by Kimberly A. Smith

Created on: January 23, 2009   Last Updated: February 11, 2010

Planning a special evening with your significant other can be a challenge, but in Northern California there are a plethora of romantic locations to choose from. Santa Rosa and the surrounding wine country are home to some of the most beautiful and flavorful restaurants in the state. These four restaurants can be found in Santa Rosa and the nearby towns of Windsor and Healdsburg, and are a small selection of the wonderful food that can be found in California.

Checkers Bistro & Wine Bar

In Downtown Santa Rosa is Checkers Bistro, a popular favorite in the area. The Italian menu has an option for every taste, including pasta, salads, pizza, and calzones. Make sure that your partner has an item featuring garlic if you choose the garlic mashed potatoes or shrimp! If you love their food, they also are available for catering or take out so you can enjoy their selections at home.

Mixx Ristorante & Bar

The building of Mixx Ristorante is one of the first indications that it is a special place to eat. It is on the National Register of Historic Places, while the bar was built in Italy in the late 1800s and shipped to Northern California. From antipasti of oysters to decadent chocolate desserts, the Italian cuisine is deeply romantic. The staff is friendly and helpful.

Restaurant Mirepoix

Just north of Santa Rosa is the town of Windsor, located conveniently on Highway 101 making it a short drive. Just thirty miles from the Pacific Ocean and filled with beautiful parks, Windsor is also home to Restaurant Mirepoix. Executive Chef Matthew Bousquet manages this charming French restaurant with grace. The menu is seasonal, so it changes throughout the year. The prix fixe menu changes daily and can provide a good bargain to diners who want a romantic experience without going into debt. Service is wonderful at Restaurant Mirepoix, which can make a huge impact on your romantic dinner for two.

Cyrus Restaurant

Continuing north on Highway 101, Cyrus Restaurant in Healdsburg is the next stop for couples looking for a romantic dining experience. The chef at Cyrus is Chef Douglas Keane, who uses both French and Asian influences in his California Cuisine. You will find an extensive wine list here, thanks to the nearby vineyards. They offer an eight-course menu that changes regularly depending on the seasonality of ingredients, and have a corresponding eight-course vegetarian menu if you or your partner choose to try it. Private dining rooms and special events menus are available if you are planning something special.

Finding the right romantic restaurant is about many factors, from the food to the lighting to the service. Despite all recommendations, the best romantic restaurant in Santa Rosa is the one in which you and your partner feel most comfortable and love the food. Each person's palate is going to have a different preference, so explore your nearby restaurants for something that you find special.

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