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11 quintessential date-night restaurants in San Francisco

A photo of Red logo
by Valerie Demicheva and Becky Duffett
Updated July 12, 2024

With its stunning bridges and green escapes, San Francisco is a romance magnet—which means its restaurants are poised for unforgettable dates. An old-school steakhouse with rolling carts and extra-large martinis wows couples celebrating just about anything. A seafood icon is a proposal favorite for sweeping Bay Bridge views. And a laidback Nepalese place makes an ideal first date spot thanks to colorful cocktails and a moody blue dining room.

This guide pairs San Francisco restaurants with romantic occasions from first dates all the way to milestone anniversaries. These are San Francisco’s 11 best date-night restaurants.

4.5 (261)
$31 to $50
Californian
Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Cultivar’s unassuming modern facade doesn’t exactly scream romance. But in-the-know locals head to the Californian spot for a table on the back patio—a surprisingly lush and private escape. Here, the oversized fireplace is the low-key star, creating a charming mood to go with Cultivar’s small-batch wines and seasonal dishes. Standouts include lobster mac and cheese, mushroom risotto, and decadent cheese and charcuterie boards made for sharing.

Top review
Lauren
Dined 3 days ago
We ordered the grilled cheese, tomato soup, sweet potato with aioli, and black and blue salad. All were delicious. Service was great. We sat beside the roaring fire on the patio. It was lovely!

Cultivar’s unassuming modern facade doesn’t exactly scream romance. But in-the-know locals head to the Californian spot for a table on the back patio—a surprisingly lush and private escape. Here, the oversized fireplace is the low-key star, creating a charming mood to go with Cultivar’s small-batch wines and seasonal dishes. Standouts include lobster mac and cheese, mushroom risotto, and decadent cheese and charcuterie boards made for sharing.

Top review
Lauren
Dined 3 days ago
We ordered the grilled cheese, tomato soup, sweet potato with aioli, and black and blue salad. All were delicious. Service was great. We sat beside the roaring fire on the patio. It was lovely!
4.7 (445)
$30 and under
Southeast Asian
Mission District

For a first date that’s off the beaten track, head to Dancing Yak, a restaurant inspired by the mountains of Nepal. Get comfortable in the yellow velvet chairs and sip on colorful cocktails like the bourbon-forward Don’t Talk Yak or the mezcal-fueled Spicy Yeti while snacking on juicy momos (dumplings) in spicy tomato sauce. You can graduate to curries and biryanis if things are going exceptionally well.

Top review
Krista
Dined 3 days ago
We had a great dinner here. The food was fabulous! Lots of great vegetarian and vegan options. I’ll definitely be back.

For a first date that’s off the beaten track, head to Dancing Yak, a restaurant inspired by the mountains of Nepal. Get comfortable in the yellow velvet chairs and sip on colorful cocktails like the bourbon-forward Don’t Talk Yak or the mezcal-fueled Spicy Yeti while snacking on juicy momos (dumplings) in spicy tomato sauce. You can graduate to curries and biryanis if things are going exceptionally well.

Top review
Krista
Dined 3 days ago
We had a great dinner here. The food was fabulous! Lots of great vegetarian and vegan options. I’ll definitely be back.
0 (0)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
European
Sainte-Thérèse

This neighborhood gem is the quintessential French bistro. “L’Ardoise” means “chalkboard,” evoking scribbled menus in Parisian restaurants. The petite dining room is filled with cozy corners for snuggling, and it’s the rare SF restaurant where you can actually hear your date. But you’ll find yourself leaning in anyway, drawn to steak frites or duck confit in the glow of candlelight.

This neighborhood gem is the quintessential French bistro. “L’Ardoise” means “chalkboard,” evoking scribbled menus in Parisian restaurants. The petite dining room is filled with cozy corners for snuggling, and it’s the rare SF restaurant where you can actually hear your date. But you’ll find yourself leaning in anyway, drawn to steak frites or duck confit in the glow of candlelight.

4.1 (1439)
$50 and over
Chinese
Chinatown

With its regal blue interiors, Empress by Boon has the kind of grandeur that’s rare across northern California’s more casual dining scene. The elegant date spot is worthy of extra-special romantic occasions, fueled by a knockout Cantonese tasting menu from award-winning chef Ho Chee Boon, featuring celebration-worthy dishes like crispy pumpkin puff filled with roasted duck and lobster in sweet chile glaze.

