Heading into Valentine season, OpenTable sifted through nearly 500,000 reviews to pinpoint its most popular restaurants by region.
The platform’s most reserved dining destinations in the entire Bay Area include three favorites right here around the South Bay—perfect for celebrating your special someone this Valentine’s Day!
JOEY Valley Fair | Santa Clara
Recently opened in Spring 2025, JOEY brings exciting, lively energy to Valley Fair’s world-class dining scene. Creative, globally inspired food and drinks are paired with top-notch service and an atmosphere to match; the two-story restaurant offers a stunning setting for an alfresco lunch, brunch, or dinner. You can even enjoy late-night sips and eats until 1:00AM on Friday and Saturday nights!
RH Rooftop Restaurant | Palo Alto
Arguably the most opulent dining venue in the Bay Area, this restaurant occupies a rooftop conservatory above Stanford Shopping Center’s 60,000-square-foot RH gallery. Sip a glass from the glamorous wine bar or relax in the Rooftop Park with views of Kings Mountain, then find your table nestled amidst olive trees, massive chandeliers, and a tinkling limestone fountain. Fare includes Australian wagyu ribeye and a seafood tower fit for a king.
Shadowbrook | Capitola
Perched above Soquel Creek, this restaurant founded in 1947 is surrounded by lush tropical gardens spanning several levels, each of which provides an exquisite experience—from lounging beneath the soaring ceilings of the Rock Room to peaceful creekside terrace dinners. Call ahead to book a complimentary shuttle pickup in a retro taxi, then take the restaurant’s cable car down to your dinner.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic spot or just a really enjoyable meal, any of these picks are made for the moment.
Let me know if you’d like a few more of my favorite recommendations nearby!
