Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner in Costa Mesa to show you really care? Check out our roundup of some of the best love-inspired dining in Orange County’s culinary capitol!

Vaca

Award-winning Chef Amar Santana will serve up Valentine’s Day specials at Vaca including carpaccio with wagyu tataki, giant clam sashimi, paella de langosta with quid ink bomba rice, ostiones oyster on the half shell and spicy uni with aioli soy brown butter vinaigrette. Reservations are highly recommended for this former “Top Chef” contestant’s stellar dining room.

For reservations, call 714.463.6060

TERRACE By Mix Mix

Enjoy a romantic four-course dinner on TERRACE By Mix Mix’s stunning outdoor patio. Guests will be greeted with sparking wine and Chef Ross Pangilinan’s signature hors d’oeuvres.

For reservations, call 657.231.6447

The Capital Grille

The Capital Grille offers a classic take on Valentine’s Day dinner with a menu centered around dry-aged prime steaks and fresh seafood. Indulge your sweet tooth with complimentary chocolate covered strawberries, available on February 13.

For reservations, call 714.432.1140

Tackle Box

Laid back romance is key at former “Top Chef” contestant Brian Huskey’s Tackle Box this Valentine’s Day. The coastal pub will offer an exclusive Valentine’s Day four-course prix fixe menu including a shrimp chips and charred onion dip starter, the choice of dishes like truffle grilled cheese and roasted tomato soup, crispy crab cake, beef wellington and “linguini and clams” followed by a chocolate cake and rose water ice cream dessert.

Reserve online here

Playa Mesa Mexican Kitchen

Enjoy a four-course dinner at Playa Mesa Mexican Kitchen including your choice of calde de queso or aguachile appetizer, and a filet mignon or grilled Portobello mushroom entrée. Playa Mesa’s menu is inspired by Chef Rolando Rubalcava’s take on fresh Mexican cuisine using farm-fresh ingredients and handmade tortillas.

For reservations, call 949.287.5292

Hamamori Restaurant and Sushi Bar

Sushi lovers will rejoice with a luxurious dinner at South Coast Plaza’s Hamamori. The restaurant and sushi bar will offer a unique appetizer and a special Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu, including black truffle salad, uni pasta, sushi gems, wagyu and more followed by a dessert.

For more information and reservations, call 714.850.0880

Darya Fine Persian Cuisine

Enjoy live music with your dinner at Darya Fine Persian Cuisine this Valentine’s Day. Darya will offer a three-course prix fixe menu featuring the restaurant’s most popular dishes. Reservations are required and there are two seatings available, from 5 to 7 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.

For reservations, call 714.557.6600

Leatherby’s Café Rouge

Executive Chef Greg Stillman is offering a three-course menu including dishes like scallop crudo, roasted leg of lamb, smoked bacon-wrapped beef tenderloin and fines herbes gnocchi at Leatherby’s Café Rouge. For dessert, diners can choose between strawberries and cream or a s’mores kiss. Add an optional fourth course of lobster roll or seared foie gras for an additional $15.

For reservations, call 714.429.7640

Maggiano’s Little Italy

Enjoy a three-course menu at Maggiano’s February 7^th through 17^th. Starters include dishes like calamari fritte, steamed mussels and Italian sausage flatbread, while entrees include chicken, grilled lemon and herb salmon, and beef tenderloin medallions among others. End the night with chocolate hazelnut cheesecake, tiramisu, or one of the restaurant’s famous desserts. The meal also includes a complimentary beverage.

For reservations, call 714.546.9555

Mezzet Mediterranean Cuisine

Savor the flavors of the Mediterranean at Mezzet with a special three-course Valentine’s Day menu. Choose from smoke salmon or Valentine caprese salad for an appetizer; shrimp and scallop risotto, North Atlantic lobster ravioli, filet mignon prosciutto or penne primavera for an entrée; and a homemade tiramisu, chocolate mousse or Coppa pistachio for dessert. Diners will also receive a complimentary glass of champagne or cabernet sauvignon.

For reservations, call 714.540.3365

Morton’s The Steakhouse

Go big with Morton’s Steak & Lobster Oscar, a pairing of an eight ounce filet topped with a whole Maine lobster and Bearnaise sauce. The restaurant’s a la carte menu is available, as well.

For reservations, call 714.444.4834

Antonello Ristorante

For a classic Italian dinner, head to Antonello Ristorante for a four-course prix fixe menu. After an appetizer, enjoy ravioli d’aragosta and petit filet with half Caribbean lobster. End the meal with tartufo di cioccolato with light crème anglaise and fresh berries. The restaurant will also provide a complimentary bottle of Hello Kitty Pinot Nero Bianco with the purchase of two prix fixe meals.

For reservations, call 714.751.7153

Quattro Caffe

Quattro Caffe is hosting three Valentine’s Day celebrations from February 11^th through 14^th. On the 11^th, attend a love-themed cooking class with recipes for heart-shaped ravioli and scampi alla vino bianco. Guests will enjoy a tasting dinner and a glass of wine. On February 13^th, enjoy Tango Night. February 14 will feature Valentine’s Day dinner specials in a festive atmosphere.

For reservations, call 714.436.1010

Royal Kyhber Fine Indian Cuisine

The most popular dishes take the spotlight on Royal Kyhber’s Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu. Begin with an appetizer of dal soup, tandoori chicken tenderloin or gourmet salad. For entrees, choose between lamb shank, mahi noorani, butter chicken, pepper chicken chetinad or Bengali mustard fish.

For reservations, call 714.436.1010

AnQi by House of An

Romance is key to AnQi’s Valentine’s Day dinner menu this year. Start with a duet of oysters or crispy Kataifi prawns with rose petal aroma and a complimentary cocktail before moving on to seared yellowfin tuna, grilled honey siracha pork chop and gratin of winter vegetables. End your meal with a white tuxedo strawberries.

For reservations, call 714.557.5679.

Seasons 52

Celebrate five days of Valentine’s Day at Seasons 52. On February 11, enjoy a glass of Loveblock Pinot Noir and a flatbread in the bar for $15 all day. On February 12, mini bottles of Riondo Proseccos will be $5, and diners can enjoy endless prosecco all day for $4.95 with purchase of an entrée on February 13. Planning to propose? On February 14, couples who get engaged in the dining room will receive a complimentary champagne toast every time they dine for a year.

For reservations, call 714.437.5252

Water Grill

Choose surf or turf at Water Grill South Coast Plaza. The restaurant will offer a three-course prix fixe menu including entrees like wild Pacific swordfish, Chilean sea bass, King Crab legs or American wagyu ribeye. The restaurant’s a la carte menu will be available as well.

For reservations, call 949.208.7060