Valentine’s Day Dining in San Francisco 

It’s that time of year and hopefully you’ve started to think about your Valentine’s Day Dining plans. For those that are still planning here is a fabulous list of some of my favorite San Francisco & Bay Area destinations with Valentine’s Day Dining fun. I hope you enjoy and Happy early Valentine’s Day! XO Emily

A16 – A16 is celebrating Valentine’s Day (and their 12^th anniversary!) with a festive multi-course menu from Executive Chef Rocky Maselli and traditional wine pairing options from Wine Director/Owner Shelley Lindgren. The five-course menu will be available on both Saturday and Sunday night with dish highlights including Southern Italian specialties like Squid Ink Tonnarelli Puttanesca with chili, capers, and oil cured olives, and a special Coccola – a heart-shaped blood orange Cappelletti jello shot – for dessert from Executive Pastry Chef Hannah Buoye. The prix-fixe dinner is $85 per person with wine pairings optional. Reservations can be made by visiting www.a16sf.com or calling 415.771.2216. Read more about A16 San Francisco here. 

Aatxe – Celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend with Aatxe and enjoy a special supplemental menu created by Chef Ryan Pollnow on Friday and Saturday evening – highlights include Oysters on the 1/2 shell and California Osetra Caviar Montadito. In addition, guest can let the kitchen decide, where chef will bring out a tasting of his favorite tapas for $65 per person. To allow their staff to enjoy the love-filled holiday as well, Aatxe will be closed on Sunday, February 14. For reservations please visit aatxesf.comor call 415.471.2977. Read more about Aatxe here.

Bourbon Steak Santa Clara – Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Bourbon Steak Santa Clara and enjoy an exquisite five-course dinner menu curated by Executive Chef Lee Bennett for $95 per person (exclusive of tax & gratuity) with optional wine pairings for $55. Selections include  Black River Osetra Caviar with warm potato pancakes, chive crème fraiche to start; Citrus-Cured Black Bass with sunchokes, saffron aioli, pink grapefruit, pine nuts; Dungeness Crab Risotto with miso-glazed Alaskan King Crab, scallions; Chilled Artisan Foie Gras with luxardo cherry jelly, hazelnut brittle, brioche; Oak-Roasted Duck Breast with parsnip puree, beluga lentils, smoked carrot espuma; Duo of American Wagyu with braised cheek & strip loin, root vegetable terrine; Valrhona Milk Chocolate Cream Delice with passion fruit, praline crunch, coconut cake. If you’re looking for a more casual option, Bourbon Pub will be offering it’s regular menu. Read more about Bourbon Steak & Pub here. 

Cafe Claude – Celebrate Valentine’s Day at San Francisco’s French favorite, Café Claude. Located on Claude Lane, one of San Francisco’s hidden gems, the restaurant will feature a 4-course prix fixe menu on Valentine’s Day with different options for each course for $75 per person (excluding tax & gratuity) with optional wine pairings. If you’re looking to celebrate early, the restaurant will offer set special 4-course menu for $55 per person (excluding tax & gratuity) on Friday, 2/12 and Saturday, 2/13.  Guests will start with a lovely Amuse (Smoked Trout with Gribiche sauce, endive) and selections from the special menu include Organic Baby Beet Salad with goat cheese mousse, cress, hazelnut vinaigrette; Roasted Forest Mushroom Soup with black truffle creme fraiche; Baby Carrots & Avocado with winter citrus supremes, toasted quinoa; Salmon Carpaccio with toasted brioche, egg mimosa, pickled red onion, salmon caviar, capers; Pan Roasted Petrale Sole with potato puree, trumpet mushrooms, spinach vin blanc; Braised Pork Shank with savoy cabbage, marble potatoes, persillade, dijon mustard jus; and for dessert, indulge in options such as a White Chocolate Moelleux with candied cranberries, citrus creme anglaise; Macaron with raspberry chantilly, fresh raspberries.  Local jazz artists will serenade guests from 6:30 – 10:30 p.m.  each night, Friday throughSunday. For reservations please visit Cafe Claude’s website or call 415.392.3505. 7 Claude Lane, San Francisco. 

