Valentine's Day Restaurants: San Diego Dining & Takeout Deals 2023

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — Cue Cupid! Valentine's Day nears, so it's time to get dining plans in place.

This year, Feb. 14 falls on a Tuesday — with many chefs and restaurants rolling out the romance from Friday, Feb. 10 through the weekend.

And hearts will surely go thumpity-thump over such specials as prix-fixe, dinners for two, lavish tasting menus, wine pairings, amor-inspired cocktails, heart-shaped pizzas, heart-shaped doughnuts and even heart-shaped lasagna.

Check out our annual, V-Day dining guide — and scroll through the images above — for top dine-in and takeout specials offered at restaurants throughout the San Diego region.

The list has something for all tastes and budgets.

Enjoy, and Happy Valentine's Day, from Patch!

Know of other restaurants in your neighborhood with swoon-worthy, V-Day dining? Share with readers in the comment section.

-----------

ADELAIDE AT L’AUBERGE DEL MAR: Enjoy al fresco dining & ocean views Feb. 12 with Chef Nick Green's Valentine's brunch Feb. 12. Highlights: coconut milk chia seed pudding; ricotta toast with pear, fig & honey; & smoked salmon potato pancake. V-Day dinner Feb. 14 features bluefin tuna, Petrale sole, Wagyu ribeye & more. $165+/person. Wine pairing add-on $55. Reservations via OpenTable. At 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar.

-----------

APPLEBEE'S GRILL & BAR: Pucker up for $6 Smoocho Mucho Sips for Valentine's celebrations. Try "Tipsy Cupid" with Tito’s Handmade Vodka & gummy red lips, or frozen "Date Night Daiquiri" with Bacardi Superior. At participating locales. Info here. Location finder here.

------------

BJ’S RESTAURANT & BREWHOUSE: Celebrate V-day with dine-in or takeout Feb. 10-14 & receive coupon for free Pizookie, redeemable Feb. 15 to March 31. Minimum purchase of $14.95 required. Or purchase $50 eGift card from Feb. 1-14 & score $10 bonus gift card, good Feb. 15 through March 31. See sites in Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Escondido, La Jolla, La Mesa & Mission Valley.

----------

BLACK ANGUS STEAKHOUSE: Valentine’s weekend menu, Feb. 11-14, offers Feast For Two ($58), with two filet mignons, two lobster tails, appetizer, sidekicks, dessert, molasses bread & two prosecco splits. Add-on: dozen roses $39. Reservations. See sites in Chula Vista, El Cajon & Escondido.

----------

BUCA DI BEPPO: V-Day turns lasagna lovefest with heart-shaped lasagna for two. ($59.99). Offered for dine-in or to-go, with lasagna, garlic bread, salad & mini cannoli for dessert. Available Feb. 14 only. See ordering info. Click here for locations in Carlsbad & San Diego.

-----------

CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN: Heart-shaped pizzas are back Feb. 9-14, along with Valentine's "Sweet Deal For Two." Choose from Classic or Adventure package with appetizer, two entrees & dessert. Heart-shaped, crispy thin crust pizzas make V-Day extra special! Details. Find locations in Carmel Mountain Ranch, Chula Vista, Escondido, San Diego & Solana Beach.

----------

CASSARA KITCHEN & BAR: New dessert cocktail is V-Day perfection. Chocolate Covered Strawberry Martini, ($15), melds vanilla vodka, chocolate syrup, cream, chocolate liqueur & chocolate/strawberry garnish. Enjoy a la carte or with dinner. Info/reservations. At Cassara Carlsbad Tapestry Collection by Hilton, 5805 Armada Drive, Carlsbad.

---------

CHART HOUSE: "Sweetheart Menu for Two" offered Feb. 10-14 ($160/couple). Includes starter, dessert & entrees of Chilean sea bass, lobster linguine or surf & turf (filet & lobster tail). Menu/reservations. Find locale in Cardiff.

-------

COVEWOOD AT SAN MISSION BAY RESORT: Romantic, waterfront dining offered Valentine’s Day with three-course dinner. Highlights: strawberry panzanella salad, lobster bisque or oyster starters; entrees of ribeye cap, halibut or black truffle campanelle; & dessert. $95/person. Wine & champagne pairings available. Book via OpenTable. At 1775 East Mission Bay Drive, San Diego.

