Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean white tablecloths and stiff reservations — but San Diego does romance its food pretty well when February rolls around. From rooftop sushi and indulgent steakhouse menus to shareable brewery dinners and grab-and-go sweets, this week’s Eat Beat rounds up Cupid-approved spots perfect for date night, Galentine’s outings, or a last-minute “I didn’t forget” save.
Here’s where San Diego is eating, sipping, and celebrating love this Valentine’s Day.
Roppongi Restaurant & Lounge, La Jolla
Fresh off its December reopening, Roppongi is back in full swing just in time for Valentine’s Day with a six-course tasting menu for two, offered Feb. 12–15. The modern Asian lineup hits all the right notes — seared bluefin sashimi, lobster dumplings, macadamia nut–crusted sea bass, Crying Tiger steak, and an ube cheesecake to finish. Optional drink pairings include sake, wine, and a Velvet Kiss cocktail. It’s $200 per couple, with the full à la carte menu also available for those who want to freestyle the night.
STK Steakhouse, Downtown
If your Valentine’s vibe leans dramatic, indulgent, and unapologetically extra, STK delivers Feb. 9–16. Think chocolate-covered strawberry cocktails, Kaluga caviar with blinis, surf-and-turf with filet and lobster, king crab pasta gratin, and a colossal lobster tail that absolutely steals the spotlight.
Dessert seals it with a molten chocolate lava marshmallow cake. Reservations are strongly encouraged — this one’s built for lingering dinners and dressing up.
George’s at the Cove, La Jolla
George’s brings the romance with a three-course prix fixe menu on Valentine’s Day in both the open-air Level2 and lower-level dining room. At $110 per person, guests can choose from elevated courses like beef tartare and bone marrow, miso-cured hamachi, Australian Wagyu Denver steak, Hokkaido scallops, and desserts including tropical pavlova or chocolate baked mousse. Seatings run from 4 to 8:45 p.m., with a required reservation deposit.
ZENTRL Kitchen + Bar, La Jolla & Liberty Station
ZENTRL’s Valentine’s Dinner Experience is intimate, relaxed, and polished without being stuffy. The three-course dinner includes a complimentary glass of Prosecco, live music, and reserved seating. Guests choose from starters like strawberry balsamic salad or butternut squash coconut soup, followed by Chilean sea bass, red wine–braised short rib, or creamy vegetable risotto, finishing with chocolate lava cake or strawberry shortcake. Bonus: dinner can roll seamlessly into a romantic movie next door at THE LOT.
Mastro’s Ocean Club, Downtown Waterfront
For classic steakhouse romance, Mastro’s Ocean Club keeps things timeless. Alongside its full dinner menu of prime steaks and luxe seafood, February brings a rich, shareable chocolate cheesecake layered with espresso, ganache, and Oreo crumb crust — a sweet reason to extend Valentine’s celebrations beyond just one night.
Hilton San Diego Bayfront: Hudson & Nash + Odysea
Turn Valentine’s Day into a full waterfront evening at the Hilton Bayfront. Hudson & Nash offers Valentine’s specials like rose-poached pear and burrata, seared scallops with Champagne beurre blanc, surf-and-turf petite duos, and raspberry white chocolate mousse. Over at Odysea Waterfront Lounge, love-note-served cocktails like the French Kiss and XO Negroni add a playful twist to the night.
Lumi, Downtown Rooftop
High above the city, Lumi sets the scene for a high-energy Valentine’s or Galentine’s night with skyline views, DJ-fueled vibes, and bold Japanese-inspired dishes. Valentine’s specials include seared scallop with crispy causa, negi toro toast with bone marrow, a heart-shaped tuna pizza, and the Sushi Heart Box for Two featuring premium nigiri, sashimi, and a gold-flaked Cupid’s Roll.
Love-themed cocktails keep the night buzzing.
Huntress, Gaslamp
Huntress offers a refined but indulgent Valentine’s prix fixe menu Feb. 13–15 for $99 per person.
Shareable bites like Wagyu steak puffs and lobster bites kick things off, followed by mains such as ribeye, lamb chops, or seafood pasta. Dessert arrives as the stunning Broken Rose — strawberry white chocolate mousse layered with raspberry compote. His-and-her cocktails add a fun finishing touch.
Cloak & Petal, Little Italy
From Feb. 12–16, Cloak & Petal leans into romance with limited-time sushi, sashimi, and cocktails. Highlights include the Sweethearts Roll, Lover’s Rock sashimi, pan-seared Norwegian halibut, and a rich chocolate mousse. The cocktail list brings love with drinks like Love Potion, Geisha’s Kiss, and Smokin’ Love.
Borrego Rooftop Kitchen + Cocktails, Gaslamp
Lovebirds can toast the night with skyline views, a strawberry-forward Valentine’s cocktail, a surf-and-turf entrée with steak and scallops, and a limited-time strawberry cheesecake. Rooftop romance at its best.
Tour de Tapas, La Mesa Village
This charming neighborhood favorite offers a Valentine’s Dinner for Two for $99 per couple on Feb. 14 only. The three-course prix fixe includes classic French- and Spanish-inspired options like duck confit à l’orange, mahi mahi, filet with dill sauce, and desserts like mousse au chocolat or tarte tatin.
