This year Valentine’s Day attaches itself to the start of a weekend and will probably be a running theme through Sunday. For the uninitiated, Valentine’s Day is this Saturday, February 14th. A little preparation is key since reservations are crucial at most restaurants serving a special meal for that special someone. If you’re in dire need of a game plan that doesn’t sack your wallet, just split an off-brand bottle of Italian wine from Trader Joe’s with your date and then adjourn to the top of Old Tony’s fish-bowl bar for some steely views and groovy tunes. Of course, there are dinner options at a range of South Bay eateries and we’ve compiled a list below in honor of love and capitalism.
A to-go box of cupcakes from Torrance Bakery
- Kincaid’s on the Redondo Pier Located on the Redondo Beach Pier, Kincaid’s makes for an elegant meal with a seafood influence. Strum the heart chords by the sea with ample pay as you go parking on the pier. Kincaid’a is serving up some special cocktails for Valentine’s weekend, a Death by Chocolate Martini and a Red Velvet Fizz. No prix fixe pricing but signature entrees like Rock Salt Prime Rib and New England Lobster decorate the menu. Kincaid’s at 500 Fishermans Wharf, call (310) 318-6080 for reservations. www.kincaids.com
- Creme de la Crepe: Probably the most economical choice when you factor in quality and quantity. There are three Creme de la Crepe South Bay locations (Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Manhattan Beach) helping to spread out the Valentine’s Day crowd. All locations in the South Bay will be serving a prix fixe “Saint Valentin Menu” that comes with your choice of dessert and one glass of champagne. www.cremedelacrepe.com
- BALEENkitchen: Join BALEENkitchen for a lavish Valentine’s Day celebration! Treat your sweetheart to a five-course tasting menu. Highlights from the menu include Caviar, Beet & Burrata, Orecchiette, Pan Roasted Duck and Dark Chocolate Fondue for Two! There will be outdoor Marina side dining and live music in the BALEENkitchen Lounge and The Portofino Living Room Bar. Call ahead at (877) 225-3365 to make reservations. www.baleenkitchen
- Shade Hotel: Shade Hotel will host its three course 50 Shades Valentine’s Day dinner with the option of two seatings at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. For $50 per person, Executive Chef Chris Garasic will serve up a few decadent dishes with optional wine pairings available for an additional cost, along with the assistance of a Sommelier. Call (310) 546-4995 to make a reservation. Shade Hotel is located in Manhattan Beach, 1221 N Valley Drive. more info
- Nelson’s Valentine’s Dinner at Terranea: Right away, the name Terranea should bring fear to your checking account but smiles to your eyes and taste buds. Mar’sel at Terranea hosts a prix-fixe menu priced at $160 per person with entrees like Atlantic Black Bass, Vanilla Scented Lobster, Pomegranate Glazed Duck Breast www.terranea.com/marsel. Nelson’s at Terranea presents a beer pairing dinner with Stone Brewery and others, protein includes items like flat iron steak and back wrapped scallops. Cost per person is $99 per person. Both Mar’sel and Nelson’s are located on-site at Terranea Resort, 100 Terranea Way in Rancho Palos Verdes. more info
- Lido di Manhattan: Sweetheart Valentine’s Dinner: Enjoy a special Valentine’s Day 4 course dinner with optional wine pairing at Lido di Manhattan in Manhattan Beach. It’s a Sweetheart Valentine’s Dinner featuring some live music with a jazz vocalist & pianist, Tatiana & Steve this Saturday February 14th. Lido di Manhattan is located at 1550 Rosecrans Avenue, call ahead to make reservations (310) 536-0730. more info
- H.T. Grill: Valentine’s Four Course Chef’s Tasting Menu Join H.T. Grill in Redondo Beach’s Riviera Village for their Valentine’s Four Course Chef’s Tasting Menu. Reservations are preferred, so call ahead at (310) 791-4849. Cost is $60+ per person. Reservations will start at 4:00 p.m. H.T. Grill is located at 1701 S Catalina Ave in Redondo Beach. more info
- The Strand Bar at Strand House Skip the main course and head straigt to the Strand House Bar for their “Love Rocks” event. The Strand Bar presents “Love Rocks” featuring live music by The Radio Rebels beginning at 7:00 PM followed by dancing and a DJ at 10:00 PM. $20 cover at the door. The Strand House is located right next to the water in Manhattan Beach at 117 Manhattan Beach Blvd. www.strandhouse
- The Rockefeller The Rockefeller is offering a four-course prix-fixe dinner at both of its South Bay locations, Hermosa & Manhattan Beach, for $48 per person. Dishes include duck confit ravioli; lobster risotto; grilled filet mignon; Moroccan braised lamb shoulder; and ricotta-filled endive spear with black truffles. The first six parties of six or more people will receive 50% off a bottle of Veuve Clicquot. www.eatrockefeller.com