The Most Romantic Restaurants in Bay Area

In the Lower Haight, Otra serves Mexican food in a dim, sultry room where calaveras and vivid blue papel picado set the scene. First dates are part of the regular crowd, and the bar and walk-in seating keep it casual. Walk-ins can join the waitlist, and the bar is an option for eating.

Chez Panisse is a Berkeley institution from chef Alice Waters, where seasonal California cooking and a warm, rustic dining room make for a romantic evening. For a special occasion, book a table downstairs, where a different prix fixe menu is served each night, surrounded by stained glass windows and fresh flower arrangements. Upstairs, the café offers a more relaxed date over Mediterranean-inspired à la carte dishes. Vegetarian menus are available upon request, and reservations open one month ahead at 9 AM Pacific.

​

Burdell brings a soulful take on California dining to Oakland's Temescal neighborhood, with chef Geoff Davis serving Southern-inspired dishes in a warm, inviting setting. It's a lovely choice for a romantic dinner or special occasion, whether you're sharing a bottle of wine at the bar or settling in for a full meal. Try the chicken liver mousse on a cornmeal waffle or the fried Jidori chicken. Reservations are recommended for the dining room, but walk-ins are welcome.

Côte Ouest Bistro is a San Francisco bistro that works well for date nights, with a dining room built around small tables for two. Cushioned nooks piled with big pillows give the two of you somewhere comfortable to settle in. The music plays at a level that still lets a couple talk close together.

Cotogna brings a little Italian romance to San Francisco's Jackson Square, with an open kitchen, intimate dining room and a menu that changes daily. Handmade pastas and spit-roasted meats are the stars, making it a lovely choice for a special occasion or a cozy dinner date. We recommend sharing the signature raviolo, a generously sized pasta dish, then settling in over a cocktail or glass of wine. Grab a seat at the bar for a more casual evening, or book a table for a romantic dinner together.

Enssaro is an Ethiopian restaurant in Rockridge with a low-lit room that makes a good backdrop for a date. Enssaro gives you a choice: a lounge that feels like a living room, or a big back patio with heat. We recommend starting with the flaky beef sambusas, then splitting a veggie or meat sampler, which comes with kik alicha and ye beg wot. The restaurant is closed Tuesdays.

Ethel's Fancy is a small-plates restaurant in downtown Palo Alto, serving Californian cooking with an Asian twist. Bright and airy, the room has a full bar, and a seat there suits a date night.

We recommend the katsu-style swordfish for the table, with the petite sesame pancakes to start. Weekends fill up fast, so book ahead.

Tucked away down an alley in downtown Palo Alto, Ettan is a beautiful Indian restaurant that makes date night feel like a special occasion. A dramatic domed skylight, intricate blue floral walls and a two-story dining room create a romantic setting for an evening together. The menu puts a modern spin on Indian flavors, with standout dishes like Kerala fried chicken and maa ki dal, a rich black lentil dish slow-cooked to perfection.

Iyasare is a Berkeley restaurant on Fourth Street that pairs comforting dishes with traditional Japanese cooking techniques. Natural wood and soft light make the dining room feel calm. Expect foraged mushrooms and sea urchin to turn up often.

Bungalow 44 is a Mill Valley restaurant serving California-inspired American classics. Plush booths and a fireplace warm up the room on chilly evenings, and the decor is stylish. The kitchen cooks with the seasons and buys from nearby farmers, ranchers and fishing boats. Our pick is the Kobe burger, finished with a smoked onion ring and white cheddar.