Walking into Locanda Olmo is like stepping into the garden of earthly delights, without the nymphs and nudies to distract your date. The ambience at this tiny Elmwood restaurant is suffused with romance, with vines winding down the cords of its hanging lights, fairy lights woven around the banisters, and a mezzanine where grapes drip from the low ceilings. Besides, owners Leonardo and Charlotte Oculisti invest so much passion in their restaurant that it’s sure to rub off on you and your date (ever see Like Water for Chocolate?). Their Tuscan food, all prepared in the oven, Florentine style, may seduce your date better than you could. We dare you to order dishes like “Lesso Rifatto con le Cipolle” or “Cacciucco Livornese” without sounding like a Casanova. If you find yourself making out before dessert … get a room.
Readers’ Pick:
Caffe Venezia
1799 University Ave., Berkeley, 510-849-4681
CaffeVenezia.com