Two tops: Where to eat when three’s a crowd

Couples looking for a culinary affair this Valentine’s Day can snag a reservation at one of San Diego’s most romantic restaurants and become those people. You know, those people seated at the most romantic table in the house, lost in their own little world, locked in each other’s eyes, utterly infatuated/in love/in lust.

In honor of Feb. 14, here are 14 tables for two, a collection of the city’s snuggliest corners, coziest booths and most dazzling views. So lose yourselves in your own little world and let the romance begin. Just don’t forget to eat.

A.R. Valentien

At this elegant, Craftsman-style dining room, request table 31, where you can nestle into the plush booth while enjoying the sensory pleasures of chef Jeff Jackson’s tasteful tasting menu.
At The Lodge at Torrey Pines
11480 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla
858.777.6635, arvalentien.com

BiCE

Skip the table and grab two seats at this snazzy contemporary Italian spot’s intimate cheese bar, where sitting side by side opens up a whole world of romantic possibilities. And if there’s anything more luscious than the sweet tomato jam on your cheese board, we haven’t tasted it yet.
425 Island Ave., Gaslamp Quarter
619.239.2423, bicesandiego.com

BO-beau

L’amour (as well as escargot and boeuf Bourguignon) is on le menu at this adorable French farmhouse-style bistro. Opt for a fireside patio table à deux or slip into a cozy corner in the stone-walled Bohemian Room. Finish with the “Goodnight Kiss” mini dessert martini.
4996 W. Point Loma Blvd., Ocean Beach.
619.224.2884, bobeaukitchen.com

Cusp

A meal of sultry oysters, creamy lobster gnocchi and sticky s’mores chocolate ice cream cakes have all the makings of a romantic repast. But do you really need any more enticement than the made-for-two tables positioned right before the expansive ocean-view windows?
At Hotel La Jolla
7955 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla
858.551.3620, cusprestaurant.com

George’s California Modern

Does the idea of having a personal chef - in this case, flavor-whisperer Trey Foshee - create a meal just for you, and enjoying it at the best seat in the house at one of the best restaurants in town sound special? We thought so. Reserve TBLE3 for the experience.
1250 Prospect St., La Jolla
858.454.4244, georgesatthecove.com/california-modern

Eddie V’s

Get your grown-up on at this sexy downtown supper club. High-walled, sapphire-blue velvet booths (at tables 112 or 122) form a protective cocoon for you and your sweetie, while smooth-as-silk live jazz from the lounge drowns out the rest of the world.
At The Headquarters
789 W. Harbor Drive, Marina District
619.615.0281, eddiev.com

Herb & Wood

This might be Little Italy’s see-and-be-seen hot spot, but a seductive night out for two calls for a reservation at “Herb’s Table.” Cloistered in this semi-private cushy corner with views of the kitchen and the full dining room, you’ll have eyes only for each other. (But check out the photo of Herb hanging over the table: That’s chef Brian Malarkey’s grandfather, Herb. Awww.)
2210 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy
619.955.8495, herbandwood.com

Mister A’s

Is it a coincidence that celebrating marriage proposals, wedding anniversaries and Valentine’s Day in this swoon-inducing setting is practically the law in San Diego? If you have to ask, you’ve never sat at tables 50 or 52, where your view of the city skyline and landing planes makes you feel up in the clouds. Vow to do so. See also, San Diego’s most romantic spots.
2550 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill
619.239.1377, asrestaurant.com

Oceana Coastal Kitchen

Let this California classic transport you to a tropical beach getaway. The booth at table 31 surrounds you with water - you’ll be right under a soothing blue aquarium and have the best views in the house of the swaying palms outside on Mission Bay.
At Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
3999 Mission Blvd., Mission Bay
858.539.8635, catamaranresort.com

Pacifica Del Mar

Here’s a place that gets romance right. Tables for two right in front of the stunning, picture-postcard ocean view? Check. Tables that are specifically built and angled in such a way that you can gaze at the sea without ever having to unlock your eyes from each other? Double-check.
1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar
858.792.0476, pacificadelmar.com

Ponsaty’s

Chef Patrick Ponsaty’s will tempt you with his menu (Oscetra Petrossian caviar, lacquered Maine lobster, côte de boeuf for two), and you’ll be seriously seduced at table 3, an ultra-elegant private space with its own magical chandelier.
6106 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe
858.771.1871, ponsatys.com

The Prado

Nothing could be more enchanting than a table under the twinkling nighttime lights of the patio at The Prado, surrounded by the dreamy beauty of Balboa Park. And who could resist an après-dinner smooch by the fountain in the enclosed courtyard?
1549 El Prado, Balboa Park
619.557.9441, cohnrestaurants.com/theprado

Solare

The whole world melts away when you’re seated at the private table, ensconced in your own little wine room. Lusty Italian dishes from chef Accursio Lotà, like the Rotondi al Cioccolato e Guance (handmade cocoa ravioli with braised Angus beef cheeks), guarantee a night of amore.
At Liberty Station
2820 Roosevelt Road, Point Loma
619.270.9670, solarelounge.com

Starlite

Don your most fetching LBD or Zegna to dine at this visually alluring, retro-chic restaurant and lounge. Corner tables 22 and 27, with the luxe, tufted black leather booths, are the most popular date-night destinations, with vantage points of the entire stylish scene.
3175 India St., Mission Hills
619.358.9766, starlitesandiego.com