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.

The Latest from greer's oc
Lido Theater Receives 2026 Preservation Award
Free Summer Dance Nights and Concerts Return to Segerstrom Center
Segerstrom Center for the Arts is bringing back its popular summer programming on the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza with free Tuesday Night Dance classes through August and Summer Sounds outdoor concerts starting June 12.
The all-ages dance series runs…
Bluewater Grill Celebrates 30 Years With Seafood Tastings and Holiday Specials
Outpost Kitchen at South Coast Plaza Debuts Mother’s Day Menu
This Mother’s Day, Outpost Kitchen is offering a special menu created to celebrate moms with a mix of sweet and savory dishes, along with festive drinks made for the occasion.
Highlights include Honey Vanilla Gluten Free…
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 05.08.26 – Lido Theater Receives 2026 Preservation Award
- 05.08.26 – Free Summer Dance Nights and Concerts Return to Segerstrom Center
- 05.08.26 – Bluewater Grill Celebrates 30 Years With Seafood Tastings and Holiday Specials
- 05.08.26 – Outpost Kitchen at South Coast Plaza Debuts Mother’s Day Menu
- 05.05.26 – Alabaster International Debuts in OC with ‘Her Light & Legacy’
- 04.29.26 – ILYA Welcomes Sunday Brunch to San Clemente
- 04.28.26 – Mastro’s Plans Mother’s Day Brunch in Irvine and Costa Mesa
- 04.28.26 – Mother’s Day Style: Matching Moments for Moms and Minis at Famous Footwear
- 04.28.26 – Riverdance 30 Brings a New Generation to Segerstrom Center
- 04.27.26 – March for Babies Returns to Irvine May 2
- 04.25.26 – Classic Packards Take Center Stage in Newport Beach
- 04.23.26 – Spring Menu Arrives at The Park Club California
- 04.23.26 – SpiceQuest Brings the Heat Home
- 04.20.26 – Honda Center Serves Up Playoff-Ready Menu for Ducks Fans
- 04.17.26 – A Night of Fashion and Giving in Newport Beach
- 04.13.26 – A Night at Knife Pleat Paired With South Coast Repertory’s Eat Me
- 04.13.26 – Sender One Expands With New Aliso Viejo Location
- 04.13.26 – Bluewater Grill Celebrates 30 Years With New Seafood Cookbook
- 04.13.26 – SOMBR Brings Fall Arena Tour to Anaheim’s Honda Center in October
- 04.12.26 – A Film Festival Putting Neurodivergent Talent Front and Center
More Daily Doses
- 05.10.26 – Cozy Earth’s Cuddle Collection Brings Luxury Comfort to Corona del Mar
- 05.07.26 – Sweetgreen Opens at Irvine’s University Center
- 05.06.26 – Icons of Napa Valley Wine Dinner Returns to Henry’s Coastal Cuisine
- 04.29.26 – Mother’s Day Dining Across Orange County
- 04.29.26 – La La Land Kind Cafe Grand Opening at Irvine Spectrum
- 04.29.26 – J Ruby: A Colorful Creative Find in South Laguna
- 04.28.26 – A New Chapter for Zov’s in San Clemente
- 04.23.26 – A Coastal Spa Experience Arrives at Surf & Sand Laguna Beach
- 04.23.26 – David Spade Takes The Lido Theater Stage
- 04.20.26 – Arrive in Style. Leave the Driving to Us.
- 04.19.26 – Candace Bushnell Brings One-Woman Show to South Coast Repertory
- 04.18.26 – A Coastal Weekend of Wine, Food and Ocean Views
- 04.13.26 – An Evening of Connection and Compassion in Aliso Viejo
- 04.08.26 – A Mother’s Day Gathering with Costa Mesa History
- 04.06.26 – Spring in Full Bloom at South Coast Plaza
- 04.05.26 – Taste of Napa Comes to Huntington Beach and Returns to Napa Valley
- 04.01.26 – A Taste of Italy Arrives in Corona del Mar
- 03.30.26 – STAUD Arrives at South Coast Plaza
- 03.27.26 – South Coast Plaza Easter Dining Picks
- 03.26.26 – Easter Brunch and Dining in Orange County
