Valentine's Day Restaurant Dining & Takeout Deals 2024: San Diego

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA —Valentine's Day this year falls smack in the middle of the week — Wednesday, Feb. 14.

Whether your celebrations are swanky or low-key, reservations are imperative.

So check out our annual, V-Day dining guide for some of the sweetest offers — for all tastes and budgets —at restaurants, bakeries and pizzerias throughout San Diego County.

Find what appeals, scroll through the photo show above for visual inspiration, then get to booking.

And XOXO, from Patch!

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AMBROGIO BY ACQUERELLO: Celebrate Valentine's Eve (Feb. 13) & Valentine's Day (Feb. 14) with Michelin-starred Chef Silvio Salmoiraghi's eight-course, signature tasting menu ($199/person) or vegetarian tasting menu ($179). Menu highlights: filet mignon salad; omelette surprise with caviar option; A5 Japanese Wagyu; Tagliolino Al The' Matcha E Ragu’ Di (pasta with turnip & matcha or pasta with lamb & matcha); sorbet with white chocolate, rhubarb & grapefruit; and cheesecake with raspberries & salted chocolate. Optional wine pairings, too. Reservations. At 7556 Fay Ave., La Jolla.

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ARLO AT TOWN & COUNTRY RESORT: Decadent, four-course, V-Day dinner planned Feb. 14 with live music ($75/person). Maria Christina performs 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., alongside Valentine's menu with such highlights as: oyster & pearls with Daurenki caviar; braised pork belly; mulled wine poached pear with Point Reyes blue cheese, greens, walnuts & champagne herb vinaigrette; pan-seared lamb; salmon; plus banana three ways – banana bread, banana anglaise &, banana brulee with walnut crumble. Bookings. At 500 Hotel Cir N, San Diego.

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BARLEYMASH: Book Valentine's date night Feb. 14 at this fun, Gaslamp District joint, and imbibe in "ImaGin Our Love Story" gin-themed, specialty cocktails. Among offerings: "The Gentleman Caller" (Hendrick's Gin, Lillet Blanc & bitter bianco); "First Kiss" (Hendrick's, lime, sugar, cucumber & sparkling water); "Angels & Herbs" (gin, fernet, sweet vermouth & tonic); or "Hopeless Romantic" cocktail served with chocolate & orange blossom crème brûlée and shortbread cookie. Karaoke at 9 p.m. Website. At 600 Fifth Ave., San Diego.

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BEESIDE BALCONY: The Honey Pot Lounge at this La Jolla Village locale offers special, Valentine's Day three-course menu ($65/person), with DJ entertainment, complimentary rose & jar of honey from Chef Christophe's local, honeybee farm. Seatings: 6 p.m. & 8 p.m. Menu choices for: artichoke hummus; Caesar salad; arugula & beet salad; meatballs; octopus ceviche; Fjord salmon tofu quinoa; bolognese pasta; chicken; steak; pork osso buco; plus desserts of churros, creme brulee or lemon tart. This dinner will be on menus Feb. 16-18, too. Reservations: 858-833-0471. Website. At 1025 Prospect St., La Jolla.

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BLACK ANGUS STEAKHOUSE: Choices here! Valentine's Day options include "Campfire Feast Dinner for Two"($68), with starter, two entrees including prime rib & salmon, two sidekicks, broccoli & mashed potatoes, plus dessert. For couples wanting a little more "Surf 'n' Turf Dinner for Two" ($115), with two filet mignons, two lobster tails, starter, four sides, molasses bread, dessert & two prosecco splits. Bookings. Find locales in Chula Vista, El Cajon, Escondido.

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BLACK RADISH: Chef Itze Behar is prepping a V-Day, five-course feast ($123/person) with candlelit dining & wine-pairing option. Menu features Maine scallop, ricotta & pumpkin gnudi, Ivory King salmon, Peking duck breast & chocolate soufflé. Reservations/info. At 2591 University Ave., San Diego.

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BOTANICA ART & COCKTAILS: Dine out for Valentine's Day "where art meets cocktails"! Three-course omakase dinner planned 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Feb. 14 ($90), featuring oyster trio, chef's omakase & special dessert, plus live DJ spinning vinyl. Garden-inspired cocktails & wine selections also available. Book via Resy. At 3139 University Ave., San Diego.