-----------

DUNKIN': Heart-shaped doughnuts return for V-Day, along with these sweet specials. Dunkin’ Chocolates: heart-shaped box with wrapped chocolates in three flavors: Boston Kreme, Brownie Batter & Chocolate Creme. And Dunkin’ Iced Coffee Flavored Jelly Hearts: fun twist to iced coffee in flavors of Hazelnut, French Vanilla, Caramel Latte, Toasted Coconut & Butter Pecan. Find shops regionwide.

-----------

EDDIE V'S: Champagne, fine wines, seafood & steaks are on the menu for Valentine's dining. Plus signature drink "Hope Diamond," that transforms as poured from clear to purple, and Bananas Foster Butter Cake, flambéed tableside, also add to V-Day ambiance. Live music planned at San Diego restaurant. Reservations. Find locales in La Jolla & San Diego.

------------

EL TORITO MEXICAN RESTAURANT: From Feb. 10-14, three-course Sweetheart Menu for Two ($55) includes tortilla soup or Caesar salad (for each diner), entrées of fajitas, tacos vampiros or macho combo with fire-roasted pasilla chile relleno, chicken & sour cream enchilada, beef barbacoa crispy taco & tamale. Finish with shared dessert of sopapillas, mudd pie, deep fried ice cream or cheesecake. Info/reservations. Locale in La Mesa.

-------------

ESTANCIA LA JOLLA HOTEL & SPA: Two culinary choices here. Star-lit Sweethearts & Symphony Prix Fixe Dinner Saturday, Feb. 11 (starts at $125/person), with live music, bottomless bubbly & four-course menu of lobster cappuccino, beet or beef carpaccio, monkfish or cauliflower entree, plus red velvet carajillo. Valentine’s night, Feb. 14, Greenfinch Restaurant & Bar offers four-course dinner, with champagne toast & Baja Kumiai Oysters, potato & lobster chowder, filet or cauliflower steak & dessert ($90/person). Details. At 9700 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla.

-----------

EUREKA!: This will warm your heart: 50% off dining on Valentine's Day! Feb. 14 falls on a Tuesday this year. And Tuesdays are half-off days at the craft beer & scratch-kitchen restaurant. Deal also extends to newly launched menu items: French Dip sandwich; barbeque pork ribs & truffle corn; chilled salmon campanelle bowl; watermelon chicken salad; & Baja fish tacos. (Half-off wine by glass/bottle, too, but for dine-in only.) Locations in Carlsbad, San Diego (SDSU) & UTC.

--------

FLEMING'S PRIME STEAKHOUSE: Three-course Valentine's exclusives offered Feb. 10-14. Choose: Surf & Turf for Two (shareable, 35-ounce tomahawk, lobster tail scampi & crab-stuffed shrimp. $230 for two guests.); or Filet Mignon Menu with lobster tail scampi or crab-stuffed shrimp. $85/person. Salad & dessert included. Regular menu also available. Reservations. See locations in La Jolla & San Diego.

------------

FOGO DE CHAO: Dine at the Brazilian steakhouse Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14 & receive a free churrasco experience — with fire-roasted meats carved tableside by gaucho chefs —for a future visit. Reservations. See site in San Diego.

-------------

GELSON'S: Make Valentine’s Day memorable & easy with to-go dinners for two. Pre-cooked options include prime rib & lobster, truffled beef Wellington & lobster and bacon-wrapped filet mignon & lobster Included: apple pomegranate salad; Brussels sprouts; potatoes; & chocolate-covered strawberries. Hand-dipped strawberries also sold separately, along with flowers. Place V-Day orders online by Feb. 12 for Feb. 13-14 pick-up. Find stores in Carlsbad, Del Mar & Pacific Beach.

---------

GEORGE'S AT THE COVE: Romantic, ocean-view dining awaits Feb. 14, with Valentine's prix-fixe menu. $95/person. Among options: halibut ceviche; beet salad; Baja striped bass; mushroom ragu lasagna; lamb; New York steak; & dark chocolate tart. Reservations. At 1250 Prospect St., La Jolla.

