Best Valentine's Day 2013 Restaurant Specials In San Francisco

Valentine's Day is almost here, and with it comes the chance to let your romantic side make its annual appearance. And with so much heady sentiment around, who wants to cook? Instead, grab that someone special, give him or her a hug and head over to one of San Francisco's glorious spots to celebrate the most romantic day of the year.

Food from the Heart
Ferry Building Marketplace
1 Ferry Building
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 983-8030
www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com

Dates: Feb. 8-9

Get a head start on Valentine's Day during the season of love at the 5^th annual Food from the Heart event at the Ferry Building Marketplace. The love begins Friday, February 8^th with an event to benefit Slow Food, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and continues the next evening, Saturday February 9th. Here is an open invitation to the public to wander the candlelit Grand Nave where Marketplace merchants and restaurateurs offer a selection of seasonal hors d'oeuvres at $2 per taste. Sample wines, $6 per glass, from local vintners at several wine bars along the route. All proceeds from the food and drink purchases will benefit Slow Food San Francisco. Along with the epicurean delights, the entire Marketplace will be open for Valentine shopping until 8 p.m.

Absinthe Brasserie & Bar
398 Hayes St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 551-1590
www.absinthe.com

Absinthe is a beautiful restaurant with a romantic vibe, creating the perfect Valentine's Day setting. You may feel transported into another era, 1920's Paris to be exact, as soon as you enter. Known for its delicious menu offerings, including select cheeses and "share plates," Absinthe presents imaginative cocktails and an almost 60-page wine list, although a short list of wines are available by the glass. Located in hip Hayes Valley neighborhood, Absinthe is close to the San Francisco Symphony and live theater, and is a good pre- or post-theater stop. The restaurant offers a special Valentine's Day dinner too. Check the Absinthe website for the holiday menu options.

Related: Recipes For A Romantic Valentine's Day Dinner

Frascati Restaurant
1901 Hyde St.
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 928-1406
www.frascatisf.com

Frascati is a quaint, tri-level Mediterranean-style bistro located in San Francisco's historic Russian Hill district. The high ceilings, warm colors and postcard-perfect views of the city's iconic cable cars add to the romantic ambiance of dining here on Valentine's Day. The cuisine, inspired by the Mediteranean Coast, shifts frequently to reflect the freshest ingredients of the season. The restaurant is celebrated for its inventive menu that has received outstanding reviews since its original opening in 1987. Equally well known for its eclectic wine list that complements the food, Frascati is the perfect destination for a lovely evening out. Chef Mike Pawlik, the young talent behind Frascati's inspired menu, plans a very special Valentine's Day menu worthy of the restaurant's popular reputation, with your choice of three courses for $75 or four courses for $85. See Frascati's website for menus and additonal information.

The Barrel Room
620 Post St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 673-1916
www.barrelroomsf.com

The Barrel Room is a comfortable and intimate wine bar in the heart of San Francisco specializing in "small-production terroir-expressive wines" from around the globe. This expression means the region in which a wine grows influences its character. The Barrel Room pours 40-plus wines by the glass on a monthly rotating regional focus, giving its regulars a new experience with each visit. The bar offers tasty snacks from the kitchen, centered on flabreads, specialty cheeses and charcuterie. Reservations are recommended, as this is a small, intimate venue. On Valentine's Day, a special menu is offered, combining some of the tastes local sweethearts enjoy sharing. Get a bottle of champagne and a plate of chocolate truffles or a cheese tasting plate for $70, a bottle of Prosecco and a plate of chocolate truffles or a cheese tasting plate for $50 or two wine flights and a charcuterie tasting plate for $35.

La Cocina
Valentine's Day Sweets
2948 Folsom St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 824-2729
www.lacocinasf.org

Date: Feb. 13

Looking for something to bring you and your sweetie a little closer? Get close with Valentine's Day Sweets, an interactive dinner party and cooking class from La Cocina. With wine, sweet treats to savor and the exceptional aid of culinary La Cocina experts, the community-focused Mission District kitchen is dedicated to creating and supporting local food businesses, especially for female entrepreneurs. Spend February 13^th with your honey while working with expert chocolatiers Christine Doerr of Neo Cocoa and Cristina Arantes from Kika's Treats, and cupcake specialist Elvia Buendia from La Luna Cupcakes, in making truffles, caramels and mini cupcakes. Enjoy the desserts you made together after a scrumptious crepe dinner from Delicioso Creperie. What a sweet way to celebrate with your one-and-only. All La Cocina Artisan Culinary Classes include instruction, appetizers, full dinner and drinks. Visit the La Cocina website for complete information.

Related: Best Bets For Live Music On Valentine's Day In San Francisco

Melanie Graysmith is a freelance writer and artist based in San Francisco. She writes on adult education, art and lifestyle topics, and enjoys writing short stories and poetry. Melanie is a member of an independent filmmaking group and aims to spin her stories into film. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.