13 Romantic Restaurants for a Night Out in San Francisco
With such a stellar collection of cuisines and restaurants, San Francisco makes it easy to enjoy a delicious night out. But where should you go when you want to take that special someone somewhere that screams romance? While there will always be the classic steakhouses or red-checkered tablecloth joints, there are also lots of gems that pull off the aura of romance just as well.
Romance is more than just candles or a hushed atmosphere, so we’ve made a list of 13 of the most romantic restaurants in San Francisco — each of which has just a little something extra to take date night up a notch. Some have plush booths for snuggling and others have white tablecloths or impressive views, but all are delicious choices for wooing or keeping that spark alive.
1454 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
This is slow food at its best, with each savory-and-sweet, sky-high, handmade soufflé made only by chef Jacqueline Margulis. Service in this tiny North Beach restaurant is decidedly old school, and reservations are taken only by phone. The French food takes time here and is meant to be shared, so make sure you go with someone you’re happy to spend a few hours with.
Matterhorn Restaurant and Bakery
2323 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109
Located at the edge of Cow Hollow and Pacific Heights, it’s easy to pretend you’re dining on a snow-covered Alpine mountain at this fondue favorite, especially if you’re lucky enough to snag the gondola table for two. Lock eyes over a bubbling pot of cheese or beef fondue, and don’t forget the tradition that dropping the bread or dipper into the pot means that you have to give your dining companion a kiss.
56 Gold St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Tucked away on a narrow street in Jackson Square, this swanky supper club offers plush booths and balcony seating in a classic Art Deco setting, complete with nightly live piano and jazz. Dine on fancy deviled eggs or the restaurant’s famous chicken hash, and don’t pass up a seat at the lively bar to watch classic martinis being shaken or stirred by bartenders sporting bow ties and white jackets.
531 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Tucked into an inconspicuous space off Colombus Avenue, Trestle’s narrow dining room makes for an intimate dinner setting. Dark brick and cinnamon-colored woods fill the room, where savvy diners know they can find a prix fixe menu that costs just $39, a steal in this city of Champagne and caviar. There’s the option to add a pasta supplement but the ever-changing menu typically includes a seasonal salad, hearty entree, and dessert.
838 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108
Go to Chinatown and take an elevator up to the top floor where the iconic Empress of China restaurant used to be. In its place is Empress by Boon, serving modern Cantonese food in a sleek atmosphere with impressive views. Only a prix fixe menu is offered, but you can order a la carte at the bar. Be prepared to doll up to dine here, as there’s a dress code of no t-shirts or shorts.
1 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105
Chef Nancy Oakes’ quintessential San Francisco restaurant sits in a historic building right near the foot of the Bay Bridge, perfect for pairing dinner with a romantic walk along the waterfront. The menu is unabashedly Californian and dialed into what’s local and seasonal, and you get to savor your three courses in a redesigned dining room that still retains artisanal mosaics and blown glass.
369 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105
For those who associate romance with dinner at a steakhouse, why not choose one that has Bay Bridge and water views? Located right on the Embarcadero with huge windows and a large heated patio to soak in the vista, EPIC offers a menu that has all the classics, from shrimp cocktail to béarnaise sauce to pour over grilled steaks. Wash it all down with a big, bold glass of red wine or sip on a classic cocktail instead.
Ula Mediterranean Dining & Cocktails
450 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Art Deco meets gorgeous under-the-sea fixtures in this seafood-centric Union Square newcomer. The large space mixes booths, tables, and a balcony if you want to get a birds-eye view of the action below. Want live music? Have your oysters on the half shell or lobster agnolotti in the Jellyfish Room as you listen to jazz, funk, or soul (reservation and fee applies).
3665 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94118
Walk down a narrow alley past a floral shop and emerge onto a heated patio with a secret garden feel in Presidio Heights. Nibble on fried olives while you peruse the Italian-influenced menu where pastas are the star, and don’t forget to leave room for dessert, especially the chocolate oblivion cake that has olive oil, sea salt, and amaretti cookie crumbles.
3870 17th St, San Francisco, CA 94114
With its striking black-and-white paint job and long, narrow dining room, chef Marissa Perello’s Frances achieves an effortless cool that makes the restaurant more than just a neighborhood standard. The menu, spearheaded by chef de cuisine Jordan Whittrock, spins local and seasonal ingredients into elegant plates like a cured kampachi crudo with kumquat and roasted échine de pork with apple mostarda.
3000 20th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
The latest from the folks at Flour + Water, Penny Roma specializes in Roman pastas served in a heated courtyard in the Mission outfitted with a retractable roof and lush plants. Dishes from other regions in Italy complete the menu, from crudos to a 32-ounce bone-in ribeye with bone marrow salsa verde. The easy-to-understand wine list features Californian and Italian bottles broken down into natural and classic categories.
2534 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
String lights illuminate this magical courtyard in the Mission where diners are treated to both dinner and a movie after dusk. The California-Mediterranean menu includes oysters, snacky starters, lots of vegetarian options, and a cocktail list peppered with cinematic references. Use the drive-in speakers next to each table to turn the volume up or down depending on how interested you are in the evening’s flick being projected on the wall.
** This article was originally published by SF.Eater. CLICK HERE to view the full article.