Top 12 Date Night Restaurants in San Francisco (and Beyond!)

San Francisco

Bix. Probably my absolute favorite date spot in San Francisco.  It feels like you’re stepping back into a time machine set to 1935.  There’s a speakeasy feel about it without being cheesy or a drunken debacle.  The setting is the highlight, but the food is pretty amazing as well.  Expect a slightly older crowd, and dress accordingly.  There’s almost always a pianist, and sometimes you can catch a jazz trio. xo, A

Chiaroscuro. Delicious and inspired Italian cooking in a small, sweet setting.  It’s located right near the Transamerica Pyramid in the Financial District which means although it’s probably bustling during the day, it’s calm and intimate in the evening when all those money people head home.  Absolutely fantastic service, so ask for recommendations.  (And get some cheese, please.  For me.)  xo, C

Foreign Cinema.  Check the movie schedule ahead of time and request a seat in the (covered) courtyard (preferably near a heat lamp!) for dinner and show.  The movie is really just background noise, but it definitely adds to the ambiance.  xo, A

Gary Danko. A San Francisco institution for a reason.  It’s the picture of amazing service in a uniquely SF location.  I used to live right across the street from the restaurant, and I would sigh about how someday I’d get to eat there to my now-husband.  He took me there for my birthday that year, and I think I fell in love with him for it!  It was my first experience with truly fine dining and I’ve been obsessed ever since.  Don’t skip the cheese cart. xo, A

La Folie.  Perfect contemporary French food.  Local and inventive, but using classic techniques.  How good is the food?  They hosted the French president on his last visit to San Francisco.  Save room for dessert.  xo, A

Pesce (pronounced peh-shay). This is a take on Italian food that you may not be familiar with.  The food is inspired by the cuisine of Venice, so think small plates with lots of seafood.  I’ll admit, I’ve never been to their new Castro location but the old location was intimate and beautifully decorated.  Don’t miss the crab tower and some of the seasonal cocktails. xo, A

East Bay

Chez Panisse.  Quintessential California cuisine in an historic setting.  Whether you eat in the lively cafe upstairs or in the more buttoned-up restaurant downstairs, you’ll experience local, sustainable, seasonal cooking at its absolute best.  There’s no place like it.  xo, A

Commis. Another small restaurant, this spot has an fun open kitchen where you can see all of your yummy food being prepared.  The spot uses lots of ingredients you might not find on other menus for a truly unexpected experience and extra special flavors.  Be prepared for small plates on their prix fixe menu- bring an appetite but don’t starve yourself all day before your reservation or you might need three desserts.  (Not that I’m judging.)  xo, C

Yoshi’s. The only restaurant on my list where ambiance plays in so heavily.  The food is good- Japanese cuisine presented beautifully.  Still, the real draw is getting a tasty dinner in before seeing a favorite musical performer.  Diners get reserved seating for the concerts so make sure you specify when you call in for tickets.  (The current schedule ranges from Rufus Wainwright to a local high school Jazz Band.) xo, C

Wine Country

Bistro Jeanty.  Soulful French food that sticks with you.  I haven’t had a single dish here that wasn’t absolutely wonderful, which makes ordering very difficult.  We tend to over-order in very dramatic fashion.  Whatever you do, don’t skip dessert. xo, A

Bouchon. Oh, Thomas Keller.  I’ve been to many of his restaurants, and this is by far my favorite.  It’s a gorgeous yet accessible and lively California-French restaurant.  Get the freshest oysters and champagne and order anything with foie gras in it (yay, it’s back!).  Try to sit outside on a warm evening.  xo, A.

Oxbow Public Market. This is a more casual date spot in Napa and can be much kinder on the wallet than some of the other places we’ve mentioned.  Start with oysters and sparkling wine at Hog Island, then share a pizza at Ca’ Momi.  Move on to a dessert tour of the building, from cupcakes to chocolate to ice cream.  Finish with a nightcap at Napa Valley Distillery or some coffee at Ritual.  Get an early start though, because most of the building shuts down around 8:00. xo, A&C