Valentine’s Day is right around the corner – have you made your reservations yet? These 9 Northern California bars and restaurants have exciting menus available, whether you’re looking for burgers and beer, wine and caviar, or fried chicken and champagne.
From Napa Wine Country spots to Sacramento’s top Farm-to-Fork foodie destinations, these nine restaurants and bars feature unique menus, fresh local ingredients, and craft cocktails perfect for a romantic meal for two. Whether you’re making reservations for Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or a date night to remember, you and your date will fall in love with these best restaurants in Northern California.
Four Wine Country Eateries for an Unforgettable Valentine’s Dinner
FARM at Carneros - Napa
FARM at Carneros offers a seasonal tasting menu complemented by local wine pairings and cocktails served over clear craft ice. Enjoy these unforgettable eats while snuggled up next to a cozy fire pit under the stars or in FARM’s stylish dining room. James Beard award-winning Chef Chris Bianco’s menus feature local and seasonal ingredients that highlight the bounty of Napa agriculture.
The Slanted Door — Napa
Expect nothing less than elevated modern Vietnamese food from James Beard award-winning Chef Charles Phan at The Slanted Door in Napa. Sustainable local ingredients, quality teas, wine pairings, and craft cocktails make The Slanted Door a must-visit destination for foodies and cocktail lovers alike. With dinner running through 10 PM, The Slanted Door is the perfect place for those who want a late-night bite on Valentine’s Day.
Chispa Bar — Napa
Head to Chispa Bar for the tequila and stay for the globally-inspired dishes. This tequila bar in downtown Napa features craft cocktails made with tequila, mezcal, and traditional Mexican ingredients. Seafood is a staple at this sophisticated bar; enjoy ceviche, caviar, oysters, crab rolls, and other sea-centric dishes to go with your tequila cocktails. Tequila and oysters: the perfect pairing for a romantic Valentine’s dinner.
Charlie’s — St. Helena
French Laundry alum Elliot Bell created a fine dining experience in St. Helena that manages to be both homey, family-friendly and upscale and romantic. Charlie’s St. Helena is probably the only place in Napa where you can get chef-quality fried chicken paired with champagne. Tamales Bay oysters, wagyu beef, and black truffle risotto are just a few of the gems you’ll find on Charlie’s menu.
Five Sacramento Sweet Spots for a Romantic Valentine’s Day Dinner
Butcher & Barrel - Sacramento
Sacramento’s Butcher & Barrel Steakhouse, led by Executive Chef Luis Cruz, provides a sustainable farm-to-fork dining experience showcasing local ingredients in an elevated yet elegant atmosphere. This vibrant new eatery offers a unique dining experience with an upscale menu featuring mouth-watering, dry-aged steaks, burgers, and expertly crafted cocktails.
Localis - Sacramento
As one of Sacramento’s few Michelin-starred restaurants, Localis is already fully booked for Valentine’s Day. But don’t let that stop you from booking a reservation for a romantic dinner for two on another date. Localis offers a 12-course tasting menu, where Chef/ Sommelier Chris Barnum-Dann personally selects a unique wine pairing to complement each dish for a truly memorable dining experience.
Get a reservation — whenever you can.
Beast + Bounty - Sacramento
Sacramento’s favorite Beast + Bounty is known for its “Incredibly fresh, creative Californian fare” with “well-balanced and neatly executed dishes.” With a menu designed to appeal to carnivores and veggie lovers alike, you can find something you and your date will love.
Camden Spit & Larder - Sacramento
Dine at London-inspired Camden Spit & Larder this Valentine’s Day to enjoy the creations of Chef Oliver Ridgeway. Their Valentine’s Day menu features a four-course meal complete with crab and avocado salad, goat cheese agnolotti, Angus beef filet, and a chocolate raspberry dome for dessert.
Scrumptious Eats at Ella - Sacramento
Ella Dining Room and Bar in Sacramento is offering a romantic Valentine’s Dinner menu for you and your sweetie on February 14th. Dine on duck liver mousse, seared scallops, and a bottle of champagne as part of your five-course meal by this Sacramento darling.
Are you looking for a more laid-back Valentine’s Day menu with comfort food classics or a luxurious experience complete with local wine pairings? Whatever date you have in mind, you’re sure to find the perfect menu for you and your sweetie. Explore other Northern California restaurants with The Block. Find more locations.
