Romantic Dining Restaurants

Cetrella

Address: 845 Main Street, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Cetrella
$$$ Top 10
Just south of San Francisco on the Pacific Ocean lies the city of Half Moon bay where agriculture and big wave surfing are the popular attractions in town. When it comes to food, Cetrella is the areas destination point. With French and Mediterranean undertones, Cetrella draws from local growers and purveyors to seasonally create dishes from land and sea. Freshly harvested Oysters on the Half Shell, Mussels, Grilled Octopus and the Beet Salad are light items that represent its closeness to the ocean and plentiful fields. Entrees like the Lamb Shank, Pork Chop, Duck Confit and Gnocchi Parisienne also allow …

Gitane

Address: 6 Claude Lane, San Francisco, CA 94108
Gitane
$$$
Gitane is located on quiet Claude Lane between the Financial District and Union Square. Gitane has eclectic yet comfortable furnishings that create a romantic dining experience. The menu focuses on the range of cuisines from the Iberian Peninsula, which stretches from southern France through Portugal, Spain, and Morocco. In addition to the foods of Iberia, the bar at Gitane has made a specialty of the Sherries of Spain and Portugal. The staff is well-versed in both the food and spirits of the region and Gitane is a relaxing choice for a taste of Iberia in an eclectic and festive space.

Oola

Address: 860 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
Oola
$$$
This sophisticated American bistro specializes in California comfort food with a French flair. Chef Ola Fendert uses classic cooking techniques to prepare dishes like All Natural Baby Back Ribs and Lamb Daube. Oola Restaurant and Bar features these hearty bistro favorites while using organic meats and produce, as well as artisan cheeses and wines. Picked by Bon Appetit Magazine as one of the “Top 50 Hot Spots” around the country, this split level space is sleek and mature. Recycled wood, exposed stone, rust-toned light fixtures and plenty of candlelight produce an alluring and sexy atmosphere.

Five

Address: 2086 Allston Way, San Francisco, CA 94704
Five
$$$ New
The Hotel Shattuck, in downtown Berkeley, is home to a sophisticated restaurant that incorporates all of the senses into the dining experience. Five is an elegantly spacious modern American bistro and bar defined by massive columns that rise up to support the intricately recessed ceiling, grandly lit chandeliers, and beaming floor-to-ceiling windows that cast everything in the glow of luxury. The breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus are similarly well-designed with refined dishes that are both sophisticated and welcoming. Executive Chef Howard Scott melds opulence with familiarity in dishes like the Deviled Surf and Turf Eggs and the Short Rib Pot …

Commis

Address: 3859 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611
Commis
$$$$ New
Commis’ cuisine strives to combine the classic and traditional with the modern and refreshing. The restaurant’s seasonally changing menu achieves this goal by infusing balance and ambition into each of its dishes. Located in Oakland, Commis sits central to most areas of San Francisco, allowing a variety of clientele to experience this chef’s new avant-garde vision. Commis creates this distinctive perspective by combining ingredients that come together in an almost unexpected harmony.

54 Mint

Address: 16 Mint Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94103
54 Mint
$$ New
There’s a bit of Rome right in the heart of San Francisco. 54 Mint presents bold flavors with imaginative pairings and infuses a bit of Italy into everything they prepare. This combination restaurant and wine bar is located downtown on the historic Mint Plaza and attracts locals and tourists alike with its charming décor and ambiance. 54 Mint has a comprehensive wine list and food menu as well as community seating in their wine cellar which can also be rented out for private events.

