Show Your Local Love
Looking for the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Our guide highlights some of the Bay Area’s most charming small businesses that are ready to make your weekend unforgettable. From cozy wine bars and trendy restaurants to unique events and gifts, these local spots are ideal for creating memories with your loved ones. Support small businesses while enjoying an evening filled with love, great food, and romantic ambiance. Explore our picks and plan your perfect Valentine’s Day outing or gift!
Dinner Date: San Francisco
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Bearing West
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Bearing West, a stylish and intimate dining destination in San Francisco’s Parkside District. With its seafaring-inspired cuisine, curated wine selection, and cozy ambiance, Bearing West offers the perfect setting for a romantic evening. Share thoughtfully crafted dishes that highlight local ingredients, and savor the inviting atmosphere that blends sophistication with warmth. Join them February 14th-16th to show some love to those in the restaurant industry who have been impacted or displaced due to the recent fires in Los Angeles.
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Komaaj
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a unique culinary journey at Komaaj, a cozy restaurant in Bernal Heights specializing in Northern Iranian cuisine. Known for its vibrant flavors and warm hospitality, Komaaj offers a dining experience unlike any other. Share traditional dishes like herb-packed stews, saffron rice, and flavorful spreads in an intimate setting that’s perfect for a romantic evening.
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Angie’s Pizza
Treat your Valentine to a relaxed and flavorful evening at Angie’s Pizza in San Francisco. Known for their incredible sourdough crusts and inventive toppings, Angie’s offers a cozy, welcoming space perfect for sharing delicious, artisanal pies. Complement your meal with a selection from their thoughtfully curated wine and beer list. Whether you’re splitting a classic margherita or exploring unique seasonal creations, Angie’s Pizza is an ideal spot for a casual yet unforgettable date night.
Photo Credit: @nicola_parisi
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Mister Jiu’s
Nestled in the heart of San Francisco’s Chinatown, Mister Jiu’s offers a romantic blend of modern Chinese-American cuisine and historic ambiance. With its Michelin-starred menu, elegant interior, and stunning views of Chinatown, it’s the perfect spot for a sophisticated Valentine’s Day dinner. Treat your date to signature dishes like their Five-Spice Roast Duck and don’t miss the creative cocktails that pair beautifully with the meal.
Dinner Date: Oakland
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Popoca
Enjoy a unique Valentine’s Day experience at Popoca in Oakland, where Salvadoran flavors shine in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Featuring dishes inspired by traditional cuisine with a modern twist, Popoca is perfect for couples seeking an unforgettable culinary adventure. Share the warmth of wood-fired pupusas and other flavorful specialties while soaking in the charm of this cozy eatery.
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Gold Palm / Moonglow
For a romantic and flavorful Valentine’s Day dinner, Gold Palm in Uptown offers a fresh twist on “Pakistani party food” with a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The modern, chic design sets the stage for an evening filled with vibrant dishes like roasted lamb, seasonal mezze, and flavorful cocktails. Whether you’re indulging in their shareable plates or enjoying a quiet moment with your date, Gold Palm’s intimate vibe makes it a perfect choice for a memorable night out.
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Mägo
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a touch of culinary artistry at Mago, a vibrant Oakland restaurant offering seasonal, ingredient-driven dishes that showcase Latin American flavors. With its inviting ambiance, handcrafted cocktails, and a focus on local produce, Mago provides a warm and intimate dining experience perfect for couples looking to indulge in something special. Share creative small plates or savor a multi-course menu in this charming space designed for connection and culinary discovery.
Photo Credit: @parheliaprints
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Bardo
For a romantic and unique Valentine’s Day experience, Bardo in Oakland offers a cozy, intimate setting with a menu that combines innovative, seasonally inspired New American dishes. The vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a special evening, whether you’re enjoying their signature cocktails or sharing flavorful small plates. With its modern design and welcoming vibe, Bardo promises a memorable date night full of culinary delights.
Photo Credit: @anna_wick
Drinks & Small Plates
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Birba
For a cozy and intimate Valentine’s Day date, Birba Wine Bar offers the perfect setting. This hidden gem in San Francisco is known for its carefully curated selection of natural wines and a charmingly low-key atmosphere. Whether you’re sharing a bottle with your partner or enjoying small plates under romantic lighting, Birba delivers a relaxed yet special experience that’s sure to impress. Make your evening unforgettable at this delightful neighborhood spot.
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El Lopo
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with charm and warmth at El Lopo, a cozy tapas bar in San Francisco’s Lower Polk neighborhood. Known for its intimate ambiance and Spanish-inspired bites, this spot is perfect for sharing delicious small plates and unique wine or sherry pairings. Whether it’s a romantic evening or a casual date, El Lopo’s inviting vibe sets the tone for meaningful connections. They are offering a special tasting menu on February 13th and 14th.
