Romantic Italian- Need help!!

[ardentwarrior]

Hey everyone, I'm new here and don't live in San francisco. I am living in Asia at the moment and will be flying out to see my girlfriend in Sanfrancisco at the end of the year(its the first time ive seen here in 6months at that point) I really need to find somewhere special in SF. It has to be Italian and oozing romance, price is not an object. any help would be GREAT!!!!!!!!! Thanks in advance

[chr]

What about Da Flora in North Beach, small, quaint place, superb food and wine. totally romantic and italian!!

[chaddict]

Very romantic....as long as Flora likes you and isn't in a mood.

[ardentwarrior]

Wow, Thanks this is so great she is going to be so thrilled. It seems Acquerello is a great bet.Keep all the advice coming, with reccomendations like this I can't make the wrong move. If anyone has an Idea for a place thats exclusive(im talking reservations needed months in advance) but its not Italian I'm open for suggestions. Thanks again!

[Robert Lauriston]

The French Laundry's the only place I can think of where you have to reserve that far ahead.

[whiner]

Myth is basically impossible to get into, but I don't think it is what you are after.

While the recs are good for Italian, generally, neither Incanto nor Sociale are what you are looking for -- neither is a huge splurge or particularly extravagent in any way.

It is true that Acquerello is a bit "old school" but it is also fabulous and, as has been pointed out, the wine list is insane.

Quince is also a very fine restaurant. Not as romantic in the traditional sense.

I think the most romantic (in the traditional sense) restaurant in the city is Fleur de Lys. It is also my favorite. But, of course, is is Alsatian. Not Italian.

[sweetdreamsoffood]

Incanto is pretty romantic.

[epicurious_sf]

Hmmm...Incanto is certainly one of my favorites, but it's a casual neighborhood restaurant where you are likely to find a table full of a family or two and their children celebrating a birthday. I don't find it particularly romantic, but the food is stellar rustic-style Italian. Service is adequate, but I've always found them a little cold and aloof.

[scenicrec]

Quince, for sure!

[markabauman]

I had my 50th birthday dinner at Acquerello (visiting from NY). I will be having my just belated 60th birthday dinner this September at Quince!

[gemster]

Quince is very very romantic - the service there will make you and your girlfriend feel special, especially if you tell them it's a special occasion.

[ardentwarrior]

Alright! This is just want I wanted. Thanks everyone for helping me out even though I'm new to Chow. Please keep all the recommendations coming this dinner is make or break for me so I want it be somthing special(I have to tell her I'm going out of the country for another 6 months :( ) Thanks

[Husky]

I recommend Quince over Acquerello -- the food is as good or better, the room is nicer and the service is better. Acquerello's interior is a bit dated.

http://www.quincerestaurant.com/pages...

[Hop]

Please note that while indeed Italian and romantic, Acquerello is most assuredly 'old school'.
I had dinner there recently and although the food was great and the service impeccable,
it is ultra proper. Unlike, for example French Laundry, the service felt rather formal and stodgy.
My recommendation would be Quince. Wonderful food, attentive service and just a little younger...

[Robert Lauriston]

I thought the service at Acquerello was very friendly and professional, didn't seem stuffy at all. They also have arguably the best Italian wine list in town.

[Fig Newton]

Agree with this assessment. Aquerello's very good, but just stuffy-ish with an average age of customers seeming to be 60+. I wasn't comfortable there ...

[ardentwarrior]

Wow, thats great. Do we have any more information on sociale? I want the most exclusive restaurant possible. this is already so much help! thanks

[WCchopper]

I had a nice dinner at Sociale and thought the atmosphere was very nice and romantic, but it may not be the most exclusive place.It was back in a little courtyard with lights strung over the patio, like a discovery. I really like Incanto in Noe Valley, also great atmosphere and Italian food with a wine cellar style room that might be great for a romantic dinner.

[VirgoBlue]

I've gotta agree with Sociale. My husband and I went for our anniversary and it was unpretentious and quaint. If you make a reservation, ask for a seat in the courtyard. The outdoor heaters will keep you warm and it's very charming.

[whiner]

Unquestionably Acquerello. Hands down.

[Robert Lauriston]

Second on Acquerello. Only caveat is that it's heavily French-influenced.

[doc]

Sounds like Acquerello ...

http://www.acquerello.com/

[srr]

or Sociale...