Amelie

Address: 1754 Polk Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
Amelie
$$
In need of a short vacation, romantic rendezvous, or a hip hang out? Head over to Amelie Le Bar a Vin on San Francisco’s Polk Street. This wine bar has a wine list that is 125 bottles strong and representative of a trip around the world. Their list also changes regularly in an effort to keep things fresh and exciting, however, they still hold on to a grouping of favorites. Amelie serves contemporary French cuisine along with an inventive list of cocktails and beers. The bar’s atmosphere is buzzing with the city’s energy while retaining that “neighborhood bar” feeling since …

Yield Wine Bar

Address: 2490 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
Yield Wine Bar
$$ New
Infused with the flavors and colors of the seasons, San Francisco’s Yield Wine Bar invites guests to come in and try something new. They believe in providing high quality dishes and wines that won’t break the bank. Yield’s cuisine is a contemporary American and Thai fusion. The menu is full of unique combinations and flavors sure to entice any palate and Yield’s knowledgeable staff is more than happy to recommend dishes and wine pairings. The ambiance is tranquil and romantic with a hint of excitement and complete with a chic decor. Yield is a great place to swing by for …

Taste Catering

Address: 3450 3rd Street, Unit 4D, San Francisco, CA 94124
Taste Catering
$$$
For almost 30 years, Taste Catering has been the leading source for San Francisco’s event planning needs. This Bay Area institution actively supports local growers and purveyors, engaging in the use of organic and sustainable agricultural practices. Beyond backing the region’s independent agriculture community, Taste is fully committed to representing their clients’ unique style and vision. From a dramatic and romantic wedding to a lively yet professional corporate event, Taste will execute every detail with a flair for creativity and a standard of professionalism. Leave your next catering needs to Taste and savor the ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ that come from …

The Stinking Rose

Address: 325 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94113
The Stinking Rose
$$
Vampires beware! The Stinking Rose is known throughout San Francisco as being the number one restaurant for fans of garlic and excellent food. Located in North Beach, the restaurant goes through over 3,000 pounds of the garlic each month, and diners visit again and again to indulge in the Californian-Italian cuisine. The Stinking Rose is best known for its Dungeness Killer Crab: a fresh crab weighing over two pounds and roasted in a secret garlic sauce until succulent and juicy. The garlicky goodness extends to the rest of the restaurant’s menu, which includes seafood skillets, tureens, surf and turf, pastas, …

Cha Cha Cha

Address: 1801 Haight Street, San Francisco, CA 94117
Cha Cha Cha
$$
Located in Haight-Asbury, San Francisco’s most colorful Historic district, lies a Tapas restaurant and bar that revolutionizes the marriage of healthy dining and intense flavor. Caribbean and Cajun flavors are staple of importance at Cha Cha Cha, a restaurant that can prove that eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to eat bland. Serving up spicy, hot dishes such as Lechon Asado (roast leg of pork), and Arroz Con Pollo (roasted chicken with spicy vegetables), guests can be introduced to new flavors as well as dine on classic flavors. With options for lunch and dinner as well as drinks and dessert, …

Grand Cafe

Address: 501 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Grand Cafe
$$$
For a taste of authentic French cuisine plated with a healthy side of Old World opulence and charm, the Grand Café Brasserie and Bar is the place to visit. The restaurant dining space draws the eyes up to the 30-foot high ceilings with regal architectural elements and impressive columns that hearken back to the days of Art Deco luxury. To complement the space and offer a welcomed balance of inviting fare, the Grand Café menu presents guests with a plush selection of classic French brasserie cuisine dishes firmly rooted in seasonal freshness and flavor. Linger over a delightful drink at …

Farallon

Address: 450 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Farallon
$$
Step inside Farallon and feel yourself being whisked away to a mermaid’s paradise. Designer Pat Kuleto’s interior design is so stunning it looks like an art nouveau underwater palace, and may very well be a destination in its own right. Taking cues from the natural beauty of the underwater world, Kuleto fills the space with artful details like jellyfish lamps with graceful trailing tails, and conch-shaped rooms with booths that follow a natural spiral. While the décor is quintessential whimsy, the cuisine is very much rooted in reality, with the elegant, multifaceted creations of Chef and Owner Mark Franz. Franz’s …

