Whether you’ve just met or you’ve been together for years, every couple needs a vibey date spot now and again, the kind of place with a design perspective so strong, it’s transportive.

High-brow or low(er)-brow, San Francisco has plenty of atmospheric destinations for dinner. From the bite-sized romance of the Outer Richmond’s Pizzetta 211 to the Moroccan embrace of El Mansour, these nine restaurants have moods made for falling (or staying) in love.

Robin 

(Courtesy of @robinsanfrancisco)

Robin is a tiny restaurant with a mood all its own. Dark, artistic, urban-cool—it’s a vibe that would be just as at home in Tokyo as it is in Hayes Valley. While design lovers will appreciate the collection of ceramics and Caroline Lizarraga's moody wall with metallic gold drips, it’s not just the atmosphere that makes Robin special. Chef Adam Tortosa's contemporary omakase restaurant uses pristine ingredients and both traditional and modern techniques to craft an ever-changing multi-course meal that can be personalized on a sliding price scale (from $109 to $209 per person). The sake menu curated by partner Michael Huffman is yet another reason to visit: Featuring both Japanese and local producers, the selection begs you to linger even after the last dish is served.

// 620 Gough St. (Hayes Valley), robinomakase.com

L’Ardoise

(Courtesy of @lardoisebistro)

If romantic Parisian is the vibe you’re going for, L’Ardoise Bistro’s got it. With its red-walled interior and classic European charm, this intimate French restaurant feels straight out of the 18th arrondissement. L’Ardoise’s menu is an exercise in decadence with dishes like duck leg confit, coq au vin, and scallops with risotto and white wine cream sauce, and if that doesn’t transport your date night to Paris, the French-dominated wine list will.

// 151 Noe St. (Duboce Triangle), ardoisesf.com

Boulevard

(Courtesy of @blvdsf)

Seems like designer Ken Fulk can’t help but drench everything he touches in cool, and every one of his SF restaurants have a unique vibe. But arguably his most atmospheric spot is Boulevard, the long-standing pioneer of California cuisine whose space he gussied up a few years back with modern Belle Epoque maximalism. Big, bold wallpapers, textiles, and textures create a mood that’s both dramatic and sexy. Creative cocktails and aphrodisiacs like golden osetra caviar service and bone marrow and escargot, up the ante for an unforgettable evening.

// 1 Mission St (Embarcadero), boulevardrestaurant.com

Pizzetta 211

(Courtesy of @thefoodburner)

What is it about small restaurants that makes them so romantic? Case in point: Pizzetta 211. This pocket-sized space in the foggy Outer Richmond can’t have more than four tables inside (and a few outside) and after dark, when the flames of candles softly glow, it feels magically intimate. The pizzas and wine are excellent and low key enough that they can hang on an early-stage date or a cozy night out with your lobster. Just be warned that, since they don’t take reservations, the wait here, which can get lengthy at times, is a potential mood killer. Go early or late to avoid the inevitable awkward silences.

// 211 23rd Ave. (Outer Richmond), pizzetta211.com

Moongate Lounge

(Courtesy of Moongate Lounge)

Brandon Jew’s Moongate Lounge wasn’t just inspired by the luxury of mid-century Chinatown, it was once an iconic mid-century Chinatown destination. They’ve done an incredible job channeling that swanky, historic vibe, with high-backed velvet booths, blue carpets and pastel walls, restored Chinese murals, and color-drenched lighting after dark. Cocktails designed by bar director Garrett Marks like this summer’s “Clear and Bright” (duck fat-washed rye, single malt, apricot, lapsang) are seasonally inspired by the Chinese Lunar Calendar, and snacks hail from the Mr. Jiu’s team.

// 28 Waverly Pl., Fl. 2 (Chinatown), moongatelounge.com

Aphotic

(Courtesy of Aphotic)

With its inky black decor and live fire ovens, Aphotic has a vibe that’s as darkly mysterious as the deepest reaches of the ocean (which, coincidentally, is the meaning of its name). From amuse bouche to dessert, the 10-course tasting menu is packed with exquisitely prepared sustainable seafood served in a sunken dining room flanked by driftwood sculptures and under a canopy of exposed wood beams. More celebration dinner than a first date, Aphotic’s moody atmosphere is a world so enchantingly intimate, you won’t want to come up for air.

// 816 Folsom St. (SoMa), aphoticrestaurant.com

Cold Drinks Bar

(Courtesy of Cold Drinks Bar)

If you’d rather your date night revolve around cocktails (with some excellent snacks to nosh on along the way), head to Cold Drinks Bar, which has just unveiled its newest seasonal menu. It’s hard to explain how much drama this upstairs lounge has in store: dark and romantic, it’s a mash-up of mid-century Shanghai and industrial high design where the tuxedoed bartenders keep things classy with Scotch-leaning cocktails and whiskey flights. Part of the China Live complex, bites like Szechuan wok fried chicken wings and caviar Chinese donut with chili and creme fraiche come courtesy of the kitchen of celebrated Eight Tables by George Chen.

// 644 Broadway (Chinatown), chinalivesf.com

El Mansour Restaurant

(Courtesy of @elmansour_sf)

The quickest way to North Africa via San Francisco is straight through the Outer Richmond’s El Mansour Restaurant. Draped in waves of fabric, cozified with rugs and pillows, painted and inlayed with Moroccan motifs, this place has a theatrical vibe unlike anywhere else in the city. The set five-course menu, which begins with a traditional hand washing, comes with choices (including vegetarian ones) and enough food for an army. Be prepared to learn some belly dancing skills, or at least to admire the talents of the pros.

// 3119 Clement St. (Outer Richmond), elmansour.com

Loló

(Courtesy of @lolorestaurantsf)

If the vibe you’re chasing leans more quirky and playful than moody and romantic, there’s no better dinner destination than Loló. The Mission Mexican restaurant’s decor is a mashup of bright colors and kitschy art that’ll have you feeling like you’ve stumbled across the border and into Guadalajara’s kick-ass food scene. You probably won’t get into any seriously deep conversations here—the music is not quiet—but with creatively twisted traditional dishes (think, tuna tacos with seared tuna, shrimp aioli, and salmon bone reduction) and an impressive mezcal selection, Loló’s atmosphere is a delightfully fun and flirty night out.

// 974 Valencia St. (Mission), lolosf.com