Where to Celebrate Special Occasions on a Date in San Francisco

When you're ready to signal to someone that you're serious about the relationship, it's time to head to a special occasion spot that shows your intentions through delicious food and top-notch hospitality. Note: these are not — we repeat not — places to put a ring on it. Lock it down at one of these 17 restaurants ideal for standout evenings, scattered throughout the city and the East Bay for location ease.

Evening go well with your new partner? Here's where to go when the two of you need a date night, grouped separately for moderate prices and slightly fancier spots.

1 Acquerello

This white-tableclothed, Italian fine dining temple may not be the hippest thing around, but you're going to get treated real right and eat some delicious pasta with incredible wine. And this is a special occasion, right? So put your khakis and your dresses on and act like it.

Acquerello/Facebook

1722 Sacramento St
San Francisco, CA 94109

2 Beach Chalet Soccer Fields

Beach Chalet, on the second floor of the Golden Gate Park Visitor’s Center on the Great Highway, is member of a very small club of SF restaurants where you can eat dinner while watching the sun set over the Pacific Ocean. Make reservations accordingly. You can splurge on classics like raw oysters, Maine lobster, or New York steak, or stick to basics like burgers and fish and chips. Wash it all down with one of the restaurant’s house brews or a selection from the full bar.

Beach Chalet/Facebook

1500 John F. Kennedy Dr.
San Francisco, CA 94121

3 Californios

Californios is the most underrated tasting menu destination in San Francisco; taking someone here will make you seem very in the know. The Mexican food is surprising (when's the last time you had aerated beans?), the decor is stylish, the service is spot-on. Make sure you get the inventive wine and beer pairings, too.

Patricia Chang

3115 22nd St
San Francisco, CA 94110

(415) 757-0994

4 Chez Maman East

It's not the most expensive restaurant in the neighborhood, but it's romantic and homey in that French bistro way. Share escargot and beef tartare, and wash it all down with Champagne as you plan a trip to Paris together.

Chez Maman/Facebook

1401 18th St
San Francisco, CA 94107

(415) 655-9542

5 Chez Panisse

Not only is Chez Panisse a Berkeley classic, it's also the birthplace of California cuisine. Alice Waters' prix-fixe restaurant in the Gourmet Ghetto is still serving up pristine Bay Area produce, amazing wines, and impeccable ambiance. Make sure to take a peek into the gorgeous kitchen before the night is over. 

Chez Panisse/Facebook

1517 Shattuck Ave
Berkeley, CA 94709

(510) 548-5525

6 Commis

The only two-Michelin-starred restaurant in the East Bay is an obvious choice, and one of the grander gestures available. It's a relaxed vibe with super precise, flavorful food — make a reservation at the chef's counter for a memorable experience and a first-hand look at the action. 

Timothy Y./Yelp

3859 Piedmont Ave
Oakland, CA 94611

(510) 653-3902

7 Frances

Chef Melissa Perello has created one of the city's most beloved Californian restaurants. The cozy space makes your table feel intimate, and the dreamy food will give you a break from swooning over each other. 

Frances

3870 17th St
San Francisco, CA 94114

(415) 621-3870

8 Greens Restaurant

In a neighborhood without a ton of special occasion spots, the vegetarian Greens is your best bet. And it's a good one, with solid food and a seriously killer view of the Bay. Make sure you get a window seat to alternate views of the Golden Gate and your brand-new SO's eyes. 

Greens/Facebook

Building A
San Francisco, CA 94123

(415) 771-6222 

9 Ijji sushi

Ijji has quietly become one of the best spots for sushi in the city, with friendly chefs and a lighthearted, approachable atmosphere, despite a serious focus on the fish. The attention to detail and mouthwatering bites — and $200 to $300 per couple price tag for omakase, depending how baller you go — make this a definite special occasion restaurant, so make it count for when you're ready for this next-level celebration. 

Ijji/Facebook

252 Divisadero St
San Francisco, CA 94117

(415) 658-7388

10 Kokkari Estiatorio

Kokkari is a special occasion classic for a reason: It consistently nails the restaurant holy trinity — food, service, and atmosphere — with its wood-fired Greek food and attentive staff. 

Eater Archives

200 Jackson St
San Francisco, CA 94111

(415) 981-0983

11 La Ciccia

No restaurant in the city has more charm than La Ciccia, where a husband-and-wife team have put their love into the space for the last ten years. Let wife Lorella Degan settle you into your table and a great bottle of wine, after which husband Massimiliano Conti will delight your taste buds with the traditional Sardinian fare. It all leads up to a special evening free of some of the pretense that can infuse SF dining. 