Paolo's

Address: 333 West San Carlos Street, San Jose, CA 95110
Paolo's
$$
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, and to be exact, the epicenter of San Jose, is Paolo’s, an Italian restaurant with roots planted firmly in “The Boot”. Open now for over 50 years in the River Park area, Paolo’s serves lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday in a unique park-like environment. If you’re looking for pastas or pizzas, either contemporary or traditional, you can find them on the menu. Some of the items are originals from the first few years of opening, like the Ossobuco di Vitello (Braised veal shank, saffron faro, and gremolata) and Empress Salad which consists …

Arcadia

Address: 100 West San Carlos Street, San Jose, CA 95113
Arcadia
$$$
Located at the San Jose Marriott, Arcadia serves up a contemporary twist to classic staples of the modern American steakhouse. Breakfast specials consist of the Broken Yolk Fried Egg Sandwich, Arcadia French Toast and the Crispy Malted Waffle. Lunch features the Power Lunch, which offers diners a choice of salad or soup as well as an entrée for a low price. A la carte selections include Steak Frites, Truffle Risotto, Cobb Salad, as well as a number of burgers and sandwiches. Dinner finger foods such as the Lobster Corn Dogs, Truffled Popcorn, and Oysters Rockefeller will prime your appetite for …

The Basin

Address: 14572 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, CA 95070
The Basin
$$
With influences stemming from Italy and Spain, The Basin serves up both types of food with American flair. In downtown Saratoga, just southwest of San Jose, The Basin has a wide selection of small plates such as the Paella Pequena, Lamb Sliders, house made Burrata and Truffle Fries. Seafood and Salads are available with fresh Shucked Oysters, House Cured Wild Salmon and the Fancy Green Salad on the lighter side. If you are hankering for a large entrée, the Pork N’ Clams with a Snake River Farms tenderloin and littleneck clams should hit the spot, as will the Thick Cut …

On The Waterfront

Address: 60 Third Street, Lakeport, CA 95453
On The Waterfront
$$
A modern eatery with a globally inspired, progressive menu of original dishes meant to be shared. From small plates to medium and large plates, we offer a fresh and ever changing seasonal menu designed to tantalize your senses with a fusion of flavors, complemented by wine, to deliver an unforgettable dining experience.

Vim Dining & Desserts

Address: 2238 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Vim Dining & Desserts
$$ Recommended New Editor's Pick Outdoor Seating
Vim Dining & Desserts is a restaurant located in Santa Cruz, California, at 2238 Mission St. The establishment offers a variety of dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and desserts. They also serve a selection of craft beers and wines. The interior of Vim Dining & Desserts is modern and sleek, with a mix of booth and table seating available. The restaurant features an open kitchen concept, allowing diners to see their food being prepared. In addition to their food and drink offerings, Vim Dining & Desserts also hosts various events throughout the year, including wine tastings and live music performances.

Chambers Eat + Drink

Address: 601 Eddy Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
Chambers Eat + Drink
$$ New
Chambers Eat + Drink is a restaurant and lounge inside San Francisco’s iconic rock n’ roll hotel, the Phoenix, and provides a menu, décor, and ambiance that is both chic and full of substance. Executive Chef Trevor Ogden—formerly from Mission Beach Café and Umami—has constructed a menu that is laden with seasonal entrees derived from California with influences from Japan, the Mediterranean and France. Examples are the Sizzling Kobe Tri-Tip and the Lamb Saddle—English peas, Israeli couscous, baby white carrots, chard leeks, pea tendrils and lamb jus. The menu complements the aesthetics, providing scenery that is modern with two indoor …

Davenport Roadhouse Restaurant

Address: 1 Davenport Ave, Davenport, CA 95017
Davenport Roadhouse Restaurant
$$ Recommended New Editor's Pick Outdoor Seating
Delicious and affordable California coastal cuisine featuring fresh ingredients from neighboring organic farms is the hallmark of our kitchen. Just 10 minutes from downtown Santa Cruz.