Valentine’s Day is approaching, and if you’re still looking for ideas for a romantic dinner with your love, several French restaurateurs are offering special tasting menus, either en terrasse, or for takeout. Here is your selection for Valentine’s Day 2021:
Mathilde French Bistro
Cafe Bastille
This incomparable icon of French gastronomy, with its romantic terrace, welcomes all lovers with a three course menu, with a choice between salmon carpaccio and duck mousse, filet mignon or paella, and crepe suzette or chocolate cake. This special menu for $60 is available between February 12 and 14. 22 Belden Place San Francisco, CA 94104. 415-986-5673. Site.
One65 et O by Claude le Tohic
Chef Claude le Tohic has mixed small plates with large for a Valentine’s Day menu sure to be memorable: caviar, crab, lobster, wagyu beef, or duck confit, nothing is too gorgeous for this exceptional soirée. The menu, $370 for two, is available for pickup or delivery during the week, from February 9 through 14.
For those with a sweet tooth, the tea salon One65 offers a chocolate, rose, and champagne menu for $195, with chocolates, strawberry marshmallows, macarons, and champagne for $135. 165 O’Farrell Street, San Francisco, CA 94102. 415.814.8888. Site.
Maison Nico
If your idea of a romantic dinner is a salty one, Nicolas Delaroque’s grocery will ravish your tastebuds with a duck Pithivier and a blood orange-chocolate tart. Head to Maison Nico right now to get yours. 710 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, 94111. 415- 359-1000. Site.
Maison Danel
Danel de Betelu’s tea salon offers a special menu to-go this Valentine’s Day, with caviar, a show-stopping saumon en papillote, cheese and baguette, accompanied by an Alsatian Crémant and a bottle of rosé. This menu, at $220 for two, is available for reservations just until February 12, for pickup or delivery on the 14th. For dessert, the chef has concocted a cake with a vanilla-strawberry heart, on a chocolate cookie base. For lovers of afternoon tea, you can also order a selection of mini sandwiches, sweets, viennoiseries and other treats, accompanied, of course, by tea. $55 per person. 1030 Polk Street, San Francisco, CA 94109. 415-685-5900. Site.
Crêpe-Madame
Just for Valentine’s Day, Crêpe-Madame has concocted gift baskets for lovers. Sweet and savory crepes, accompanied with garnish or served plain, will satisfy all of your desires. Pickup in Glen Park, or order for delivery. 415.513.9252. Site.
Le Marais Bakery
Chef pâtissier Gontran Cherrier is putting his talents to the service of lovers, with a raspberry, strawberry, and almond tart delicately fashioned in the shape of a heart. Available from Friday, February 12, through Sunday, February 14, at three locations (Marina, Castro, and Polk Gulch). 1138 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94109. Site.
Amelie Fairfax
This restaurant and wine bar, which launched last August, will undoubtedly see its pretty terrace fill up on Valentine’s Day, with a special menu offered at 5pm, 7pm, and 9pm. You will be thrilled to stare into your lover’s eyes over salmon tartare, lobster risotto, orange duck or goat cheese ravioli, and a Saint-Honoré to finish. 71 Broadway Blvd, Fairfax, CA, 94930. 628-253-5161.
Left Bank
Roland Passot‘s brasseries located in Menlo Park, San José, and Larkspur, are offering a prix fixe menu this Valentine’s Day. Before their Thermidor lobster or filet mignon, you’ll believe you’re in Paris… what could be more romantic for February 14? 377 Santana Row Suite 1100, San Jose, CA 95128 ; 507 Magnolia Avenue. Larkspur, CA 94939. 415-927-3331 ; 635 Santa Cruz Avenue. Menlo Park, CA 94025. 650-473-6543. Site.
Mademoiselle Colette
A heart of chocolate, raspberry, or vanilla… which one would you like to crack open? This pastry shop with locations in Menlo Park, Redwood City, and Palo Alto is sure to satisfy with their desserts and individual cakes, especially for Valentine’s Day. 816 Santa Cruz Ave, Menlo Park, CA, (650) 644-8469 ; 499 Lytton Ave, Palo Alto, CA, 650-272-6873 ; 2401 Broadway, Redwood City, CA, 650-260-2260. Site.
