Cozy Restaurants for a Holiday Date

This time of year, it can be tempting to curl up and hibernate until spring. But there’s no need to sit out the cold weather — there are many cozy restaurants in the greater Sacramento area where you can enjoy a great meal and take in all the holiday vibes. These intimate spots are especially great for date night, with the lights turned down low and the flicker of candles on every table. Some even have special holiday décor so you can fully embrace the winter vibes!

Whether you’re planning a special night out for your long-time love or you want to impress your match on a first date, there’s no shortage of cozy, romantic restaurants in Sacramento for a holiday date. Following are some of the tried-and-true spots as well as a few new contenders. Reserve your table today and treat your special someone to a cozy night on the town — spring can wait!

Butterscotch Den | Oak Park

This moody, intimate restaurant in Sacramento’s Oak Park neighborhood goes all out during the holiday season with special seasonal décor and drink specials. Best of all, you get to grill your own steaks, making for a fun night out. They also have live jazz and burlesque.

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Hawks | Granite Bay

One of the most renowned restaurants in the Sacramento area, Hawks is the place to go for special occasion dining in Granite Bay. The plush interior is warm and inviting, with velvet seating, dim lighting, and white tablecloths. The seasonal menu features locally grown produce, meats, and seafood. They also offer a chef’s tasting menu and a number of seasonal craft cocktails.

Preserve | Winters

Photo courtesy of Preserve Winters

With a farm-to-table menu showcasing the local foods produced on nearby farms and ranches, Preserve in Winters is a great place for a date night. The interior is rustic yet refined, with twinkling lights and shabby chic decor. They also have a number of creative craft cocktails.

Smith Flat House | Placerville

Another great option for a cozy holiday date night is this charming eatery in Placerville. They have a dining room in the 19th-century stone-lined cellar, which was once a gold mine. The menu is modern American with an Italian influence, including pastas, pizza and entrees.

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Bacchus House | Folsom

This friendly bistro in Folsom is known for its over-the-top (and sometimes quirky) seasonal décor, from upside-down Christmas trees in the winter to Easter bunnies galore in the spring and horror movie props in October. The menu features elevated small plates and American-style entrees such as salmon and short ribs, plus a special seasonal peppermint chocolate cocktail.

Restaurant Josephine | Auburn

Restaurant Josephine

If you’re looking for a fine dining restaurant in Auburn without the pretension, Restaurant Josephine is a good bet. Located in a historic building, the dining room is cozy and inviting. The ever-changing menu takes a seasonal approach to French cooking featuring ingredients from the owners’ farm. Around the holidays, you can indulge in the boozy house-made eggnog, which you can also buy to go.

Il Fornaio | Downtown Sacramento

Located in downtown Sacramento, this longstanding Italian eatery is a great choice for those looking for a festive holiday meal. The interior is decorated for the holidays with massive Christmas trees and wreaths. The menu features pasta, pizza, meat and seafood dishes inspired from different regions in Italy.

The Mustard Seed | Davis

With its raised wooden ceiling and brick fireplace, the interior of this fine dining restaurant in Davis is reminiscent of a mountain cabin. The menu, however, is much more refined, featuring dishes like pan-seared duck breast and rack of lamb. They also offer a large selection of (mostly local) wines.

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South Fork Grille | El Dorado Hills

South Fork Grille

This contemporary restaurant in El Dorado Hills has a swanky interior, with plush booth seating and dark wood accents. The menu focuses on steaks and seafood and includes a diverse selection of inspired craft cocktails.

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The Firehouse | Old Sacramento

Although known for their lovely outdoor patio, this venerable fine dining restaurant in Old Sacramento also has a cozy indoor dining room. Located in an old firehouse, the vibe is romantic and elegant, with brick walls, original woodwork and gilded art. They also have one of the best wine lists in the region, with hundreds of selections from every corner of the globe.

Rose Park Bistro | Roseville

Located in Roseville, this upscale bistro is all decked out for the holidays! Dark wallpaper, velvet seating, and dim lights add to the winter vibe. California cuisine with a Mediterranean touch is the crux of the menu, with dishes such as paella, lamb chops and several pasta options. They also offer several specialty cocktails.

Boulevard Bistro | Elk Grove

Photo courtesy of Boulevard Bistro

This upscale restaurant in Elk Grove is a great place to take that special someone. The dining room is homey yet refined, complete with a fireplace and holiday décor. The menu features high-end dishes such as escargot, caviar, and filet mignon, and there’s even a special holiday cocktail menu.

Star Lounge | Midtown Sacramento

Located in a historic building in midtown Sacramento, this moody restaurant has brick walls, velvet seating, dark wood accents, and original light fixtures, making for a cozy, vintage vibe. The modern menu offers classic American dishes and creative craft cocktails, many with a seasonal twist.