Restaurants near Lower Bear Picnic Area

We had the perfect Valentine's Day experience at Renee's on Valentine's Day. For this special occasion, they required a reservation and pre payment of $100 for two of us, which seemed reasonable to me. Our table, a booth, was toward the quiet back of the restaurant and was very private, which we liked. The relaxing dinner included salad (he had spinach/goat cheese, I had Caprese), a main entree which we chose (chicken breast with zucchini noodles and sun dried tomatoes (excellent!), a glass of wine, and a dessert to split. It was a beautiful evening with excellent food, and we were reminded of how a visit to a small, quiet restaurant like Renee's feeds our souls as well as our bodies.

I wouldn't want to be a server at Piazza Gavi on Valentine's Day, but Jonathon was great juggling I don't know how many tables. And the place was jammed even at 4:00 in the afternoon. And noisy. But Johnathon remained fiendly, knowledgeable and efficient. And the food, as always, is top-notch. It's not on the menu, but if you ask for the Pork Fior De Latte, you will not be disappointed, and there's enough to take home for a second meal. Gavi is very much our spot for Valentine's Day every year.

Minor "glitch" early on remedied by restaurant Zoe McCarthy in superbly professional manner. Food fit our Wednesday night requirements perfectly- food board we split for four and four appetizers/pizza/salads (not all, we are seniors), plus the bottle of wine and we left happy (as opposed to happily left).

MILES WAS A GOOD WAITER AND RHE FOOD WAS REALLY GOOD!

In need of comfort food, not for the first time time, three of us were able to get a last minute reservation. One of us had the always excellent meat loaf, and the other two of us had the burger with lemon pepper aioli. His burger came a ordered well done, and mine as rare as possible. Both came with excellent fries. One of us had a vodka martini, and one had local craft beer. Service was as usual prompt, pleasant and efficient. We were seated at high top table with a banquette on one side. A caveat for anyone under average height if you sit on the cushioned banquettes you will be almost at table level with your face. Likewise for the stools, both guys are over 6 feet and were also uncomfortable. Next time we'll plan better and get a table.