Canela Bistro & Wine Bar – Canela Bistro & Wine Bar is celebrating Valentine’s Day…scratch that, Valentine’s Weekend! Chef Mat Schuster has put together a special 4-course dinner available Friday, February 12 & Saturday, February 13 from 5:30pm – 11pm, and Sunday, February 14 from 3pm – 10pm. Selections include Sultry Black Rice “Supli” Style Croquetas with Mahon Cheese and Warm Smoked Tomato Sauce; Seared Duck Breast with Savory Chocolate Mole & Spanish Fried Rice; Roasted Piquillo Pepper stuffed with Barley, Pistachio and Dried Cherries with Fermented Black Garlic Sauce; and more. The four-course menu is $64 per person, with wine flights available (a Passion Flight and a Lust Flight). Also, Canela has a celebratory brunch menu for Sunday, February 14 from 11am – 3pm. This “Chocolate – Savory To Sweet” menu includes Dark Chocolate Gazpacho with Chocolate Bread Croutons; Huevos Fritos with Pork Chorizo or Veggies, Cubed Potatoes and Sofrito & Savory Chocolate Mole; and Spanish Torrijas “French” Toast with Bacon and Chocolate Chips, Drizzle, and Dust. “Chocolate – Savory To Sweet” will be $25 per person, with a bubble flight offering of $15 per person.  Please visit www.canelasf.com or call (415) 552-3000 for reservations. 2272 Market Street, San Francisco. 

Capo’s – The Chicago-themed sister restaurant of Tony Gemignani’s famous Tony’s Pizza Napoletana in North Beach is offering a sweet deal for Valentine’s Day. This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday, and at Capo’s that means Spaghetti Sunday! Tony Gemignani and his team have created a special Spaghetti Sunday Valentine’s Day package, Lady and the Tramp style – a bowl of spaghetti and meatballs, a Caesar salad, and garlic bread for two, plus two glasses of red wine and a sweet chocolate finish for $49 (for two). Read more about Capo’s here. 

DOSA – Looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day at a beautiful, vibrant restaurant? DOSA is the perfect place to spice things up! For Valentine’s Day, our Executive Chef/Owner Anjan Mitra and our talented kitchen team will offer two special 4-course menus – a Truffle Menu and a Spice Menu.  At DOSA Fillmore, both menus are offered at $88 per person (not including tax + gratuity) with optional wine pairings for $48 and at DOSA Valencia, both menus are offered at $78 (not including tax + gratuity) with optional wine pairings for $48. In addition, guests will receive a special take away treat and a complimentary splash of bubbles.  Cozy up to the bar to enjoy one of our spice route cocktails or celebrate in our beautiful dining room, perfect for dates or groups of friends. For reservations, please visit dosasf.com or call DOSA Fillmore at 415-441-3672 or DOSA Valencia at 415-642-3672. Read more about Dosa on Fillmore here. 

E&O Kitchen and Bar – Take the stress out of Valentine’s Day and enjoy E&O Kitchen and Bar’s menu full of bold flavors served a la carte. Executive Chef Sharon Nahm has created a menu of pan Asian dishes such as their famous Indonesian Corn Fritters, Butternut Squash Dumplings and Wood Roasted Char Siu Black Cod; perfect for a romantic night that offers the flexibility to dine as you wish.  314 Sutter Street, San Francisco.

flour + water – This year celebrate Valentine’s Day the Umbria way! Chef Thomas McNaughton and Chef de Cuisine Evan Allumbaugh have created a menu that focuses on traditions from the region interpreted through the flour + water style of cuisine. Umbria is rumored to be the birthplace of San Valentino making it the perfect reason to celebrate! The menu is $95 per person with wine pairings available for an additional $70 per person. Menu highlights include: Mushroom Mousse and Perigord Truffle Bruschetta, Beet Cured Trout with roasted beets, compressed beets, poppy seed, crème fraiche, and horseradish, Pappardelle with rabbit ragu, Suckling Pig Porchett, and Chocolate Hazelnut Torte. Read more about flour + water here. 