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CAFE SEVILLA: Spanish-inspired menu & Latin music are planned Valentine's Day. Choose from four-course, prix-fixe special, with warm goat cheese dip & Spanish charcuterie to start, followed by lobster cake & citrus salad, pan-seared duck with Spanish beer glaze or lobster paella, and orange tart dessert with raspberry meringue. ($150/couple.) Live music 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Also, Feb. 14 diners receive complimentary entry to Sevilla Ultra Lounge with DJ & dancing. Details/reservations. At 353 Fifth Ave., San Diego.
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CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN: Specials, including heart-shaped pizzas with crispy, thin crust, are back Feb. 9 to Feb. 14, for Valentine’s week. "Sweet Deal for Two" offers one appetizer, two entrees & one dessert for $50 (classic) or $60 for "Adventure Package." Sweet Deal diners also score BOGO-offer bounceback card, redeemable Feb. 15 to Feb. 22. Details. Find locations here.

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CASSARA KITCHEN & BAR: Singles, couples, "situationships" & everyone in between are invited to drop by Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, for fun, flirty, cocktail lineup. Among sip selections: the French Kiss (Chambord & prosecco), White Chocolate Martini (vanilla vodka, Frangelico, white chocolate & cream) & Pretty in Pink with gin, elderflower liquor, lemon & prosecco. Reservations. At 5805 Armada Drive, Carlsbad.

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CLOAK & PETAL: At this award-winning, culinary gem in Little Italy, Chef Robert Cassidy is prepping such V-Day specials as: salmon rose tartare; the "I Fig'n Love You Roll" of shrimp tempura, strawberry-infused mango whipped cream cheese & miso fig glaze, all wrapped in nori; pan-seared halibut; New Zealand lamb pops with blistered shishito chimichurri & garlic baby bok choy; plus assorted Lover's Day desserts. Reservations. At 1953 India St., San Diego.

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EDDIE V'S PRIME SEAFOOD: Dine in style Valentine's Day with such menu options as oysters, crab cakes, lobster, steaks, scallops, sea bass & more. And don't miss new V-Day cocktail: "With Love, Eddie," a bourbon indulgence. Live jazz at some locales, too. Reservations. Locations in La Jolla & San Diego.
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EL TORITO: Treat your sweetheart Feb. 14-17 to three-course, Valentine special for two ($55), featuring options for tortilla soup, Caesar salad, entrées of fajitas, salmon or Macho Combo (pasilla chile relleno, chicken & sour cream enchilada, beef barbacoa taco & chicken tamale). Finish with shareable dessert of mudd pie, deep fried ice cream or cinnamon-crisp cheesecake. Website. See locale in La Mesa.
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FARMER BOYS: Award-winning burger chain plays Cupid this Valentine’s Day with debut of "Burger Bouquet." As alternative to roses & chocolates, this "bouquet" ($30) is five Big Cheese burgers in special box with V-Day card. Sold via drive-thru, dine-in or phone-ahead, while supplies last. Website. Find restaurants regionwide.
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FARNIENTE AT THE GUILD HOTEL: Chef Carlo Guardado & team will serve four-course, V-Day dinner ($80/person) at this iconic location on Broadway. Wine pairings also offered. Reservations. At 500 W. Broadway San Diego.

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FISHER'S SAN DIEGO: The self-described "seafood paradise" in Little Italy will host special Valentine's Day menu for two ($89), featuring clam chowder or Caesar salad; surf and turf or salmon entree; plus Cajeta Flan dessert. Served Feb. 14, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Book here. At 555 W. Beech St. San Diego.

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FLEMING'S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR: Three-course, V-Day menu for two — starring Prime Surf & Turf — will be served Feb. 8-19. Included: oysters Rockefeller & shrimp cocktail starters; bone-in NY strip; filet mignon; two crab-stuffed lobster tails; & dark chocolate torte dessert. ($230 for two.) Specialty cocktail: the Berry Basil Bliss, with gin, sherry, lemon juice & strawberry ($17). Solo-guest menu options for filet mignon with crab-stuffed shrimp or Chilean sea bass available. Eateries open early at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14. Details. Location here in San Diego.

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GLASS BOX: Executive Chef & owner Ethan Yang is crafting a meticulous, Valentine's Day, prix-fixe menu ($85 per person), served Feb. 14, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Begin with amuse-bouche of truffle king crab roll & caviar, followed by such options as: oysters; strawberry & avocado salad; Wagyu tataki; lobster miso soup; Asian-style gazpacho; cherry blossom-infused duck; Wagyu beef; pan-seared scallops; truffle & shiitake risotto; plus dessert. Reservations. At 12841 El Camino Real, Del Mar.

