Toca Madera
Valentine’s Day is a next-level busy day for restaurants. But as a diner, you likely want to head into the holiday calm and collected whether you’re trying to impress a new fling or just have a nice date night with your longtime partner. For your own ease— and a romantic night guaranteed by the very best in L.A. dining— book your reservation right away at one of the city’s great restaurants serving up a special Valentine’s Day dinner. For anyone looking to celebrate Galentine’s Day or just a little bit of self love, we’ve included some fun alternatives, like a rooftop movie or Valentine’s-themed ice cream.
Website | 1816 N Vermont Ave 90027
Executive chef James LaLonde has prepared three special dishes just for the holiday. Available exclusively on Feb. 14, the menu will feature chickpea panisse, dungeness crab risotto and braised short rib. Desserts include butterscotch budino and cheesecake with fig compote and mezcal.
Website | Varies
Whether you’re in West Hollywood or Santa Monica, BOA’s 4-course prix fixe menu will be a guaranteed successful night out. Highlights include roasted golden beets and burrata, lobster bisque, petite filet mignon, Ossetra caviar, a Japanese A5 Wagyu flight, chocolate strawberries and hand-rolled truffles. $135
Website | 94921 W Adams Blvd. 90016
Specially opening its doors for Valentine’s Day, the West Adams eatery is set to serve an intimate four-course prix fixe menu. The dining experience kicks off with sprouted cauliflower, followed by spicy pomodoro and with beef osso buco or herb-studded grilled orata for the third course.To end the night, indulge on saffron panna cotta.
Website | 8171 Santa Monica Blvd. 90046
Yes, right from your Los Angeles home you can have a New England-inspired Valentine’s Day. Indulge on a seafood feast for a truly special night by choosing their three-course dinner to-go (mixed greens, lobster pot pie, chocolate torte). You can elevate the evening by adding on a selection of paired wines or signature cocktails. Be ready to pick up on Feb. 13. $68
Website | 8289 Santa Monica Blvd. 90046
Complete your romantic evening with an eight-course tasting menu while surrounded by glowing fire pits. Using locally-sourced ingredients, chef Victor Munoz’s tasting menu includes scallop crudo, champagne and oysters and white rainbow trout, among other options. If you’re single and ready to mingle, head for Conservatory’s Heartless Valentine’s celebration in the Society Room for a night of signature cocktails, special bites, desserts and tarot card and lipstick readings.
Website | 9876 Wilshire Blvd. 902010
The Beverly Hilton restaurant welcomes guests to indulge on a multi-course meal that includes an amuse bouche of peppadew stuffed pepper, grilled asparagus salad and baked brie en croute, surf AND turf, bone-in ribeye, a vegan mushroom “scallops dish,” chocolate almond cake, white chocolate lemon mousseline, Nutella fudge bar and more. $160 per couple
Website | 751 Echo Park Ave.
Looking for somewhere to eat your fabulous takeout meal? Head to Echo Park Lake for DTLA backdrops and a picnic. Finish the day with a stroll through the park or some time in the pedal boasts.
Website | 2025 Avenue of the Stars 90067
Available from Feb. 14 to 28, celebrate yourself or your relationship with a spa day fit for love. The couples package includes side-by-side 60-minute massages and 30 minutes of private rest in the suite to enjoy pistachio and rose chocolates and their Love Elixir prosecco cocktail. Meanwhile, the self-love option includes the same amenities but with a hint of more privacy.
Website | 4222 Vineland Ave. 91602
NoHo and Studio City dwellers are in for a special night at The Garland’s signature restaurant. Beneath twinkling lights, guests can enjoy roasted branzino, surf and turf for two, valley-fried chicken and lemon souffle, among other items.
Website | 8225 Beverly Blvd. 90048
Chef Suzanne Tracht has you covered for the special holiday with a delectable assortment of dishes. Start the dinner with oyster chowder, crab cocktail or a butter lettuce salad and choose from Norwegian halibut, New York steak or roasted jidori lemongrass chicken for the main course. Dessert choices include red velvet raspberry cake and chocolate delice, while wine recommendations from beverage manager Margo Tyler include half bottles of Dumangin, Brut Rosé Champagne, 1er Cru, Montagne de Reims, NV and Billecart-Salmon, Brut Rosé Champagne, Mareui-sur-Ay, NV.
