Palisades Romance: Dining Out on Valentine's Day

If you thought you had to drive a good distance to have a special Valentine's Day dinner, think again. You can fall in love right here in the Village, the Highlands or on the beach!

Here's what some local restaurants are offering for the Tuesday of love. The set menus mentioned below are available on Valentine's Day only, unless otherwise noted.

1032 Swarthmore Ave., Pacific Palisades

They say Paris is the city of romance. However, you can be swept off your feet on Swarthmore just as easily. Maison Giraud is featuring a five course prix fixe menu for $75 per person on Valentine's Day.

Options include a "Gazpacho of Love" and Scallops "Valentino." For an additional cost, guests may opt for wine pairing. But Maison Giraud isn't pressuring anyone to spend big bucks on the vino. There are two options for wine pairing. For $30, one may enjoy the "1st Date" wine selection. Meanwhile, for $50, guests will fall head over heels for the "Big Lover" selection.

Valentine's Day seating for Maison Giraud will be from 5:30-9:30 p.m. For reservations, call 310-459-7561.

15229 Sunset Blvd., Pacific Palisades

If you are looking for Asian-inspired fare, Pearl Dragon is offering some specials for love birds. Although the restaurant will not be offering a set menu, Chef Ryo will be getting creative with fish selections and rolls.

The manager told Patch that last Valentine's Day, Chef Ryo created gold leaf plates to add to the mood.

For reservations, call 310-459-9790

583 Palisades Dr., Pacific Palisades

Taste is offering a Valentine's prix fixe menu. The four course meal is $55 per person and will feature live Spanish Flamenco guitarist Jeffrey Briggs.

The regular menu will not be available on Valentine's Day.

Limited versions of the prix fixe menu, along with the regular menu, will be available from Feb. 11-13.

For reservations, call 310-459-9808

17300 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades

If you want to beat the Valentine's Day rush, sitting beachside at Gladstones Malibu might be your ticket! The restaurant is offering customizable dinner packages beginning Feb. 11, which allow the romantic in you to opt for champagne upgrades and more.

Standard packages include a three course prix fixe menu. Diners may choose from the the regular menu as well.

The prix fixe menu options include pomegranate-glazed wild salmon topped with apple horseradish cream sauce, or lobster risotto with shaved parmigiano and split of Moët champagne.

For reservations, call 310-454-3474

15278 Antioch St., Pacific Palisades

What's your favorite first date location? According to a Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Valentine's Day Facebook poll, 34 percent of first-time daters choose a coffee shop for their first meeting because it's quiet enough to have a good conversation. Well, in honor of love, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is offering a two-for-one beverage special. So, buy one drink for your sweetheart and get the second (of equal or lesser value) for free!

The offer is valid on Valentine's Day (Feb. 14) only at participating locations. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf location in the Village is one of those participating!

Bon apetit!