I Heart ... Valentine's Day in Los Angeles

8454 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (map)

You don't have to spend a lot to impress your sweetie at this down-to-earth NorCal-style bistro that feels worlds away from the Melrose Avenue madness. The special "aphrodisiac" 3-course prix fixe menu is just $49 per person.

8164 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048 (map)

With candlelit gardens, fountains and not a bad table in the house, this French and Mediterranean haven is lovely any night of the year--so imagine it on Valentine's Day! A worthwhile (if you can afford it) $185 4-course prix-fixe menu is scheduled, featuring entree options that include a grilled filet mignon with roasted shallots and a roasted chicken breast with blood oranges and rosemary.

9018 Burton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 (map)

It would seem romance and this lush, twinkling Italian courtyard go hand in hand, so you'll have to act fast if you want to experience V-Day in this hideaway. Make a reservation for their $225 (per couple) prix-fixe 4-course meal and select from veal, beef or Chilean seabass entrees. It's popular, so seriously: Pick up the phone now.

1401 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (map)

For about $85, sweethearts can share their love for sushi with the chef's multi-course "Omakasi" tasting menu at this this sumptuous oceanside spot for Asian tapas. While the space is most often frequented by a lively crowd of young singles, you can maximize your chances for romance by requesting a table on their enclosed outdoor patio--time it right and you may be in for a spectacular sunset as well.

5955 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038 (map)

If the best word to describe your honey is "chic" then we hope the best word to describe you is "quick." This French-influenced seafood restaurant is at the top of its game and, yes, tres chic, so you're going to have to act fast--like lightning, folks--if you want one of their sought after slots. At press time, their were only a few tables left for V-Day. Also note that it'll run you $140 per guest; $190 with wine pairing.

445 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90071 (map)

Taste amor with the Latin-inspired dinner being hosted at this colorful downtown destination. The prix-fixe pricetag of $65 per person (and their sprightly yellow walls) should keep you from seeing red--and even leave you with enough green for a pair of their seductive Caipirinhas.

9785 Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (map)

No pricey prix-fixe menus here. This classic (and recent winner of Citysearch L.A.'s best Italian restaurant honor) will be serving up the same old-school romance and charm as usual come February 14. Select from two seatings, one at 6pm and one at 8pm, and treat your date to a night that lady's man Frank Sinatra might have endorsed.

1150 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 (map)

Here's where Hermosa Beach 30-somethings will be on Valentine's Day this year. The stylish scene is the perfect locale to dine before enjoying a cozy cocktail on the plaza. On the 14th expect a three-course feast that can include your choice of filet mignon ($49), chicken picata or grilled salmon ($39), or lobster ravioli or pomodori basilico ($29).

1250 S Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105 (map)

Escape to this landmark craftsman cottage in Pasadena to dine on their New American offerings. It's not your run of the mill meal for sure. Their staple five-course tasting menu ($74) is especially, uh, special with portions of sauteed John Dory, pan seared scallops, duck confit and filet mignon. Wine ($42) is romantic to pair with the meal, but some people prefer the handmade vodka route ($30) that they also offer.

3626 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (map)

Perhaps we've used this line before but, this Silver Lake courtyard was made for... courting (bah dum bum). Hey, it's true! Here, a beautiful old tree sits centerstage in the glow of so many candles allowing you and your Valentine to revel in secluded sexiness. So once your heart is full, fill your stomach: They'll have beloved mainstays like pumpkin ravioli and grilled filet mignon with red wine reduction, asparagus and mashed potato.

8479 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90069 (map)

Can't get your sweetie to the city of love on February 14? Leave it to David Myers' stylish French brasserie instead. Black, white and red all over (their throw pillows), your eyes will love what you see and your tastebuds will likely follow suit. Their special three-course prix-fixe menu is one of the more affordable on this list ($50) and features New Zealand snapper, roasted chicken, or flatiron steak as the main course. Just make sure to leave room for their lavender creme brulee dessert.

9360 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hils, CA 90212 (map)

Inside the luxe Thompson hotel, sweep her off her feet with this swanky sushi restaurant's prix-fixe ($75) offerings. It's a treat from top to bottom, starting with a sweet passion fruit mimosa and ending with chocolate in a cup beside nutella and banana.

9540 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 (map)

Double your love at this two-in-one Korean barbecue spot where kimchi and grilled meats meet a loungey, laid back bar scene. For V-Day, their three-course prix-fixe is the most recession proof deal on this list. $45 for a glass of Prosecco, a starter of japchae calamari or shrimp mandoo, a choice of chicken or black cod for your main dish and Robert's peanut butter chocolate satin pie for dessert.

630 W 5th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071 (map)

True romance needn't cost a thing--at least not at this landmark library in the middle of Downtown L.A. Home to the third largest collection of books and periodicals in the country, this gorgeous homage to literature and culture provides plenty of cozy nooks for reading the most romantic stories ever put to paper.