Eater Archives

291 30th St
San Francisco, CA 94131

(415) 550-8114

12 Mourad

Amid a town that flaunts its casual fashion, Mourad offers a luxe and elegant setting for its Michelin-starred contemporary Moroccan fare. Large slabs of gleaming white marble, reclaimed branches, huge mid-century modern chandeliers, sweeping ceilings, and its flawlessly executed tasting menu provide the swoon-worthy atmosphere to cinch the deal. If tasting menus aren't your thing, you can go a la carte or — better yet — create a shared memory by ordering the la'acha, a family-style dish to share with a choice between a whole chicken, a whole fish, a whole lamb shoulder, or 72-hour short ribs with four decadent sides. 

Patricia Chang

140 New Montgomery St
San Francisco, CA 94105

(415) 660-2500

13 Nico

A hidden gem in Laurel Heights, Nico's inventive, five-course prix fixe menu changes nightly but always feels like a special occasion. Intimate and familiar, yet always fresh — the perfect spot to show you're serious about somebody, without adding the unnecessary gravitas of a big destination dinner. 

Nico/Facebook

3228 Sacramento St
San Francisco, CA 94115

(415) 359-1000

14 Petit Crenn

Queen bee/SF chef Dominique Crenn's second, more casual venture is a dinner party of a restaurant, where the kitchen takes you on a journey to Crenn's French hometown Brittany. Go along for the multi-course, wood-fired meal ride, being sure to pair it with a few bottles of wine from the all-natural list. Crenn knows how to do it right, so though the restaurant has a more low-key vibe than her original fine dining temple Atelier Crenn, you'll still walk away feeling wowed. 

Patricia Chang

609 Hayes St
San Francisco, CA 94102

(415) 864-1744

15 Wako

Omakase is on the menu at this tiny Clement Street restaurant, but Wako offers more than your average sushi restaurant. Chefs Atsushi-san and Tomo-san send out a parade of Japanese small plates, like housemade sesame tofu and mountain yam with spicy cod roe, followed by sashimi, tempura, and dessert; the whole thing is an elegant study in textures and temperatures. The sushi bar is small, so reservations are recommended. 

Wako/Facebook

211 Clement St
San Francisco, CA 94118

(415) 682-4875

16 Waterbar

The view from luxe seafood spot Waterbar is all you need to signify serious. Located at the base of the Bay Bridge, the best time to go is at sunset, sitting on the heated patio while watching the sun go down and the bridge lights start to dance in front of you. 

Waterbar/Facebook

399 The Embarcadero
San Francisco, CA 94105

(415) 284-9922

17 Zazie

Celebrate the fact that you and your new beau actually enjoy each other's company with a romantic patio brunch for two at this relaxed longtime neighborhood favorite. Besides, if you're going to wait that long for gingerbread pancakes and challah french toast, you might as well make it official. 

Zazie/Facebook

941 Cole St
San Francisco, CA 94117

(415) 564-5332

Article and images sourced from http://sf.eater.com/maps/special-occasions-date-spots-restaurants-san-francisco-east-bay

The 19 Restaurants Added to the 2016 Top 100 Bay Area Restaurants

From the San Francisco Chronicle's restaurant critic Michael Bauer:

"At this time of year — when I’ve made all my revisits and finished the annual Top 100 Bay Area Restaurants guide — I look back and assess the dining scene.

Last year I thought it was great, and I replaced 17 restaurants. This year was even better with 19 new places added to the list.

RELATED LINKS

• Top 100 Restaurants

Each year the competition sets a new bar. In fact I had written up 109 restaurants, and then realized, of course,  that I had to get rid of nine places I thought deserved to be in the guide. The decision of who to cut wasn’t made easier because only one restaurant on last year’s list (Nojo) closed; it’s now reopened as a ramen shop.  Several other top restaurants had last-minute chef changes, which took them out of the running for this year. A few restaurants I went to lagged in quality, but overall the dining scenes keeps getting better.

This year 31 restaurants were outside of San Francisco, and 26 offer only a fixed price format, which shows the major trend in the restaurant business. Just about every place is now featuring a shorter, more focused menu.

So after much thought, and even more agonizing I was able to get the list down to 100, which is now available on sfchronicle.com.

Here are the new entries in this year’s Top 100 Bay Area Restaurants, with photos of dishes from each restaurant."