Top review
OrnellaVIP
Dined on May 3, 2025
It was an amazing experience with GREAT food. I might seem little in the beginning, but it ends up being too much food by the end of the unending courses !

With its regal blue interiors, Empress by Boon has the kind of grandeur that’s rare across northern California’s more casual dining scene. The elegant date spot is worthy of extra-special romantic occasions, fueled by a knockout Cantonese tasting menu from award-winning chef Ho Chee Boon, featuring celebration-worthy dishes like crispy pumpkin puff filled with roasted duck and lobster in sweet chile glaze.

Top review
OrnellaVIP
Dined on May 3, 2025
It was an amazing experience with GREAT food. I might seem little in the beginning, but it ends up being too much food by the end of the unending courses !
4.9 (16136)
$50 and over
Steak
Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

House of Prime Rib is the king of steakhouses in San Francisco. Whether you’re celebrating one month or 20 years, it’s the spot to shake things up with an extra-large martini. Locals love the luxurious prime-rib dinner as much as the outrageously fun time: Diners get rowdy when the carts roll through the dining room, with chefs spinning salads and slicing cuts to order. Book early to score a coveted red leather booth for an unforgettable night together.

Top review
Brandon
Dined 1 day ago
Exceptional place. Great food and the service is top tier. The cuts of meat are great but the sides are incredible. Must try.

House of Prime Rib is the king of steakhouses in San Francisco. Whether you’re celebrating one month or 20 years, it’s the spot to shake things up with an extra-large martini. Locals love the luxurious prime-rib dinner as much as the outrageously fun time: Diners get rowdy when the carts roll through the dining room, with chefs spinning salads and slicing cuts to order. Book early to score a coveted red leather booth for an unforgettable night together.

Top review
Brandon
Dined 1 day ago
Exceptional place. Great food and the service is top tier. The cuts of meat are great but the sides are incredible. Must try.
4.8 (9317)
$31 to $50
Mediterranean
Financial District / Embarcadero

Kokkari may be a power-lunch hub by day, but at night, it becomes one of SF’s coziest date spots. The family-run taverna is decked with wooden beams and ceramic accents for days, plus a natural stone hearth that’s responsible for menu highlights like grilled octopus and smoky lamb chops with lemon-oregano vinaigrette. The staff here is all about philoxenia, or the concept of turning a stranger into a friend, making Kokkari equally great for both early-in-the-game dates and special occasions.

Top review
Hal
Dined 1 day ago
Fabulous meal, great service. Expensive but worth it.

Kokkari may be a power-lunch hub by day, but at night, it becomes one of SF’s coziest date spots. The family-run taverna is decked with wooden beams and ceramic accents for days, plus a natural stone hearth that’s responsible for menu highlights like grilled octopus and smoky lamb chops with lemon-oregano vinaigrette. The staff here is all about philoxenia, or the concept of turning a stranger into a friend, making Kokkari equally great for both early-in-the-game dates and special occasions.

Top review
Hal
Dined 1 day ago
Fabulous meal, great service. Expensive but worth it.
4.8 (470)
$50 and over
Sushi
Mission District

Sushi Hon is for couples who worship at the altar of omakase and where you go for an impressive, uncluttered tasting menu. The zuke masunosuke (soy-cured Ora King salmon) might be the best way to a sushi lover’s heart. Add a sleek, charcoal-colored backdrop and lighting that focuses on the fish, and you’ve got the kind of world-class Japanese spot you’ll want to keep coming back to.

Top review
Tonia
Dined on May 11, 2025
Fantastic experience. Sushi was excellent from the very beginning to the last. Food and service were delicious and spot on! This restaurant deserves Michelin Stars

Sushi Hon is for couples who worship at the altar of omakase and where you go for an impressive, uncluttered tasting menu. The zuke masunosuke (soy-cured Ora King salmon) might be the best way to a sushi lover’s heart. Add a sleek, charcoal-colored backdrop and lighting that focuses on the fish, and you’ve got the kind of world-class Japanese spot you’ll want to keep coming back to.