Louisiana Purchase, North Park
From Feb. 13–15, Louisiana Purchase goes big with a 40-ounce, 120-day-aged tomahawk ribeye for two. The meal includes sides, king cake for dessert, and serious sharing energy — perfect for couples who like their Valentine’s bold.
Fonda del Barrio, Barrio Logan
A four-course Valentine’s Dinner for Two for $99 brings thoughtful, regional Mexican flavors to the table. From grilled chile güero and sopecitos to rockfish, filet mignon, or chile en nogada, it’s a warm, soulful way to celebrate.
The Smoking Gun, Gaslamp
Valentine’s Day goes tropical here with coconut shrimp, huli huli chicken, kalua pork, and rum-heavy cocktails like Lava Flows and Mai Tais. Casual, fun, and zero pressure.
barleymash, Gaslamp
Love comes with four legs barleyMash’s Furever Valentine’s adoption event on Feb. 14. Partnering with Frosted Faces Foundation, the event features adoptable senior pups, drink specials, and giveaways — proof that Valentine’s Day isn’t just about couples.
Prohibition, Gaslamp
Anti-Valentine’s Day gets cheeky at this hidden speakeasy. Show proof you blocked an ex and score a complimentary bartender ’s-choice whiskey shot.
El Chingon, Gaslamp
Skipping romance altogether? El Chingon leans into anti-Valentine’s energy with emo-themed music and high-energy vibes all day and night.
Temaki Bar: Handroll, Sushi, Sake, Encinitas
Galentine’s Day brings buy-one-get-one-free cocktails for friends on Feb. 13, while Valentine’s Day features a $110 prix fixe for two with prosecco, premium hand rolls, nigiri, and sashimi.
Havana, 1920, Gaslamp
Galentine’s Havana Nights hits Feb. 12 with RSVP perks including complimentary Cuban bites, spirit tastings, and live entertainment — all free to attend.
Urban Plates, Multiple Locations
Affordable romance is the move here. Urban Plates offers a three-course Valentine’s dinner for $29.95 per person Feb. 11–16, with steak, seafood, chicken, or vegetarian options, plus dessert and 50% off bottles of wine when dining in.
City Tacos, Multiple Locations
Tacos and churros keep things fun with a Lovers Combo for Two — two tacos each, drinks, and churros for $30 per couple all Valentine’s weekend.
Harland Brewing Co., South Park
Harland’s Valentine’s Special for Two is built for sharing: drinks, an appetizer, two entrées, and a sweet treat for $100 total. Pair it all with house-brewed IPAs and lagers.
The Gondola Company, Coronado Cays
From Feb. 13–15, Saint Valentino Cruise offers a romantic, Venetian-inspired gondola ride complete with chocolates, a rose, and optional wine, music, or proposal upgrades.
Hearts & Vines Pop-Up, North City
Chocolate meets natural wine Feb. 13–14 as Christophe Rull and J. Brix Wines team up for pairings designed just for the event. VIP and walk-in options make it easy to sip, taste, and linger.
Spill the Beans, Multiple Locations
Heart-shaped “You Are My Everything” bagels drop Feb. 14, alongside chocolate-covered strawberry lattes and matchas.
Chick-fil-A, Multiple Locations
The beloved heart-shaped trays return starting Jan. 26 with nuggets, Chick-n-Minis, cookies, and brownies — plus a chance to score a Golden Cup for free Chick-fil-A for a year.
Nothing Bundt Cakes, Multiple Locations
For last-minute gifting, the Chocolate Raspberry Heart Bundtlet made with DOVE® hits all the right notes — rich chocolate cake, raspberry filling, cream cheese frosting, and a silky chocolate heart on top, available through Feb. 15.
Rustic Root Gaslamp – Pitch-A-Friend Valentine’s Party
Playing cupid just got a lot more entertaining. Rustic Root hosts Pitch-A-Friend’s Valentine’s Party on Thursday, Feb. 12, from 7–9 p.m., inviting singles, couples, and hype friends alike to take the mic. Guests can present a 3–5 minute slide show pitching their single friend as the ultimate catch, with each presenter receiving a complimentary drink as a thank-you. Expect craft cocktails, plenty of laughs, and a festive atmosphere built for matchmaking — or at least a good story.
Swing Social – Puppy Love Adoption Event
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with wagging tails and wet noses at Swing Social’s Puppy Love Dog Adoption Event on Saturday, Feb. 14, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Partnering with Amazing Strays Rescue, the event brings 10–15 adoptable dogs to the patio in search of their forever homes. Guests can meet, mingle, and support the cause — with $1 from every Ballast Point beer sold donated to Amazing Strays Rescue.
The Takeaway?
Valentine’s Day in San Diego isn’t one-size-fits-all — and that’s exactly the point. Whether you’re planning a candlelit splurge, a rooftop sushi date, a Galentine’s cocktail crawl, or just grabbing a heart-shaped dessert on the way home, this Eat Beat proves there’s plenty of love (and food) to go around.
Do you have any restaurant news? A new chef? New location? Special menu? If so, drop me a line at Debbiesklar@cox.net, and you could be included in a future Eat Beat.
