Best Date Night Magic Restaurants in Pleasanton
20 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
De La Torre's Trattoria
Only Italian restaurant making fresh pasta daily with a rotating special menu that changes based on local seasonal ingredients
Essential Picks
9.1
This under-the-radar neighborhood trattoria has been Pleasanton's
best-kept Italian secret since 1992, with a daily-changing special menu showcasing locally-sourced produce and handmade pasta. The family-owned spot delivers authentic Italian comfort with zero pretense and remarkably fair prices for the quality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tagliatelle Bolognese, Angel Hair with Shrimp, Daily Fresh Fish Special
What makes it special: Only Italian restaurant making fresh pasta daily with a rotating special menu that changes based on local seasonal ingredients
Notable Picks
8.8
Employee-owned since 1983, this East Bay institution brings authentic Chicago-style stuffed pizzas to downtown Pleasanton with over 225 best pizza awards. Their signature spinach and mushroom stuffed pizza features layers of cheese and toppings between two crusts, plus they offer excellent thin-crust options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spinach & Mushroom Stuffed, Zachary Special, Mediterranean Pizza
What makes it special: Authentic Chicago-style stuffed pizzas with California twist
8.8
Chef-driven Californian plates with a polished wine list, served on two patios overlooking downtown where dogs are welcome. Locals book it for date nights and small celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Cavatelli, Crispy Pork Belly, Chef’s Tasting Menu
What makes it special: Refined seasonal cooking on a dog-friendly downtown patio.
Old-school, downtown steakhouse known for prime cuts, classic sides, and a deep wine list. Locals book it for milestone dinners where polished service and consistent execution matter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bone-in ribeye, Filet mignon, Lobster tail
What makes it special: Classic New York–style steakhouse dining with an acclaimed wine program.
#5
Wild One
8.6
Chef Leo's Cal-Mex fusion concept elevates traditional Mexican cuisine with organic, health-conscious ingredients and creative presentations. The watermelon feta salad with blackened salmon and chile relleno showcase the kitchen's innovative approach to familiar flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Blackened Salmon with Watermelon Salad, Chile Relleno with Special Sauce, Crispy Fish Burrito
What makes it special: Cal-Mex fusion with organic ingredients and artistic presentation
#6
Sushi Hanabi
8.5
Small downtown sushi bar focused on precise nigiri, a tight sake list, and careful knife work. A reliable pick for an elevated but unpretentious night on Main.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase nigiri, Toro sashimi, Hamachi collar
What makes it special: Chef-led nigiri flights with balanced seasoning and clean cuts.
8.3
Elegant Main Street dining with a Frenched ribeye and private rooms suitable for executive lunches. Service is attentive and the space reads professional without being stuffy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Frenched Ribeye Steak (14oz), Chimichurri Lamb Chops, Roasted Beet Salad
What makes it special: Executive-friendly setting with a serious ribeye at lunch hours.
8.3
Since 1997, this upscale Mexican restaurant in a 145-year-old house has been Pleasanton's pioneer of high-end Mexican cuisine. Their extensive premium tequila list and secret-recipe margaritas complement sophisticated dishes like mole poblano and enjococado made from a 100-year-old family recipe.
Must-Try Dishes:
Enjococado with Family Recipe Sauce, Mole Poblano, Camarones Emperador
What makes it special: Historic house setting with premium tequila collection
8.3
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Business Lunch Power Players
Hidden Gems Heaven
Chef Bilardi Carteli brings 30 years of Italian training from Bologna and Tuscany to this refined downtown trattoria. Daily off-menu specials reflect market availability, while homemade pasta and fresh seafood anchor a menu praised for authenticity and technique.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilean Sea Bass with Risotto, Homemade Cannoli, Daily Chef Specials
What makes it special: Chef trained in Bologna and Tuscany creates authentic regional dishes
8.3
Mediterranean standby with GF-marked mezze and grills, plus a patio for al fresco spreads. Consistent execution on kebabs and veggies keeps it in rotation for gluten-free date nights and small celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Chops (GF), Stuffed Peppers, Grilled Halloumi
What makes it special: Mediterranean menu with clearly labeled GF sides and mains.
