Wondering where to take your significant other come February 14? Might we recommend one of the following fine establishments that serve delicious cuisine in a wildly romantic setting.
Gitane
With dark moody lighting and sumptuous decor, Gitane is one of the city’s sexiest restaurants. The cuisine is Spanish-influenced—we love the wood-fired octopus and salt cod croquettes—and there is an extensive wine list of old-world varietals. Whether you grab a spot last minute at the bar or make a reservation for a table in the intimate upstairs dining room, you’re in for a romantic ride.
Bix
Bix is the stuff of date night dreams. It’s one of the few places where steak tartare is dressed tableside and live music—a pianist or jazz trio—plays nightly. The classic San Francisco eatery has an old-school vibe, magnificent martinis, and to die for chicken hash.
Photo Credit: Alison Christiana
Gibson
Gibson is a relatively new restaurant inside the Hotel Bijou that transports diners to another era of time. The gold art deco-inspired decor and long blue banquet bring to mind Paris during the 1920s. What’s on the menu? Well-balanced cocktails, the most delicious toast ever with decadent toppings, caviar service, and other upscale dishes all cooked in the kitchen’s wood-fire oven.
Kokkari
An iconic Greek institution, Kokkari, in Jackson Square, is the perfect spot for a first or 51st date. There is tons of seating, from the bar to cozy booths to tiny two-tops, and it has a vibrant bustling vibe. The Greek cuisine is made for sharing so order plenty of mezethes like the oven-baked gigantes beans, flaky spanakotirpita, and prawns with feta butter. Delish!
Petit Marlowe
The newest eatery from the Big Night Group, Petit Marlowe is a lovely bistro perfect for a date any night of the week. On Valentine’s Day, chef Jennifer Puccio is offering a six-course menu to awaken the senses. There will be oysters, lobster, escargot, vicar, foie gras, and more so expect a decadent evening!
Cold Drinks
Ok, so it’s not a restaurant, but we couldn’t leave Cold Drinks off of this list. It’s hand’s down, the sleekest, most sexy new bar in the city! Located on the second floor of China Live in North Beach, this luxe watering hole with velvet chairs, gold details, and artisanal cocktails, is the ideal place to end your evening with a nightcap. Or, start your night here and enjoy dinner at Eight Tables by George Chen, the prix fix tasting menu restaurant from China Live, afterward.