By Erin Kain By Erin Kain | January 30, 2025 | Food & Drink, Feature, Guides,
Spice up a night out with the 10 most romantic restaurants in San Francisco.
Snag a seat at 7 Adams’ stunning terrace.
7 ADAMS
At this culinary gem, husband-and-wife chef duo David Fisher and Serena Chow Fisher create innovative seasonal cuisine that’s elevated and beautiful. A recent tasting menu included cured hiramasa, beet tartare with buttermilk foam, celery root ravioli, A5 wagyu ribeye with bone marrow sauce and coconut sorbet with poached strawberry rhubarb. 1963 Sutter St., 415.655.9154, 7adamsrestaurant.com
BAR CRENN
Chef Dominque Crenn worked with production designer Ethan Tobman, whom she met while consulting on the film The Menu, to remodel Bar Crenn. A massive record collection anchors the space, which feels more like a sophisticated living room than a traditional bar. 3131 Fillmore St., 415.440.0460, barcrenn.com
Chic architecture and moody environs at Empress by Boon.
BOUCHE
Bouche’s seasonal prix fixe menus focus on Mediterranean and Northern French influences paired with beloved French vinos from small appellations. Executive chef Jeremy Blaringhem creates new menus every other Wednesday, and past dishes include delicacies like lobster bisque with corn, star anis and fennel and lamb sirloin with turnip puree and a black garlic emulsion. 603 Bush St., 415.956.0396, bouchesf.com
CALIFORNIOS
Chef Val Cantu’s elegant 30-seater is a gorgeous stage for his modern, fine-dining interpretation of Mexican cuisine. The counter offers prime viewing of Cantu’s tweezer-manipulated creations: oroblanco granita with Pop Rocks, beef tongue with a quenelle of avocado puree and a delicious foie gras ice cream studded with pear and showered with tortilla chip crumbs. 355 11th St., 415.757.0994, californiossf.com
Husband-and-wife duo David Fisher and Serena Chow-Fisher from 7 Adams
EMPRESS BY BOON
Michelin-starred chef Ho Chee Boon serves elevated Cantonese fare at this distinctive restaurant, particularly the elegant yet approachable seasonal prix fixe menus with optional wine pairings. Sample dishes include a summer truffle puff, steamed shrimp and squid dumplings, braised crispy short ribs and dried scallops with peanut rice. 838 Grant Ave., 415.757.0728, theempresssf.com
FOREIGN CINEMA
Foreign Cinema is a magical restaurant with vintage movies playing on a projector in the courtyard, flickering candles and a lively atmosphere. The Mission District favorite has been serving San Franciscans since 1999, and no matter how often we dine there, it never gets old. 2534 Mission St., 415.648.7600, foreigncinema.com
Outdoor dining at Waterbar includes stunning views of Bay Bridge.
GARY DANKO
Near Fisherman’s Wharf is the highly acclaimed Gary Danko. This New American restaurant excels in comforting classics and more sumptuous fare. You will feel right at home in the contemporary interior, cozily feasting upon their caviar served atop either buckwheat blinis with smoked salmon or phenomenal glazed oysters. 800 N. Point St., 415.749.2060, garydanko.com
SAISON CELLAR & WINE BAR
Saison Cellar & Wine Bar’s vast wine collection focuses on French labels paired with upscale bar fare—think authentic baguettes, signature caviar service, fresh oysters, French and domestic cheeses, charcuterie and croque monsieurs with Perigord truffles. 234 Townsend St., 628.800.4010, saisonwinebar.com
It’s hard to go wrong with caviar and Champagne, and it’s even better at Waterbar.
SPRUCE
This handsome Michelin-starred restaurant by Bacchus Management Group is the social set’s gathering spot, with dining room walls covered in chocolate brown mohair and chairs covered in faux ostrich. Chef Mark Sullivan’s lunches, dinners and brunches feature seasonal ingredients from Woodside’s SMIP Ranch. The 2,500-selection wine list is a dazzler. 3640 Sacramento St., 415.931.5100, sprucesf.com
WATERBAR
If you seek a seafood-centric dining adventure with a conscience for sustainability, look no further. With panoramic views of the Bay and an interior with two floor-to-ceiling aquariums, Waterbar is an embarrassment of riches. Executive chef Parke Ulrich changes the menu daily to ensure the freshest catches. Mains might include seared wild striped bass or grilled ahi tuna. 399 The Embarcadero, 415.284.9922, waterbarsf.com
Photography by: TARA RUDOLPH; COURTESY OF BRAND; TARA RUDOLPH; HARDY WILSON; HARDY WILSON