Get Cozy with these Chef Couples in Los Angeles for Valentine’s Day
What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day 2025 than hanging out with some of the most legendary Chef Couples in Los Angeles? Here’s what’s cooking in the culinary kitchens of these dynamic duos for February 14th and the surrounding days.
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Amiga Amore (Highland Park)
The marriage of Italian and Mexican cuisine is only made stronger by the actual marriage of Alessandro and Danielle Zecca. Chef Danielle infuses her Mexican cuisine with the Italian-style cooking techniques of her husband to create something that will make you fall in love with life!
Reservations can be made on OpenTable beginning at 5 p.m. on Valentine’s Day and even more freely on Saturday, February 15th.
Kismet (Los Feliz)
Chefs Sarah Kramer and Sarah Hymanson might not be romantically involved, but to have the patience to work side by side for close to a decade, you have to have something between you that looks a lot like love.
Valentine’s Day will showcase the Kismet Steakhouse Menu, during which you can order à la carte items like a Bistro Burger with Fries ($28) or a 20-oz Ribeye that can easily be shared ($135). Sides include Broccolini with Garlic ($13) and Glazed Carrots in a Grapefruit Gastrique ($13) among others. Finish the evening with a Meyer Lemon Meringue Baked Alaska ($18).
Reservations can be made on Resy beginning at 5 p.m.
Bestia (DTLA Arts District)
Husband and wife duo Chefs Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis have been keeping the fire burning strongly since 2012 in this Italian-inspired spitfire kitchen. They’ve since expanded to Middle-Eastern-centric restaurants Bavel and Saffy’s in the arts district and Hollywood respectively. Bestia has always been a nearly impossible ticket, and Valentine’s Day is no exception, but you can still taste true love throughout the weekend at any one of their restaurants or enjoy a seat at the bar at Bestia if you don’t mind waiting. A Lovers Rock Cocktail made with a blend of Mediterranean apples and prosecco makes for good company.
Reservations, when available, can be made on OpenTable.
Socalo (Santa Monica)
Chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken have been partners in the kitchen for over 35 years, and they are constantly working on new restaurant concepts, including the newest in Palm Springs: Alice B.
At Socalo, you can treat yourself to a Valentine’s Day menu for $165 for two. The meal kicks off with a Sparkling Wine Toast for Two. Next, you’ll enjoy a Ceviche Trio with such delicacies as Tuna with Peanut Matcha Salsa and Ono with Passion Fruit Habanero. The main course is a Surf and Turf, which features a 16oz Bone-in Rib Eye and Yuzu Glazed Seared Shrimp with broccolini and romesco. Dessert is a Red Velvet Cake with strawberry crema and spumoni ice cream.
The specialty cocktail for the night is an Amor de Los Angeles, made with tequila, pama liqueur, and topped off with pomegranate seeds and a black salt rim ($16). It’s the perfect addition to that magical night out in your favorite city.
Make your reservations on OpenTable beginning at 4 p.m. That also happens to be right in the middle of Happy Hour :).
Poppy + Rose (DTLA)
Surprise your sweetheart with some daytime dining at Poppy + Rose in Downtown Los Angeles. Husband and wife team Chef Michael Reed and Kwini Reed really have something “cooking,” with Kwini managing the business side while leaving Chef Michael to create in the kitchen. If you find yourself in the OC on Valentine’s Day, check out Poppy + Seed, which is the couple’s fine dining and seasonal tasting menu restaurant.
Hours at Poppy + Rose are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and walk-ins are welcome on Valentine’s Day as they don’t take reservations on Fridays.
Republique (Miracle Mile)
Chefs Walter and Margarita Manzke have been delighting diners in Los Angeles since 2013 with dishes steeped in classical French styles as well as creations that pull from the freshness of California produce. Republique is open for all-day dining on Valentine’s Day, but you can also take a taste of Chef Margarita Manzke’s superb pastries home with you with a selection of items like Ube Brioche or a Strawberry Passionfruit Cream Pie, which are available to go via Tock.
Make your reservations on OpenTable beginning at 5 p.m. for dinner.
Wife and The Somm (Glassell Park)
Chris Lucchese and Christine Lindgren fell in love over a shared passion for pairing food and wine, so it’s only fitting that a meal at Wife and The Somm be the perfect “pairing” for your Valentine’s Day. The Valentine’s Day Menu is still under wraps, but they have confirmed that specials will be available ALL WEEK!
Make your reservations for Valentine’s Day beginning at 3 p.m. as they are open early on Fridays.
Met Her at a Bar (Mid-Wilshire)
If you’ve ever had the Fried Chicken & Waffles with tom yum seasoning from the daytime restaurant Met Her at a Bar, you know this kind of dish can only come from someone with a deep love in their life. Owners Vinny and Mindy Kinne actually did meet at a bar, and with a trio of restaurants including Met Him at a Bar and Her Thai, they are spreading their love all over mid-city. Keep things casual on V-Day with lunch or dinner at Her Thai, which is also available for takeout. You can save those waffles for the morning after :).
They don’t take reservations, but you can join a wait-list in person.
Harold & Belle’s (Jefferson Park)
Harold & Belle’s has been an institution for Creole cuisine since 1969, and third-generation owners Ryan and Jessica Legaux have kept the business thriving thanks to a partnership like no other. They’ve even evolved to make famed dishes like a Po’ Boy and pork-based Red Beans and Rice into vegan dishes that are as good as the original.
Visit on Valentine’s Day for a taste of Southern hospitality and possibly some live jazz music during Happy Hour in the bar area from 3 to 6 p.m. Reserve on Resy for other days.