8.3
Neighborhood bistro with a broader seafood menu and well-built specialty rolls. Portions are generous and rolls like Pink Lady or Lion King keep regulars coming back.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pink Lady Roll, Lion King Roll, Uncle Rock Roll
What makes it special: Large-format specialty rolls with crowd-pleasing flavors.
#12
AnTeRa
8.2
AnTeRa brings elevated South Indian cuisine with a focus on Andhra, Telangana, and Rayalaseema regional specialties. The modern interior features olive velvet seating and gold accents creating an upscale dining experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mutton Roast, Banjara Chicken, Hyderabadi Biryani
What makes it special: Rare South Indian regional dishes unavailable elsewhere in the area
8.2
Downtown gelateria crafting traditional Italian gelato fresh daily, from toasted almond with caramelized figs to stracciatella. A post-dinner stop for dense flavor and tidy portions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toasted Almond & Caramelized Figs, Stracciatella, Lavender Blueberry
What makes it special: Owner-made Italian gelato churned daily with seasonal ingredients.
#14
Elia
8.2
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
Girls Night Out Approved
Date Night Magic
Modern Greek with a glam dining room, DJ nights, and tableside flair. Seafood and shareable Aegean plates keep it lively for celebrations and dressed-up nights out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Saganaki (Flaming Cheese), Grilled Lamb Chops, Fresh Fish of the Day
What makes it special: High-energy Greek plates with music-driven nightlife touches.
8.1
This intimate downtown spot blends traditional Thai recipes with Asian fusion touches, taking time to select peak-season ingredients. Their signature B.E.C.K. fried chicken and Northern-style Khao Soi noodles showcase a commitment to bold flavors without shortcuts.
Must-Try Dishes:
B.E.C.K. Fried Chicken, Khao Soi, Roti with Curry
What makes it special: House-made fried chicken with secret Thai spice blend.
Worthy Picks
#16
Locanda Amalfi
7.9
This upscale Italian restaurant brings Neapolitan thin-crust pizzas crafted by a certified Master Pizzaiolo from Naples alongside house-made pastas and small plates. Part of the Locanda restaurant group, it offers authentic Italian hospitality with a full bar and charming patio dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Diavola Pizza, Prosciutto e Arugula
What makes it special: Certified Master Pizzaiolo from Naples
7.9
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Established in 2021, this unique concept combines premium sushi with Japanese Wagyu BBQ and interactive stone grilling. Features an all-you-can-eat option alongside à la carte offerings of A5 Wagyu and expertly crafted specialty rolls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lion King Roll, A5 Wagyu Selection, Sunset Roll
What makes it special: Dual concept with sushi bar and tableside grilling
#18
The Duchess
7.9
This newer all-day cafe brings British-inspired elegance to downtown Pleasanton, with a surprisingly excellent burger that regulars call the best they've had. The beautifully decorated outdoor restaurant space serves everything from high tea to dinner, but the burger has become an unexpected standout.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Duchess Burger, Kusshi Oysters, Duchess Croissant
What makes it special: British-inspired elegance with an unexpectedly excellent burger
#19
Nonni’s Bistro
7.9
European-leaning bistro with reliable vegetarian choices—think wild mushroom ravioli, seasonal salads, and vegetable-forward brunch items. A comfortable dining room and steady pacing favor relaxed meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wild Mushroom Ravioli, Beet & Goat Cheese Salad, Vegetable Frittata (weekends)
What makes it special: Classic bistro fare with dependable vegetarian mains and brunch.
#20
Frontier Spice
7.8
Located in downtown Pleasanton since 2015, Frontier Spice combines traditional Indian with modern interpretations in an upscale casual setting. Features impressive chandeliers and colonial-style furnishings with a full bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Malai Chaap, Chicken Dum Biryani, Butter Chicken
What makes it special: Downtown location with full bar and elegant colonial-inspired ambiance