What are some good places in the East Bay to take my wife for dinner on Valentine's Day?

Question

I'd rather go to SF because I know of lots of places there, but getting across the Bay Bridge on Val. Day is a nightmare (we had an unbelievably great dinner at L'Amour dans le four a couple of years back, but getting there was painful). I'm thinking French, Italian, Spanish, Mediteranean, but really anything that's really romantic will be considered.

Thanks to all who responded. A couple were in SF, I'll give them a try some other time (I won't cross the bay bridge for V-day ever again if I can help it!), some were a out of my price range on V-day, but I'll try them later (Jordan's is $290! $175's about my max). This answer had the most places that I considered. Citron would have been my first choice, but they're already booked except for too early (5:30) or too late (9:00). So we'll be going to Oliveto's. Thanks again to all, and hope you have great valentine's days where ever you end up..

Answer 1

I've eaten at all these restaurants and the food is very good to great at all of them. My first choices would be Bay Wolf, Rivoli or Oliveto's but you can't go wrong at any.

Rivoli Restaurant
1539 Solano Ave
Berkeley, CA 94707

Citron
5484 College Ave.
Oakland, CA 94618

Oliveto Café & Restaurant
5655 College Ave.
Oakland, CA 94618

Bay Wolf
Piedmont Ave.
Oakland, CA

Bridges Restaurant
44 Church St.
Danville, CA 94526

Faz Danville
600 Hartz Avenue
Danville, CA 94526

Mezze
3407 Lakeshore Avenue
Oakland, CA 94610

Answer 2

I like the restaurant at Claremont Hotel (can't recall the name but it's the only one that has a terrace). The food is great (never been dissapointed) and the view is breathtaking Maybe they are doing something special for the Valentine's Day. Also I know it's a little bit funky but there is this cute tiny restaurant in Oakland called "Fat Lady Tavern", which has unbelievable themes/decorations for holidays or special days. It is really amazing and the food is absolutely delicious (and I am a food snob!) Don't let the name to fool you; it is much more than a tavern, and ladies were a definitely are not fat! It is small, it is cute and it is close to the waterfront, Embarcadero street (Oakland), at Broadway and Second. Sorry but I cannot remember the exact address and they don't advertise themselves. I guess that they don't need it. lol Have fun choosing where to go!

If you like Italian, one of my favorite restaurants is Dopo at Piedmont (4293 Piedmont Ave, Oakland). My fiance has taken me to so many great places that I keep losing track of it Lol

Answer 3

Here is a list of five that are rated 5 star. My recommendation for you would be Trattoria LA Siciliana in Berkeley. Why? This is an award winning restaurant and has some of the best cu sine you will ever dine on. Have been here many times. Excellent!

Bay Wolf/Oakland

East Ocean Seafood/Oakland

Quinn's Lighthouse/Oakland

La Cheval/Oakland

Trattoria LA Siciliana/Berkeley
This is an Award Winning Restaurant

Answer 4

Depends on your wife's culinary preferences. Suggestions: Chez Panisse or Bay Wolf. Check the Restaurant Reviews from the SF Chronicle. They occasionally have reviews of East Bay restaurants.

Also, you could make a visit to a bookstore, browse in the guides section for descriptions of restaurants in the East Bay for ideas.

Answer 5

While there are many great choices listed,the best would be for you to check out this site http://www.themenupage.com/cuisine.html. It lists the city and the type of food you're interested in.
You can find out the menu, how formal is the restaurant and the best part, it lists restaurants in Berkeley, Alameda, Oakland, Albany, Hayward and Emeryville (all east bay!).

Answer 6

I have always like Lalime in Berkeley. It's a cozy place with outstanding service and food.
The place at the Claremont that one of the responders is talking about is Jordan's. They have an amazing double ribeye on the bone, if that's what you're into.

Answer 7

Citron on College Avenue

Answer 8

Best place in the East Bay, hands down, is Oliveto in Rockridge. Exquisite and very authentic Tuscan cuisine, market-fresh ingredients, impeccable service that will make you feel very special, and sometimes they have special events for days like Valentine's Day. Check it out.

Answer 9

I had dinner at new place Pres a Vi in the Presideo last week and it was really good. Beautiful view of the Palace of Fine Arts and nice atmosph. for a special dinner.

Answer 10

How about Cote Sud? http://www.cotesudsf.com/

I also find citysearch.com very helpful. You can put in your area, then select "Romantic Dining" and it will give you a list!