Website | 8439 Sunset Blvd. 90069
This WeHo outpost offers the luxury of choice. Enjoy a special Izakaya Feast for the romantic occasion or opt for a lobster and filet special. For a well-rounded dinner, sip on one of their themed cocktails: the Savoy Truffle (Grey Goose, vanilla, chocolate, strawberry cream) or Violets Are Blue (tequila, mezcal, cassis, pomegranate, topped with sparkling yuzu lime).
Website | 22878 Pacific Coast Hwy 90265
Lean into the romance and head beachside for a dinner at Carbon Beach Club. The Malibu Beach Inn will enliven the evening with a four-course meal by chef David Fricaud and team, including a choice of lobster or filet mignon. Make it a whole weekend by booking the Romantic Retreat Package (arrive to chocolate-covered strawberries and a bottle of Henriot champagne) or opting for the Private Dining Suite Package for a lovely Valentine’s Day with some privacy.
Website | 9882 S Santa Monica Blvd. 90212
The one-of-a-kind getaway is a romantic experience from check-in to check-out. With a home base in the two-story Peninsula Villa, couples can enjoy the day at the rooftop pool in a private cabana and finish the afternoon with an in-suite 90-minute massage where the villa’s second bedroom will be transformed into an intimate spa oasis with two dozen roses, a complimentary stocked mini bar and a bottle of Dom Perignon. The relaxation continues with a trip to Hästens Mattress' sleep spa for a sleep consultation that includes a pair of their down boots, pajamas and a specialized mattress, which will be brought to the suite for the weekend and then to the couples’ home. The evening finishes with a custom dinner in the villa on a candlelit patio and commemorative Cartier love bracelets. In the morning, caviar and champagne breakfast in bed will round out the special weekend.
Website | 7315 Melrose Ave. 90046
The West Hollywood modern pizzeria knows that the best things in life are small delicacies. On Valentine’s Day, Ronan is serving up a number of specials where you can top your favorite dish with the caviar, such as the house-made focaccia with cultured butter. It will also be available to go.
Website | 631 N Robertson Blvd. 90069
If the name doesn’t already convince you that this is the perfect spot for Valentine’s Day, consider chef Rudy Lopez’s excellent Spanish-Mediterranean prixe fixe menu. Complete with champagne specials, the dinner includes scallop ceviche, uni toast and arroz cremoso with Maine lobster. $180 per guest
Website | 930 Hilgard Ave. 90024
A savory dining experience should be entrusted in restaurants whose DNA is a savory steak. Opt for STK Steakhouse for any of their fantastic signature dishes alongside a number of specials available all weekend long. From Feb. 11 to 14, the menu will feature red snapper, A5 Wagyu spinalis, wild king salmon, chocolate lava marshmallow cake and A5 Wagyu spinalis surf and turf.
Website | 3400 N Beachwood Dr.
Equestrian aficionados are in for the perfect evening with L.A.’s only horse ranch. Opt for the sunset dinner ride for a romantic, one-hour trail ride through Griffith Park and take in a spectacular, 360-degree view of the city.
Website | 33 Miller Alley 91103
In addition to the standard dinner menu, the beloved sushi restaurant will offer special Valentine’s Day cocktails and the option for couples to enjoy an Izakaya feast. $195
Website | 6516 Selma Ave. 90028
Put on your dancing shoes and head to the roof of Hollywood’s newest outstanding hotel. From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., dedicate Valentine’s Day to a night of line dancing lessons by Line Dancing Mike. Class admission also includes two cocktails. $75 per couple
Website | 9543 Culver Blvd. 90232
Celebrate Valentine’s Day on Feb. 12 or 13 at the Culver City establishment (Restaurant is closed Feb. 14, but you can pick up a takeout dinner from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.). Menu specials include sugar snap and champagne risotto, wild mushroom lasagna, lamb shank osso bucco, ora king salmon and strawberry and chocolate heart cakes, among others.