Fogo de Chão – Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Internationally-renowned Southern Brazilian Steakhouse, Fogo de Chão (pronounced fo-go dee shown) in San Francisco, which recently opened its second Northern California location in late December 2015. The new restaurant is located on the corner of 3rd and Howard in the heart of San Francisco’s SoMa District. In the spirit of Cupid and meat loving couples across the Bay, Fogo de Chão will be offering one complimentary dining card to each couple that dines with them during Valentine’s Day weekend (February 12-14). Complimentary dining cards are redeemable for one lunch or dinner on their next visit (valid February 15 – April 28). For more information on location and pricing for San Francisco please visit: http://fogodechao.com/location/san-francisco and to see the full menu please click here.

Gaspar Brasserie – Gaspar’s new Chef Adam Nichol has put together a special 4-course prix fixe menu of approachable French fare. The special 4-course menu offered on Valentine’s Day includes options for each course for $85 per person (excluding tax & gratuity) with optional wine pairings for $45.  On Friday, 2/12 and Saturday, 2/13, chef will offer a similar, set 4-course menu, for $65 per person (excluding tax & gratuity). Guests will start the night with an Amuse (Buttermilk Fried West Coast Oyster with creme fraiche & salmon roe) and other selections include Beet Carpaccio with Roquefort mousse, toasted walnuts, chicories, mint & orange vinaigrette; Yellowfin Tuna Tartare with chicharones, tapioca pearls, hearts of palm, coconut, thai basil;Squid Ink Spaghetti with Dungeness crab, kohlrabi, asian pear, tarragon & tobiko; Cider Braised Pork Belly with onion soubise, savoy cabbage and winter spice granola; Honey & Lavender Aged Duck Breast with baby turnips, beluga lentils, pancetta and winter citrus; Beef Wellington with aligot potatoes, watercress, black truffle jus; Winter Citrus Panna Cottawith almond streusel, ginger caramel, lemon thyme; Dark Chocolate & Cognac Bread Pudding with currants, vanilla bean and espresso chantilly.  For reservations please visit Gaspar’s website or call 415.576.8800. 185 Sutter Street, San Francisco. 

Gitane – Known as one of San Francisco’s sexiest and most romantic restaurants, Gitane is the perfect place to take your date  for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. The special 4-course menu offered on Valentine’s Day includes options for each course for $85 per person (excluding tax & gratuity) with optional wine pairings for $45.  On Friday, 2/12 and Saturday, 2/13, Gitane will offer a similar, set 4-course menu, for $65 per person (excluding tax & gratuity).  Guests will start with an Amuse (Medjool Date with truffled goat cheese and jamon serrano) in addition to other selections including Little Gem & Roasted Baby Carrots with zaatar spice, Meyer lemon and turmeric vinaigrette; Wood Fired Cauliflower Soup with smoked trout caviar, piquillo pepper spuma, fried cauliflower greens; Sweet Potato & Eggplant with vadouvan almonds, currants, black chickpeas, mushroom jus; Hiramasa Crudo with espelette pepper, Valencia orange panna cotta, puffed bomba rice; Pan Roasted Black Cod with Ras al Hanout, couscous, butternut squash, salsify; Braised Short Ribs with aligot potatoes, baby carrots, crispy shallots; Bittersweet Chocolate Budino with hazelnuts, caramel chantilly; Winter Citrus Strudel with milk and truffle honey granita.  For reservations please visit Gitane’s website  or call415.788.6686. 6 Claude Lane, San Francisco. 

La Mar – This Valentine’s Day, the waterfront’s La Mar Cebichería Peruana will offer a romantic evening of Night of the 1,000 Candles.Executive Chef and Peruvian-native Victoriano Lopez will put together a traditional, colorful Peruvian 3-course prix-fixe feast for $69 per person. The 3-course dinner will also be available for the entire weekend (February 12-14) and the restaurant will transform into a romantic haven on Sunday evening with nearly 1,000 candles strung about the space. Reservations can be made on OpenTable or by calling 415.397.8880.

Luce InterContinental San Francisco – Chef Daniel Corey of the Michelin-star Luce presents Valentine’s Day guests with two options this Valentine’s Day – they can order off the regular a la carte menu or enjoy a three course Valentine’s Day menu for $75 per person. Highlights from the a la carte menu include Handmade Sweetbread Ravioli with Crispy Sweetbreads with Black Perigord Truffles, Mustard Leaves;  Prime New York Strip Steak, Slowly Cooked with Rosemary & Garlic, Caramelized Salsify, Date-Coffee Marmalade, Trumpet Royale; and Duck Breast, Poached & Roasted, Baby Carrots with Honey & Lavender, Apple, Trompette de la Mort. For reservations, visit the website. 

