwen’s signature Stecca Bread and Beurre de Baratte; pear salad with dates, baby chicory, and walnuts; and Potato Tortellini with clams, saffron and leeks; a choice of Grilled Pork Tenderloin with harissa, kohlrabi and yogurt or a Jack’s Creek New York Strip with beef jus, marinated beets, and jasper roasted carrots. For dessert, guests can finish the evening with a red velvet cake with dark chocolate, buttermilk and red velvet mousse. Diners also have the option to add a caviar supplement for $75 or black truffles available at market price. 5-10:30 p.m. $135 per person. 6600 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. 323.946.7500 Make Reservation
INKO NITO
Feb. 14. The Art District’s offbeat robatayaki INKO NITO is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a four-course Omakase menu and festive themed drinks. Guests will start the evening off with a “welcome cocktail” INKO’s Nest, with Soto Sake, Sipsmith Gin, yuzu, sansho pepper and elderflower tonic. The Japanese feast includes Dungeness crab maki with wasabi tobiko and yuzu mayo; U10 Scallops with sweet soy and shichimi yogurt slaw; 10oz. Black Angus Ribeye with wasabi, brown butter and ponzu; Maitake mushrooms with white sesame, daikon cress and black truffle; and Crème Brulee with soy caramel cream, Asian pear salad and roasted rice. $65 per person (minimum 2 people). 225-227 S Garey St., downtown. 310.999.0476 Make Reservation
Kendall’s Brasserie
Feb. 14. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a three-course meal inspired by the country home to European “The City of Love” at the modernized traditional French restaurant, Kendall’s Brasserie. Indulge in decadent French classics like Nantucket Bay Scallop on Half-Shell, Escargot En Croute, Porcini Mushroom Risotto, Shrimp & Pearls, Roasted Rack of Lamb, Red Wine Braised Beef Bourguignon, Vanilla Bean Creme Brûlée, French Macarons and more. If you’re interested in turning the evening into a dinner-and-a-show, the LA Opera’s performance of “Eurydice” at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is less than a minute walk away. 4-11 p.m. $71 per person. 135 N Grand Ave., downtown. 213.972.7322 Make Reservation
La Dolce Vita
Feb. 14. To celebrate the biggest date night of the year, intimate Northern Italian bar and restaurant La Dolce Vita is hosting a special three-course dinner. Menu highlights include warm Polpette Di Vitello with homemade veal and pork meatballs, burrata cheese and marinara sauce, served with crostini; Shrimp Fra Diavolo with tender shrimp, spicy marinara sauce and al dente linguini; 16 oz Prime Ribeye with tomato and red wine glaze, rosemary and asparagus. For dessert, guests can share an assortment of cakes: cheesecake, tiramisu and chocolate cake. $65. 9785 S Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills. 310.278.1845 Make Reservation
Manuela
Feb. 14. Treat yourself and your significant other to a date in Arts District culinary staple that perfectly blends luxury with homestyle comfort food. In addition to regular menu items, Manuela is offering southern-style Valentine’s Day specials such as Hotcakes & Caviar, Shrimp Butter & Sea Urchin Toast Points, Onion Petals & Deviled Crab, and Bone in Dry Aged Ribeye with Black Garlic and house-made Worcestershire. Walk-ins are welcome but treated on a first-come-first-serve basis, so reservations are strongly encouraged. Seatings start at 5:30 p.m. Hauser & Wirth Art Complex, 907 E 3rd St., downtown. 323.849.0480 Make Reservation
Metropole Bar + Kitchen
Feb. 14. Hotel Indigo’s chic restaurant and bar Metropole is serving up romance this Valentine’s Day. Feast on flavorful dishes like Truffle’d Latte with mushroom puree and parmesan; Chicken Oyster with tender dark meat, and morels; Duck Confit with roasted vegetables, port reduction, and pomegranate; Seafood Paella with mussels, shrimp and clams; and more. Afterwards, enjoy dessert options like the Chocolate Love Cake with Oreo mousse, and strawberries; and Bourbon Vanilla and Nutella Gelato Sundae to share with banana, whipped cream, almond brittle dust, and Luxardo cherry. Dinner $69 per person; Wine pairing $50 per person. Hotel Indigo, 899 Francisco St., downtown. 213.232.8866 Make Reservation
Michael’s
