C.T.
Hope it's not too late but We have 2 all time favorites for date night - Maggiano's in San Jose in Santana Row (We're from Chicago so this is like home to us, it's from old school Chicago mob era and still totally authenrtic Italian scrumtiousness) They dim the lights at 7:00, every dish is just yummy, always have to get the "Maggianos salad" and even if you don't have room for dessert get the little cookies. Second is Horatio's in San Leandro on the marina. Every dish is heaven and it has a little upscale vibe, and drinks are to die for!