A few weeks ago, I kicked off dine L.A. at BOA in Santa Monica. The restaurant is in a prime attraction area since it sits just off of the beach on Santa Monica Blvd. and is walking distance from The Promenade. The restaurant itself is beautifully designed and is just right for couples. On my previous visit, I ordered the salad to start, ribs for my main, and mini snickers for dessert. The whole lunch was great for the day, but when I realized that Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, I figured it would be an even better spot for dinner with your special someone. If you haven’t made your dinner reservations for Valentine’s Day, then I seriously suggest you grab their number from below and start dialing.

With the sweetest holiday in mind, I went back to BOA and got a meal perfect for the day. I ordered the Goat Cheese Baklava ($12), Pan Roasted Scottish Salmon ($18), and Strawberry Shortcake ($12, seasonal). Let’s take a moment to first talk about the baklava. It’s made of goat cheese, pistachios, black truffles, and frisee atop of filo layers. First thought was that the goat cheese would be too tangy of a contrast to the sweet honey and that it may not pair well with the crispy filo sprinkled with pistachios. Wrong! It was so delectable and enticing in the best way possible. With the first bite, you feel as if the pastry knows your name. Then you’re so compelled to lean in closer to take a second bite because it keeps calling you. Next thing you know it’s gone and you’re looking at the plate whispering, “Please, come back!”  It was a bittersweet moment to see something I loved so dearly, disappear so quickly. Such is the hungry life.
Following that was the salmon which in one word was: amazing. It was delicate and perfectly seasoned and came with a mushroom risotto. The risotto was the best I’ve ever had. So creamy, velvety, and the mushrooms gave it an earthy taste. A little pro tip, if you’re going to eat the risotto, devour it cautiously. It will be so good that you’ll want to eat it like a caveman. Don’t. Maintain your composure and take slow bites. It’ll be hard, but you’ll look normal. Finally, the dessert was light and easygoing. Shortbread cookies paired with strawberries and whip cream with mint leaf garnish. It wasn’t too much, but it was just enough to end the meal. A tad on the pricey side for the size, but if someone is taking you out—don’t worry about it.

BOA is a great restaurant in general, but an even better location for lunch or dinner on Valentine’s Day. It’s in a prime location, is beautifully designed, and the menu is exquisite. Dining at BOA for Valentine’s Day will be a night that allows you and your date to enjoy an evening where the menu calls your name and the plate romanticizes you when it’s placed before you. If you’re wondering what that sounds and feels like, it’s like love.

You’re welcome.

If you’re looking for more restaurants for Valentine’s Day, then check out my Valentine’s Day series here.

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Address: 101 Santa Monica Blvd Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: (310) 899-4466
Hours:
Monday to Wednesday – 12:00pm to 3:00pm and 5:30pm to 10:30pm
Thursday 12:00pm to 3:00pm and 5:30pm to 11:00pm
Friday and Saturday – 12:00pm to 3:00pm and 5:30pm to 11:30pm;
Sunday – 12:00pm to 3:00pm and 5:30pm to 10:00pm;
Happy Hour (bar and lounge only) Monday to Friday 5:00pm to 7:00pm
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