Feb. 14. Santa Monica’s upscale classic California eatery Michael’s is bringing the passion this Valentine’s Day with a four course prix fixe menu. The evening begins with two shareable plates of Yellowtail Aguachile and flowering pea tendril salad, and the option to add roe-adorned oysters for an additional $15 per person. With the following pasta and main courses, highlights include Black Truffle Risotto with Bornemann’s signature caviar cappelletti and dry-aged Prime Rib with Barolo jus and slow local polenta with blistered mushrooms. Dinner will be wrapped up with a spread of passion fruit pavlova and dark chocolate Averna mousse with candied hazelnuts. Dinner $99 per person; Wine pairing $55 per person. 1147 3rd Street, Santa Monica. 310.451.0843 Make Reservation
Openaire
Feb. 14. Spend Valentine’s Day dining beneath an enchanting canopy of plants in Openaire’s towering greenhouse. Savor four flavorful courses of Hamachi with winter citrus, endives, and extra virgin olive oil; Winter Vegetable Cous Cous with seeds and spices; Maine Lobster with pea agnolotti, asparagus, brown butter, and mint; and finishes with a Chocolate and Strawberry Sensation. Plus, you have the option to add on specialty wine-pairings to your dining experience. Dinner $99 per person, Wine pairing $40 per person. 3515 Wilshire Blvd., Koreatown. 213.368.3065 Make Reservation
Rustic Canyon
Feb. 14. Whether you’re spending the holiday dining with your friends or significant other, Rustic Canyon has a family-style four-course meal that is perfect for any dynamic. The menu features eight naturally-red seasonal dishes, including variations on their classic Peas & White Chocolate. There has even been a Stag Menu prepared for all the single diners. Make the evening extra festive with curated wine pairings and specialty cocktails. 1119 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica. 310.393.7050 Make Reservation
STK
Feb. 14-17. Lively steakhouse and renowned celebrity hotspot STK will be serving up romantic dishes for all of Valentine’s weekend– including Monday. In addition to the classic dinner menu, guests can enjoy holiday specials like Soy Honey Glazed Ahi Tuna, a shareable Porterhouse 28 oz Surf and Turf with Lobster Tail, and a decadent Chocolate Lava Marshmallow Cake. 930 Hilgard Ave., Beverly Hills. 310.659.3535 Make Reservation
Tavern
Feb. 14. The glamorous glass-roofed Tavern Restaurant is celebrating romance with a four-course dinner as well as a casual a la carte Valentine’s Day bar menu. A few of the prix fixe highlights include Half-Dozen Oysters on Half Shell with kumquat and Meyer lemon mignonette (supplemental $20), Beef Tartare with avocado, burrata, cara caras and shaved fire sardo; and the Grilled Rib Eye For Two with kabocha gratin, queso fresco, arugula salad and arbol chile butter (supplemental $19 per person). They will also be offering vegetarian and vegan dishes, wine pairings, and Valentine’s Day cocktails. The evening will wrap up with Chocolate Sticky Pudding with grist & toll graham and toasted marshmallow; and Ricotta Fritters with Laura’s citrus, huckleberries and Meyer lemon cream, designed for couples. A la carte bar specials start at 6 p.m. Dinner $99 per person; Wine pairing $55 per person. 11648 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood. 310.806.6464 Make Reservation
Vitello’s
Feb. 14. Enjoy exclusive one-night-only menu items like Lobster Pappardelle, Chicken Rollatini, Petite Fillet Skewers or Oven Roasted Arctic Char– all pair-able with a signature cocktail or bottle of wine. Vegetarian, vegan and glutton-free options are also available for those with dietary restrictions. For dessert, help yourself to either a Chocolate Truffle Delight or Lemoncello Raspberry Cake. After you enjoy your dinner, the supper club will also treat you to unforgettable musical performances. 4349 Tujunga Ave., Studio City. 818.769.0905 Make Reservation Show: 6:30; $25-40. Tickets
Verse
Feb. 14. Celebrate Valentine’s Day using all of your senses at the newly-opened immersive restaurant Verse. Acclaimed chef Paul Shoemaker and hospitality veteran Rob Ciancimino teamed up with eight-time Grammy award-winning sound-mixer Manny Marroquin to create a luxurious experience that celebrates audio and atmosphere as much as it does flavorful dishes. The evening’s contemporary tasting menu features four courses of Amberjack Crudo, Lobster Bolognese, Bordelaise Beef Tenderloin with Potato Pavé, and Hot Dark and White Chocolate Mousse. $95 per person. 4212 Lankershim Blvd., Toluca Lake. 818.747.2135 Make Reservation
