A perfect date can come in many forms, but the outcome is always the same- connecting with someone in an intimate environment. When people describe a perfect date, it usually revolves around feeling some sparks and feeling a connection to the other person as well as the environment you guys are in. There are so many different places that you can go to in San Francisco that provide intimate settings, but here is our list of favorite restaurants to take your date out to!

If you're feeling... FRENCH

L'ardoise Bistro

151 Noe St
(between 15th St & Henry St) 
San Francisco, CA 94114
Neighborhood: Duboce Triangle

If you're looking for an environment which is wonderfully cozy and intimate, check out L'ardoise Bistro. They serve up some of the most delicious Coq au Vin and Filet Mignon in town. Finish it all off with a nice glass of champagne to woo your date.

If you're feeling.... ITALIAN

Allegro Romano

1701 Jones St

(between Broadway St & Glover St) 

San Francisco, CA 94109

Neighborhood: Russian Hill

If you're looking for something intimate and away from tourists, check out Allegro Romano. They serve up some amazing pastas including the White Truffle Tortellini with Pesto featured above, as well as other authentic Italian dishes such as Lobster Ravioli and the crowd pleasure- Willie's Favorite. Finish it all off with a full-bodied glass of Zinfandel to call it an evening.

If you're feeling... ADVENTUROUS.

Burma Superstar

309 Clement St

(between 5th Ave & 4th Ave) 

San Francisco, CA 94118

Neighborhood: Inner Richmond

If full flavor is what you're looking for, check out Burma Superstar. Burmese cuisine is a cross of Thai and Indian cuisines, and features some of the most delectable flavors for the palate. The sesame beef is pictured above. The rainbow salad, burmese style curry and coconut rice are noteworthy, and the music really adds to the intimate atmosphere.

If you're feeling... like DRINKS and TAPAS,

Alegrias

2018 Lombard St

(between Fillmore St & Webster St) 

San Francisco, CA 94123

Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow

If tapas and drinks are what you're looking for rather than the whole dinner, check out Alegrias. The paella is a customer favorite and is featured above, and their sangria is also worth mention. They also have Manchego cheese flambe! This is a perfect place for a romantic tapas date.

If you're feeling... like a FANCY BURGER (AND A GOOD ONE AT THAT)

Umami Burger

2184 Union St

(between Webster St & Fillmore St) 

San Francisco, CA 94123

Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow

If a savory burger is what you fancy, Umami Burger is the place for you. Featured above is the Manly Burger (basically a bacon cheeseburger but better), and Umami Burger serves up an assortment of specialty burgers. Crowd pleasers are the Hatch Burger, which includes delectable green onions and is on the spicier side, but if you prefer sweeter tastes, the Umami Burger is for you. Other interesting burger options include the Bone Marrow Burger and Bacon Scallop Pork Belly Burger. Amazing sweet potato fries as well! Classy burger place.

If you're feeling... like DESSERT

Candybar

1335 Fulton St

(between Broderick St & Divisadero St) 

San Francisco, CA 94117

Neighborhood: NoPa

Candybar offers an intimate setting, with great desserts, drinks and board games! Featured above is the Vanilla Brioche with Figs and Almond Ice Cream which is a customer favorite, along with Drunken S'mores and Apple Pie a la mode. Definitely worth trying and a great sweet tooth appeaser. 

Now that you've got some awesome ideas for places to take someone out to eat to, post a date now to see who'll take you up on the offer! :D Check out HowAboutADate.com and post a date today! 

If not now, then when? 

Sarah Alikhan

Social Instigator for...

HowAboutADate.com

d a t i n g  s i m p l i f i e d 

Do what you love... and love will find you

Achievement is said to be one of the major components of happiness. 

Set goals for yourself and work towards achieving them!

If you're on the hunt for love and partnership, get out there and make sure to post a date on HowAboutADate.com! Find fun activities to engage in here.

Since we've been discussing all the basics of dating, including attraction and communication, here are some tips for you to make sure that you're always looking your best... NATURALLY! We all know beauty comes from the inside and if you're feeling good on the inside, you look your best on the outside. Here are some ways in which you can improve your mental as well as physical health to assure that you are looking the best you possibly can!

1) EAT HEALTHY. Eating healthier foods like fish, veggies and fresh fruit can not only give you more energy, but makes your skin glow and your hair shinier. You can still eat other foods, but make sure to lower your intake of fat, and refined sugar. Many foods have empty calories, so avoid them. 

For glowing skin, eat: DINO KALE (the ultimate superfood containing all vitamins K, A, C, and B6 as well as calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium), PINEAPPLE (vitamin C), QUINOA (magnesium, protein), WALNUTS (omega 3s), and AVOCADO (antioxidant, vitamin K).

For healthy hair, eat: SALMON (protein, vitamin D, omega 3s), OYSTERS (zinc), SWEET POTATOES (beta carotene), EGGS (protein, zinc, selenium, sulfur and iron), and SPINACH (iron, beta carotene, folate, vitamin C). 

2) CONSUME HEALTHY LIQUIDS. Making sure to take in plenty of cool water a day is essential. Water flushes away the toxins and gives your skin a natural glow. Avoid caffeine and too much alcohol.

3) RUN/ENGAGE IN CARDIO FOR 40 MINUTES - AN HOUR EACH DAY. We know this can be hard with busy schedules, but getting a morning or evening run/elliptical/dance session in not only improves your overall mood, but speeds up your metabolism. If you can't workout everyday, aim for at least 4-5 times a week. It's truly helpful.

4) MOISTURIZE YOUR SKIN DAILY, EXFOLIATE ONCE A WEEK. Moisturizing will keep skin soft and will assure beautiful skin as you age. Only exfoliate your skin once or twice a week to wake up your skin and give it a healthy glow. 

5) STAND TALL WITH GREAT POSTURE. Make sure to roll your shoulders a few times to feel where they really should be. Keep your chin up. Not only does great posture improve your physical appearance, but you also internalize that confidence you feel when standing tall. 

6) GET AT LEAST 7 HOURS OF SLEEP EVERY NIGHT. Pretty self explanatory. It makes all the difference.

7) TRY YOGA or YOGA POSITIONS WHEN YOU WAKE UP/BEFORE YOU GO TO BED. Here are some that you can do: Yoga Poses

7) DRINK WINE (in moderation). According to a 2011 report from the University of Florida, a polyphenol compound which is naturally found in red wine (resveratrol) may have "anti-aging, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties." One glass of wine for women and no more than two for men per day is healthy. Wine can help delay the body's aging process.

8) PURCHASE A TONGUE BRUSH. Yes, a tongue brush. A toothbrush is designed with bristles that are only effective for brushing your teeth. A tongue brush, with its rougher surface, gets all that gunk that's left on your tongue from that garlic doused fettucini alfredo that you ate last night out of your mouth. Fresh breath is essential, and if you have bad breath despite being an avid tooth-brusher, it's because you need a tongue brush.

Hopefully these tips are helpful. And now, to end with one of my favorite Audrey Hepburn quotes...

For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others,

For beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness,

And for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.