Website | 7312 Beverly Blvd. 90036
In honor of Festa di San Valentino, Gino and Elizabeth Angelini's excellent Italian restaurant is generously serving up both dine-in and takeout dinners. Take home an exquisite package of house made focaccia; penne rosa alla vodka; a second choice of lasagna verde, grilled branzino, grilled salon, grilled hanger steak or grilled organic half chicken; a special dessert and the option to add on a bottle of Moët Chandon or 2015 Libero Brunello di Montalcino. Alternatively, settle into Angelini Osteria’s romantic ambiance for even more fantastic choices. Highlights include pizza Bianca, swordfish carpaccio, sauteed scallops, linguine sea urchin, veal shank agnolotti, farm-raised liberty duck and slow-braised beef short ribs. $115
Website | 8301 Hollister Ave. 93117
Make your Valentine’s celebration a full weekend getaway to our just-north neighbors. The main priority will be the romantic prix fixe dinner at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Angel Oak, on Feb. 13. Among the array of culinary offerings will be winter truffle and ricotta gnocchi, Maine lobster tagliatelle and apple champagne mousse. The hotel is also offering a number of activities throughout the weekend like Couples Paint & Pinot, driftwood painting, a scavenger hunt, couples yoga, complimentary tennis lessons for new couple members and special spa treatments.
Website | 1615 Cahuenga Blvd. 90028
Check out the recently expanded courtyard dining patio and have a fabulous Valentine’s Day at this Vinyl District classic. From chef Chris Santos, the a la carte holiday menu features Cardamom and Black Pepper Duck with speckled lettuce, radicchio, pear and brie; oysters, shrimp cocktail and lobster, among other itmes. Indulge on an on-theme cocktail, like Lovers’ Potion (whisky, chocolate, banana) or Cupid’s Cocktail (tequila, hibiscus, lime, Cointreau).
Website | 2421 Michigan Ave. 90404
Walk in will be available, but you’ll want to make a reservation and not miss out on Birdie G’s Valentine’s Day specials. In addition to special wine pairings and festive cocktails, choose between the striped bass with lobster bisque and potato waffles and bone-in ribeye for two. You can also take one of their rose petal pies to go. The kaleidoscopic pink and red dessert is practically made for the holiday (Must order in advance).
Website | 1020 San Vicente Blvd. 90069
The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills’s signature restaurant will have a four-course dinner available from Feb. 11 to Feb. 14, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Dive into a menu that features Hawaiian tuna crispy rice cakes, squash blossom tarte, Maine lobster risotto, prime beef tomahawk, chocolate hazelnut cake and chocolate gelato with white chocolate sauce. $185+ per couple
Website | 2706 E. Cesar Chavez Ave. 90033
If you’re looking to celebrate over the weekend (Valentine’s Day is on a Monday this year!), stop in at the Boyle Heights pizzeria for their pizza-for two-menu that will be available Feb. 12 and 13. Heart-shaped pizzas can be ordered a la carte, but the whole V-day special includes a house salad and bottle of wine. $32
Website | 1314 7th St. 90401
Guests can choose to have a romantic dinner on Feb. 11 or Feb. 14 by chef Bryant Ng and team. The menu will consist of a variety of luxurious specials, cocktails and wine pairings, such as oysters and beef rendang. If a candle-lit meal isn’t in your future, grab a group of friends for Single Specials and a round of piña coladas at the bar.
Website | 8639 Lincoln Blvd. 90045
Hotel June’s Baja-inspired outdoor restaurant is serving up a three-course meal from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. By chef Angie Lee, the menu includes a trio from the raw bar and a choice of seared salmon, grilled hanger steak or spicy roasted cauliflower steak. Finish the meal with molten chocolate cake or white chocolate panna cotta. $65
Website | 970 Monument St. 90272
The Palisades restaurant and new wine bar are centering Galentine’s Day with a reservations-only dinner on Feb. 10. Round up your girls for a stellar Ligurian dining experience of riotto rosse e scampi or risotto tartufo nero and a rosé flight. $49, Reservations: (310) 454-0709
Website | 13301 Ventura Blvd. 91423
A loaded plate of excellent tacos, rice and beans is a truly fantastic Valentine’s Day gift. At Casa Vega, elevate the meal with their special Valentine’s Day Hibiscus Margarita and a paired candy heart box. Available Feb. 11-14. $14.50
Website | 7969 Santa Monica Blvd. 90046
For a night of dinner and dancing, hit L.A.’s favorite posh hangout. The prix fixe menu offers a selection of hamachi crudo, scallops, filet mignon, roasted duck and white chocolate raspberry cheesecake, among others. $90
Website | 457 E Ojai Ave. 93023
Ditch the city for a relaxing day trip to Ojai. The new Burmese-Californian restaurant is open that Monday just for the holiday, giving you a top-level excuse for a getaway and a delicious dinner. Menu highlights include organic half Tandoori chicken, grass-fed beef masala and coconut chickpea curry.
