From the primal heat of open-fire sushi to the nostalgic soul of a Grand Park community picnic, Valentine’s weekend in DTLA is a masterclass in romance, culture, and culinary adventure.
One. Secret Lovers at DAMA | Fashion District
While DAMA is technically Pan-Latin—pulling flavors from Spain, Mexico, Peru, Brazil, and the Caribbean—the restaurant’s soul is rooted in 1940s Cuban luxury. This restored 1940s banana distribution warehouse has been reimagined as a masterclass in “tropical noir,” featuring patterned floors, velvet booths, and an open-air courtyard that feels like a private sanctuary. With its soaring ceilings, tropical-deco patterns, and lush palms, DAMA evokes the golden age of Cuba under the direction of Celebrity Chef Antonia Lofaso and her high-end celebration of Latin flavors.
Nothing says forbidden love like chilled oysters with coriander mignonette, or tempting aguachile with kanpachi and red pearl onion. Shareable favorites include the empanadas with ground beef and smoked paprika, crispy squash flowers stuffed with goat cheese, calamari in squid ink, and the naughty whipped beans with crispy pork and cotija. For the main course, the whole snapper with pineapple and chili rub, the oxtail tostada, and the massive 24-ounce bone-in dry-aged rib eye are absolute showstoppers. Pair these with a Latin Lover (tequila and cachaça) or a smoky Sandía y Mezcal at the stunning three-sided central bar, and finish with the Churro Blondie Sundae or the Pacific Banana Co. Sundae.
Tucked away in the industrial heart of the Fashion District at 612 East 11th Street, couples disappear within Dama’s exposed ambiance, which is just perfect for a secret love affair with all Dama has to offer.
Two. The Marriage Proposal: Ristorante Per L’Ora | Financial District
Per L’Ora Ristorante draws inspiration from the coastal flavors and handmade traditions of the Mediterranean, housed in the historic Giannini Building. Built in 1922 as the headquarters for the Bank of Italy, love is safe and secure, as if it were locked away in the restaurant’s historic basement vault of polished steel and brass.
The dining room itself is a masterpiece of Neoclassical design achieved through a grand arched gallery lined with mirrors—a tunnel of light that leads to a soaring space defined by its original 20-foot coffered gold and blue Italianate ceiling. A main dining room of relaxed linen-slipcovered seating, blue mohair chairs, and a massive glossy marigold communal table make Ristorante Per L’Ora feel more like a sun-drenched Italian villa than a dark lounge.
Under the direction of Chef Joey Roacho, Per L’Ora is the premier destination to propose marriage right at the table. Nothing says a lifetime commitment like their four-course prix fixe for $135, accompanied by live music on Valentine’s night.
Pledge your love to the Prime Beef Carpaccio with a parmesan crisp, the Mushroom Agnolotti in brown butter, and the Prime Filet with root vegetable au gratin. Toast to the future with signature cocktails like the Jubilee (cherry gin and sparkling lambrusco) or the Kitten Kay (blanco tequila and amaro). After the ring is on the finger, head upstairs to the rooftop at Bar Clara for a special nightcap with a view of all of downtown LA, and start the honeymoon off right inside any one of Hotel Per La’s luxury suites.
Three. 100 Years of Love at Hotel Figueroa | South Park Social District
Originally built in 1926 as a sanctuary for women, the hotel is celebrating its 100th anniversary. At Hotel Figueroa, couples step out of their everyday lives and into a vibrant, Tuscan-inspired atmosphere for a chance to finally escape.
Beginning February 13th, the Hotel Figueroa marks its 100-year celebration with the grand debut of Florence by the Water, led by Executive Chef Giuseppe Gentile. The nights will be filled with live music and the high-energy spirit and adventure of a Mediterranean vacation.
Couples can take a dip in the poolside water, meet new people amidst the festivities, and enjoy signature cocktails while leaving the world behind. The new restaurant features authentic Tuscan favorites like the Fettuccine al Tartufo—served tableside in a parmesan wheel—the Wagyu meatballs in heirloom tomato sauce, or the wood-fired Mediterranean branzino.
Couples can celebrate their love under the moonlight amidst the music and festivities of this century-old landmark, only later to head to a luxury room. At Hotel Figueroa, there’s no end to love, only new beginnings.
Four. Fall in Love at Inanna Bar, Hoxton Downtown LA
At 12 stories above the city, it’s easy to fall in love at Inanna Bar a top Hotel Hoxton in South Park’s Social District. Much like the chills from looking out from the rooftop at 360-degree skyline views, falling in love at Inanna is a beautiful surrender—a deep, breathtaking descent into a night that feels miles above the world.
This downtown LA rooftop is where the sunset meets romance at every corner. From the pool to the marble-topped bar, or tucked away from the elements inside, each setting soaks up affection while remaining completely detached from the busy streets below.
For Valentine’s Day, the experience is even more elevated with a specially curated three-course prix-fixe menu starting at $95 per guest. Fall in love course by course with sophisticated dishes like the tuna crudo, linguine vongole, or a rich wild mushroom risotto. To finish the evening on a sweet note, the menu features a decadent chocolate pistachio cheesecake.
Spend the night in a luxury room, wake up to the morning light over the city, and enjoy breakfast at Moonlark’s Dinette downstairs. From the glow of the pool to the last bite of dessert, Hotel Hoxton Downtown LA is an oasis of romance as bright as the city below.
