Contributions: Anthony C. Stafford
Once again, it’s that lovely time of year when couples splurge and go out of their way to profess their deepest feelings for one another. While some individuals may have started planning for Valentine’s Day as early as last year, it’s unmistakable that there are probably many more who are still trying to get things figured out at this very moment. Wherever you stand on the spectrum of readiness, we’ve got a compilation of some of LA’s best spots to please your special (or spoiled) someone. Read on, make your choice, and get a look at the menus, because allergies are a thing. Every surprise is not a good surprise.
Avec Nous
Details: A 5-course tasting menu with optional wine and champagne pairing.
About: Dining at the chef’s private table, Avec Nous’s vintage luxurious ambiance is perfect for couples in search of romance and intimacy in the heart of Beverly Hills. Dinner amongst the stars is probably the most sought after experience in LA. Where better to increase the odds?
Location: Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills, 9291 Burton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Price: $115/person, $40 additional for wine pairing; $65 additional for Moet Grand Vintage Rose 2009 pairing; $85 Dom Perignon Vintage 2008 pairing
Menu Highlights: Oyster with Regiis Ova Supreme Caviar with gold leaf, passionfruit mignonette, salmon charcoal roulade with salmon roe, Fresno chile, and cilantro, 6oz filet with black truffle, Pommes Anna, black garlic demi-glaze, Earl Grey Panna Cotta with jasmine honey, and pistachio biscotti.
Reservations recommended: https://www.opentable.com/avec-nous
Delilah
Details: A 4-course luxurious special menu.
About: This swanky restaurant with a 1920’s vibe is perfect for couples who want to dine at the hottest and most sought after restaurant in LA. Imagine that! Traveling back in time, and impressing your valentine is surely a big brain move.
Price: $90 per person
Menu Highlights: Hamachi Crudo with crispy shallot, lemon oil, pomegranate, and shiso, scallops with gnocchi, roasted sweet potato, and salsa verde, Aspen Ridge filet mignon with short rib sugo, confit tomato petals, and brown butter mashed potatoes, pan-roasted duck with barley risotto, braised cabbage, duck confit, and caramelized pearl onions, white chocolate raspberry cheesecake with creme chantilly, and fresh berries
Location: 7969 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046
Reservations required: reservations@delilahla.com
Website: https://www.delilahla.com/
Mason
Details: A 4-course custom menu.
About: An intimate dining experience with classic dishes and an impressive wine list. Easy does it. Less is more. No matter how you put it, Mason will please even the most demanding Valentine.
Price: $90 per person
Menu Highlights: Hand-cut beef tartare with traditional garnishes, and cured egg yolk, blood orange salad with shaved winter vegetables and tangerine oil, grilled lobster with baked rice and herb salad, cauliflower steak with brown butter, capers, lemon, and fennel, pavlova with lemon curd, candied buddha’s hand and chantilly.
Location: 108 W. Channel Road, Santa Monica, CA 90402
Reservations required: Call 424-644-3034
Website: www.masonrestaurant.com/
The Nice Guy
Details: A 3-course special dinner menu.
About: Vintage marble and a brass bar provide a romantic atmosphere for couples looking to indulge in The Nice Guy’s Italian specialties. Make a statement this Valentine’s Day, and own the night.
Price: $90 per person
Menu Highlights: Hamachi crudo with charred grapefruit, pomegranate, frisee, and cress, meatballs with marinara, burrata, Grana Padana, basil, and focaccia, grilled seabass with a sunchoke puree, roasted sunchoke, Bloomsdale spinach, and beurre noisette, 10 oz Aspen Ridge Ribeye with rosemary roasted potato, thyme, and apple balsamic, Cacio E Pepe with ground black pepper and pecorino, chocolate budino with charred marshmallow and biscotti crumble.
Location: 401 North La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048
Reservations required: reservations@theniceguyla.com
Website: https://www.theniceguyla.com/
La Brea Bakery
Details: Long stem chocolate-covered strawberries from 2/14—2/16; and now serving dinner.
About: Whether you need a last minute treat for your significant other or are planning on treating yourself to some self-care this year, L.A. favorite La Brea Bakery has some sweet, easy options that are the perfect way to punctuate the evening. In addition, they recently extended their hours and are now serving dinner, making it a perfect place to swing by for a low-key, homestyle evening.
Price: $3 each (chocolate-covered strawberries); $15 – $28 (dinner)
Menu Highlights: Chitarra Amatriciana: fresh chitarra pasta with a tomato, onion and guanciale sauce with Pecorino Romano cheese; Cauliflower Strozzapretti: fresh strozzapretti pasta with roasted garlic and cauliflower puree, roasted tomatoes, peas and toasted ciabatta gremolata; Wild Salmon: pan roasted salmon with cauliflower puree, citrus & pea shoots fennel salad.
Location: 468 South La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90036
No Reservations.
Website: www.labreabakery.com
