Here’s Where to Dine This Valentine’s Day
City of stars… are you shining just for me? Might be a thought (or lyric, rather) that passes through your mind this Valentine’s Day, in LA. Play it right with a reservation at one of these restaurants and you’re guaranteed a whimsical night, celebrating love. Indulge in a cinematic-themed tasting menu, or take comfort in spaghetti & meatballs and a few glasses of red. Either way, we’ve got you covered.
189 by Dominique Ansel
For their first Valentine’s Day in Los Angeles, the Dominique Ansel team is serving a fun and hyper-creative (natch) thematic dinner, inspired by classic cinematic love stories, like When Harry Met Sally and Titanic. Add-ons include speciality cocktails and a $35 wine pairing.
Menu Highlights: beef brisket pastrami sandwich amuse, sea bream ceviche on ice, truffle spaghetti & meatballs, roasted quail in red wine and rose sauce, “escargot” vacherin.
$80, Book now on Resy.
Charcoal Venice
If you’re looking to turn up the heat for Valentine’s Day, Charcoal — located on Venice’s Washington Blvd — is your move. Michelin-starred chef Josiah Citrin’s seasonal, live-fire cooking never fails to excite; so, go see what he’s got up his sleeve for the special night.
Book now on Resy.
Little Dom’s
Loz Feliz locals and celebs alike adore Little Dom’s for its old-school vibe (complete with leather booths, worn-in wooden bar, weathered pops of red, and golden-hued lighting), and for its dependable Italian fare. On Valentine’s Day, the restaurant is going for the no-fuss vibe they’re known for, serving a signature menu of spaghetti & meatballs, wood-grilled hanger steak, chicken parm, and the like. Pro-tip: don’t miss the gelato sundae.
Book now on Resy.
Lunetta
Lunetta is celebrating its very first Valentine’s Day for not just one night, but two. On the 13th and the 14th, this posh Santa Monica spot is serving a four-course menu with an amuse and a shared dessert platter. And don’t forget — there is a fireplace.
Menu Highlights: crispy potato wrapped asparagus with oven-dried tomato and aged balsamic; red crab samosa with braised baby leeks, sorrel & mint yogurt, and wild herb salad; central coast sea urchin with poached egg and aromatic oyster sauce; madera braised Jidori chicken with rose parsnip puree, red flame grapes, and truffle reduction.
$88, Book now on Resy.
Native
At her still-new Farmers Market-inspired Santa Monica restaurant, chef Nyesha Arrington is serving up a three course prix fixe dinner with optional supplements (to make the evening extra special!).
Menu Highlights: Weiser Farm potato soup with oyster, uni, and bacon; red wine beet spaghetti with oxtail, taleggio, and swiss chard; New Zealand Thai snapper with fennel, pink lady apple, and celery; chocolate “cereal” malted milk.
$55, Book now on Resy.
Saddle Peak Lodge
This cozy abode tucked into the Santa Monica Hills is easily one of the most romantic restaurants in town. The four-course prix fixe on 2/14 will include an array of luxurious ingredients, from caviar to filet mignon, and cozy vibes to match.
Menu Highlights: Pacific oysters “Ménage à Trois”, truffle soup, sea urchin cavatelli, petit filet mignon, croissant bread pudding.
$145, Book now on Resy.
Gusto
This easygoing and immensely satisfying Beverly Grove trattoria is serving up a four-course menu for the holiday of romance.
Menu Highlights: bone marrow al forno with basil pesto, toast bread crumbs, charred lemon, and toast; spaghetti with San Marzano tomatoes, basil, and EVOO; American wagyu flat iron steak with wild arugula, parmigiano, and aceto balsamico tradizionale; meyer lemon gelato pie.
$75, Book now on Resy.
Rustic Canyon
For Valentine’s Day, Rustic Canyon is doing their beloved family-style, prix-fixe dinner with an optional wine pairing for $55/person. Equally accessible to couples, double dates, families, and groups of friends, each table will get to select six out of twelve dishes from the menu, which will be sent out in three-four courses.
Menu Highlights: Prime New York strip with yam pavé and truffle, squid ink chitarra with ridgeback prawns, chef Jeremy Fox’s signature Peas and White Chocolate.
$105, Book now on Rustic Canyon.
South Beverly Grill
South Beverly Grill comes to us by way of the Hillstone Restaurant Group; thus, it’s a very well-oiled operation serving up perfectly executed American classics, including USDA prime cuts and deviled eggs. Add to that sleek décor and a Hollywood vibe, and you’ve got yourself a very Los Angeles Valentine’s Day.
Book now at South Beverly Grill.
Tallula’s
Conveniently located nearby the beach (hint: take a sunset stroll before dinner), Tallula’s is hosting their first “Hecho Con Amor” Valentine’s Day celebration. An optional four-course prix-fixe dinner will be on offer in the main dining room, with an agave spirits/wine pairing for $35/person. The regular menu will also be available throughout the entire restaurant.
Menu Highlights: crab nachos, an assortment of crudo, prime beef fajitas, Mexican chocolate profiteroles.
$65, Book now on Resy.