Five. Discover Your Love at The Wine Station | South Park Social District
Located just a few blocks from the high-energy L.A. LIVE, the newly opened Wine Station makes for the ultimate first date spot. The entire experience is interactive and designed for discovery, making it easy to break the ice as you explore something new together.
Instead of the typical bar scene, this is a sophisticated and unpretentious neighborhood escape where the world slows down with warm and European-inspired wine, cheese, and gifts. It was founded by local expert Thibaud Duccini, formerly of Wally’s Beverly Hills.
For Valentine’s Day, the Wine Station is popping the cork on romance with a specially curated three-course prix-fixe menu. An adventurous setting for a first encounter, Wine Station is offering a special Champagne menu designed specifically to toast a new connection.
Lovers of all stages can enjoy French-influenced favorites like the hamachi crudo, seasonal burrata, and their famous truffle grilled cheese. For the main course, the menu offers heartier options to share like the Wagyu meatballs, the boeuf bourguignon, or one of their signature homemade pizzas. At The Wine Station, love isn’t just discovered—it’s tasted, one glass at a time.
Six. The Power Couple’s Feast: H&H Brazilian Steakhouse | Financial District
For the couple that’s been through it all, H&H Brazilian Steakhouse is perfect for the duo that has moved past the dainty first-date bites and is ready to indulge in a high-energy, five-course “All You Can Experience” celebration of the bond you share.
Are you as hungry for life as you are for each other? Start with complimentary glasses of Champagne and partnerships that only get stronger with time. From there, the tableside service begins as skilled carvers bring an endless selection of prime cuts directly to the romance, featuring everything from the signature picanha and truffle filet mignon to tender lamb chops and pork ribs.
Enjoy a chocolate fountain for a decadent dip of fresh strawberries and grilled pineapple. For $120 per person, the atmosphere stays vibrant with live Brazilian music.
Seven. The Sushi Camp Getaway to Santō | Silver Lake
The best way to keep the spark alive is at Santō in Silver Lake. It’s the ultimate Valentine’s getaway into a space of primal, raw romance. There is something deeply visceral about a date centered around raw fish and open flame; it’s a sensory experience that strips away the fluff and focuses on the high-quality essence of the food and the company.
The atmosphere is warm and grounded, with wooden textures and a simplistic “Sushi Camp” vibe complete with the smoke and spice of Mexican tradition. Reflecting a love that is both delicate and daring, true magic happens with the ritual of fire at the table—watching the chefs sear and burn ingredients right before your eyes.
Adding a fire-kissed edge to the raw sushi experience, Santō turns the primal act of sharing into a creative atmosphere that is both sophisticated and ancient. The design is sleek and moody, feeling more like a hidden sanctuary in Mexico City’s Roma District, where couples bond over the signature hamachi choco and explore a curated list of rare sakes and mezcals that fuel the evening’s primal energy.
Eight. Biggest Fans at Banda MS & Intocable | L.A. LIVE
How about a massive, world-class destination where the energy never stops? After the city finishes buzzing from Bad Bunny’s massive halftime performance during the Big Game, the momentum keeps rolling right into Valentine’s weekend.
For the couple that wants to sing their hearts out, Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga takes over the Crypto.com Arena for two nights on February 13th and 14th. It’s a high-octane celebration of love and culture that feels like a trip to the biggest festival in Mexico.
Nine. Heart and Soul Music from Violet Evergarden Live | Peacock Theater
Looking for something more soulful? Intocable brings their Cultura Tour to the Peacock Theater on Valentine’s Night. For the couple that wants a “honeymoon” for the soul—something ethereal, beautiful, and deeply moving—the weekend concludes with a rare, transportive experience.
On February 15th, the Peacock Theater hosts Violet Evergarden: Live in Concert. This is for the duo that finds romance in the arts and the delicate beauty of a live orchestra. Much like a quiet, luxury retreat, this concert offers a sanctuary of sound. At the Peacock Theater, the music tells the story of love long after the final note is played.
Ten. Oldies But Goodies at Gloria Molina Grand Park
This Valentine’s Day, downtown can experience the “Power of Love” through a nostalgic lens as Gloria Molina Grand Park hosts Love Notes. This free community celebration pays homage to the timeless “oldies” sound and the classic tradition of radio dedications, creating a space where the soulful history of Los Angeles meets modern-day connection.
The heart of the evening features a curated “Dedicated to You” soundscape hosted by DJ Lee Set and Devil One. They will take attendees on a journey through classic soul and “oldies but goodies” while incorporating live dedications from the crowd. For a visual highlight, Grizzly Entertainment will present a “Celestial Love Letter” drone light show finale, transforming the night sky into a breathtaking dedication to the people of the County.
Lovers are encouraged to gather on the fountain overlook for a massive community picnic. Bring your own eats from nearby Toastique in the Social District to enjoy alongside a curated display of six classic vehicles provided by Viejitos SGV, offering a perfect nostalgic backdrop for photos.
The event features interactive art stations, including live custom tote bag printing by queer Latinx artist Las Chicas Peligrosas and a Valentine’s card and floral bouquet station sponsored by LA2050. To join the celebration early, you can call or text (213) 204-1666 with a dedication or memory for your family, friends, or the city itself. Just remember to mention that your message is for Love Notes.