Nico – Where better to feel the love in the air than at a French restaurant owned and operated by husband and wife?  Chef Nicolas Delaroque and his wife, Andrea, who handles operations of the restaurant, will offer a delectable five course Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu for $85 with optional champagne pairings for $85, premium wine pairings for $75, and rose wine pairings for $65.  The carte blanche-style menu allows Chef Nico to take guests on a culinary adventure that’s sure to impress. 3228 Sacramento Street, San Francisco. 

Before the festivities on the 14th, Nico invites you to join Wine Director, Maz Naba, to learn about The Art of the Low Octane Cocktail and a demonstration of how to create low octane Valentine’s Day-themed cocktails using foraged ingredients on February 3rd. While sipping craft cocktails you will also enjoy a pairing of modern French, seasonal appetizers prepared by Chef Nicolas.  Space is very limited. Tickets are $45 and may be purchased here.

One Market Restaurant –  Take your special someone out for a night to remember at one of San Francisco’s iconic dining destinations, One Market.  This Valentine’s Day, Executive Chef Mark Dommen’s beautifully-constructed farm-to-table dishes will take center stage on a special $85 four course prix fixe menu.  A few highlights include Grilled Pacific Swordfish with potato puree, escarole and nicoise olives; Braised Marin Sun Farms Beef Shoulder with potato spätzle, buttered savoy cabbage and soubise; and Applewood-Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Passmore Ranch Sturgeon with green lentils, cipollini onions and foie gras emulsion.  A sampling of Pastry Chef Patti Dellamonica-Bauler’s sweet treats include Pear “Strudel” with spiced pear crumble, candied pecans, fig chutney and cinnamon crème fraiche ice cream and her famous Chocolate Concorde with bittersweet chocolate cremeux, flourless chocolate cake, crunchy meringue, almonds and chocolate sherbet. 1 Market Street, San Francisco.

Oro–  Enjoy Valentine’s Day this year at Chef Jason Fox’s newest restaurant Oro, with a delightful six-course menu that’s perfect for you and your loved one. Similar to the regular menu guests can expect to experience playful dishes that incorporate the same unique high quality ingredients, flavors, and textures found at Jason’s Michelin starred restaurant, Commonwealth. TheValentine’s Day tasting menu is $100 per person with optional wine pairings for an additional $75 per person; to view the full menu please click here. For reservations please call 415.974.1212 or visit orosf.com. Menu highlights include Grilled Oysterwith nduja butter, Sea urchin with scrambled egg, pickled jalapeño, grilled bread, Scallop Crudo with sesame and grains, buttermilk, Charcuterie, raclette cheese, brioche, pickles, and Lamb cheek and leg, barley, borage. For more information on Oro please visit orosf.com. 

Perbacco/barbacco – Perbacco and barbacco will both be open for a special Sunday dinner service on February 14 to celebrate Valentine’s Day in San Francisco! The talented kitchen team will be offering the complete dinner menu along with some festive specials.  Reservations can be made by calling Perbacco at 415.955.0663 and barbacco at 415.955.1919.

Poggio – Enjoy Valentine’s Day with a dose of Italian charm at one of the most romantic restaurants in Sausalito, Poggio Trattoria. Cozy up with your special someone in one of their booths overlooking the water with sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Executive Chef Benjamin Balesteri will be offering the regular dinner menu with unique dinner specials. For reservations and more information, please visit http://www.poggiotrattoria.com/ or call (415) 332-7771.  777 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 

Precita Park Cafe – Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special four-course dinner menu created by Executive Chef Richie Wilim, featuring local, sustainable fare from a curated list of purveyors. Selections include Jumbo Ravioli with shrimp & crab mousseline, pea shoots, snail butter; Cruciferous Salad with asparagus-pepita pesto, preserved lemon, house smoked mozzarella, herbs; Lamb Ragout with saffron braised mushroom conserva, mint, cured egg, ricotta salata; Tea Crusted Trout with Beluga lentil risotto, fine herbs, roasted kale, citrus mascarpone; and Dark Chocolate Pot du Crème with macerated berries, Sabayon, biscotti. Precita Park Café’s warm, inviting dining room, right across the street from Precita Park, is the perfect spot to warm your heart this Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Dinner is available Friday, February 12 & Saturday, February 13 from 5:30pm – 10pm, and Sunday, February 14from 5pm – 9pm. For more information or reservations, please visit www.precitaparkcafe.com or call (415) 647-7702. 500 Precita Avenue, San Francisco. 

