Feel like smooching your sweetie at a local restaurant? Here are five establishments guaranteed to jump-start a sizzling romance.
Carpe Vino
Sweep that Someone Special off his or her feet at Carpe Vino, whose exclusive prix fixe dinners (one seating per night, limited to 24 diners) are located in a magical, candle-lit room the owners call the “wine mine.” Hungry patrons access this room, constructed with locally mined stone and built into the side of a hill, via a small cobblestoned courtyard behind the popular Carpe Vino wine shop.
1568 Lincoln Way Auburn, (530) 823-0320; http://www.carpevinoauburn.com
La Provence Restaurant & Terrace
Love is sure to bloom at Roseville’s stunning La Provence, a rustic, yet elegant country French-style restaurant plopped down amongst gnarled, ancient oak trees. Ask for a table on the restaurant’s lovely patio, where you’ll be soothed by soft jazz tunes and the heady scent of rosemary. Make sure to share the fondue d’épinards et artichauts, the kitchen’s spinach, goat cheese and artichoke fondue.
110 Diamond Creek Place, Roseville; (916) 789-2002; http://www.laprovenceroseville.com
Biba Restaurant
Elegant, gracious and highly regarded by Sacramento foodies, Biba Restaurant oozes romance. From the striking floral arrangements and jacket-clad waiters to the leather-bound menus and rich, eye-rollingly delicious regional Italian cuisine, Biba knows how to cosset its customers. Guys, this is a great place to propose.
2801 Capitol Ave., Sacramento, (916) 455-2422; www.biba-restaurant.com
Boulevard Bistro
Snuggle up close at Boulevard Bistro, located in a darling little turn-of-the-century bungalow in old town Elk Grove. Service is always impeccable in the Bistro’s cozy dining area, with its dove-grey walls, beautifully upholstered chairs and crisp, white-draped tables. After your meal, take a moment to sit outside on the restaurant’s porch and admire chef/owner Bret Bohlmann’s flourishing flower and herb garden.
Boulevard Bistro, 8941 Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove; (916) 685-2220; http://www.frontiernet.net/~boulevardbistro
Aïoli Bodega Española
Grasp your sweetie’s hand as Aïoli’s classical Flamenco guitarist strums the vibrant music of love at this charming, popular midtown eatery. Serving up lusty Spanish cuisine in a quirky, European ambience, Aïoli’s tapas are perfect for sharing, as is its famous (and fabulous) paella Valenciana, which arrives in an enormous, in sizzlingly hot black pan.
1800 L St., Sacramento, (916) 447-9440
