A Student's Perspective: Eating Out For Valentine's Day in Pleasanton

For the family who wants to stick to the Italian Classic:

This restaurant is a must-go for Pleasanton dwellers. Though some of the food items are a bit overpriced, portions are quite large. This old building was one of the first commercial buildings in Pleasanton. Not only are the pizzas and pastas flavorful and filling, but also they hold a secret that has been rumored throughout Pleasanton. Some Pleasanton residents have reported seeing a ghost lady in the front second story window. The meal and the story will fill you up with a Valentine’s Day’s worth of interesting.

(925) 846-2520

Price Range: $$


For the singles who want to try something casual:

Redcoats is a restaurant filled with friendly people and good service. At the peak times, the restaurant is loud and social; at other times, the quietness means you can talk to the others around you. The atmosphere is set up just like a British pub with booths inside and a patio in front. One must truly enjoy English cuisine to go to this place, though there are alternatives that resemble American food.

(925) 462-6600

Price Range: $$


For those who want to enjoy a cozy evening with a date or the family:

Baci Bistro and Bar

Baci is an Italian restaurant with delicious entrees and appetizers. The place is relatively small inside, giving it a cozy feel. The ambiance is just what one would feel walking into anything Italian: friendly and warm. The prices are decent for a high cuisine Italian restaurant and the creamy pastas will have you hooked. The plating of the food is a true artistic creation, with your mouth watering as your eyes indulge in the meal before you take the first bite.

(925) 426-0987

Price Range: $$$


For a couple that wants to enjoy a romantic evening:

This Italian and American place has a fancy ambiance and artistically great food. The atmosphere is great and will give a romantic feel to your evening. Though the prices are very high, the quality of the food is good. Barone’s does not have too many vegetarian options, but has extravagant meats and fish.

(925) 426-0987

Price Range: $$$


For those who enjoy Mexican food and a great ambiance:

Blue Agave Club, located near the Pleasanton arch in Downtown is one of its own genres. Steering away from the fast food Mexican cuisine, Blue Agave brings gourmet Mexican food with a great ambiance. The restaurant is flexible to your needs, making this a family or couple evening. If the weather permits this Valentine’s Day, enjoy their renowned chips and salsa or their Enslada Cupido on the patio.

(925) 417-1224

Price Range: $$


For the couple that wants to have a classy, American Valentine’s Day:

Stacey’s Café

Stacey’s Café is a place to remember. With gourmet food, this place is great for not only lunch but also dinner. The plating of the food, as with most American-and-Italian-mixed places, is wonderful; even the look of thier afternoon sandwiches will have you wanting more. Though the prices are relatively expensive, the cute Italian piazza atmosphere will have you agreeing to the bill.

(925) 461-3113

Price Range: $$

For those who want the best pizza takeout:

Some just want to relax at home and eat great food at the same time. Cafe Main is the right option for those who enjoy any type of pizza: deep dish, thin crust, and New York style. Though the pizzas take awhile to make, the food is very nicely prepared. The setting of this restaurant, though comfy, is not the classiest, so it’s perfect for takeout — just remember to call a bit early as the pizzas take around 20 minutes to make on a regular day!

(925) 425-9708

Price Range: $

To read Patch's Sprouts & Shutters column about special Valentine's Day (and anti-Valentine's Day) events at local businesses, click .

Are your favorite places not on this list? Add them in the comments.