-----------

GORDON RAMSAY HELL'S KITCHEN AT HARRAH'S RESORT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA: The celeb chef's recently opened restaurant boasts high-end menu, ideal for Valentine's dining. Among selections are oysters, Wagyu meatballs, Wagyu ribeye, lobster risotto & beef Wellington. Sticky toffee pudding is signature dessert. Details/bookings. At 777 Harrah's Rincon Way, Funner/Valley Center.

----------

HOOTERS: Mend a broken heart Valentine's Day with photo shredders & chicken wings at #ShredYourEx event. Back by popular demand ... burn, bury, rip or shred picture of an ex to earn 10 free wings with in-store purchase of 10 wings. Details. Limit one order per person. Find eateries in Mission Valley & San Marcos.

------------

KING'S FISH HOUSE: On Tuesday, Feb. 14, three-course, prix-fixe Valentine's dinner stars filet mignon & lobster tail. Reservations. $69.50/person. Find eateries in Carlsbad & San Diego.

-----------

KRISPY KREME: Sweeten V-Day with new, 2023 line-up of heart-shaped doughnuts made with HERSHEY’S milk chocolate, KISSES, strawberry & caramel syrup. Valentine’s Day Dozen is available for pickup or delivery via app and website. For a limited time at participating shops regionwide.

----------

KURA SUSHI: Valentine’s Day Chirashi bowls offered for dine-in & takeout Feb. 10-14 at home of the revolving sushi bar. Dish features sushi rice with shrimp, crab, crab claw, salmon, tuna, eel, red snapper, scallop, tamago, ikura & cucumber. Priced at $25, tied with red bow & includes complimentary, heart-shaped ramekin for soy sauce dipping. Locale in San Diego.

----------

MARCO'S PIZZA: Surprise your special someone on Valentine's Day with a heart-shaped pizza! From Feb. 10-14, use code “HEART” to order a one-topping, V-Day pizza, starting at $9.99, online or through pizza app. Website. Find location in Rancho Bernardo.

-----------

MORTON'S THE STEAKHOUSE: Dine with your Valentine from Feb. 10-14, with chateaubriand for two ($179 per couple), including soup or salad, sides & dessert. Add-ons available for lobster tails & jumbo lump crab cakes. Info/reservations. Locations in San Diego.

-----------

MOUNTAIN MIKE'S PIZZA: For entire month of February, heart-shaped pizzas are available for dine-in, takeout & delivery — cut or uncut, with one topping of choice, like the chain's signature crispy, curly pepperoni. Pricing is same as large, one-topping pizza. Details. Find stores in Clairemont/SD, Fallbrook, Oceanside & San Diego.

------------

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE: Valentine’s Day four-course special (starting at $60) featured Feb. 9-14. Included Shrimp on Barbie shared appetizer, two salads, two entrees (sirloin, salmon or chicken) with side, or two filets with side for $10 more, plus cheesecake. Dine-in only. Website. Find locales in El Cajon, National City, Poway, San Diego & San Marcos.

---------------

PAPA JOHNS: Win hearts with a heart-shaped pizza, offered through Feb. 14. With thin crust, cheese & one topping, the pies are $11.99. Additional toppings cost extra. Details. See locales countywide.

-----------

PIZZA GUYS: Spreading the love, the California-based chain brings back its heart-shaped pizzas for month of February — with large, one-topping pies at $15.99 to $17.99, depending on market. Order details. See pizzeria in Pacific Beach.
---------

Q&A RESTAURANT & OYSTER BAR: The New Orleans-inspired spot offers Valentine-ideal menu featuring raw oysters, oyster shooters, oysters Rockefeller, plus such NOLA classics as crawfish etouffee catfish, shrimp creole & grits, gumbo, jambalaya, dessert beignets & more. Info/reservations. At 408 Pier View Way, Oceanside.
-------------

RED LOBSTER: Treat seafood-loving sweethearts to Lobsterfest, back for limited time with such lobster-centric dishes as Lobster & Shrimp Tacos, Lobster & Shrimp-Topped Sirloin & returning favorite, Lobster Lover's Dream (tails paired with lobster-and-shrimp linguini ). From the bar: three versions of specialty "Lobsterita" cocktail. Details. Find sites in Chula Vista, La Mesa, Mira Mesa, Oceanside & San Diego.

