Valentine's Day can be a hectic holiday. You've had a chance to rest after the holidays and the New Year, but when February 14 arrives, you need to spring into action. Ordering flowers and finding great chocolate is only part of the equation. You need to find a great restaurant to take your Valentine. Don't worry, we did some looking around and found some of the best fine dining restaurants in Orange County that'd be perfect for your Valentine's Day dinner.
Driftwood Kitchen
If you're looking for a place to please more than just your taste buds, you may want to check out Driftwood Kitchen. This seafood restaurant has a dining room and patio that overlooks the ocean, so the sound of the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean could serve as the soundtrack to your meal. Reserve your seat to watch the sunset and dine on some tasty selections from the menu like Whole Fried Branzino, Chilean Sea Bass, or Wild King Salmon. Top it off with a bottle of wine or a smooth and savory cocktail.
Mastro's Ocean Club
Are you attempting to plan the perfect evening with a classy restaurant? Try Mastro's Ocean Club. This Newport Beach eatery features a variety of different rooms to choose for your dining experience, whether you'd like to eat in the Garden, Catalina Room, Lighthouse Room, or Fireplace Patio, each room offers beautiful décor and a romantic atmosphere. This restaurant, featuring Executive Chef Eduardo Albarran, delivers the highest quality of ingredients. Sample something like the Rack of Lamb, the Scottish Salmon, or the Hawaiian Big Eye Tuna.
Sushi Noguchi
Do you want a different spin on the traditional Valentine's Day dinner? Why not try some of the fresh offerings at Sushi Noguchi? This sushi restaurant was praised by the popular food blogger, Mad Hungry Woman. The menu offers a wide variety of different Nigiri and Sashimi, but this restaurant also offers house specialties like Poki Tuna, Japanese Ceviche, and Dancing Claw, which is a deep fried soft shell crab with a cilantro wasabi sauce.
The Ranch Restaurant & Saloon
If you want to keep it classic for Valentine's Day, The Ranch Restaurant & Saloon may be the right choice. This restaurant offers a wide variety of different menu items ranging from bar bites like an Artisanal Cheese Plate or the Ceviche Trilogy, to more complex entrées like the Cowboy Ribeye, Colorado Grass-Fed Lamb Chops, or Tender Braised Beef Short Rib. End the night with dancing in the Saloon. Be sure to check the schedule to see if any local artists are gracing the stage on Valentine's Day.
Now that you're aware of some of the finest dining establishments in Orange County, you can decide which one would be right for you and your Valentine. Of course, you don't have to visit these eateries just one day a year. Keep the date nights going and visit these local restaurants until you find your favorite one.