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GELSON'S MARKETS: Create romantic V-Day celebration at home with to-go dinners for two. Options: steak & lobster; salmon & lobster tail; or cordon bleu with lobster tail. Sides include pomegranate apple salad & roasted garlic asparagus. Floral arrangements & chocolate-dipped strawberries also available for a finishing touch. Place orders online for pick-up Feb. 13-14. See info here. Find stores near you.

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KING'S FISH HOUSE: Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the "House that Seafood Built" with three-course menu starring steak & seafood specials. Among menu selections: eight-ounce filet mignon; South African lobster tail; plus appetizer, choice of sides & dessert. $80 per person. Regular menu, including Chilean sea bass, wild California spiny lobster & more, also available. Reservations. Locations here in Carlsbad & San Diego.

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KRISPY KREME: Sweeten V-Day with heart-shaped doughnuts in “Dough-Notes” box with your heart-felt sentiments. This year's four, new flavors: You Color My World (cake batter filling, red icing & rainbow heart sprinkles); I Love You A Choco-Lot (chocolate filling & icing with rose piping); You’re Berry Sweet (white Kreme filling, strawberry icing & sprinkles); & Without You I’d Crumble (cookie dough filling, chocolate icing & cookie crumble). The Dough-Notes dozens box includes space for handwritten notes from giver to receiver. Available through Feb. 14. Details. Shop finder.
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LIONFISH MODERN COASTAL CUISINE: Enjoy romantic, V-Day downtown Feb. 14 with indulgent, dining special: Bubbles & Lobster for Two. ($110.) Shareable feast features grilled lobster, ricotta agnolotti with miso vodka sauce & fried sage, plus two glasses of Veuve Clicquot champagne. Reservations. At 435 Fifth Ave., San Diego.

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LOU & MICKEY'S: This classic American steakhouse in Gaslamp Quarter is planning four-course, pre-fixe Valentine’s Day feast Feb. 14. $135/person. Among menu options: crisp calamari; jumbo lump crab cake; oyster sampler; Caesar salad; roasted beet salad; Chilean sea bass; filet mignon; "Steak Oscar"; bone-in ribeye; & lobster tail; with desserts of cheesecake, chocolate cake or crème brûlée. Add-on options available for wine pairing, A5 Japanese Satsuma wagyu three-ounce New York Strip & 12-ounce American wagyu eye of ribeye. Reservations. At 224 Fifth Ave., San Diego.

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LOUISIANA PURCHASE: Celebrate Feb. 14 with chef-curated, Valentine's dinner from Chef Quinnton Austin, featuring prix-fixe menu ($109/person) at the New Orleans-inspired hot spot. Options for Wagyu strip or ginger soy salmon. Music & champagne toast planned, too. Book via OpenTable. At 2305 University Ave., San Diego.

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MARCO'S PIZZA: The chain is spreading the love again this year with return of its beloved, heart-shaped pizzas — starting at $9.99. Offered Feb. 9-14. Website. Locations statewide.
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MARUFUKU RAMEN: Located in Del Mar’s Sky Deck, this eatery is V-Day, date-night ready with menu featuring such dishes as: appetizers of pork cha-shu in Japanese steamed buns; pan-fried pot stickers; fried shishito peppers; authentic Hakata-style Tonkatsu ramen with ultra thin noodle, broth & pork & more. Night cap options include sake, imported beer & craft cocktails. Open Feb. 14 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Website. At 12841 El Camino Real, San Diego.

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MORTON'S THE STEAKHOUSE: Treat your Valentine to romantic dinner for two, served Feb. 9-17. Included are starters & sides, with entree choices of bone-in New York strip and twin, lobster tails. $169 for two. Dine-in only. Details/reservations. Find location in San Diego.
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MOUNTAIN MIKE'S PIZZA: For entire month of February, heart-shaped pizzas are available for dine-in, takeout & delivery — with toppings of choice, like the chain's signature crispy, curly pepperoni. To sweeten the deal, bite-sized Mini Churrs are $2.99 with purchase of any heart-shaped pizza. Details. Find stores.

