What’s more romantic than a decadent dinner paired with live music, bubbly and chocolate fondue? Find out at these elevated dining experiences this Valentine’s Day in Central and Northern California.
Chotto Matte
San Francisco
Newly opened Chotto Matte hosts “Love in Lima” to celebrate Valentine’s Day. These special four-course prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus (two options are available: Love at First Bite and Honeymoon Menu) will be accompanied by live entertainment from jazz saxophonist Howard Wiley, Golden Gate Dolls and DJ performances. Upon stepping into the eighth-floor venue, guests will be welcomed with a complimentary glass of Laurent Perrier Brut Champagne and a step and repeat. Plus, the beverage team has whipped up specialty cocktails that are perfect for two, including Martinis for Two (made with a choice of vodka or gin sidecar with olives or a twist) and Two Become One (enjoy a Negroni and Bees Knees separately or together).
Cost: Love at First Bite is $125; Honeymoon Menu is $175. Booking fee is $50 per person, and bottles of Laurent Perrier Rose and Brut and a dozen roses will be available to purchase when booking.
To book: chotto-matte.com.
Dry Creek Kitchen
Healdsburg
From Feb. 14 to Feb. 18, 5 to 9 p.m., celebrate love with a sumptuous five-course tasting menu at Chef Charlie Palmer’s newly redesigned Dry Creek Kitchen. Highlights include fluke “aguachile,” duo of Painted Hills prime beef and dark chocolate and red wine mousse cake. A craft-your-own menu option is also available from 5 to 7:15 p.m.
Cost: $175 per person, paired with select wines.
To book: OpenTable.
The Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
San Francisco
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a three-course prix-fixe dinner menu and live music at The Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco. Executive Chef Patrick O’Sullivan dishes up a romantic coastal California menu with creative dishes inspired by romance, including Dungeness crab gundi and dark chocolate fondue for two (served with merlot mallows, chocolate-raspberry shortbread, fresh strawberries, doughnut holes and vanilla tea cakes). A specially curated menu of rosés will be available by the bottle.
To book: sevenrooms.com. Seatings are available at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Eataly Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley
Eataly Silicon Valley’s Valentine’s Day Festa is the perfect way to ring in the holiday of love–whether with your sweetheart or you dearest friends. Featuring unique Italian bites, libations themed to the holiday, live music and more, this festive event is the perfect way to toast all the special people in your life. Taking place Feb. 9 from 6 to 9 p.m., Eataly Silicon Valley’s chefs will host a delectable variety of food and drink stations for sipping and savoring. Plus, from Thursday, Feb. 8, to Sunday, Feb. 18, Valentine’s Day specials will be available at Eataly’s restaurants: La Pizza & La Pasta (including a too-cute heart-shaped Pizza Cupido!) and Terra.
Cost: $80 per person or $150 per couple (Valentine’s Day Festa).
To book: www.eataly.com.
Greens Restaurant
San Francisco
Indulge in an extraordinary Valentine’s Day meal with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge at Greens, San Francisco’s premier vegetarian restaurant. The three-course prix-fixe meal from Executive Chef Katie Reicher features seasonal produce from Bay Area farmers and includes dishes like a butternut squash lasagna and wild mushroom au poivre. Wine, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages will be available a la carte.
Cost: $75 per person.
To book: OpenTable.
Quail Lodge
Carmel Valley
Couples can indulge in a three-course prix-fixe menu on Valentine’s Day at Carmel Valley’s Covey Grill at Quail Lodge. The romantic menu will spotlight East Coast scallops, chicories and citrus salad, beef wellington, poached Maine lobster, mille feuille for dessert and more.
Cost: $98 per person.
To book: www.quaillodge.com.
MKT at Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco
San Francisco
Romance is on the menu at MKT at Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco. The spacious restaurant features stunning 180-degree views of the city skyline, an elevated food and beverage menu (the winter truffle filet mignon and roasted black cod aren’t to be missed this Valentine’s Day), bar bites and creative takes on traditional cocktails.
To book: www.fourseasons.com/sanfrancisco.
Eclipse Kitchen & Bar at Hyatt Regency San Francisco
San Francisco
From Feb. 14 to Feb. 18, from 5 to 6 p.m., Eclipse Kitchen & Bar will host a Valentine’s Day Happy Hour with buy-one-get-one free drinks. (There’s a two-drink purchase limit per person, and drinks must be present on the cocktail, beer or wine list.) Plus, with the purchase of two entrees, dine-in guests can get a bottle of sparkling wine for $15 or can upgrade their experience with a bottle of Taittinger for $80. For the month of February, guests can also enjoy Eclipse Kitchen & Bar’s signature Valentine’s Day cocktail, Total Eclipse of the Heart, with vodka, strawberry puree and citrus, topped with sparkling brut.
To book: www.hyatt.com.
Terra at The Steward
Santa Barbara
Enjoy a prix-fixe dinner at The Steward’s on-site restaurant Terra, full of delicious and romantic offerings like roasted tomato bisque, heart-shaped cheese ravioli, pan-roasted branzino and red velvet cake.
Cost: $120 per person or $165 with wine pairing.
To book: OpenTable.