Delicious Valentine's Day Dining in Orange County

Valentine's day can be a little nerve-racking, especially if you're away from home and out of your romantic "comfort zone!"  But, if you're visiting Orange County on this special holiday, rest assured, because with so many elegant, breathtakingly beautiful places to enjoy a special evening with your true love, you're sure to make a good choice.  Here are a few delicious Valentine's Day offerings to start you off.

Orange Hill in Orange -- An intimate ambiance, premiere fine dining, stellar views, and multiple romantic settings is what you'll find at Orange Hill restaurant.  Up in the hills of Orange, you'll feel like you're "away from it all" as you enjoy a leisurely, romantic meal.  Whether you have a drink and appetizer at the unique and sophisticated O-Bar, cozy up for dinner around a fire out on the patio, or gaze out the floor-to-ceiling windows in the main dining room, you'll be glad you decided to spend the evening at this special place.

The Cellar in Fullerton -- From the moment you descend the dimly lit stairs into The Cellar restaurant, located in the basement of Fullerton's historic Villa del Sol, you'll feel a little like royalty in Old Europe.  The restaurant's soft lighting, structured arches, cave-like walls and cozy fireplaces make it a unique and romantic experience you won't soon forget.  The Cellar offers a special four course Valentine's Day meal each night from February 10th-14th, so even if you choose to celebrate before Valentine's Day, you can still take advantage of a fantastic meal in this romantic setting.  Bonus: each Valentine's guest will recieve a certificate to create your own three course dinner for only $29.95 in the month of March.

K'ya Bistro in Laguna Beach -- A tapas-style restaurant with exquisite Mediterranean cuisine, K'ya Bistro is the place to head if you and your sweetie have a hard time deciding what to order or simply love to share.  On Valentine's day this year, enjoy four starters, two entrees, and a dessert trio, all for just $99 per couple.  Pair this special with a glass of wine off their remarkable (and suprisingly reasonably priced) wine list, and you'll be left wanting nothing more.  If you're in this neighborhood and really want a view, head up to The Rooftop Bar and Lounge (Laguna's only!), where you can leisurely munch on spectacular seafood while gazing out over the ocean. 

21 Oceanfront in Newport Beach -- Want to watch the sun set over beautiful Catalina island while you sip a cocktail with your valentine?  Would you like to follow this with a meal of fresh seafood, tender steak, and mouth-watering homemade dessert?  Then Valentine's Day at 21 Oceanfront is for you.  Enjoy their three course pre fixe meal - which includes something for everyone, as they offer a variety of choices for each course - as you relax in this elegant setting with your special someone.

The Loft at the Montage in Laguna Beach -- Overlooking the ocean, The Loft just may offer the best view in Laguna Beach.  Add that to their two patios with heated outside seating, a romantic dining room with a woodfire rotisserie (gives the effect of roaring fire in the room), and the beautiful, luxurious feel of the entire hotel, and you'll be hard pressed to find a more perfect setting for Valentine's Day.  If you haven't had enough indulgence after The Loft's five course pre fixe menu - which includes a champagne toast - head to the outdoor fire where someone will deliver a homemade s'mores kit so you can roast and assemble while snuggling with your sweetie.  This is also a wonderful place to just wander the grounds and take in the beauty of a seemingly perfect Orange County beach town.

Wherever you end up, I wish you a holiday filled with love and fantastic food!

*image credit: Orange Hill and K'ya websites*