Most Romantic Restaurant in the City for under $40 per person?

If you want kinda expensive Greek food in a semi romantic setting, try Kokkari Estiatorio on Jackson. I've eaten there and the food is excellent.

A little French place I've wanted to try that looks really romantic is Clementine on Clement street in the Richmond district.

Absinthe on Hayes is pretty neat too and I've eaten there and it's tasty.

These have high ratings on citysearch.com.

If you like sushi, I recommend Sebo on Hayes in Hayes Valley. The setting is hip, intimate and romantic. But it's pricey and may not have the big portions you're after. (You might mention that you want the omakase but have a budget of $35 and see what the chefs do for you).

If you choose the picnic route, I'd go to Lucca's deli on Chestnut Street in the Marina district and then to Chrissy Field nearby: the boats on the bay, people flying kites, the sailboarders, etc, are fantastic.

Or, I'd go to the Ferry Building where there's an amazing farmer's market on Saturday. It's on the bay with a beautiful view of the East Bay and the Bay Bridge. Slanted Door is a famous, somewhat romantic restaurant there (more hip than romantic). Vietnamese food. Hard to get a reservation but I suggest going early and simply asking what they have available for "walk-ins". Then take a stroll around the Ferry Bldg.

Picnics are so under rated!

Why don't you make him dinner and surprise him take him & the food to the bay or the beach or even an nice quiet park. They have disposable grills, or some place have their own grills just bring foil & charcoal, get some london broils They are good huge portions ($6 or so) and make a nice salad (ingredients about $8) and if you want to get fancy buy some baby shrimp add some butter & garlic in aluminum on the grill & pour on top of steak (baby shrimp about $4 a lb 1lb is enough for 2) If you have a nice picnic basket and a blanket, you will have a great time. You could do it all for $40 or less and use the other $40 for a bottle of wine or something, and all the work you do will be so gratifying later on.

Have fun!

You could also give him a nice picninc basket for part of his gift, for future Picnics!

Mona Lisa in North Beach. $40 pushes it a bit but you can share the really big portions. Risotto is amazing there!!!

Cafe Claude.... a little bit of Paris hidden away in an alley the tourists usually don't find.

Benihannas. Japanese. They cook the food right in front of you. It is awesome experience. Very fun