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OCULTO 477: This unique, "temple of cocktails" restaurant & bar, with speakeasy-vibe & hidden entryway, offers V-Day diners a five-course, omakase food pairing —a two-hour experience from Tahona’s Executive Chef Adrian Villarreal. Reservations. At 2414 San Diego Ave., San Diego.

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OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE: Valentine's Day menu packs quintessential, Aussie flair with such celebratory dishes as: bone-in ribeye; filet & lobster; Toowoomba salmon, seared ahi; lobster tails; grilled shrimp "on the barbie"; plus swoon-worthy desserts. Find restaurants here.

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PIEOLOGY PIZZERIA: V-Day special, Red Velvet Cookies, are back for limited time beginning Feb. 13. Freshly baked with white chocolate chips, Hershey’s milk chocolate, semisweet chocolate chunks & milk chocolate chunks, they are available for purchase & also as free "perk" option for "Pies and Perks" members. Find locations statewide.

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PIZZA GUYS: Spread the love with heart-shaped pizzas —back for the month of February. Order details. See pizzerias near you.
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ROUND TABLE PIZZA: Heart-shaped pizzas are on the menu for Valentine's Day, plus get $5 off a large, heart-shaped pizza OR regular XL pizza with code HEART5 at checkout. Find locales.

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RUBIO'S COASTAL GRILL: Wow your seafood-lovin' sweetheart with limited-time specials from this popular, "Original Fish Taco" joint. Starting Feb. 7, new entrees feature return of Puerto Nuevo Burrito (with wild-caught Langostino Lobster), plus Guajillo Lime Shrimp dishes of Two Taco Plate & Shrimp Bowl. Website. Location finder.
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RUSTICUCINA: Valentine’s Day lunch & dinner dining offered 12 p.m.to 10 p.m. Feb. 14, with pre-fixe & a la carte menu. Prix-fixe, five-course menu (starting at $59/person) includes antipasti, soup or salad, pasta or entrée, sides & something sweet for dessert. V-Day specials: Pollo Ripieno Alla Parmigiana with fettuccini pomodoro; lobster lasagne; slow-braised Brasato Di Manzo; & Make-Your-Own-Pasta with signature tableside, carbonara cheese wheel. Reservations via Open Table. Reservations. At 3797 Park Blvd., San Diego.

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RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE: Treat your Valentine to "Porterhouse Dinner for Two" or "T-Bone with Horseradish Crust." Porterhouse is paired with lobster tails & offered only Wednesday, Feb. 14. T-bone special is served Feb.9-18. Details. See sites in Del Mar & San Diego.

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SEABREEZE CRAFT CHOCOLATES: If your sweetheart is a chocolate lover, head to this Carmel Valley chocolate factory & retail store for a gift box of hand-crafted chocolate bars, truffles, bonbons & other sweet treats. Website. At 3840 Valley Centre Drive, San Diego.

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SEASONS 52: Celebrate V-Day with elegant, on-site dining of seasonal favorites & rotating wine flights, or plan romantic, at-home dinner for two with takeout option. To-go meal offers filet mignon, Yukon gold mashed potatoes, broccolini, salad, two Mini Indulgence desserts & bottle of wine for $115. Pre-order takeout 24 hours in advance for Feb. 10-18 pickup. Reservations/ordering details. Location in UTC/San Diego.
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SNOOZE A.M. EATERY: Celebrate your Valentine with limited-time, sweet treat — Double Chocolate Brownie Pancakes. Offered Feb. 8 through V-Day, Feb. 14, this decadent dish features brownie buttermilk pancake topped with chocolate ganache, strawberries, blueberries & powdered sugar. Find locations in Del Mar, La Jolla & San Diego.

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SPILL THE BEANS: Make your sweetheart swoon with fan-favorite, "You Are My Everything" heart-shaped bagels, offered Feb. 13-14. Also only on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, the shops will sweeten the day with "Chocolate Covered Strawberry Latte" & "Rose Vanilla Latte." San Diego locales in Gaslamp, Mission Valley & Seaport Village.

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SUSIECAKES: Keep it sweet & bring home cookies, cupcakes, mini-cupcakes & cakes decorated with Valentine's Day themes. A super cute, bakery highlight is 4-inch, "Sweetheart Cake," perfect for two with vanilla buttercream & red and pink hearts. ($42.99.) Order info. Find shops statewide in Brentwood, DTLA, Long Beach, Manhattan Beach, Marina del Rey, Mid-City La Brea, Pasadena, Studio City, Woodland Hills, Carlsbad, Del Mar, Costa Mesa, Laguna Niguel, Newport Beach, Greenbrae, Lafayette, Menlo Park, San Carlos, San Francisco, San Jose.

