Valentine’s Day in Los Angeles: A Culinary Love Letter

As Valentine’s week heats up, Los Angeles is bursting with romantic dining options, featuring curated prix-fixe dinners, whimsical brunches, and festive specials. This year, LA’s culinary scene is inviting couples—and friends alike—to indulge in a delightful feast. From luxurious seafood tastings to whimsical heart-shaped pizzas and gather round tables for Galentine’s events, there’s something for everyone this Valentine’s week.

Seafood Romance and Luxe Tasting Menus

For seafood lovers, Crudo y Nudo is making waves with its one-night-only Venus Tasting Menu, priced at $150 per person on February 14. Chef Brian Bornemann invites diners to explore a multi-course extravaganza that highlights regional seafood delicacies. Expect local caviar, uni, and four seasonal crudo preparations like Baja pink scallops served right in their shells. An optional wine pairing, curated by Wine Director Simona Topuzovska, features organic and biodynamic selections, adding a thoughtful touch to the experience. Plus, this special menu will also be available on February 13, 15, and 16, giving seafood enthusiasts multiple opportunities to savor this romantic offering.

At A.O.C., couples can choose from prix-fixe brunch and dinner menus. The brunch, set at $65 per person, includes shared starters like mini pastries or a smoked fish plate, followed by delectable options ranging from crab cake eggs Benedict to Spanish fried chicken. Dinner, priced at $150, brings an indulgent Ibérico toast with caviar and entrées like seabass à la meunière or grilled wagyu bavette steak, rounded off with a romantic strawberry pavlova for two.

Italian Cinema and Spanish Flair

For a cinematic twist, Bar Toscana is screening Federico Fellini’s classic “La Dolce Vita” while serving a menu inspired by Italian flavors. Dine on dishes such as sea bass carpaccio, wagyu beef tartare, and burrata ravioli with black truffle, topped off with a strawberry tiramisu for dessert. Note that seating is first-come, first-served, so arrive early!

For those craving Spanish flair, Telefèric Barcelona will offer a limited-time prix-fixe menu from February 13 to 15. Tapas such as Jamón Ibérico de Bellota and squid ink croquetas will be served as starters, followed by substantial entrées like Prime Wellington and individual lobster paella. Dessert for two features Basque shortbread and ginger-vanilla crema catalana, perfect for sharing.

Steakhouse Indulgence and Ocean Views

Several locations of Mastro’s in Beverly Hills, downtown LA, and Malibu are elevating the Valentine’s experience with a month-long promotion. Highlights include a delectable Valentine’s Day Chocolate Cheesecake and Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon. Expect extended dinner hours from February 13 to 15, with popular dishes like seafood towers and wagyu tomahawk steaks pulling in crowds.

The Malibu location will also host a Valentine’s brunch with live music, where diners can enjoy menu items like Maine lobster eggs Benedict and steak and eggs, accompanied by specialty cocktails.

At The Getty Center, the Restaurant and Trellis Bar & Lounge is featuring exclusive dishes such as iced Kusshi oysters and surf-and-turf with wagyu and lobster pasta, complemented by themed cocktails like “Red Hot Lovers” and “Dirty Cupid.”

Sweet Treats and Casual Bites

For those looking for playful options, Prince St. Pizza has introduced “Cupid’s Naughty Pie,” a heart-shaped pizza priced at $20, available on February 13 and 14 at various locations, including Malibu, Venice, and West Hollywood.

Irv’s Burgers is offering a Strawberry Sweetheart Shake through the end of February for just $7.50, featuring a delightful blend of vanilla soft serve, strawberry purée, and festive heart-shaped sprinkles.

Additionally, Poppi has teamed up with PopUp Bagels for a limited-time Shirley Temple-inspired cream cheese spread, available at select locations from February 12 to 25.

Galentine’s Gatherings and Afternoon Elegance

Celebrating friendship? The Culver Hotel will host a special one-day Galentine’s Tea on February 15 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Priced at $75 per person, this event includes artisan blends, finger sandwiches, and pastries, plus a complimentary glass of sparkling wine for guests dressed in pink. Live piano music and charming décor will add a festive vibe, making it a perfect gathering for friends.

Modern Indian Fine Dining

For a unique twist, Fitoor Santa Monica will showcase a limited-time Valentine’s Day menu that shines a light on modern Indian cuisine. Diners can indulge in a watermelon and feta salad, beet galouti kebab, and pan-seared sea bass in ginger-coconut broth. Don’t miss out on the specialty cocktail, “Hum Tum (U ‘n’ i),” which blends gin, Cointreau, rosemary, and lemon for a refreshing touch.

FAQs

When should LA diners book for Valentine’s Day?
Reservations are highly recommended well in advance, especially for those coveted prix-fixe dinners on February 14 and the surrounding weekend.

Are there budget-friendly options during Valentine’s week?
Definitely! Casual choices like the heart-shaped pizza from Prince St. Pizza or Irv’s Strawberry Sweetheart Shake offer delightful ways to celebrate without breaking the bank.

With such a vibrant array of dining options, Los Angeles is a haven for food lovers hoping to celebrate love in all its forms this Valentine’s week. Whether through an intimate dinner or cheerful casual bites, the city is ready to serve romance on a plate.