Try the Rum Baba and decadent strawberry shortcake at Splashes at Surf & Sand Resort. PHOTO COURTESY OF SPLASHES AT SURF & SAND RESORT
Love is in the air at Orange County’s most romantic restaurants this Feb. 14.
The Cellar Restaurant
With private booths adorned in burgundy velvet and dimly lit candles atop each table, Th e Cellar Restaurant—hidden in Fullerton’s historic Villa del Sol—epitomizes an intimate Valentine’s Day ambiance. Split bright ratatouille rosettes with homemade marinara sauce and chateaubriand for two carved tableside. For a sweet ending, opt for the fluffy chocolate or vanilla souffle. 714.525.5682, cellardining.com
Five Crowns
Journey to the English countryside for the most romantic day of the year at Corona del Mar’s Five Crowns steakhouse. Modeled aft er one of England’s oldest inns, the beloved restaurant’s crackling fireplaces and lush garden create a charming atmosphere for a cozy meal. Pair roasted prime rib with a glass of bold red wine to celebrate the special occasion. 949.760.0331, lawrysonline.com/five-crowns
Knife Pleat
Indulge in a sensual Michelin-starred meal at chef Tony Esnault and restaurateur Yassmin Sarmadi’s French favorite in Costa Mesa. A special five-course menu will feature truffles, caviar service for two, a fish course, a meat course, a luscious dessert and housemade macarons to take home to enjoy the next day—plus an additional wine pairing option. 714.266.3388, knifepleat.com
Marché Moderne
Nestled along the shores of Newport Coast, this upscale French restaurant offers a gourmet dining experience ideal for a memorable Valentine’s Day. Enjoy delicacies like Kaluga caviar and oysters du jour while toasting to the evening with a bottle of Champagne from the restaurant’s impressive list of fine wines. Adventurous eaters can also try Marché Moderne’s new winter tasting menu. 714.434.7900, marchemoderne.net
Orange Hill Restaurant
Overlooking Catalina Island, Disneyland and the gorgeous coastline, Orange Hill Restaurant’s panoramic views make for a breathtaking Valentine’s Day date. Take in the steakhouse’s romantic atmosphere while indulging in caviar frites and tender filet mignon. Before dinner, treat your special someone to the rose-infused Belle cocktail at the restaurant’s lounge. 714.997.2910, theorangehillrestaurant.com
Selanne Steak Tavern
Sip on a Valentine’s Day-themed cocktail while enjoying a romantic dinner at Selanne Steak Tavern. Owned by former NHL pro and Olympian Teemu Selanne and Kevin Pratt, the Laguna Beach staple serves delicious steaks and chops in a warm, elegant setting along Pacific Coast Highway. For Valentine’s Day, try The Chef’s Cut, a new menu addition that rotates nightly and highlights lesser-known cuts of protein and global flavors. 949.715.9881, selannesteaktavern.com
Marché Moderne has an impressive list of fine wines. PHOTO BY DYLAN JENI
Splashes
Watch the beautiful sunset fade over the Pacific Ocean at Surf & Sand Resort’s oceanfront restaurant, Splashes. The intimate Laguna Beach eatery is the perfect spot for those looking to spend Valentine’s Day steps from the rolling waves. With an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, seasonal menu favorites available through February include a rich pistachio tagliatelle, braised short rib and strawberry shortcake for dessert. 888.281.3502, surfandsandresort.com/splashes
Selanne Steak Tavern’s Be Mine and Kiss from a Rose cocktails PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar
Inspired by the elegant California cuisine and aesthetic of wine country, The Winery’s Newport Beach location is the ultimate romantic spot for sweethearts looking to celebrate love on the water. On Valentine’s Day, indulge in executive chef Yvon Goetz’s three-course prix fixe menu with amuse, focusing on contemporary California regional cuisine. Pair dishes with one of the restaurant’s ample rotating wines while enjoying the relaxing view of Newport Harbor. 949.999.6622, thewineryrestaurants.com
Festive macarons from Knife Pleat PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
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