1. Savor Seasonal Sophistication at Octavia
Octavia is a refined New American dining experience from acclaimed chef Melissa Perello, nestled in a beautifully restored 19th-century space in San Francisco’s Lower Pacific Heights. Named after its street address, Octavia charms guests with romantic ambiance, polished decor, and seasonal menus rooted in sustainable, locally sourced ingredients.
Recommended For: Culinary enthusiasts, date nights, and anyone craving creative comfort food in an elegant yet unpretentious setting.
- Savor standout dishes like English pea and bacon tagliatelle, or duck leg confit in coconut curry.
- Enjoy expertly prepared entrees such as striped bass with mushrooms and filet mignon with creamed spinach.
- Experience a menu driven by local farms and a commitment to sustainability.
- Pair your meal with a glass, carafe, or bottle from the thoughtfully curated wine list.
- Take home a loaf of signature house-baked levain with cultured butter or Ligurian olive oil.
Octavia, 1701 Octavia St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: 415-408-7507
2. Experience Bold and Beautiful at Rich Table
Rich Table brings a bold and imaginative approach to Californian cuisine, led by executive chefs Sarah and Evan Rich. Set in a rustic-chic space adorned with salvaged barn wood and anchored by an open kitchen, this relaxed yet refined San Francisco gem delivers inventive dishes that celebrate seasonal ingredients, artistic technique, and heartfelt hospitality.
Recommended For: Adventurous food lovers, couples seeking a laid-back yet elevated experience, and anyone who appreciates creative, chef-driven cuisine in a cozy setting.
- Feast on standout entrées like whole-roasted squab, black cod, and 21-day dry-aged ribeye.
- Delight in unique pastas such as aged beef cannelloni or sea urchin tonnarelli.
- Share decadent desserts like coconut cake with brown butter ice cream or panna cotta.
- Unwind with after-dinner cocktails, dessert wines, or a pour from the premium liquor list.
- Dine in a warm, communal atmosphere that blends rustic charm with modern flair.
Rich Table, 199 Gough St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: 415-355-9085
3. Fall for Italian Romance at Seven Hills
Seven Hills offers a charming and intimate fine dining experience in San Francisco’s Russian Hill, specializing in handmade Roman-style fare crafted from locally sourced Bay Area ingredients. Led by executive chef Anthony Florian, this romantic neighborhood gem combines farm-to-table philosophy with refined Italian flavors for a memorable dinner service every evening.
Recommended For: Pasta lovers, date nights, and anyone seeking a cozy yet elevated Italian dining experience in the heart of the city.
- Savor handmade pasta dishes like maccheroncelli with ricotta and farfalle with pecorino spuma and pancetta.
- Try seasonal entrées like bavette steak with butterball potatoes or fresh fish with fregola and mussels.
- Enjoy thoughtfully prepared Roman-style cuisine rooted in local farm ingredients.
- Pair your meal with wines from an approachable list of Italian and Napa Valley vintages.
- Dine in an elegant, intimate setting perfect for special occasions or quiet culinary indulgence.
Seven Hills, 1896 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: 415-775-1550
Date Ideas in the Bay Area:
4. Indulge in Elevated Italian Elegance at Acquerello
Acquerello is one of San Francisco’s most celebrated fine dining destinations, known for its refined Italian cuisine and longstanding Michelin-star distinction.
Recommended For: Special occasions, fine wine enthusiasts, and anyone seeking an exceptional Italian culinary journey in a truly unique setting.
- Dine on exquisitely crafted dishes like spinach creste di galli with wagyu Bolognese and swiss chard raviolo in browned butter.
- Enjoy Gulf prawns in cozze patate, llano seco pork, and other delicacies in multi-course prix fixe menus.
- Reserve the seasonal tasting menu in advance for an exclusive and personalized culinary experience.
- Pair your meal with selections from a world-class wine list, honored with Wine Spectator’s Grand Award since 2012.
- Experience timeless elegance in a converted chapel that blends historic ambiance with modern culinary artistry.
Acquerello, 1722 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: 415-567-5432
5. If You Crave Culinary Innovation, Book a Journey at Benu
Benu is a world-renowned fine dining destination in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood, created by celebrated chef Corey Lee—formerly of The French Laundry.
Recommended For: Gourmet explorers, special occasion diners, and anyone seeking one of the most refined, multi-course dining experiences on the West Coast.
