El Paseo in Mill Valley is one of the most romantic places we know.
What is romance anyway? Some would call it a construct, an illusion, a load of crap; the less cynical among you would say it’s a state of heightened effort, awareness, and emotion that surrounds certain moments in a relationship. And with that idea of effort in mind — because for us, romance requires taking a few extra steps — we’ve done our blogger duty this week in bringing you a Valentine’s-themed roundup of what we consider the most romantic dining destinations around the Bay. We’ve included a few in-town choices here, but really, you should be willing to get in a car for this one. Maybe even get a hotel room if necessary, especially if you’re in the categories of “Sweet Spot” or “Reigniting the Flame” as defined in yesterday’s Sloshed column about what to drink on V-Day.
Now, for those of you with strictly anti-conformist ideas about what to do with your loved one on this Hallmark holiday, we strongly suggest skipping this list altogether and either a) having a picnic on a bench somewhere with a few extra blankets, or b) taking a blacksmithing class.
We’ll begin here in town, where for some Noe Valley is a destination and the Outer Richmond is a serious trek. Mourad Lahlou’s eleven-year-old, Moroccan-inspired restaurant is enough of a romantic getaway for us, with deeply spiced wintry flavors perfect for the season. Also, pastry chef Melissa Chou is regularly nominated for awards like the most recent Food & Wine Best New Pastry Chef poll, so the dessert course is sure to impress your date.
5800 Geary Boulevard at 22nd; 415.752.2222; More info here.
Ms. Tablehopper once named this place the best restaurant in which to have an affair, and this still holds true. Hidden within the Huntington Hotel atop Nob Hill, and lined with dark wood and scenes of railroads and hunting, this place feels far removed from the city while being right in the heart of it. They make a solid cocktail, and the menu is hearty and short on frills, i.e. perfect for your man with simple tastes.
1075 California Street; 415.771.1140; More info here.
This restaurant remains solid and satisfying after many years in La Lengua/Bernal, and it’s home to one of the most perfect patios in the city. It’s just the right amount of secluded, brick-lined, and overgrown, with mature trees and heat lamps to keep you warm. And did we mention the food and the wine list are always top notch? This place remains a neighborhood gem, and perfect for an easy but fairly special night in town.
3218 Mission Street; 415.282.6777; More info here
Out-of-the-way bistros are always a good call for V-Day, or for any date in need of a little French comfort. Chapeau! is a well loved example in the Inner Richmond, and just out of the way enough for most of us that it shows a bit of effort and imagination. It can be kind of bustling in there, and it’s not that well kept a secret, but who can go wrong with oysters, onion soup, and filet mignon with pommes de terre landaise.
126 Clement Street; 415.750.9787; More info here.
The patio at Contigo is what we’re especially thinking of here, because it’s a secluded, green little spot where you and your date can hold hands under the table and not be harrassed. Also, chef Brett Emerson’s take on Spanish cuisine is constantly evolving, and never boring.
1320 Castro Street at 24th; 415.285.0250; More info here.
This Oakland/Berkeley border mainstay in Rockridge has been a well loved romantic spot of ours for over a decade. The food may not seems as exciting as it did ten years ago, but it still has its moments, and the room still feels like it has soul. Added bonus: great cocktails and a very pretty patio.
5478 College Avenue, Oakland; Reserve here
Chez Panisse, both upstairs and down, has to be one of the most romantic places around the Bay Area. If the object of your affection is any kind of foodinista, he/she is sure to be charmed just by being in such close proximity to the great Alice Waters, and the passionate, warming, simple nature of the food will help set the mood. The rooms and the lighting of this old house lend their own warmth and charm. Drink a glass of Bandol rosé, split a pizzetta and some small plates, and be sure to try a salad or two. For dessert, there’s sure to be some gorgeous fruit thing you won’t find anywhere else.
1517 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley; More info here
If your date is a fan of Japanese food, and Japanese aesthetics, we think this quiet place in downtown Berkeley is just the right thing for a holiday like this. You’ll have your own semi-enclosed-feeling wooden booth to yourselves, in which you’ll need to be shoeless, and that in and of itself is romantic. The shochu will loosen you up (and this place is right near BART, so…). Also, the food is lighter than most V-Day tasting menus you’re going to find, and many would argue the key to romance is exactly that — still having some stamina for the stuff that comes after dinner.
2130 Center Street, Berkeley; More info here
Now, this would be the opposite of light, food-wise, but certainly if you’re looking for a romantic destination on V-Day or trying to reignite a flame, this would be the place to do it. It’s possibly the most romantic, perfectly laid out restaurant in Northern California, with multiple rooms set around a brick-lined walkway and courtyard that feels straight out of Europe. And the menu that Tyler Florence has crafted with chef Preston Clark is sophisticated without being fancy, and the steaks here are one of a kind — and enormous. See our slideshow from last year to get an idea.
17 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley; 415.388.0741; More info here
The restaurant on the picturesque grounds of Domaine Chandon is another fine spot for a quick romantic getaway, albeit one that might require an overnight stay in Yountville. But what better way to show you care than to plan a little mid-week jaunt up there, with some good champagne and some excellent food by rising star chef Perry Hoffman, in a modern dining room with a lingering, once-again hip air of 1980s chic. They are doing an optional prix fixe on Valentine’s Day for $95, with $40 additional for pairings, and as tasting menus go that’s not a bad price for what you’ll get. You could easily get back home in time for Letterman if you play it right, but if you do stay overnight, there’s always breakfast to be grabbed at Bouchon Bakery before heading back to the city.
1 California Drive, Yountville; More info here