Presidio Social Club – Nestled within the lush Presidio National Park, Presidio Social Club is a perfectly intimate and romantic spot for a Valentine’sDay date. Along with the regular menu, Presidio Social Club will have several special items available a la carte throughout the entire weekend, including a Blood Orange & Shaved Fennel Salad with Black Olives & Sumac Vinaigrette; Smoked Salmon Carpaccio with Fried Capers, Caviar Cream, Chervil & Rye Toast; Chitarra Pasta with Jalapeño, Cilantro, Uni Butter & Dungeness Crab; and Braised Beef Short Rib with Celery Root Purée, Pickled Red Beets & Chocolate Red Wine Sauce. As for dessert, Pastry Chef Rene Cruz will be serving a delicate Red Velvet Crepe “Cake” made of thin crepes layered high with cream cheese frosting & toasted coconut tuile, and the Passion Parfait made with passion fruit mousse, coconut brittle, honey roasted cashews, and white chocolate crisps—both perfect for sharing with your sweetheart.

Roka Akor – Toast with a loved one on Valentine’s Day weekend at Roka Akor with a five-course tasting menu designed to impress any palate. Led by Executive Chef Roman Petry, the robatayaki-style menu ($98 per person) features mouthwatering dishes to share, such as Tuna Tataki with spicy ponzu, red onion and lotus root chips; Robata Grilled Wagyu Filet with grilled bone marrow and spicy sweet garlic soy; Sake Kasu Marinated Sea Bass with shiso and lime; and Warm Valrhona Chocolate Cake with almond caramel and vanilla ice cream, among others. Additionally, the sultry lounge downstairs, Roka Bar, will be offering five love-inspired cocktails ($7-13), including the Fatal Attraction ($13) with Zaya rum, Appleton Estate rum, Dumante pistachio liqueur, Combier triple sec, fresh blackberries, lime, and fresh mint; and At First Glance ($7) with cherry blossom infused rice milk, Rihaku Nigori Sake, hibiscus bitters, pomegranate seeds, orange zest, and fresh shiso. A limited a la carte menu will also be available. Reservations are required, and can be made by calling 415.362.8887.  Read more about Roka Akor here. 

salumeria – This Valentine’s Day make a romantic dinner at home for you and your significant other with salumeria and flour + water’s pasta project . Each kit is $45 (plus tax) and is ideal for any couple. The pasta kit includes all you need to make beet caramelle with salisfy, prosecco and calabrian chili. Add a little something special for your sweetheart with the addition of cured meats and cheeses, chocolate budinos, or be extra indulgent with the addition of the caviar kit. The flour + water pasta project and caviar kit is available for purchase online or by calling salumeria at 415.471.2998.

Sam’s Grill & Seafood Restaurant – Don’t just celebrate with your significant other on one night but instead, anytime throughout the month of February! As the only restaurant in San Francisco to offer cozy, curtained booths for two, Sam’s Grill & Seafood Restaurant offers guests the perfect spot to enjoy some good quality time together. Reserve a “Booth for Two” for a perfect romantic night, as there are a limited number of booths available each evening. Sam’s Grill is open Monday through Friday from 11am to 9pm. 374 Bush Street, San Francisco. 

SPQR – This Valentine’s Day, Executive Chef Matthew Accarrino of SPQR will be offering a three-course prix fixe lunch for $52 per person and a four-course prix fixe dinner for $94 per person with an optional truffle course. Optional beverage pairings will be available and reservations have a 72 hour cancellation policy. To make a reservation, please call SPQR at415.771.7779 or visit www.spqrsf.com. Read more about SPQR here.

Check out my interview with Chef Matthew Accarrino here.

