The Best Restaurants for a Valentine’s Day Date in Newport Beach
Love is in the air! Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with your significant other, friends, or family, Newport Beach has everything you need for a memorable evening. From cozy hideaways to waterfront dining, the city is full of romantic restaurants couples will adore. Enjoy an intimate night out at Five Crowns in Corona del Mar or savor a bayside omakase experience at Nobu in Lido Marina Village. With so many options for romantic dinners Newport Beach, it’s easy to find the perfect Valentine’s Day date spots and indulge in one of the best restaurants for Valentine’s Day, making your celebration unforgettable!
Fine Dining Restaurants
CdM Restaurant
Located in Corona del Mar, CdM Restaurant combines elevated cuisine with a welcoming, approachable vibe. Focusing on seasonal ingredients and contemporary American dishes, this restaurant is perfect for special occasions or a refined night out. With its chic interior and attention to detail, you and your valentine can enjoy both exquisite food and a romantic ambiance.
A Crystal Cove
A concept from the River Jetty Restaurant Group, A Crystal Cove brings a modern yet timeless feel to the dining scene. Just steps from Pacific Coast Highway, the restaurant features a striking central bar and a menu by Executive Chef Elvis Morales. Don’t miss standout dishes like Crispy Whole Branzino or Tomahawk Pork Chop, and be sure to save room for the decadent chocolate silk pie paired with an espresso martini.
Louie’s by the Bay
Elegant yet inviting, this waterfront Italian steakhouse delivers a dining experience that feels truly special. With panoramic harbor views stretching as far as the eye can see, Louie’s by the Bay pairs its scenic setting with a menu centered on handcrafted pastas, fresh seafood, and expertly cooked steaks. It’s the kind of place where the atmosphere is just as memorable as the meal, making it an ideal choice for a romantic evening. Book a table over Valentine’s Day weekend and toast to an unforgettable night by the water.
Restaurants With a View
The Dock
For a classic Newport Beach experience, The Dock combines a relaxed seaside atmosphere with elevated comfort food. Highlights include Japanese Hamachi Sashimi, Red Wine Poached Pears, and Crispy Kurobuta Pork Belly. With a global wine selection and a heated patio, it’s a cozy yet sophisticated spot to enjoy Valentine’s Day together.
The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar
Set the stage for a memorable Valentine’s Day with an evening by the water at The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar, where dock and dine access and a romantic harbor front setting create an effortlessly elegant atmosphere. Known for its impressive collection of more than 650 wines from around the world, this refined destination invites guests to pair their favorite red, white, or rosé with elevated California-inspired cuisine. For Valentine’s Day, couples can indulge in a bold, chef crafted prix fixe menu priced at $159 per guest, featuring decadent dishes designed for sharing and savoring.
Nobu Newport Beach
Sushi lovers and fine-dining enthusiasts alike will fall for Nobu. This globally acclaimed Japanese restaurant combines traditional flavors with Peruvian flair, creating a unique fusion experience. Enjoy your meal from the second-story balcony, soaking in sweeping harbor views while indulging in an unforgettable omakase experience.
Cozy Restaurants
Nick’s Newport Beach
Located on Westcliff Drive, Nick’s combines upscale dining with a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. This Valentine’s Day, indulge in signature dishes like the prime rib sandwich and end the night with their famously rich butter cake, perfect for sharing or savoring solo! With warm lighting, attentive service, and a lively yet intimate vibe, Nick’s is a favorite for couples looking to celebrate love in a stylish but unpretentious setting.
Five Crowns
Step into an English country inn-style setting at Five Crowns in Corona del Mar. Since 1965, it’s been a go-to spot for romantic dining with its charming fireplaces, string-lit courtyard, and fine dining approach. Their Valentine’s prix fixe menu (Feb. 13-16) features favorites like Roasted Prime Rib, Filet Mignon, and Chilean Sea Bass. Don’t forget to visit SideDoor, the adjacent gastropub, for an after-dinner cocktail.
JOEY Newport Beach
JOEY Newport Beach combines contemporary American cuisine with a lively yet intimate atmosphere. From creative appetizers to shareable main courses, every dish is designed to delight. The restaurant’s stylish design, friendly service, and curated cocktail menu make it a top choice for couples looking for a vibrant yet cozy Valentine’s Day experience.
Unique Valentine’s Day Date Spots
SUGARFISH
SUGARFISH is an iconic sushi restaurant originally based in Los Angeles that 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.
Starfish
If you’re dreaming of a date night full of exotic flavors, Starfish Newport Beach promises to be a swoon-worthy destination. Known for its inventive Asian fusion cuisine and sultry ambiance, this local hotspot is one of the best date night spots in Orange County. From sushi rolls and handmade dumplings to over 70 shareable plates, their menu is perfect for couples who love to mix, match and taste it all. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a sake cocktail or a bottle of wine—it’s romance, Starfish-style!
A + O Restaurant | Bar
A + O Restaurant | Bar offers a contemporary, intimate space perfect for Valentine’s Day. With sleek décor, creative dishes, and attentive service, this restaurant strikes the balance between modern sophistication and casual comfort. The menu highlights fresh, elevated ingredients, from locally sourced seafood to inventive small plates, giving couples a chance to explore flavors together while enjoying a relaxed, romantic atmosphere.
