Date Night: Best Restaurants For A Romantic Dinner In The Concord Area
When romance is in the air, it's time to capture the moment with your honey and share a dreamy dinner for two. Find the ideal spot for a romantic dinner at one of these fine restaurants in the Concord area.
Fiore
5100 Clayton Road
Concord, CA 94521
(925) 969-1887
www.restaurantfiore.com
Fiore is an Italian-Mediterranean restaurant with Chef Habib El Jacifi, originally from Casablanca In Morocco, at the helm. The famed city's diverse culinary influences are evident in the savory cuisine at Fiore. Chef El Jacifi has taken classic Italian recipes and transformed them into something higher with French and Mediterranean influences. The atmosphere at Fiore is warm, and the aromas of the cuisine wafting from the kitchen are intoxicating. Have a seat in the romantic red room for a beautiful dining experience. View the dinner menu (PDF) for their primo Italian-Mediterranean dishes.
Luna Ristorante
2118 Willow Pass Road, Suite 100B
Concord, CA 94520
(925) 691-4080
www.lunaristorante.us
Luna Ristorante charms with a menu of old and new. "You get old-school tastes with a modern presentation," says Owner and Chef Redoune. The restaurant specializes in northern and southern Italian favorites such as risotto, scaloppini and chicken cacciatore, and serves fresh Italian dishes using top-quality ingredients sourced from regions around the world. Luna Ristorante, with just 49 seats, is a small but cozy setting where intimate dining reflects the restaurant's warm and relaxed atmosphere.
Va de Vi
1511 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
(925) 979-0100
www.vadevi.com
Unlike many other wine bars, Va de Vi is also about the food, and the superb menu encourages diners to explore as they share a variety of international small plate portions of eclectic tastes. Be adventurous with the large international wine list as well, aided by the helpful tasting notes. Many wines are offered in pre-set flights and by the glass. Va de Vi presents a lovely and romantic setting that is warm and casual. Dine outdoors under a stately oak tree, or relax at a table in the charming lane. The all-small plate menu is very inclusive, and ranges from soups, salads and vegetables to burgers, pasta, meat, poultry and seafood, all sized for trying several and sharing. Other menus available include artisanal cheese plates, gluten free and desserts.
La Veranda Café
6201 Center St.
Clayton, CA 94517
(925) 524-0011
www.laverandacafe.com
A family owned and operated Italian restaurant in the heart of downtown Clayton, La Veranda Café gets excellent reviews for its delicious food and wine along with an inviting, warm ambiance. La Veranda prides itself on its menu based on the Italian tradition of simplicity in food preparation, using the best seasonal and locally grown ingredients. The café features specials along with its regular menu. Highlighted also are monthly winemaker dinners, adding to a wonderful dining experience. Go for the happy hour, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. everyday, and enjoy discounted appetizers, specialty cocktails and wine. Brunch is served on weekends.
Kobe Japan Restaurant
1918 Oak Park Blvd.
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
(925) 705-7065
www.kobejapanrestaurant.com
Add a little theatrics to your romance at the teppanyaki tables at Kobe Japan Restaurant. Talented chefs create your hibachi dinner right before your eyes, where you literally enjoy "dinner and a show." Delicious, fresh Japanese hibachi dishes take center stage as chefs perform their culinary magic on classic and new dishes, including steaks, chicken, shrimp, scallops, lobster tail, salmon, ahi and vegetarian options. Or indulge in Kobe specialties made with domestic Kobe grade beef. If you prefer a less entertaining route, you can order from the restaurant's regular menu or choose from a full spectrum of sushi options.
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Melanie Graysmith is a writer, artist and educator based in San Francisco. She writes on adult education, art and lifestyle topics, and enjoys writing short stories and poetry. She is also a member of an independent filmmaking group. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
