How to do date night around the world without leaving Monterey County.

NOTHING SAYS IT’S TIME FOR A HOT DATE QUITE LIKE VALENTINE’S DAY. But how about hot as in spicy? Or exotic? Though Monterey County is a tourist attraction in itself, locals can go around the culinary world right here. Relationship experts often encourage couples to mix things up. Travel abroad is one way to do that – or trying something different for dinner. Pick a cuisine or two, and take your honey on a global tour without crossing the county line.

Japan: Akaoni

Mission and Sixth, Carmel; 620-1516

It’s a date-night splurge, but you won’t find better sushi anywhere in the county, maybe even the Central Coast. Akaoni delivers the ultimate Japanese experience, especially if you get a seat at the bar. You won’t get tempura or Cali rolls here – only sashimi deemed the absolute finest by a very particular chef.

The Mediterranean: Jeninni

542 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove; 920-2662

A local’s favorite, for good reason: A mindfully curated a Middle-Eastern-inspired menu complements the tempting wine bar list. Whether happy hour or date-night, Jeninni brightens up Pacific Grove with lively flavors and spices like lemon tahini lamb meatballs or chicken and merguez tagine.

Korea: New Korea

300 Carmel Ave., Suite. D, Marina; 384-7171

Hailed as the real deal, for those craving octopus soup, glass noodles, seafood pancakes or even kimchi soup with fishcakes and spam, this is the place to be. It’s a hidden gem, making it that much more appealing for a casual date. And yes, there’s bibimbap.

Mexico: El Charrito

122 W. Market St., Salinas; 424-9446

There’s an old-school touch to date night in the car or as a picnic: Do takeout here, where you can choose among mouthwatering tacos and burritos (try the chili verde or chile relleno burrito). Fully grown adults have been known to have physical battles over the homemade tortillas you can purchase by the bag – if you’re lucky.

Greece: Epsilon

422 Tyler St., Monterey; 655-8108

Some say Greek is a food group in itself, and the team at Epsilon would agree. Here you’ll be transported by the beautiful ambiance and Mediterranean decor before even sampling the dolmades, moussaka, flaming saganaki cheese or even the decadent baklava. Opa!

India: Aabha

3690 The Barnyard, Carmel; 250-5940 414 Alvarado St., Monterey; 641-7924

In the background you may hear a fire crackling, a waterfall running or Indian music singing away, but your senses will be most overtaken by the deeply aromatic dishes in front of you, like basil salmon tikka, lamb vindaloo or tandoori lobster.

Vietnam: Plates Com Tam

1988 Fremont Blvd., Seaside; 394-7653

No dish has brought the spotlight on Vietnamese food more than pho, and if noodles dancing in piquant bone broth with cilantro and jalapeños is your thing, this is your place. For those health-conscious and/or vegan, it’s easy to find an array of appetizing veggie options, starting with their specialty: broken rice.

Thailand: Ginger Thai

1104 S. Main St., Salinas; 422-8424

Pad thai anyone? Pad see ew? Just the thought of these traditional Thai dishes with peanuts and basil (respectively) can make one salivate, especially from cute and cozy Ginger Thai. Plus, there’s sticky mango rice for dessert!

Spain: Estéban

700 Munras Ave., Monterey; 375-0176

Spanish cuisine is all about sharing the love – and the food, tapas-style. Sit by an indoor or outdoor fire and enjoy the variety that Spain has to offer, from patatas bravas to pork empanadas, not to mention the paella. What better date than food made for splitting?

Germany: Stammtisch

1204 Echo Ave., Seaside; 899-3070

If you and your babe are craving something hearty, the meaty plates at Stammtisch won’t leave you disappointed. Homey and comforting from the pork schnitzel to the bacon-stuffed beef, it’s all extra satisfying washed down with German beer. Chocolate cake couldn’t hurt either.

China: Tommy’s Wok

Mission between Ocean and Seventh, Carmel; 624-8518

We all have our favorite spot for those nights you just need takeout, but the cult following of Tommy’s Wok shows this Chinese restaurant shouldn’t be overlooked for a sit-down occasion either. Dim sum is a beloved attraction here – dumplings, spare ribs, pork buns, you name it.

Italy: Gusto

1901 Fremont Blvd., Seaside; 899-5825

America’s favorite food is actually Italian, and although it’s a tough field to compete in, Gusto could take just about anyone. Huge lists of pizza (like black truffle and prosciutto) and pasta (like artichoke and fontina ravioli) are made for sharing, along with an international wine list and many Italian sweets, recommended with gelato on the side.

France: Bistro Moulin

867 Wave St., Monterey; 333-1200

The menu is prix-fixe this Valentine’s Day – so your lucky tastebuds will (mostly) be in the hands of the chef. Choices are still available, like tarragon chicken and mushroom crêpes or cannelloni tartufi with beef tenderloin, ricotta, truffle and pink vodka sauce.

El Salvador: El Salvadoreño Pupuseria

3056 Del Monte Blvd., Marina; 747-2385

Stuffed corn tortillas known as pupusas are enough to draw crowds here, but plenty of other interesting and unique dishes are worth a try, too – like pork tamales, fried plantains and chicken sandwiches. Dig into the steamed yucca, and you’re a world away.