Community Corner
Patch Picks: Most Romantic Restaurants
This Valentine's Day, treat your special someone to some eco-friendly food, decadent dessert and an extensive wine list—without having to do the dishes!
It's Valentine's Day Monday, and if you haven't already made a restaurant reservation, you better get on it! We tested out the romanticism of local restos—from ambient lighting to extensive wine lists—and came up with this list to help make your loved one's day that much more special.
1. The Classic Dinner
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Coined "upscale comfort food" by its owners, Saint Michael's combines classy with rustic, featuring flooring reclaimed from an Italian farmhouse and paintings by local artists. Check out the Valentine's Dinner four-course menu, $80 per person. Reservations call 650-326-2530. Find it at 140 Homer Ave. in downtown Palo Alto.
2. Most Eco-Conscious
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Savor sustainable meats and organic produce at this restaurant of traditional Mediterranean Italian cuisine. Located in the heart of downtown Palo Alto, eating a healthy, eco-friendly meal at Lavanda will make up for all those daisy petals you tore off in search of the truth to "he loves me, he loves me not." For reservations, call 650-321-3514 or go online. Find it at 185 University Ave.
3. The French One
No one does romance better than the French, so why not join 'em? Bistro Elan boasts a full wine list and produce fresh from the farmers market. Seating is "intimate" in the petite dining room. Try the Sonoma Duck Leg Confit and vanilla crème brûlée for dessert. Reservations, call 650-327-0284. Find it at 448 S. California Ave. in Palo Alto.
4. Off The Beaten Path
Sick of the gag-me-wine-chocolate-hearts infused typical menus of V-day? Try the chicken tiki-masala at Darbar, a quaint restaurant with incredible service tucked away from University Avenue traffic. Rated the Best Indian Restaurant by Palo Alto Weekly, Darbar has been satisfying spice-frenzied tastebuds with authentic northern and Southern Indian cuisine for the past 15 years. Reservations, call 650-321-6688. Find it at 129 Lytton Ave.
5. Wallet-Friendy
For romance on a budget, try the Valentine's Day Weekend Special: Canadian lobster tail and Sea of Cortez prawn combination for $29.95. Because nothing says "I love you" like fish lips. Reservations, call 650-493-8862. Find it at 3150 El Camino Real in Palo Alto.
