This post contains affiliate links. An affiliate link means I may earn advertising/referral fees if you make a purchase through my link, without any extra cost to you. It helps to keep this little blog afloat. Thanks for your support!
A Once‑in‑a‑Lifetime Dining List
These are some of the most romantic restaurants in California that I’ve actually been to — the kind of places that leave an impression long after the meal is over. I’m sharing them with you because I’ve experienced them firsthand and know they’re worth planning a night (or a trip) around.
Coastal & High‑End | Aptos + Santa Cruz Coast
Sanderling’s at Seascape — Aptos
9200 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA 95003
Why go: Elegant oceanfront dining with sweeping Pacific views — perfect for sunset dinner dates.
Recommended: Seared local fish with seasonal sides + a crisp white wine.
Venus Spirits Kitchen & Bar — Aptos
783 Rio Del Mar Blvd, Aptos, CA 95003
Why go: Upscale but relaxed, with fresh farm‑to‑table plates and inventive cocktails.
Recommended: Local seafood special and one of their craft cocktails.
The Crow’s Nest — Santa Cruz
2218 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Why go: Classic seaside restaurant with harbor views and iconic sunsets.
Recommended: Cioppino or grilled swordfish with a glass of rosé.
Iconic & Romantic | Capitola
Shadowbrook Restaurant — Capitola
40 Wharf Rd, Capitola, CA 95010
Why go: Famous cable car entrance, lush gardens, and winding paths make this uniquely romantic.
Recommended: The tuna plate or seared scallops — favorites for a reason.
Cozy Redwood Dining | Big Sur
Big Sur River Inn — Big Sur
46800 CA‑1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Why go: Dine right by the river — literally — with your feet near the water.
Recommended: River trout or seasonal pasta, followed by an espresso by the river.
Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn Restaurant — Big Sur
46381 CA‑1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Why go: Candlelit, historic cabin setting tucked in redwoods — timeless romance.
Recommended: Short ribs or herb‑crusted lamb with a rich red wine.
Cliffside Views & Elevated Dining | Big Sur
Nepenthe — Big Sur
48510 CA‑1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Why go: Dramatic cliffside views + cozy fire pits — perfect for sunset drinks and dinner.
Recommended: Ambrosiaburger and a glass of local rosé.
The Sur House — Big Sur
48123 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Why go: Elevated California cuisine with one of the most breathtaking outdoor settings on the coast.
Recommended: Pan‑seared halibut or braised short rib.
Post Ranch Inn — Sierra Mar (Big Sur)
47900 CA‑1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Why go: Michelin‑level fine dining with floor‑to‑ceiling views of the Pacific — unforgettable for celebrations.
Recommended: Chef’s tasting menu paired with curated wines.
Scenic & Elegant | Santa Cruz Mountains
The View at Chaminade — Santa Cruz
1 Chaminade Ln, Santa Cruz, CA 95065
Why go: Sweeping views of Monterey Bay and sunset dining that feels elevated but still relaxed.
Recommended: Grilled local fish or seasonal risotto + sunset cocktail.
Romantic Carmel
Casanova
5th Ave between Mission & San Carlos St, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
Casanova is a truly romantic, European-style dining experience I love recommending. Set inside a cozy 1920s cottage in Carmel-by-the-Sea, it blends French and Italian influences with a warm, old-world atmosphere — think candlelit rooms, charming garden patios, and an impressive wine cellar you can explore after dinner. The menu features beautifully crafted dishes like fresh gnocchi, cannelloni, crudo, and seasonal specialties, making it the perfect spot for a special night out you’ll remember long after dessert. 💕
Romantic Dining | San Francisco
John’s Grill — San Francisco
63 Ellis St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Why go: Historic and classic — old‑school romance with rich, satisfying dishes.
Recommended: Filet mignon or beef Wellington.
Foreign Cinema — San Francisco
2534 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Why go: Eat in a romantic indoor/outdoor space with films screened on the wall — quirky and intimate.
Recommended: House special pasta or seasonal seafood, with a cocktail.
Gary Danko — San Francisco
800 N Point St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Why go: Michelin‑starred elegance and impeccable service — perfect for anniversaries.
Recommended: Duck à l’orange or lobster risotto with wine pairing.
Quince — San Francisco
470 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
Why go: Three Michelin stars and seasonal tasting menus make every visit a celebration.
Recommended: Chef’s tasting menu (reserve ahead!).
Coqueta — San Francisco
155 Rausch St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Why go: Waterfront Spanish cuisine with lively, romantic energy and tapas to share.
Recommended: Tapas platter + paella and sangria.
The Cliff House — San Francisco
1090 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121
Why go: Classic oceanfront perch with sunset views — iconic and nostalgic.
Recommended: Seafood platter or Dungeness crab (when in season).
Where to Stay in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz & Coast
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
📍 175 West Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Perfect for oceanfront sunsets and beach access.
Where to Stay in Big Sur
Post Ranch Inn
📍 47900 CA‑1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Ultimate luxury with dramatic cliffside ocean views.
Ventana Big Sur
📍 48123 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Upscale resort with redwood and ocean views.
Big Sur River Inn Cabins
📍 46800 CA‑1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Cozy cabins for a classic Central Coast escape.
Gift Ideas for her
This is the cutest and original belt bag
Meet the Beats Solo Buds True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds in Arctic Purple — bold color, clean sound, and zero cords. Designed for everyday life, they deliver powerful audio in a sleek, grab-and-go package that looks as good as it sounds.
The Garmin Venu 3S is a sleek, everyday smartwatch designed to help you understand your body and move with intention. With a vibrant display, up to 10 days of battery life, and advanced health and fitness tracking, it’s a powerful companion for both workouts and real life.
The Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket is your go-anywhere layer for comfort, from backyard hangs to beach days and backcountry adventures. Lightweight, weather-resistant, and surprisingly cozy, it’s the kind of blanket you’ll reach for year-round—especially in the stunning Death Valley Dawn colorway.
The Vuori Halo Essential Wideleg Pants are the definition of effortless comfort, whether you’re working from home or winding down by the campfire. Soft, flattering, and easy to style, they’re the kind of pants you’ll want to live in all day.
Check the whole list here
Gift for him
The Vuori Strato Tech T-Shirt is a top-rated essential that moves effortlessly from workouts to everyday wear. Ultra-soft, breathable, and versatile, it’s made for everything from yoga and running to whatever the rest of your day brings.
The YETI Hopper M20 2.0 Backpack Soft Cooler is built for serious adventures where cold drinks and hands-free comfort matter. With room for up to 36 cans (or 22 lbs. of ice) and a durable, leakproof design, it’s perfect for campsite hangs, beach days, and on-the-go gatherings.
The Arizona Crosstown Sandals take the classic Birkenstock style and make it adventure-ready. With durable, high-traction outsoles and timeless oiled leather, they’re built for all-day comfort wherever you roam.
Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 Massager: I recommend this little powerhouse because it’s lightweight, quiet, and super easy to use anywhere—at home, after a workout, or on the go. It melts away sore muscles in minutes, and I honestly don’t know how I lived without it!
The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) deliver pro-level sound with advanced Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, and Personalized Spatial Audio. They also introduce groundbreaking hearing health features, including a scientifically validated Hearing Test, hearing aid capability, and active hearing protection—raising the bar for everyday listening.
I love the Zippo HeatBank 6: I recommend this because it keeps your hands toasty anywhere—from the office to outdoor adventures—and it doubles as a USB power bank. Small, rechargeable, and super handy for cold days!
Check the whole list here
You may be interested on reading
