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. Most Authentic
Find out what's happening in Menlo Park-Athertonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Say "te amo" and hand-feed your loved one delicious tapas--the perfect Valentine's Day finger food. A favorite dining spot on the Peninsula since 1984, Iberia serves authentic Spanish cuisine including tapas such as datiles endiablados, cantimpalitos and albondiguitas. Reservations call (650) 325-8981. Find it at 1026 Alma Street in Menlo Park.
2. Best Gastropub
Find out what's happening in Menlo Park-Athertonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
A play off the classic turn-of-the-century bar and dining hall, the "BBC" is the one place in Menlo Park where you're allowed to fake a British accent and get away with it. Check out the Valentine's Day menu--including seared foie gras and filet mignon. Reservations call (650) 327-8769. find it next to the CalTrain station at 1090 El Camino Real in Menlo Park.
3. The Classic Dinner
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 Avenue in downtown Palo Alto.
4. For Animal Lovers
This quaint and casual, family-run restaurant will be sure to taunt your tastebuds with its popular Singapore Chili, Pepper Crab or Laksa. Choose from an extensive vegetarian menu featuring traditional--or paranikan--Singapori cuisine. Reservations call (650) 838-9448. Find it at 1137 Chestnut Street in downtown Menlo Park.
5. Most Eco-Conscious
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..." Reservations call (650) 321-3514 or online. Find it at 185 University Avenue.
