If you’re looking for one of the most romantic Italian restaurants in the Bay Area, Pacifica’s Barolo is your go-to spot. Executive chef Jason Yeafoli is a graduate of the famed Johnson & Wales University, and he brings a tremendous passion for Italian cuisine to Barolo, which he also owns. The atmosphere is fantastically inviting from the minute you walk in the door—dark wood perfectly complements a blazing fire and flat-screen televisions playing classic black & white movies (without sound, of course). Once you’re seated, take a moment to notice the effortless quality of the service—regulars have nothing but praise for the staff. The menu is excellent from top to bottom, with regulars recommending the chef’s three-course special as an excellent, affordable introduction to what the place can do—before 6:30, it’s an incredible $24 for this spectacular meal. Diners also rave about the generously stuffed lobster ravioli, perfectly seared flatiron steak, and rich, juicy pot roast.

Barolo
404 San Pedro Avenue
Pacifica, CA 94044
(650) 355-5980
www.barolopacifica.com

Best wishes for happiness on Valentine's Day and every day.

Filipino food is one of the few Asian cuisines that hasn’t made much of an impact in the United States—many of the ingredients aren’t particularly suited to Western palates, for one. San Bruno’s Patio Filipino is aiming to change that, with an upscale take on the nation’s cuisine that will appeal to less adventurous diners. Presenting a fusion of high-class Filipino food with Spanish influences, Patio Filipino has made a fairly large group of converts since opening in 2005. If you’re going with a group, spring for the appetizer platter, which features lumpia (Filipino eggrolls), fried shrimp, and the tender fried pork known as bulaklak. Pan-fried milkfish is also a raved-about favorite. The three-course lunch special, only served on weekdays, will fill your stomach for just ten bucks. Show up early, as Patio Filipino is often jammed to the rafters most nights with both expats and locals who have come to love this challenging and delicious cuisine.

Patio Filipino
1770 El Camino Real
San Bruno, CA 94066
(650) 872-9888
www.patiofilipino.com