6 Top Valentine’s Day Restaurants in San Diego
Updated December 15, 2023
San Diego, with its sun-kissed beaches and perfect weather, is a dreamy spot to celebrate love. But what really gets the heart fluttering are its incredible dining destinations, offering everything from cozy bistro vibes to full-blown gastronomic adventures. This Valentine’s Day, skip the clichéd chocolates and flowers. Instead, dive into the culinary wonders of San Diego with your special someone. Here’s a guide to the 8 best restaurants in San Diego that are sure to make your Valentine’s Day more memorable than any rom-com finale!
#1 Wine Vault in Mission Hills
Step into the Wine Vault & Bistro, and you might just feel like you’ve been transported to a romantic hideaway in Napa Valley. This quaint spot in Mission Hills is perfect for wine aficionados and food lovers alike. Their multi-course menu, paired with an extensive wine list, is like a love letter to your taste buds. This is an amazing Valentine’s Day date for the couple who enjoys exploring new flavors together. Plus, their menus change almost daily, ensuring a unique experience every time. Remember, they are open for dinner only on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and reservations are a must!
Check Wine Vault’s special events calendar for details on their Valentine’s dinner and reserve your spot while it’s still available.
Address: 3731 India Street, San Diego, CA 92103 / Website Link
#2 Valentina
Nestled in Encinitas, Valentina is a delightful spot where Mediterranean meets California. It’s a casual and cozy bistro that’s a fusion of European charm and California cool, ideal for those who love to explore eclectic flavors in a laid-back setting.
Perfect for a relaxed yet romantic Valentine’s Day dinner, Valentina boasts a menu with an international flair, including offerings like Sashimi de Atun, Tomato Tartare, and various tantalizing entrées such as Seabass in Lemon Butter Sauce and Pork Schnitzel.
Their wine program is a standout feature, with over 120 different bottles to choose from, encompassing a range from Napa Valley to the Rhône. The carefully curated wine list promises an adventure for your palate, with options for both the connoisseur and the curious.
Tables for this restaurant on Valentine’s Day will not last! Book your reservations now, here!
Address: 810 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024 / Website Link
#3 Wormwood
Wormwood is a unique and enchanting addition to San Diego’s dining scene, especially for those fascinated by the allure of absinthe. As San Diego’s first absinthe bar, Wormwood brings a touch of Belle Epoque Paris to University Heights. Known for its romantic and vintage Paris design, Wormwood offers an immersive experience, complete with slow-drip fountains for serving the anise-flavored spirit traditionally.
Their offerings also extend to special occasions with options like Chef’s Table Dinners, Absinthe Tastings, and Live Music & Entertainment, making it an intriguing choice for a memorable Valentine’s Day experience.
Make your reservation here before tables sell out, and keep an eye on their Instagram for more info on a possible multi-course tasting experience.
Address: 3139 University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92104 / Website Link
#4 Piatti
Nestled in the heart of La Jolla, Piatti is the Italian grandmother you always wished you had. Their handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas are like warm hugs on a plate. The cozy ambiance, reminiscent of a rustic Italian trattoria, making it one of the best Valentine’s Day restaurants in San Diego.
Piatti in La Jolla offers a delightful blend of traditional Italian cuisine with a modern Californian twist. Established in 1987, Piatti is known for its housemade pasta, finely crafted daily as well as their delicious wood-fired pizzas.The cozy ambiance, reminiscent of a rustic Italian trattoria, makes it a perfect spot for a romantic evening.
Their dedication to fresh and hand-crafted cuisine, coupled with a comfortable atmosphere, makes it a fabulous choice for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. Reserve your table here!
Address: 2182 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037 / Website Link
#5 Mille Fleurs
Mille Fleurs in Rancho Santa Fe is like stepping into a French country estate. Its elegant setting and exquisitely prepared cuisine offer a dining experience that’s both sophisticated and heartwarmingly intimate. The place makes for a relaxed Valentine’s Day dinner. Perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life, paired with a touch of old-world charm.
A few of the favorites on the menu are leroy’s fjørd steelhead trout, roasted atlantic dover sole, their traditional wienerschnitzel, and the 1920 black angus filet.
Each Valentine’s Day, Mille Fleurs curates a custom menu for the celebration of love. Check back for more specifics asap, but make your reservation NOW, here.
Address: 6009 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 / Website Link
#6 Marisi
Marisi in La Jolla is the embodiment of coastal Italian luxury and the rich diversity of Italian cuisine. It offers an array of handmade pastas, classic cocktails, and fine wines. The menu is a celebration of ingredients from across Italy, prepared in a time-honored tradition. Marisi provides an ambiance that is a blend of Amalfi and La Jolla coasts, making it an ideal spot for a romantic and memorable dining experience. During the season of love, the Valentine’s Day menu curated for couples adds an extra touch of romance to the dining experience.
If the Valentine’s Day menu is anything like last year, you will want to book your reservation pronto! Served up for Vday 2023 was a four-course Amalfi-coast-inspired Valentine’s Day meal with highlights like tuna crudo, squash blossoms, cacio e pepe gougere, black truffle cappelletti, and grilled halibut, among others. There was also a slew of signature cocktails to choose from.
Book your reservation here.
Address: 1044 Wall Street, La Jolla, CA 92037 / Website Link
BONUS #7 Book a Valentine’s Day Walking Food Tour with So Diego
For the adventurous couple, why settle for one restaurant when you can explore several? So Diego’s signature food tours in San Diego are like a ‘best hits’ album of the city’s culinary scene. Take in the food and drink of Little Italy, La Jolla, Old Town and more while getting a history lesson from an expert tour guide. It’s a fun and tasty way to experience different flavors and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of America’s finest city.
Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy bistro, a luxurious feast, or an adventurous food tour, San Diego has it all. These 6 spots offer not just a meal, but a memorable experience that will make your Valentine’s Day truly special.
Book a table, grab your beau, and prepare to fall in love all over again – this time, with the flavors of San Diego.
Written by: Melissa
Melissa hails from San Jose, CA, and has been a San Diego local for five years now after a 10-year long pit stop in Los Angeles. In L.A., she began her writing career crafting digital content for a wide range of clients, including The Real Talk Show, Sharon Osbourne, Hank Azaria, Time Life, and Cardinal Financial. She’s excited to be able to use her passion for writing to introduce people to some of the best spots in San Diego, many of which she has already frequented or has on her ever-expanding list of things to do … In her spare time, she enjoys taking her puppy Milo to all of the best dog beaches in SD, grabbing a glass of wine or a cup of joe at new places, and hosting watch parties for The Bachelor/ette TV show.
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