Belga: This Belgian restaurant in Cow Hollow serves much more than frites and waffles.

Bix: No other restaurant so exquisitely captures the supper club vibe, with great food to match.

Cala: Serving seafood, this restaurant sets new standards for Mexican food. 

Californios: Only a fixed price menu is offered at this elegant fixed-price Mexican-inspired restaurant. 

Commis, Oakland: Elegantly imagined Northern California food stars on this $125, 10-course fixed priced menu 

Del Popolo: This restaurant may only serve pizza and a few appetizers, but they are not only great but served in stylish surroundings 

Little Gem: Quick casual is a trend of the future and this restaurant serves excellent food that’s free of gluten, daily and processed sugars. 

Lord Stanley: At the corner of Polk and Broadway, this restaurant also has a fixed price menu with imaginative preparations. 

Ninebark, Napa: Here’s the best place to go to understand how pristine local ingredients and modern techniques intersect. 

Octavia: The follow up to Frances is even better than the original. 

Old Bus Tavern: Beer may be on tap, but the food that pairs with it is even better. 

Omakase: One of the best omakase experiences in the city. 

Petit Crenn: Dominque Crenn channels her French grandmother on the reasonably priced family-style menu. 

Rasa, Burlingame: The best casual Indian restaurant in the Bay Area. 

Shed Cafe, Healdsburg: You may be eating in a kind of new age grange, but the food shows a close connection to the land. 

Trestle: Three courses for $35 translates to one of the best fine-dining deals in the city. 

Village Sake, Fairfax: The place to go for Japanese food in Marin. 

Volta: Scandinavian food is the star of this restaurant by Steffan Terje, who also owns Perbacco and Barbacco. 

Z & Y: Sichuan cooking doesn’t get any better than at this Chinatown restaurant. 

Article and images sourced from http://insidescoopsf.sfgate.com/blog/2016/05/09/the-19-restaurants-added-to-the-2016-top-100-bay-area-restaurants/#photo-759433

The 10 Hottest New Restaurants in San Francisco

From a soaring representation of Paris to new beer-focused restaurants, San Francisco just gained some favorite spots and very good excuses to imbibe local brews. Here are the 10 San Francisco restaurants you need to know now.

• 
  Oro

  • SoMa

  From the Commonwealth chef comes this chic bistro to Mint Plaza, where midpriced Cal-Mediterranean share plates, small bites and a chef’s choice blind tasting menu are offered in addition to beer, wine and cocktails. Spacious and designed around industrial bones, the bustling, bi-level Financial District quarters are kitted out in reclaimed wood, custom lighting, slate draperies and colorful artwork.

  Must-Order: Impossibly fluffy potato gnocchi with corn and chanterelles and aromatic, mustardy grilled pork sausage on a shelling bean salad.
  Insider Tip: There’s also a "blind" tasting menu, tailored to individual preferences, that features off-menu family-style dishes for $75 per person, with an additional $50 wine pairing.
• 
  Sessions at the Presidio

  • The Presidio

  A sleek beer-centric destination in the Presidio's Letterman Digital Arts complex, this craft beer bar and New American gastropub focuses on low-octane brews, with other pours and wines available (by the bottle and on tap). A wood-decked, modern interior with a bustling vibe offers a bar, two-top and communal tables and plenty of windows for views of the surrounding greenery – and there's a huge outdoor seating area.

  Must-Order: Mediterranean clams and Magnolia Brewing's Aliciella beer, fried quail.
  Insider Tip: The best seats are at the rectangular bar in the middle of the room or on the lush patio.
   
• 
  Old Bus Tavern

  • Bernal Heights

  The roadtrip-loving team behind this casual Bernal Heights neighborhood spot offers up midpriced Californian comfort food, craft beers (some housemade) and a thoughtful cocktail menu focused on whiskey, tequila and mezcal concoctions. Inside, polished concrete floors and vintage Americana accents set the backdrop for banquette and bar seats (some with brewhouse views). P.S. An actual bus will be available to cater outdoor events.

  Must-Order: Pickled quail eggs and the house-brewed OBT Lemon Basil Saison.
  Insider Tip: Get a peek at the small brewing operation in the lofted space by the kitchen where the house beers are barrel-aged.
   