- Indulge in a tasting menu featuring highlights like faux shark’s fin soup, sea urchin with Beluga caviar, and Cantonese-style pork belly.
- Dine in a serene, elegant space that emphasizes precision, artistry, and calm sophistication.
- Explore a curated wine list with over 300 global selections, plus sakes and craft beers by the glass.
- Commit to an unforgettable evening—dinner service spans approximately three hours.
- Notify the team in advance regarding dietary restrictions for a fully personalized experience.
Benu, 22 Hawthorne Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: 415-685-4860
6. Dine in Art Deco Glamour at Boulevard
Boulevard is a landmark dining destination on San Francisco’s Embarcadero, helmed by celebrated executive chef Nancy Oakes.
Recommended For: Sophisticated date nights, business lunches, and anyone seeking classic San Francisco fine dining with impeccable views and service.
- Enjoy seasonal dishes like wood-oven-roasted Berkshire pork chops and wild Pacific swordfish.
- Delight in signature sides and standout mains like black wild mushroom risotto with burrata and burgundy truffles.
- Take in stunning Bay views from the restaurant’s grand, Belle Époque-style dining room.
- Indulge in dessert favorites such as maple crème brûlée, pumpkin bread pudding, or the romantic Croquembouche for two.
- Dine for lunch or dinner daily in one of San Francisco’s most enduring fine dining institutions.
Boulevard, 1 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: 415-543-6084
7. Embark on a Tasting Odyssey at Californios
Californios is an acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurant in San Francisco’s Mission District, offering a bold and refined interpretation of Mexican-inspired cuisine through a 16-course tasting menu.
Recommended For: Tasting menu enthusiasts, culinary adventurers, and anyone seeking a one-of-a-kind, elevated celebration of modern Mexican cuisine.
- Experience a 16-course tasting journey crafted nightly using the freshest seasonal ingredients.
- Discover chef Val Cantu’s celebrated style—refined, vibrant, and rooted in Mexican heritage.
- Indulge in a beautifully paced, elegant dining experience that defies tradition and expectations.
- Pair dishes with small-batch wines curated to enhance every course’s nuanced flavor.
- Dine in a modern, sophisticated space that reflects the minimalism and thoughtfulness of each plate.
Californios, 355 11th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: 415-757-0994
8. If You're After French Flair with Neighborhood Warmth, Say Bonjour to Chapeau
Chapeau! is a beloved French bistro tucked into San Francisco’s Richmond District, offering romantic charm, warm hospitality, and elevated comfort cuisine crafted by executive chef Philippe Gardelle. Known for its intimate ambiance and exceptional wine list, this Clement Street gem is a go-to for date nights and classic French dining done right.
Recommended For: Romantic evenings, Francophiles, and anyone craving traditional French fare with a cozy neighborhood vibe.
- Dine on French classics like cassoulet de Toulouse and roasted duck breast with carrot-coriander purée.
- Enjoy refined entrées like filet mignon with spinach soubise and bone marrow.
- Explore an extensive wine list featuring premium selections by the glass or bottle.
- Choose vegetarian options like the vegetable Napoleon with lentils and curry cauliflower mousse.
- Reserve a table for dinner or early bird service Wednesday through Sunday in a truly charming setting.
Chapeau!, 126 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118
Phone: 415-387-0408
9. Rustic Meets Refined at Cotogna
Cotogna is a cozy yet refined Italian bistro located in San Francisco’s historic Jackson Square, offering a rustic menu of wood-fired fare and housemade pastas. A sister restaurant to the acclaimed Quince, Cotogna is helmed by Michelin-starred chef Michael Tusk and is known for its daily-rotating menus and warm, inviting atmosphere.
Recommended For: Pasta aficionados, wood-fired pizza fans, and anyone craving seasonal Italian cuisine in a charming, casual setting.
- Savor daily-changing dishes like spit-roasted quail with squash or duck confit with rutabaga.
- Feast on signature pastas like raviolo with farm egg, gramigna with sausage, or squid-ink casarecce.
- Enjoy authentic wood-oven pizzas made with rustic Italian flair.
- Indulge in a curated selection of wines and ingredients highlighting Northern California’s best producers.
- Dine in a lively, elegant space that balances bistro energy with fine-dining craftsmanship.
Cotogna, 490 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: 415-775-8508
Plan Your Trip