Whether you’re spending your weekends with the same person you were with in the 90s or are a newly single parent getting back on your dating feet, isn’t it nice to try something new?
This is part one in a series of date night posts. It is the most straightforward activity: Dinner. We’ll get more creative later.
Without further ado, five dinner destinations to enjoy with a partner. Feel free to add your faves in the comments.
Vanessa’s Bistro on Solano Avenue serves modern Vietnamese-inspired small plates meant for sharing. It is a family-owned business and Vanessa, the cook and matriarch of the family, can always be spotted in the kitchen, dressed to party.
(1715 Solano Ave. Berkeley. Open 4 pm to 9 pm, closed on Tuesdays)
(1715 Solano Ave. Berkeley. Open 4 pm to 9 pm, closed on Tuesdays)
Burma Superstar in Temescal is (surprise) Burmese food with delicious cocktails. I’m pretty sure that everyone who meets their Tea Leaf Salad (pictured above) wants to marry it. Bring some coconut rice home for the kids. (photo: tastingsf)
(4721 Telegraph Avenue  Oakland, CA. Open daily for dinner. No reservations, so show up early and beat the line.)
(4721 Telegraph Avenue  Oakland, CA. Open daily for dinner. No reservations, so show up early and beat the line.)
Sidebar on Grand Avenue is a small, bustling restaurant/bar with a modern, fresh take on American comfort food standards. Cocktails focus on local ingredients. The vibe is just right for date night. (image: Sidebar’s facebook page)
(542 Grand Ave, Oakland)
(542 Grand Ave, Oakland)
Flora in Uptown Oakland is a splurge, but does indeed feel special with it’s Art Deco vibe. Like every foodie restaurant in the East Bay, classics are updated with local produce and California flair. (Photo: Passport Oakland)
(1900 Telegraph Avenue. Reservations are encouraged.)
Dopo on Piedmont Ave is a tiny joint that offers a little bit of everything — fancy pizzas, seafood, charcuterie — most of which is ideal for sharing. The menu changes daily and is best for adventurous eaters who like the sounds of phrases like “sea urchin with butter beans”. (Photo of crudo platter by John X on Yelp.)
(4293 Piedmont Ave Oakland. No reservations, but you can stroll Piedmont Avenue while you wait.)
Next: Part Two in our Date Night series: Dessert
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