11 Valentine’s Day Date Spots in Newport Beach
Love is in the air! Whether you’re spending Valentine’s Day with your significant other, your galentines or your family, Newport Beach has you covered. With our city’s assortment of award-winning, top-notch restaurants, you’re sure to fall in love in more ways than one. Enjoy a cozy evening at Five Crowns in Corona del Mar or a bayside lunch at Nobu in Lido Marina Village. The options for dining are endless, but here are 11 spots we think you’ll absolutely adore.
Brand new to the Corona del Mar neighborhood, SUGARFISH is an iconic sushi restaurant originally based in Los Angeles that recently opened its doors in Newport Beach. To see what the hype is all about, put your name in this Valentine’s Day (they don’t take reservations!), and get ready for an unrivaled Nozawa-style sushi experience! SUGARFISH offers everything from sashimi to hand rolls, all made with the freshest fish in town.
One of Newport Beach’s newest additions, A Crystal Cove is another concept by River Jetty Restaurant Group that opened in 2022. The restaurant sits just steps from Pacific Coast Highway and features a classic and cozy interior and a showstopping central bar. Treat your valentine to a celebratory dinner featuring elegant dishes curated by Executive Chef Elvis Morales, which include a Crispy Whole Branzino with lemon quinoa, salsa verde, salsa roja and pickled veggies and a Niman Ranch Pork Chop with truffle potatoes au gratin, shaved brussels sprouts and cranberry port reduction. To end, order the housemade chocolate silk pie and an espresso martini.
Experience the quintessential charm of old Newport Beach with a seaside dinner at The Dock! With its global wine list, menu of continental fare and heated patio, there’s no better place for an intimate date night with your sweetheart. Indulge in comfort food delicacies like Red Wine Poached Pears, Japanese Hamachi Sashimi and Crispy Kurobuta Pork Belly with roasted pineapple, mustard maple glaze and CO2 coconut foam.
Sleek and sophisticated in every way, this modern Italian steakhouse is a cut above. Louie’s by the Bay boasts 180-degree views of the harbor, so while you and your valentine feast on perfectly prepared plates of fresh pasta, seafood and steaks, you’ll also get to savor a million-dollar view. Make a reservation between Feb. 10-17, and cheers to love at Louie’s over a four-course dinner for $145 a piece!
Built to resemble one of England’s oldest country inns, Five Crowns in Corona del Mar offers lovebirds a cozy and quaint setting to celebrate. The restaurant has been around since 1965 and takes pride in its fine dining approach. This Valentine’s Day, you and your date can enjoy a prix fixe menu ($75 per person) featuring a series of classic British dishes, including their signature Roasted Prime Rib (a local favorite!), Beef Steak Neptune and Faroe Islands Salmon. Cozy up next to one of the restaurant’s fireplaces or in the string-lit courtyard, and don’t forget to stop by SideDoor, the adjacent gastropub, for an after-dinner drink.
The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar
Dock and dine this Valentine’s Day at The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar! This upscale hideaway is perched on the harbor’s edge and features a 650 selections of wine from around the globe. Pair your glass of red, white or rosé with The Winery’s delectable selection of contemporary California cuisine. Valentine’s Day diners will have the chance to enjoy Chef Yvon Goetz’s specially curated Valentine’s Day menu, featuring dishes like Chili Lime Rubbed Mahi Mahi, Slow Braised Angus Beef Short Rib, Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast and more.
Show your significant other some love with a decadent date night at Arc Butcher & Baker. Located in the heart of Newport’s historic Cannery Village, this seasonally-inspired restaurant is an ideal spot to sip a glass of European wine and savor an expertly prepared meal. Share plates like the bruschetta, garlic meatballs and the short rib flatbread, then move on to mains like the tuna melt or wild halibut with lemon, broccolini and garlic.
Recognized as one of the best Japanese restaurants in the world, Nobu is a safe pick for those looking to impress their date this Valentine’s Day. The menu blends traditional Japanese dishes with Peruvian ingredients, yielding a fusion cuisine you won’t find anywhere else. Take in views from the second-story balcony as you indulge in a seven-course omakase meal this Valentine’s Day.
Elevated yet approachable, CdM Restaurant takes pride in its focus on seasonal ingredients and offers a diverse menu of contemporary American dishes. The restaurant is deeply rooted in the community (it was founded by two Corona del Mar High School alums), making it a popular locale for special occasions and intimate dinners. The interior is chic and swanky in every aspect—the perfect spot for a nice dinner or a pair of cocktails.
Balboa Bay Resort’s signature waterfront restaurant, A+O Restaurant | Bar, will offer a special Valentine’s menu this year! Featured dishes on this four-course menu will include Wet Coast Oysters, a Hawaiian Mocktail Sorbet, an American Wagyu Petite Filet & Butter Poached Lobster Tail and a Pink Rose dessert. Guests will also be able to enjoy varieties of Moet & Chandon wines and live entertainment by Alana & These Fine Gentleman.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Set the mood this Valentine’s Day with a decadent date night at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Fashion Island. From Feb. 18-19, diners can enjoy a special Menu for Two, with everything from a shareable 28-ounce New York Strip, 6-ounce Filet Mignon and crab-stuffed lobster tails to Seared Scallops Rockefeller and a decadent Dark Chocolate Torte for dessert. And for those who prefer their own flavor journey, Fleming’s will also offer a Menu for You with delicious entrees for $100+ per guest.
Written by: Kaylin Waizinger