EVENTS
Sweet Surprise Valentine’s Experience
Feb. 7-9,14-16. Treat yourself and your significant other to a delicious chocolate tasting for two. In the Ethel M Chocolates’ tasting room, learn all about the chocolate-making process while trying out premium sweets. Every couple gets to leave with their own heart shaped box of chocolates. Tastings available twice nightly at 7 & 8 p.m. $60. Ethel M Chocolates, 2159 Glendale Galleria Upper level, Glendale 747.240.3987 ethelm.com
Alcove Café & Bakery and Big Bar Festivities
Feb. 13-14. Alcove Café & Bakery and the craft cocktail den Big Bar have a handful of Valentine’s and Galentine’s celebrations coming down the pike. To celebrate lady friends, Thursday’s festivities will feature special limited-time brunch menu of themed toasts as well as special treats, cocktails, photo booth and a showing of 9 to 5 starring Dolly Parton at the Bar. On Friday, enjoy a menu of “perfect pair”-ings like a Black Manhattan with a Chocolate Godiva Cake, #Tigermom Gimlet paired with Tiger Cry Steak Lettuce Wraps, Martini paired with an epic Burger, and more. 1929 Hillhurst Ave., Hollywood. 323.644.0100 More info
“Anti” Valentine’s Day Party
Feb. 14. If you’re single, why not use this Valentine’s Day to celebrate self-love? Ever Bar’s annual Valentine’s singles party is back for another evening of live music, themed cocktails and plenty of surprise goodies. Enter the raffle for a chance to win fun prizes and bring a picture of your ex to shred and you’ll be rewarded with a complimentary shot. 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. 1800 Argyle Ave., Hollywood. 213.279.3534 everbarla.com
The Franklin Village-Village People Valentine’s Party at MiniBar
Feb. 14. Compass Box Whisky and MiniBar Hollywood are collaborating for a Valentine’s Day blowout like no other. “Hot Cops” will pass out celebratory drinks and citations, Late-night drink specials will be available on Compass Box Penicillin cocktails, Scotch cocktails and Compass Box highballs. 9 p.m. 6141 Franklin Ave., Hollywood. 323.798.4939 minibarhollywood.com
Grand Park Lover’s Rock
Feb. 14. For those looking for a more low-key Valentine’s Day dinner, have a special picnic in the park– complete with live music, food trucks and holiday fountain lighting display. Bring your significant other, pets, or friends to jam out to Lover’s Rock Reggae Music spun by DJ Linafornia, take a romantic moonlit walk and take in the beautiful historic views. 7-11 p.m. Grand Park, downtown. 200 N. Grand Avenue grandparkla.org
Psychic Fair: LOVE SOLO
Feb. 14. The Love Solo Psychic Fair is a chance to learn more about yourself and love with astrologists, palm readers, intuitive healers, spiritual numerologists, candle readers, love gurus and more– all the while DJ Shiva sets the mood with some special Valentine’s tunes. Special themed cocktails will be available like Love Juice and Matchmaker. 7-11 p.m. $20 entry; $10 per 10 minute reading. La Peer Hotel, 627 N. La Peer Drive, West Hollywood Tickets
Queen Mary’s My Vintage Valentine
Feb. 14. Celebrate romance and glamour in the majestic Queen Mary’s historic Grand and Windsor Salons. Enjoy a four-course dinner and special show featuring burlesque performances, a tango duet and contortionists. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted and ushered to their dinner table by Cupid. Two seatings: 5:30 p.m., $125 per person; 8:30 p.m., $135 per person. The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0738. queenmary.com
Esters Wine Shop & Bar’s Galentine’s Day
Feb. 15. Celebrate a different kind of love on Galentine’s Day by brunching and crafting with your lady friends. Start the day off with a holiday brunch of Croque Madames and Brunchy Avocado Toast while sipping on a Galentine’s Sparkling Cocktail (sparkling rosé, basil, Giffard’s Lichi-Li and a Pinot Noir float). Afterward, local florist Krystal Chang will lead a ‘The Language of Flowers– A Val/Galentine’s Workshop” to teach everyone the significance behind various types of flowers and the perfect way to put together a garden-inspired arrangement. Flowers, vases, tools and glass of sparkling rosé provided. $125 per person. Esters Wine Shop & Bar, 1314 Seventh St., Santa Monica 310.899.6900 Tickets