Website | 1314 7th St. 90401
Whether you are looking for a cozy evening in or a lively night out, this Santa Monica outpost has you covered. Take the romance home with the Valentine’s Gift Box (wine, chocolate bar, candle, dried flower bouquet, card) and flower arrangement by Krystal Chang or choose a date night cheese and charcuterie platter. Alternatively, come into Esters for their tried and true signature dishes, like the gooey grilled cheese or sea bass en croute, or opt for one of their V-Day specials, such as the Drunk in Love cocktail (vodka, lychee liquor, lemon, hibiscus, orange bitters).
See also: The Best Restauraunts in Los Angeles
Website | 7953 Santa Monica Blvd. 90046
From Feb. 11 to Feb. 13, head to the retro West Hollywood establishment for either their standard menu offerings or a special V-Day meal. The prix fixe menu includes truffled farm eggs, choice of duck cassoulet or ratatouille and walnut cake. $75
Website | 603 La Cienega Blvd. 90069
Head chef Nick Russo has created a special sharing menu for a proper V-day celebration at the beloved West Hollywood rooftop restaurant. Items include kingfish tartare, pan-seared scallops, black truffle and mushroom risotto and caramel semifreddo with Mandarin vanilla cream and chocolate crisp.
Website | 101 Wilshire Blvd. 90401
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalow’s central restaurant offers couples an evening filled with cocktails, wine and farm-to-table dishes. From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.,you can also order from the “Romantic Shareables” menu that includes dishes-for-two specials and their standard a la carte and Fig at Five happy hour menus.
Website | 868 S Olive St. 90014
Valentine’s Day is an extended celebration at downtown L.A.’s newest wine shop and bar. Inspired by Lady and The Tramp, Good Clean Fun’s V-Day prix fixe menu will be available Feb. 10 to Feb. 14 and comes with a complimentary splash of bubbles, though guests can also opt for an additional wine pairing. Menu highlights include baked oysters, truffle burrata, roasted carrots, truffle bucatini and apple cake. What’s more, the patio will be covered in rose petals.
Website | 1518 N Cahuenga Blvd. 90028
Put your trust in real-life partners chef Monty Koludrovic and pastry chef Jaci Koludrovic for a successful Valentine’s Day dinner. Come Feb. 14, the retro Hollywood establishment is offering a special “Chef’s Menu for Lovers.” The five-course dinner’s highlights include potato scallops, baja tuna tartare, buffalo burrata, roasted striped sea bass, grilled Westholme wagyu Denver steak, fruit jubes and Neapolitan mousse cake. Optional extras are available including paired wines and caviar. $120
Website | 6417 Selma Ave. 90028
For Hollywood Hills views, head to the rooftop of the Dream Hotel. Surrounded by the twinkling city, you’ll also get to dine on a special menu with choices of mushroom ravioli, filet mignon and specialty cocktails, like Strawberry Kisses (gin, lemon, strawberry, champagne).
Website | 2024 Sawtelle Blvd. 90025
Typically closed on Mondays, Hermanito is making a special exception for Valentine’s Day. The special four-course prix fixe menu will include oysters, salmon crudo, braised leg of lamb and tres leches cake. Enliven the meal with the bar team’s holiday concoction: the Finger Heart cocktail (lime, jasmine syrup, amaro, grapefruit, tequila). $45/$17
Website | 401 N La Cienega Blvd. 90048
The La Cienega outpost’s intimate digs always imbues a bit of romance, making it the ideal Valentine’s Day spot. Head over for a three-course menu that includes options of meatballs, grilled sea bass, cacio e pepe, pear crostata and more. $90
Website | 135 N. Grand Ave. 90012
Opt for a weekend V-Day celebration on Feb. 12 or Feb. 13 with a romantic dinner downtown. At Kendall’s, the prix fixe menu features choices of crispy Brussels sprouts, ratatouille, prime rib, pan-roasted branzino, chocolat pot du creme and more.