Top review
Tonia
Dined on May 11, 2025
Fantastic experience. Sushi was excellent from the very beginning to the last. Food and service were delicious and spot on! This restaurant deserves Michelin Stars
4.7 (5092)
$31 to $50
American
Financial District / Embarcadero

A trip to BIX shuttles you to a bygone San Francisco era. The city icon was founded in 1988 and owes its popularity to a nightly jazz band performance. Expect impeccable service from bartenders dressed in signature white jackets—but the staff’s buttoned-up outfits don’t mean they’re snooty. Instead, they make diners feel super welcome in a restaurant that owner Doug Biederbeck describes as “a party every night.”

Top review
DebbieVIP
Dined 6 days ago
Loved it. I had duck for the first time and it was delicious.

A trip to BIX shuttles you to a bygone San Francisco era. The city icon was founded in 1988 and owes its popularity to a nightly jazz band performance. Expect impeccable service from bartenders dressed in signature white jackets—but the staff’s buttoned-up outfits don’t mean they’re snooty. Instead, they make diners feel super welcome in a restaurant that owner Doug Biederbeck describes as “a party every night.”

Top review
DebbieVIP
Dined 6 days ago
Loved it. I had duck for the first time and it was delicious.
4.7 (587)
$30 and under
Swiss
Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Who can resist the charms of fondue? Take a ride to the Swiss Alps at the Matterhorn, which is kitted out like a chalet with pine-wood paneling, electric trains, and even a full-on gondola that exclusively seats one lucky couple. The team bakes the sourdough in house and melts the best gruyere, so dunk away and see where the night takes you.

Top review
Asher
Dined on May 12, 2025
Thank you Shelia and staff! A beautiful Mother’s Day treat!!

Who can resist the charms of fondue? Take a ride to the Swiss Alps at the Matterhorn, which is kitted out like a chalet with pine-wood paneling, electric trains, and even a full-on gondola that exclusively seats one lucky couple. The team bakes the sourdough in house and melts the best gruyere, so dunk away and see where the night takes you.

Top review
Asher
Dined on May 12, 2025
Thank you Shelia and staff! A beautiful Mother’s Day treat!!
4.6 (11105)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Financial District / Embarcadero

Every diner seems to be celebrating something at this splashy, Pat Kuleto-designed place, all nautical dark wood finishes and floor-to-ceiling aquariums. With its flawless seafood menu and prime seats for watching boats float under the Bay Bridge, Waterbar is a sought-after proposal spot. Don’t miss the chandelier with glowing orbs—a subtle nod to the restaurant’s extensive caviar program.

Top review
James
Dined 2 days ago
As usual, another great meal, wonderful service and check out their new awning -perfect for those who like to dine outside without the blaring sun.

Every diner seems to be celebrating something at this splashy, Pat Kuleto-designed place, all nautical dark wood finishes and floor-to-ceiling aquariums. With its flawless seafood menu and prime seats for watching boats float under the Bay Bridge, Waterbar is a sought-after proposal spot. Don’t miss the chandelier with glowing orbs—a subtle nod to the restaurant’s extensive caviar program.

Top review
James
Dined 2 days ago
As usual, another great meal, wonderful service and check out their new awning -perfect for those who like to dine outside without the blaring sun.
4.9 (1849)
$50 and over
Asian
SOMA

For dinner and a show, book this fun and sexy experience. You and your date can throw it back like it’s 1998 with fruity pink cosmos, then devour three courses of Asian fusion dishes from blackened ahi tuna to “Baby Got Back” glazed ribs—all while trans performers work the runway in the center of the dining room. If the date’s still going strong, drop down to the club in the basement for one last drink.

Top review
Labspaz
Dined on Apr 29, 2024
The girls are amazing! The whole experience is one you will never forget and leaves a big impression on your heart. I’ve never had the pleasure of enjoying a space that felt so inviting and welcoming. You feel the love through the whole venue.🫶🏻

For dinner and a show, book this fun and sexy experience. You and your date can throw it back like it’s 1998 with fruity pink cosmos, then devour three courses of Asian fusion dishes from blackened ahi tuna to “Baby Got Back” glazed ribs—all while trans performers work the runway in the center of the dining room. If the date’s still going strong, drop down to the club in the basement for one last drink.

Top review
Labspaz
Dined on Apr 29, 2024
The girls are amazing! The whole experience is one you will never forget and leaves a big impression on your heart. I’ve never had the pleasure of enjoying a space that felt so inviting and welcoming. You feel the love through the whole venue.🫶🏻
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