• 
  Bon Marche Brasserie & Bar

  • SoMa

  Market Square (aka the Twitter building) houses this splurge-worthy dining destination from the AQ and TBD crew, where lavish food options include an expansive oyster bar, coffee shop, cocktail and beer bar and European-inspired brasserie serving small bites and entrees. With brass and copper fixtures, leather seating and art deco accents, the stylish setting brings classic Parisian flair to Mid-Market.

  Must-Order: The dry sparkling wine with truffle salt rim and the chef-favorite veal sweetbreads with parsley Girardet and Madeira jus.
  Insider Tip: The restaurants specializes in corporate events and private parties; inquire here for your next French-inspired soiree.
• 
  Scotland Yard

  • Marina District

  The Marina gets this Noir Lounge spin-off, a Victorian-inspired bistro and bar with an old-school vibe for midpriced Californian fare, plus local and small-production beer and wine. Casual and classy, the space is decked out in hanging chandeliers, heavy beams, dark wood, vintage wallpaper and metal accents along with bar, banquette and table seating.

  Must-Order: The ceviche taco and the Yard burger with bone-marrow aïoli.
  Insider Tip: Head outside to take advantage of the spacious patio with tufted leather couches. 
• Wes Row
  Petit Crenn

  • Hayes Valley

  A casual spin-off of Dominique Crenn's Atelier Crenn, this buzzy bistro brings the flavors of Brittany, France to Hayes Valley via all-day menus, with dinner options ranging from a la carte to two nightly seatings for prix-fixe, multi-course meals served family-style. A cozy space with an open kitchen puts a modern spin on classic French style, with white walls, contemporary art, vintage serving ware and blue and white accents.

  Must-Order: Though the menu is a fixed family-style meal that changes daily, guests are treated to the best spoils from daily pilgrimages to local fish and farmer's markets. Definitely pair the meal with a cider — served chilled and in a mug — to complete the Brittany experience.
  
  Insider Tip: Reservations go quickly, but we have some tips on how to score one of the coveted tables! For extra-special occasions, the Chef's Table Experience reserves the best table for the whole night and includes special, off-menu items, such as lobster, caviar and abalone. 
• 
  Dirty Water

  • SoMa

  Mid-Market’s Twitter building houses this atmospheric restaurant, bar and lounge where an upscale menu features greens, charcuterie, cheese and a splurge-worthy selection of mains along with a thick book of spirits, more than 50 draft brews and over 100 wines by the glass. The atmospheric, dimly lit interior skews masculine-chic with whiskey-hued leather, butcher-block tabletops, high ceilings and a glass wall open to the brewing area.

  Must-Order: For lunch, the roasted tri-tip sandwich; for dinner, the Axis deer tartare or the pig-ear fritto misto.
  Insider Tip: Given its well-educated drink staff, this is the spot to imbibe while learning the intricacies of rare wines and spirits. "Bartial Artist" Zachary Taylor whips up mind-bending concoctions, such as the Long Strange Trip, which is a naturally sweet libation thanks to the maple-flavored candy cap mushrooms infused with 1776 rye, lemon, black pepper and Zucca Amaro.
• 
  Omakase

  • Potrero Hill

  The traditional Edomae-style sushi experience at this SoMa spot features a spendy set chef’s-choice menu (with $100, $150 and $200 options) made with fish flown in several times a week from Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market. The tiny, polished dinner spot has counter seats facing the chef, and the space is all about attention to detail – think boutique-sourced dinnerware, sake pitchers made from Japanese pine and cedar and a yellow cedar sushi counter.

  Must-Order: It's all omakase; choose your price level of $100, $150 or $200.
  Insider Tip: You've surrendered your taste buds to the chef, which allows for more time to peruse the extensive sake menu. From the mellow and clean $18 carafe of Karakuchi to the $345 bottle of Tedorigawa Mangekyo, lauded for its silky texture and deep flavor, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to exercise choice.
• 
  ICHI Kakiya

  • Bernal Heights

  Oysters and other raw-bar fare are the focus of this buzzy Bernal Heights spin-off to the popular ICHI Sushi + NI Bar, which offers midpriced Japanese and California seafood in addition to a thoughtful selection of beer, wine and sake. There's no reservations for seating at a few tables and a narrow counter in the tiny cafe quarters done up with a chic, ocean-inspired blue-and-gold design.

  Must-Order: Oysters and half lobster, Hokkaido scallop crudo and daily changing seafood specials.
  Insider Tip: Watch for "secret menu" treats like mini, Japanese-style lobster rolls that are vivid with tobiko (flying fish roe), kani (crab) miso and bonito Tabasco.