Website | 813 Flower St. 90017
The Wayfarer DTLA’s ultra-cool basement bar is here for the couples and singles. From Feb. 16 to 20, attend Lover’s Lane High Tea for one-of-a-kind V-day cocktails like Love Me Tine and Mint To Be. Their usual High Tea Menu offerings will also be included, such as scones, finger sandwiches and chocolate-covered strawberries. What’s more, Lilly Rose is making Singles Awareness Cocktails all month long for a 28-day celebration of self-love. Opt for the bourbon-based P.X. I Love You or habanero-elevated vodka cocktail the Red Flag.
Website | 927 S Broadway 90015
The Ace Hotel DTLA’s plant-forward restaurant will have its standard menu for V-Day weekend, but is elevating their dine-in experience in light of the holiday. On Feb. 12 and Feb. 13, dinner guests will receive a complimentary glass of rosé brut and half a dozen oysters for $18 will be offered all day.
Website | 603 La Cienega Blvd. 90069
Why sit on your couch when you can relish in the vibrance of Los Angeles? Head to L.P.’s Rooftop for a traditional love-inspired movie paired with panoramic views, cocktails and candy.
Website | 114 E 2nd St. 90012
Chef Neal Fraser and team’s celebratory three-course prix fixe menu will be available both Feb. 13 and 14. It features black truffle gnocchi, diver scallops, filet of beef and rose pavlova, among other mouthwatering items. The East Room will also have a special tasting menu for the holiday with highlights like bacon-wrapped saddle of rabbit and salt and pepper dark chocolate cremeux. Varies
Website | 1119 Wilshire Blvd. 90401
The Michelin-starred restaurant is going all out with a seven-course tasting menu that includes a duck course, caviar, a beet crepe dessert and ptits fours, along with specialty cocktails and an optional wine pairing. For singles and friends hitting the bar, opt for the fried chicken sandwich or drumstick ice cream cones. If you’re in the neighborhood the day before, stop in between 9 a.m. and noon for the Tiffani Ortiz-hosted (Novella Curio) Valentine’s Day Bazaar. Choose from a selection of chocolate, pastries, florals, candles, beauty products, teas, tinctures, ceramics and more.
Website | 118 Entrada Dr. 90402
Check out the Santa Monica cantina’s redesign after a nice sunset stroll on the beach. Tallula’s will have their coastal Mexican fare ready for you, such as the shrimp diablo tacos and charcoal-grilled oysters. In addition, the team is ready to serve up awesome specials on Feb. 12 and Feb. 14.
Website | 8450 W 3rd St. 90048
The popular organic Mexican restaurant is leaning into the decadent nature of Valentine’s Day with special cocktails and menu items. Dine on the jumbo lump crab cake (seasoned breadcrumbs, roasted corn purée, heirloom tomatoes, corn) or surf and turf for two (dry age steak, lobster tail, Ancho Chile red wine demi and clarified butter) before finishing the meal with the PB Calavera (chocolate skull with peanut butter creme, raspberry coulis, fresh berries).
Website | 37 Union St. 91103
The lively Pasadena restaurant already has outstanding signature dishes like cacio e pepe and the lobster and squid ink lumache. For Valentine's Day, executive chef Chris Keyser will enhance the menu with some special additions like agnolotti del plin with Tamai farms red beets, local goat cheese and tarragon. Their next-door sibling restaurant U Street Pizza will be closed for the holiday, but will have a specialty cocktail, The Berry Blush, available throughout the weekend.
Website | Various locations
The artisanal ice cream shop is serving up limited edition, Valentine’s Day-inspired flavors for all of February. Head to Wanderlust for the Raspberry Rose sorbet, a combo of raspberries, lychee and rosewater, or choose the Valentine’s Day Neapolitan, which twists the traditional flavor with ruby chocolate, vanilla and mascarpone strawberry.
Photography by: Courtesy Toca Madera
