Romantic dinners in San Francisco

For two, with the lights low.

10 places in San Francisco · by Chef Amazing · updated October 20, 2026
Photo: zunicafe.com

1. 1

   Cotogna

   Italian · Jackson Square

   Lively Jackson Square Italian spot from the Quince team, wood-fired oven, known for pastas and a convivial open kitchen.

   Also on the list: Where the famous eat in San Francisco.

   490 Pacific Ave · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
2. 2

   Firefly

   Map · Add to Chef Amazing
3. 3

   Sorella

   Map · Add to Chef Amazing
4. 4

   Trestle

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5. 5

   Zuni Café

   California bistro · Hayes Valley

   Long-running Hayes Valley icon with a copper bar, famous for its roast chicken for two with bread salad.

   Also on these lists: San Francisco: what to eat and where, Where locals eat in San Francisco.

   1658 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102 · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
6. 6

   Nightbird

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7. 7

   Penny Roma

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8. 8

   Californios

   SoMa

   Critics: 86% liked it, from 5 reviews (2015 to 2026). Rising: the recent write-ups are better than the old ones. Read Michelin Guide 2026, The Infatuation 2026, Time Out San Francisco, Andy Hayler 2019.

   Also on the list: The big-night tables of San Francisco.

   Map · Add to Chef Amazing
9. 9

   Foreign Cinema

   Mission

   Critics: 79% liked it, from 5 reviews (1999 to 2015). Gone quiet: nothing new written in three years. Read The Infatuation, Time Out San Francisco, San Francisco Chronicle 2015, SFGate / San Francisco Chronicle 1999.

   The crowd: 4.2 of 5 on Tripadvisor (969 ratings).

   Map · Add to Chef Amazing
10. 10

    Kokkari Estiatorio

    Map · Add to Chef Amazing