Hamamori at South Coast Plaza is our favorite Japanese restaurants and “the best sushi money can buy in OC,” according to Jeff Overley of Food Frenzy. The restaurant is offering a special Valentine’s weekend menu, available Friday through Monday, at lunch or dinner. It can be ordered as a three-course prix fixe ($47) or a la carte.
Hamamori is offering exquisite foods dishes, including wagyu beef tartare with pickled daikon and negi, ponzu sauce; and housemade ravioli with lobster and tokyo onion filling; and filet mignon with soy-sesame sauce, asparagus and cream croquette. Level 3, at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. 714.850.0880.
The Cupid Special
The Cupid Special is a nifty offer at El Torito Grill starting Friday through Valentine’s Day. A three-course dinner for two for just $45 is a great deal. Over the last year at El Torito Grill, much effort has been put forth to bring in organic and natural meats, produce and much more. The food is really good and tequila selections and cocktails are excellent. The three-course dinner for two begins with starter options including chicken tortilla soup, fire-roasted tomato soup or the Grill’s garden salad; followed by entrée selections chicken milanesa, fajitas supremas, carne asada or fire-grilled salmon; and choice of housemade churros or berry tostada to share for dessert.
The El Torito Grill has five Orange County locations.
Rancho Santa Margarita at 22322 El Paseo 949.589.4164;
Anaheim at 1801 E. Katella Ave. 949.975.1220;
Brea at 555 Pointe Drive 714.990.2411; in Irvine
at 1910 Main St. 949.975.1220;
and Newport Beach at Fashion Island, 951 Newport Center Drive 949.640.2875.
Oyster Special!
In honor of the lover’s holiday, the Harbor Grill in Dana Point will be throwing oyster night specials through Feb. 14! Preparations will be available at $9.95 for a half-dozen. Guests can enjoy the classic lovers combination of Champagne and oysters with discounted glasses of Mumm Napa Brut Prestige for $5 a glass and $20 a bottle. 34499 Golden Lantern Dana Point.
True Love at True Food!
On Valentine’s Day, celebrate True Love with True Food at Fashion Island! It’s serving up a lovely $25 per person three-course meal. Share a first course from a list of the six most popular appetizers on the menu, then for a second course choose an entrée from the selection of six house favorites. At the end of third course, choose a dessert assortment for two. At Fashion Island in Newport Beach. 949.644.2400.
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from the blog
- 11.26.25 – A New Chapter for Lido House in Newport Beach
- 11.25.25 – The Nutcracker Returns to Irvine Barclay Theatre
- 11.25.25 – French Florist Opens New Boutique in Mission Viejo
- 11.24.25 – HAVEN Honors Taco Asylum with New Taco Tuesday Menu
- 11.24.25 – Festive Holiday Dining at Paseo, Céntrico and Naples in the Downtown Disney District
- 11.23.25 – Musco Center Welcomes Soweto Gospel Choir: Peace
- 11.22.25 – A Luxurious Thanksgiving at The Mayor’s Table
- 11.20.25 – Thanksgiving Getaways: Where to Celebrate, Relax, and Feast in Southern California
- 11.19.25 – Uncle Fluffy Opens Soon at Triangle Square
- 11.19.25 – American Ballet Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’ Returns to Segerstrom Hall
- 11.19.25 – Thanksgiving Dining in Orange County
- 11.17.25 – Costa Mesa Welcomes Sweetgreen’s New Sweetlane
- 11.17.25 – Sip, Savor, Repeat: Better Buzz Expands in Orange County
- 11.16.25 – A Thanksgiving to Savor at Allegretto Vineyard Resort
- 11.13.25 – McG, Nancy Silverton, and Rick Caruso Team Up for Spacca Tutto at Palisades Village
- 11.13.25 – Philz Coffee Debuts Holiday Menu and Launches First-Ever Rewards Program
- 11.12.25 – Pendry Newport Beach Hosts Annual Chefsgiving Dinner
- 11.12.25 – Sip, Shop, and Give Back with HYPEACH and Working Wardrobes
- 11.08.25 – Shucked Musical Comedy Heads to Segerstrom Center November 11–23
- 11.05.25 – Dolly Parton’s Songs Come to Life with Pacific Symphony
More Daily Doses
- 11.25.25 – Holiday Packages to Help You Look and Feel Your Best
- 11.23.25 – QUA Brings Contemporary Chinese Cuisine to Fountain Valley
- 11.23.25 – Winter Fest OC Returns November 28 With Expanded Experiences
- 11.21.25 – Wellness That Works: Vida by VTL Boutique Spas + Wellness
- 11.17.25 – Santa Maria Novella Brings Centuries of Craft to South Coast Plaza
- 11.16.25 – HOTWORX Costa Mesa Courtyards Offers 24-Hour Infrared Sauna Workouts
- 11.13.25 – Prairie Opens in Mariners Square: A New Home for Refined, Relaxed Interiors
- 11.11.25 – Mother-Daughter Duo Launch Eugénie Boutique in Newport Beach
- 11.09.25 – You’re Invited to South Coast Plaza’s Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
- 11.03.25 – Culinary Dropout Opens in Old Towne Orange
- 11.03.25 – Chef Charbel Hayek to Open ILYA in San Clemente
- 11.02.25 – Super Irvine International Market Opens in Irvine
- 11.02.25 – Prime Pizza Opens First Orange County Location in Mission Viejo
- 10.30.25 – Zara Man Opens First U.S. Store at South Coast Plaza
- 10.27.25 – Jack Johnson Headlines Two-Night Coast Film & Music Benefit Concert
- 10.20.25 – Salt & Lime Modern Taqueria Brings Elevated Flavor to Costa Mesa
- 10.19.25 – Fall Fun at The District: Halloween Boo Bash and Cocktail Tour
- 10.16.25 – Luxury Wellness Meets Concierge Medicine at Coastal Wellness MD
- 10.16.25 – Chiang Rai Thai in Tustin Serves Up Michelin-Recognized Northern Thai Cuisine
- 10.16.25 – Chili Chutney Brings Authentic Afghan Cuisine to Lake Forest