----------

ROUND TABLE PIZZA: Treat your pizza-loving, loved ones to Valentine's Day heart-shaped pizzas, offered in size large —specialty pies or create your own. Available through Feb. 28. Details. Or on Feb. 14 ... score medium pizza with one topping for $5 (dine-in, carryout & delivery) with purchase of large specialty pizza at regular price when using promo code LOVE5. Find locales thoughout San Diego County.
--------------

ROY'S AT MARRIOTT MARQUIS SAN DIEGO MARINA: Exclusive, Valentine’s Day menu offered Feb. 14 featuring filet mignon, lobster tail, Maryland-style jumbo crab cakes & New York strip steak. Prix-fixe at $129/adult & $19/children. Reservations online or at (619) 239-7697. At 333 West Harbor Drive, San Diego.

-----------

RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE: Dine in style Feb. 10-19 with Valentine's special — Chateaubriand for Two ($160, but price may vary by location). Included: two starters, soup or salad; garlic mashed potatoes; creamed spinach; plus Chocolate Sin Cake for dessert. Reservations/details. Locales in Del Mar & San Diego.

----------

SEASONS 52: Celebrate V-Day with in-restaurant dining (option for sparkling wine flight paired with filet mignon, plus desserts of Belgian Chocolate S'mores or Raspberry Chocolate Chip Cannoli Mini Indulgence), or Seasons 52 Green Box takeout dinner-for-two, $110 (filet mignon, mashed potatoes, broccolini, salad & two Mini Indulgence desserts). Info/reservations. Place to-go orders 24 hours in advance for Feb. 11-14 pick-up. Location in San Diego/UTC.

-----------

THE MARINE ROOM: Iconic restaurant's Executive Chef Mike Minor is crafting four-course Valentine's Day menu, starting with amuse-bouche of uni cornets, winter truffle risotto or ora king salmon tataki, followed by scallop crudo, beet salad or bison tartar. Main choices: seafood risotto; bluefin tuna; or filet mignon, plus dessert & Nola Rose chocolate boxes. $150/person; $225/person with wine pairings. Add-on options for lobster tail & truffle service. Full menu/reservations. Also Feb. 14, the new, ocean-view Lounge offers Girl’s Night Out cocktail & special Rose Martini, plus three-course bite menu. Lounge reservations. At 2000 Spindrift Drive, La Jolla.

------------

TOUS LES JOURS: The French-Asian bakery café chain rolled out its 2023 V-Day cake collection, “Bee My Valentine,” a variety of five cakes crafted with Cupid in mind. Available through Feb. 14. Ordering details. Find shop in San Diego.

-----------

20 | TWENTY: Chef-curated, three-course, Valentine's Dinner for Two planned Feb. 14, starting with yellowtail crudo. Main course: surf 'n' turf with filet medallion, jumbo prawns, raspberry gastrique, leeks & asparagus tips. Dessert is shareable honey lavender panna cotta. $220 per couple/$260 with wine pairing. Reservations. At The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa, 5480 Grand Pacific Drive, Carlsbad.

------------

URBAN PLATES: Three-course, Valentine's meal-for-two offered with two starter soups or salads, two entrees ( steak, chimichurri steak or salmon) & two desserts. $55. Dine-in or takeout. Find locales in Carlsbad, Del Mar & La Jolla.

----------

VESSEL RESTAURANT + BAR AT KONA KAI RESORT: Couples are invited Feb. 10-14 for waterfront dining — four-course, prix-fixe menu for two. ($159/couple, +$35/couple for wine pairings.) Dishes include: rice cracker amuse with goat cheese, prosciutto & red pepper jam; winter salad; filet mignon; & chocolate delights. Reservations via Resy. At 1551 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego.

-------------

WATER GRILL: Chef-curated, four course pre-fixe menu ($135/person) planned for Valentine's Day. Additional wine pairings available. For bookings, find location in San Diego.

------------

FOR OTHER REGION-SPECIFIC DINING GUIDES:

• Valentine's Day Restaurants: SF Bay Area Dining & Takeout Deals
• Valentine's Day Restaurants: LA-Area Dining & Takeout Deals
• Valentine's Day Restaurants: Inland Empire Dining & Takeout Deals
• Valentine's Day Restaurants: OC Dining & Takeout Deals

-----------

ALSO SEE: CA Restaurant Weeks 2023: Guide To The Best In California