Your Guide to the Most Romantic Restaurants in San Francisco
San Francisco has long been celebrated as a city of love; one where culinary artistry meets intimate atmospheres to create the perfect backdrop for unforgettable date nights. From hidden wine bars to Michelin-starred gems, the city offers an incredible array of dining experiences that will make your heart flutter and your taste buds sing.
Intimate Fine Dining Experiences
Restaurant Gary Danko offers an unparalleled experience of elegance and culinary excellence that stands at the pinnacle of romantic dining in the city. This Michelin-starred restaurant creates an atmosphere of refined intimacy, with impeccable service and a prix fixe menu that reads like a love letter to California cuisine. The soft lighting and sophisticated décor make every table feel like a private sanctuary, perfect for those special moments that define romance.
800 North Point Street (@ Hyde Street) San Francisco, CA 94109
Quince is another of the Bay Area’s Michelin-starred marvels that transforms dining into an art form. Located in a historic brick and timber building, the restaurant offers an intimate setting that’s both elegant and welcoming. Their tasting menu is a journey of local, seasonally inspired dishes that showcase the best of Northern California's ingredients. The dining room's soft color palette, blonde wood accents, and carefully curated artwork create an ambiance that whispers romance.
470 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
Unique Culinary Experiences
Foreign Cinema — perhaps the most uniquely intimate restaurant in San Francisco — offers a truly magical evening out. Imagine enjoying a carefully crafted Mediterranean-inspired and California-forward menu while classic films are projected onto the restaurant's outdoor wall. The enclosed courtyard (with its twinkling lights and hand-picked movie selection) creates an atmosphere that feels both intimate and enchanting.
2534 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Kokkari Estiatorio offers a warm, rustic romance that transports you straight to the heart of seaside Greece. The wood-fired cooking, exposed brick, and soft lighting create an incredibly inviting atmosphere for couples to share a quietly cozy evening out. Break bread, sample artisanal olive oil, share plates, and enjoy robust Greek wines while creating memorably intimate culinary adventures for two here.
200 Jackson St. (@ Front St.), San Francisco, CA 94111
Wine Bars and Hidden Gems
This warmly welcoming wine bar captures the essence of Italian hospitality — its own effortless brand of cool. With a sommelier-selected wine list and small plates designed for sharing, Bar Sprezzatura offers a casual but heartfelt dining experience. The close quarters and convivial atmosphere encourage close conversations and shared culinary discoveries.
One Maritime Plaza, #100, San Francisco, CA 94111
Tucked away down a “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” alley, Bix feels like a hush-hush speakeasy with a sultry secret. The entrance might be easy to pass by, but once inside, you’ll discover an elegant supper club ambiance and live jazz — a throwback to a more refined era of dining. The art deco-inspired interior, soft lighting, and exceptional cocktail program make it a perfect spot for a truly memorable date night.
56 Gold St, San Francisco, CA 94133
California Cuisine with Romance in Mind
Boulevard is a long-running San Francisco institution that offers classic Cali cuisine in a stunning setting, all near the picturesque Embarcadero. The restaurant's warm interior features views of the Bay Bridge, creating a naturally romantic atmosphere. Chef Nancy Oakes' menu celebrates local ingredients with dishes that are both comforting and sophisticated at once.
1 Mission St, San Francisco, California 94105
Combining rustic Italian charm with an unmistakable California sensibility, Che Fico offers a romantic dining adventure that’s simultaneously elevated and approachable. The restaurant's beautiful interior — with its open kitchen and breezy, welcoming spaces — creates an atmosphere of warmth and connection perfect for sharing the love.
838 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Passionate Flavors
From the same team who brought you the celebrated Atelier Crenn, Verjus offers a more laid-back (but no less passionate) evening of delicious flavors. Their wine bar and restaurant provide multiple ways to enjoy an intimate meal, with small plates designed for sharing and an exceptional wine selection to complete the journey.
550 Washington St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Bottega brings a touch of Napa Valley to the city, but the ambiance is only one aspect of consideration. It gets a mention here largely thanks to its scrumptiously sultry Italian cuisine. Celebrity chef Michael Chiarello's ever-changing menu offers a passionate celebration of Italian flavors in a setting that’s at turns both rustic and refined.
1132 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Specialty Experiences
Putting a unique twist on traditional Italian, Seven Hills offers a distinct specialization in Roman cuisine — offering guests an intimate evening that feels like a journey to a continental countryside. The restaurant's commitment to authentic flavors and warm hospitality creates a genuinely affectionate atmosphere you’ll treasure.
1896 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Lolinda offers an Argentinian-style steakhouse experience with a romantic twist for those who love bold flavors. The restaurant's muted, intimate interior and exceptional steak selection will have you reminiscing about your visit for years to come.
2518 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Your Heartfelt Home Base
San Francisco truly offers an unparalleled dining scene that will make your heart skip a beat. After exploring San Francisco's most romantic restaurants, Hotel Caza in Fisherman's Wharf provides the perfect home base for your culinary adventures. Located centrally in one of San Francisco's most vibrant neighborhoods, our hotel puts you just moments away from these incredible dining experiences, all of which are certain to spark romance.
Ready to follow your heart? Check out our Special Offers page, reserve your stay at Hotel Caza and prepare to fall in love all over again — with the city, the food, and each other.
