Looking for a romantic, cozy, yet cheapish restaurant for Valentine's Dinner saturday night in San Francisco. Preferably somewhere that takes reservations.

February 11, 2010 1:49 PM

Looking for a romantic, cozy, yet cheapish restaurant for Valentine's Dinner saturday night in San Francisco. Preferably somewhere that takes reservations.

My sweetie and I will be in SF this sat for Vday weekend. We will be at a John Hughes Film Fest in the Castro before going out dancing, so something in that area would be great.

I'm not a cheap person, but we are already spending quite a bit on each other for Vday and not getting paid til the 15th tends to dampen things.

Lucky (I hope) for me, SF has a wide variety of dining options.

So lay it on me Bay Area-ers. Where can we dine in a romantic atmosphere for somewhere in the 15 to 25 pp range....if at all?

posted by Senor Cardgage to food & drink (11 answers total)

I don't think I know of a $15-25 place that takes reservations at other times of the year. Maybe Blue Plate near 29th/Mission. Maybe Alamo Sq. Seafood Grill.

Frankly, I'd suggest just getting a bunch of carnitas tacos at La Taqueria. They're open until 9. Phuket Thai at Divisadero & Haight is also a nice (long) walking option from the Castro. I think anything within a few blocks of the theater will be fairly socked-in, though.
posted by rhizome at 2:25 PM on February 11, 2010

In the Castro area: Maybe Eureka? Or Blue?

Slightly more expensive: 2233 Market, Catch, Mecca.
posted by phliar at 2:37 PM on February 11, 2010

Either Dosa might be an option - there's one in the Mission (close, like an upscale cafeteria) and there's another on Fillmore (farther, not direct by transit; nicer and LA-upscale-funky). Neither is super-cheap but they're good for dates.

Also: the Mission Little Star Pizza (there's another on Divis), Slow Club, the Mission Cha Ya (veggie Japanese, busy, no reservations), and for the truly cheap - or before the show - in my opinion the best NYC-style pizza in SF is across from the theatre at Marcello's (also great people watching from the stools at the window - cash only).
posted by kcm at 2:42 PM on February 11, 2010

How about La Mediterranee on fillmore? I suppose the one in Noe Valley would be closer, but I've never been so can't vouch for its awesomeness. The one on Fillmore is cozy and sweet and the food's generally pretty tasty.
posted by Ginkgo at 2:49 PM on February 11, 2010

I still think often of Kiss Seafood, in Japantown (1700 Laguna St, between Bush St & Sutter St, [phone]) -- the best, best sushi I have ever had in SF. It is tiny, reservations are a very good idea, and you don't want to decide what to eat -- let the chef decide. Up to you whether you think it is "cheapish" -- I think it is amazing. Of course, you have to like sushi.
posted by bearwife at 3:04 PM on February 11, 2010

La Mediterranee "in Noe Valley" is actually in the Castro at Market & Noe, one block from the Castro Theater. Not sure if they take reservations.
posted by rhizome at 3:41 PM on February 11, 2010

I just remember about Nombe, a new offshoot of Sozai and O Izakaya, which kind of means Japanese tapas. It's in the Mission, great food, little plates mean you can go cheap if you want, and it's fun. I think they do reservations - ask for Gil if you go.
posted by kcm at 4:22 PM on February 11, 2010

How about Heart? 1270 Valencia Street (in the Mission, close enough to the Castro). It's a new wine bar with food by the same food wizards who run Kitchenette SF. Really great, well-priced, made with real love of food. Plus the name is perfect. And the price seems about right. http://www.heartsf.com/menu/
posted by seaward at 4:40 PM on February 11, 2010

I don't think I know of a $15-25 place that takes reservations at other times of the year.
Surely the OP means $15-25 per person, for a total of $30-50 (before tax + tip)? All of the suggestions so far are assuming that, so you should jump in to correct us if we're wrong.
posted by tantivy at 5:00 PM on February 11, 2010

I always recommend this place to people: The Radio Habana Social Club, on 22nd near Valencia. I don't think they take reservations, and it only seats like 12 people or so, but if you get there right at opening you could get a table. It's a truly amazing little restaurant with alllll sorts of crazy crap all over the walls, and delicious food. Highly, highly recommended.
posted by ORthey at 5:43 PM on February 11, 2010

tantivy: Yeah, I was saying per person. I may have exaggerated, but on Vday I think it still holds.
posted by rhizome at 10:56 PM on February 11, 2010