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TAHONA: At this Old Town eatery with hacienda ambiance, Chef Adrian Villarreal is readying a four-course, Valentine's Day dinner ($75/person), featuring welcome drink, plus menu crafted with Oaxacan flavors. Optional mezcal pairings available for $45. Reservations. At 2414 San Diego Ave., San Diego.

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TEMAKI BAR: Acclaimed sushi spot in North County is serving "Cupid’s Catch" — Valentine’s Day special for two. ($60.) Shareable feast features eight-piece nigiri platter of bluefin tuna with Hokkaido scallop, lemon, shiso & truffle oil; salmon with honey mustard miso, smoked salt & pickles; chu-toro with nikiri, wasabi & negi; & surf-n-turf set of beef tataki, king crab, truffle butter & chives. Reservations or call (760) 704-8888. At 575 South Coast Highway 101, Encinitas.

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TENDER GREENS: Sweet, V-Day freebie! Diners at the chef-drive, healthy living, sustainable-focused eateries score free dessert of choice with any entree purchase on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. Website. Locations in La Jolla, Mission Valley, Point Loma & downtown San Diego.
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THE MARINE ROOM: Class it up for V-Day & enjoy flirty cocktails, globally influenced cuisine, steaks, seafood & floor-to-ceiling views of the stunning coastal sunset. The restaurant will be open Wednesday, Feb. 14, 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Lounge opens 4 p.m. Reservations. At 2000 Spindrift Drive, La Jolla, CA.

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THE SMOKING GUN: Celebrate a retro, Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, with "TV Dinner" special — choice of coconut shrimp, huli huli chicken or kalua pork, with white rice & macaroni salad, plus Dole Whip Shake for dessert. Pair with bar’s extensive cocktails, beers & wines for ultimate dinner date or friends-gathering at this relaxed, neighborhood-style Gaslamp hotspot. At 555 Market St., San Diego.

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20|TWENTY: Valentine’s Day, prix-fixe menu for two is planned at this North County eatery. Kick off dinner with glass of bubbly and cheese & charcuterie starter, followed by such options as pear salad, beet & brie soup, petite filet, lobster ravioli or pistachio bucatini. Finish with chocolate treat & "Build Your Own Bouquet" experience. Reservations. At 5480 Grand Pacific Drive, Carlsbad.

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URBAN PLATES: Three-course, Valentine’s special ($55) will be served Feb. 9-19 for dine-in or takeout. Selections include: tomato basil soup, house or Caesar salad; char-grilled steak; chimichurri steak; salmon; two sides; rustic bread; & dessert of cookies, cakes or mango tarts. In-house diners get half-off bottles of wine, too. Find locales in Carlsbad, Del Mar, La Jolla.

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URBANA MEXICAN GASTRONOMY & MIXOLOGY: Located in Del Mar's Sky Deck, this lively spot plans three-course, Valentine's Day celebration ($50/person). Menu choices include: Tijuana Caesar salad; shrimp ceviche; arrachera skirt steak & lobster half-tail; or Butter Fish 'A La Diabla with citrus cucumber salad & spicy aioli. For sweet finish: flan with berries; or Chef's Bread Pudding with crispy bacon, vanilla ice cream & edible flowers. Add-on option For $40 bottle of G.H. Mumm Champagne available. Reservations. At 12841 El Camino Real, Del Mar Heights.

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WATER GRILL: Book a Valentine's date night with chef-curated, four-course menu, along with interactive photo booth & commemorative hand-poured candle ($135/person). Dinner highlights: oyster sampler or jumbo lump crab cake; clam chowder & roasted beet salad; plus such surf n’ turf entrées as filet mignon or lobster. Dessert array offered, too, including New York cheesecake & caramel bread pudding. Optional wine pairing: $50. Reservations. At 615 J St., San Diego.

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WORMWOOD: Bonne St Valentin! Multi-course, French-inspired, Valentine's Day dinner planned by Chef Trisha Vasquez, with welcome cocktail, live music & optional wine pairing. $125/person. Book here. At 4677 30th St., San Diego.

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