The Keystone – Join The Keystone at our social house this Valentine’s Day for our R&B Brunch and Ice Cream Social Throwback Party.  We’ll be kicking it old school and getting the day started with our first R&B Brunch! Indulge in our Southern Fried Chicken Benedict, Buttermilk Pancakes, and bottomless mimosas to the beats of Beyonce and Barry White. The party starts on Sunday, February 14 at 10:00am and lasts through 2:00pm. See our full brunch menu and reserve online here.

Top of the Mark InterContinental Mark Hopkins. Top of the Mark, the iconic lounge that boasts near 360 degree views of the San Francisco Bay is one of the most romantic when it comes to celebrating Valentine’s Day. On Sunday, February 14 enjoy a five-course plated dinner with the twinkling lights of San Francisco as the backdrop. Executive Chef Nenad Stefanovic presents a menu of decadent dishes including Sturgeon Caviar with potato cake and crème fraiche; Wagyu Strip Steak with asparagus bundles, potato silk, and bone marrow jus; and Valentine Pavlovia with Valrhona chocolate and strawberries. (Vegetarian alternatives are available.) The dinner starts at 7:30pm and is $495 per couple; includes a bottle of Moët & Chandon Rose and live entertainment by guitarist Jean-Paul Buongiorno from 7pm – 11pm. Guests will automatically be entered into a drawing for a one-night stay in the hotel’s Presidential Suite (valid that night). See full mennu here. Reservations are required for the dinners and romance packages at Top of the Mark: 415-616-6940. Read more about The Top of The Mark here. 

Volta – Impress your date or a group of friends by celebrating at one of the hottest new restaurants in  San Francisco, Volta. The newest restaurant from Chef Staffan Terje and Umberto Gibin, who also own Perbacco and barbacco, Volta offers a menu rooted in French cuisine with influences from Scandinavia.  Popular selections include the Herring X 5, a tasting of five preparations: pan fried and pickled, mustard-dill, curry-apple, matjes herring, herring-beet salad served with crisp bread, butter and vasterbotten cheese; Steak Tartare with avec garniture, shallots, capers, beets, cornichon and quail egg; Boeuf “Bourguignon”, braised beef with ox tail crepinette, lardons, mushrooms, pearl onions, carrots, red wine and potato puree; Kottbullar, Swedish beef and pork meatballs with potato puree, lingon berries and pressed cucumber, among other delicious dishes. You can’t skip dessert from Pastry Chef Laura Cronin with selections including Princess Cake, a tom vanilla-almond cake with raspberry confiture, vanilla custard, Chantilly and grated marzipan or the Crème Brulee with caramelized toasted chamomile custard, sea salt, orange preserve, mandarin, lemon tuile and honey cream.  To celebrate Valentine’s Day, the restaurant will be offering their complete lunch and dinner menus. Reservations encouraged and walk-ins welcome. Visit our website here or call 628.400.6200.  868 Mission Street, San Francisco. 

Waterbar – Experience the amazing views and delicious Seafood on the Embarcadero at Waterbar. The Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu, priced at $90 per person. Visit waterbar.com for more details!

Wente Vineyards – Experience the beauty of wine country’s breathtaking vistas at Wente Vineyards while enjoying their specially crafted Valentine’s Day pre-fixe menu for $95 with optional wine pairings for $40. Located in Livermore, CA (also referred to as the “other Napa Valley”), Wente Vineyards is just a short drive outside of San Francisco and is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. Escape the city this Valentine’s Day to savor an unforgettable farm-to-table experience with something for everyone, created by Executive Chef Mike Ward.

Highlights include Wente Vineyards Tempura Prawn Salad with green goddess, grapefruit, shaved fennel, prosciutto, avocado, Roasted Sea Scallops with vegetable sauté, thai curry, coconut rice, ginger, cilantro, Grass Fed Filet Mignon with roasted shallot, herbed spaghetti squash, carrot purée, red wine reduction, and Apple Tarte Tatin with crème fraîche, salted caramel, fennel pollen ice cream. Guests can also enjoy Caviar and Wente Vineyards Brut for Two with 1/2 oz passmore ranch caviar, egg, chive, crème fraiche for $75. For reservations and more information, please visit https://www.wentevineyards.com/ or call (925) 456-2450. For more about Wente Vineyards check out my post here.