Patch Picks: Best Places to Enjoy Valentine's Dinner

Valentine's Day can be one of the most (or least) anticipated days of the year. But, no matter if you have a date or not, everybody has to eat. So this week Patch Picks spotlights five local restaurants, all of them excellent choices for dinner with a special someone ... or just with friends. 

1. (2151 Salvio Street, Concord) — Toscana has  a variety of tasty Italian cuisine, with a little bit of everything on the menu. Enjoy the stuffed mushroom appetizer, Italian meatball spaghetti or blackberry salmon.

2. (1955 Mount Diablo Street, Concord) — If you have no choice but to have the kids tag along on Valentine's Day, then The Spaghetti Factory is an excellent option. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it fun for everyone. The prices are also more than fair, with no entrees coming over $12.

3. (2118 Willow Pass Road, Concord) — If you're looking for small and intimate, Luna's might be for you. Specialities include ziti bolognese, chicken cannerito, penne salciccia, gnocchi with bacon and lobster ravioli.

4. (6115 Main Street, Clayton) — If you prefer beef over pasta, then Moresi's is your place. The atmosphere is classy, with a bit of a Western theme, and the service is first-class. The 20-ounce cowboy rib eye and the John Jawad Peppersteak are two of the most popular items on the menu.

5. (6201 Center St, Clayton) — Classy and romantic is the atmosphere at La Veranda year round, so Valentine's Day is just another day at the office. Try the prosciutto-wrapped cantaloupe as an appetizer, and then dig into seafood or pasta. When asked why his restaurant is so popular on Valentine's Day, owner Anis Maamari said, "They love us."