Where to dine on Valentine's Day in the East Bay — based on your relationship

This is your two-week warning: Valentine’s Day is coming, and on a Saturday nonetheless. Theoretically, you have plenty of time to make plans. But your plans likely depend less on timing and more on your relationship status.

Whether you’re ready to go all out or you’re still feeling things out, you don’t have to fret about the 14th. We’ve picked out our favorite spots for every situationship to help you nail Valentine’s Day your way.

It’s an awkward day for the undefined couple. Don’t let that stop you from making plans.

Flip the script on the usual romantic dinner obligation at Tanzie’s, where spicy Thai lava eggs bring the heat, but brunch hours keep it casual. For a dash of fancy, book a reservation for their prix fixe option.

For another just-another-day-date option, grab a beer and some seafood comfort food at Sailing Goat. The Richmond hotspot has live music, great views, and a crowd-pleasing menu for day and night noshing, plus a walk-in only policy ideal for last-minute decision makers. Test the romance waters by timing your visit to the sunset. If there’s a wait for a table, you can also check out the collection of former Burning Man art pieces at the Point San Pablo Harbor.

June’s Pizza is good option for a casual date night, and, with no reservations, procrastinators are on a level playing field with the rest. Credit: Estefany Gonzalez for East Bay Nosh

And nothing says “low stakes” like pizza. June’s Pizza delivers on reservation-free spontaneity and solid pies (though arrive before 9 p.m. for maximum selection). For a built-in conversation starter, check out Oakland’s new Flour + Water Pizza Shop to see if it lives up to the hype.

Tanzie’s Cafe:1453 Dwight Way, Berkeley; open Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sailing Goat:1900 Stenmark Drive, Richmond; open Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., brunch served until 4 p.m.
June’s Pizza:2408 Mandela Parkway, Oakland; open Saturday 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Flour + Water Pizza Shop:271 24th St., Oakland; open Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

So it’s serious. Congrats! This calls for something special.

Though MAMA Oakland is good any day for elevated Italian fare and scoot-closer seating, on Valentine’s Day they’re upping the ante with a dare-we-say sensuous prix fixe menu showcasing Dungeness crab, lobster, and pasta hits.

Love and risotto is in the air at MAM Oakland. Credit: Emma K. Morris

For an intimate setting with izakaya flair, head to Ippuku. The Bib Gourmand favorite offers succulent skewers and an impressive sake menu to take off the pressure. Surprise your boo with a pair of socks to wear at the restaurant’s shoes-off tatami tables.

Show off a little with a reservation at Burdell, the Temescal soul food staple with national clout. Or tuck into upscale American eats at Juanita & Maude, which offers both local-favorite and fancy-night-out vibes.

MAMA Oakland: 388 Grand Ave., Oakland; open Saturday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Ippuku: 2130 Center St., Berkeley; open Saturday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Burdell: 4640 Telegraph Ave.; open Saturday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Juanita & Maude: 825 San Pablo Ave., Albany; open Saturday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

When you’ve been cuffed or committed for a while, you’re likely going one of two directions.

For those who crave something traditional, get the white tablecloth treatment at Lara’s Fine Dining. Waterfront views come with classic seafood dishes at this Richmond institution. Belotti is another easy pick for an elegant night out, with sumptuous homemade pastas and desserts.

Don’t need a Hallmark holiday to prove your love? Use it as an excuse to try something new.

Lucuma’s vibrant interior and eye-catching cocktails set the mood for a festive meal. Credit: Florence Middleton for East Bay Nosh

Downtown Oakland’s vibrant Lucuma (the 2025 Nosh Awards winner for Best New Restaurant) showcases Peruvian flavors in a buzzy setting, with a prix fixe Valentine’s Day menu to eliminate choice fatigue. Revisit Snail Bar – which went under new management late last year — to try its “Snailentine’s Day” tasting menu of raw oysters, foraged mushrooms, and irresistible desserts.

Lara’s Fine Dining:1900 Esplanade Drive, Richmond; open Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Belotti Ristorante: 5403 College Ave., Oakland; open Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Lucuma Kitchen and Bar: 1700 Franklin St., Oakland; open Saturday 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Snail Bar: 4935 Shattuck Ave., Oakland; open Saturday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Perhaps things are undefined or you’ve been-there-done-that for Valentine’s Day already. That means the holiday is yours to create.

For sans-planning day dates that lead to adventurous outings, go for counter service. Fuel up on falafel and Mediterranean staples at Fava or try Lulu’s new, table-less menu highlighting Palestinian-inspired bites.

Just want some drinks — or missed the reservation window? Morning birds can pick up some reading material and espresso to enjoy al fresco at Farley’s East. Night owls will like North Light for a late night on the patio with sultry cocktails, such as the strawberry whiskey-infused Pillow Talk.

Cozy up with a cutie and a cocktail at North Light. Credit: Bex Wyant

And who says Valentine’s Day has to be all about couples? Donato and Co. offers authentic Italian fare in a celebratory but unstuffy setting equally good for couples, double dates, or even extended family. On Piedmont Avenue, Mägo’s seasonal tasting menu highlights California cuisine and is available in kid-sized portions so you can bring the whole family.

Fava: 2114 Vine St., Berkeley; open Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Lulu: 1106 Solano Ave., Albany; open Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Farley’s East:33 Grand Ave., Oakland; open Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
North Light: 4915 Telegraph Ave., Oakland; open Saturday 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Donato and Co.:2635 Ashby Ave., Berkeley; open Saturday 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Mägo:3762 Piedmont Ave.; open Saturday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where to dine on Valentine’s Day in the East Bay — based on your relationship

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