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Amelie
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Amélie, a romantic wine bar in Polk Gulch. Known for its intimate ambiance, cozy seating, and extensive wine selection, it’s the perfect spot to toast to love. Pair your favorite glass of wine with delectable small plates in a setting that feels effortlessly Parisian. Whether it’s a first date or a long-time love, Amélie sets the stage for an unforgettable evening.
Gal/Palentine’s Plans
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Scrap&Sip
Scrap&Sip is a creative haven for craft lovers and social butterflies alike. Offering hands-on workshops in scrapbooking, journaling, and other DIY crafts, this studio combines creativity with community. Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift for your Valentine or simply want to treat yourself, @delaphenia will be at Scrap&Sip on February 13 showcasing a curated collection in celebration of love for ourself and others.
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Sour Cherry Comics
Sour Cherry Comics is an independent comic book shop that offers a diverse selection of graphic novels, comics, and art books for all ages. Join them on February 12 for Galentine’s Beads 4 Pal to make bead necklaces and bracelets to sell in order to raise funds for friends and families in Gaza. Or on Valentine’s Day, join their love letter writing workshop, a structured writing exercises to write letters to your past, present & future selves as well as loved ones, and take some instax polaroids that you can add to your letters! Reserve a spot here.
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Mothership
For a Valentine’s Day weekend filled with immaculate vibes, visit Mothership. With its vibrant décor, creative drinks, and lively atmosphere, it offers a playful yet intimate setting for a memorable time. Whether you’re sipping on their signature cocktails or exploring their eclectic menu, Mothership is a destination for folks looking to escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary. Head here for PLANETA PULSE on February 15 where DJs will be playing Heart Throbs, Club Edits, Y2K Inspo, Dance Music, or on February 16 for LAYERED CAKE, a v-cute v-day vendor fair.
Gifts: Jewelry
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D&H Jewelers
Location: The Mission, San Francisco
Products: Custom jewelry, engagement rings, and fine jewelry
About: D&H Jewelers is a jewelry store specializing in custom-designed pieces, engagement rings, and high-quality fine jewelry. With a commitment to craftsmanship and personalized service, D&H Jewelers works closely with clients to create unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that tell their stories. Their custom designs and fine jewelry make perfect gifts for cherished loved ones.
Visit their storefront at 196 Valencia St or shop online.
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Ladha Jewelry
Photo credit: Dinner Party Studio
Location: Online/Oakland
Products: Handmade jewelry, including rings, necklaces, and earrings
About: Ladha Jewelry specializes in exquisite, handmade jewelry crafted with a focus on quality and unique design. Each piece is thoughtfully designed and meticulously created, often inspired by cultural motifs and modern aesthetics. Their jewelry makes for stunning and meaningful gifts, perfect for your special someone.
Browse their collections on their website.
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Love Is Project
Location: Online/Bay Area
Products: Handcrafted bracelets that spread the message of love
About: Love Is Project creates handcrafted, meaningful bracelets symbolizing love and empowerment, ethically made by artisans from Kenya, Indonesia, and beyond. The Original Love Bracelet in Red is a top pick, perfect for spreading positivity.
Gifts: Sweets
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The Xocolate Bar
Location: Rockridge, Oakland & Berkeley
Products: Artisan chocolates, truffles, and chocolate bars
About: The Xocolate Bar is an artisan shop offering high-quality chocolates crafted locally and sourced from around the world. With world-class candies and visually striking, delicious creations, they bring unique flavors and beautiful designs to every piece. Perfect for gifting, The Xocolate Bar offers a range of indulgent treats and elegant gift items, adding sweetness and sophistication to any celebration.
Shop online or visit their flagship retail store at 5854 College Ave.
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The Good Chocolate
Location: Online/San Francisco
Products: Zero-sugar chocolate bars and confections
About: The Good Chocolate is a San Francisco-based company that crafts delicious chocolate without added sugar, using sustainably sourced ingredients. Known for its smooth, rich flavor and health-conscious recipes, The Good Chocolate is perfect for guilt-free indulgence. Their zero-sugar chocolate bars make excellent gifts for the health-conscious chocolate lover.
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Coracao Confections
Location: Online/Berkeley
Products: Organic, vegan chocolate and confections
About: Coracao Confections specializes in organic, vegan chocolates made from high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients. Crafted to satisfy chocolate lovers with a focus on health and ethical sourcing, Coracao’s products are both indulgent and nourishing. From truffles to chocolate bars, Coracao’s treats make the perfect gift for those seeking delicious, plant-based options.