http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/roundup/42712 Whether you’re looking to spice up your relationship or tantalize a new date, sexy foods are always a winner. But Aphrodite works in mysterious ways--you might be surprised by some of the world's most renowned aphrodisiacs. Since you probably won’t make it to Central America to collect the roots of a <i>Socratea exorrhiza</i>, here’s a list of easily accessible aphrodisiacs sure to tempt your taste buds <i>and</i> your date.<BR></P><p style="font-size: 10px; color: #999999; text-align: center; line-height: 1pt;">------------------------------------------------------------</p><p style="font-size: 9px; color: #999999; text-align: left; line-height: 8pt;">Photo credits: Couple by Shutterstock/Diego Cervo; Arugula by Shutterstock/Magdalena Kucova; Balut courtesy <A href="http://flickr.com/photos/lifeontheedge/1659685408/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Marshall Astor - Food Pornographer</a>; Chocolate courtesy Ghirardelli; Ginseng by Shutterstock/Jeannette Lambert; Truffles by Shutterstock/Mr. Mario; Produce by Shutterstock/L F File</a> en Copyright 2008 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:28:55 -0800 http://images.citysearch.com/roundup/c1/d5/42712r1.jpg http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/roundup/42712 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Vegan couples will feel randy after sharing the all-arugula salad garnished with fresh fruits and vegetables at this reasonably priced vegetarian restaurant. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/889473/san_francisco_ca/herbivore.html Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:28:55 -0800 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles For $3, lovebirds can add arugula to any of the wood-fired pizzas at this esteemed southern Italian restaurant. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/40834572/san_francisco_ca/a16.html Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:28:55 -0800 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Originally founded in the Philippines, Goldilocks now has thirteen North American locations and is one of few places in the Bay Area to find authentic Filipino cuisine, including delicacies like balut eggs. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/897700/san_francisco_ca/goldilocks_bake_shop_restaurant.html Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:28:55 -0800 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles A homey spot offering low-cost Filipino delicacies a la carte. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/897816/san_francisco_ca/turo_turo_restaurant.html Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:28:55 -0800 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Much like the large grocery stores on Clement street, this Mission street market sells a diverse array of Asian specialty foods. Daly City, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/834427/daly_city_ca/manila_oriental_market.html Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:28:55 -0800 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles San Franciscans love this artisanal chocolatier that specializes in truffles and pralines. It’s also a great place to find romantic gifts like delicate, colorful chocolate roses. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/898887/san_francisco_ca/joseph_schmidt_confections.html Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:28:55 -0800 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles One of the most famous sites in San Francisco, Ghirardelli Square is a great place to take a date for beautiful views, quaint (if touristy) atmosphere and, of course, chocolate in many forms. Try a hot cocoa from the chocolate shop on a cold day. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/886475/san_francisco_ca/ghirardelli_square.html Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:28:55 -0800 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles The owners of this Marina chocolatier modeled it after old-World European shops and take great pride in their luxurious creations. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/44556970/san_francisco_ca/cocoa_bella_chocolates.html Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:28:55 -0800 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Dark chocolate is the specialty here. Whet your appetite with chocolate-making demonstrations in the historic Ferry Building. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/39448156/san_francisco_ca/scharffen_berger_chocolate_maker.html Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:28:55 -0800 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles If you prefer your chocolate served inside a scrumptious pastry, head to this busy neighborhood bakery and café for éclairs, chocolate hazelnut tarts and other treats. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/35172782/san_francisco_ca/tartine_bakery.html Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:28:55 -0800 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Beyond ginseng, this shop offers herbs to cure any ailment; ask to speak to the on-site Chinese doctor if you’d like a solution for headaches along with your love potion. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/905392/san_francisco_ca/vinh_khang_herb_ginseng.html Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:28:55 -0800 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Try this tea shop in North Beach for brewed ginseng. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/917368/san_francisco_ca/tian_shan_ginseng_tea.html Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:28:55 -0800 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles An herbal shop since 1922, this Chinatown apothecary boasts an endless array of herbs, spices and dried foods, as well as beauty products. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/882531/san_francisco_ca/tai_fong_wo_herbs.html Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:28:55 -0800 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles This is the place to be for fresh Bay Area oysters, served up for locals and tourists alike. Snag waterfront seating to dazzle your date. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/39421564/san_francisco_ca/hog_island_oyster_company.html Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:28:55 -0800 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Posh crowds fill this classic San Francisco restaurant, where the sparkling oyster bar and ample wine selection will keep you and your date busy. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/863427/san_francisco_ca/zuni_cafe.html Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:28:55 -0800 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Oysters and shoestring potatoes may seem like an odd combination, but these are two of the signature offerings at this elegant, low-lit Hayes Valley venue. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/863425/san_francisco_ca/absinthe_brasserie_bar.html Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:28:55 -0800 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Truffle-herb gnocchi, truffle with rabbit, truffled meat balls…Perbacco has this aphrodisiac any way you like it. Call ahead during the off-season to make sure they have these menu items. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/44553037/san_francisco_ca/perbacco.html Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:28:55 -0800 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles A long-time San Francisco favorite, Boulevard serves Oregon white truffles with handmade pastas and ravioli stuffed with black truffles. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/876146/san_francisco_ca/boulevard.html Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:28:55 -0800 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles If the truffle craving hits you long after dinner hours, head here for a midnight snack. Open until 1am most nights, Oola serves a unique truffle cheese on their hamburgers and incorporates truffle oil into many of their other dishes. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/41429988/san_francisco_ca/oola.html Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:28:55 -0800 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles You’ll never run out of options here; CAV has hundreds of wines on its impressive list, and also serves reasonably priced small plates. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/41795582/san_francisco_ca/cav_wine_bar.html Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:28:55 -0800 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles A romantic date spot for your first crush--and your second, and your third--as well as for those refreshing a long-term relationship. Try the wine flights, three, one-third-full glasses of select wines, for the full experience. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/863539/san_francisco_ca/first_crush_restaurant_wine_bar_lounge.html Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:28:55 -0800 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Timeless décor and Asian fusion meet with an extensive wine menu to create a classy Cole Valley date spot. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/904011/san_francisco_ca/eos_restaurant_and_wine_bar.html Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:28:55 -0800 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Wine flights, top regional wines and knowledgeable staff make this a sure thing. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/39400367/san_francisco_ca/ferry_plaza_wine_merchant.html Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:28:55 -0800 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Plumpjack’s gourmet wine gift baskets could be the perfect way to deliver your aphrodisiac of choice for a special occasion; otherwise, try one of their classes or monthly wine-tasting sessions. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/911244/san_francisco_ca/plumpjack_wine_shop.html Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:28:55 -0800 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles An upscale market (with upscale prices) for fresh, organic produce of all kinds. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/11491133/san_francisco_ca/ferry_building.html Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:28:55 -0800 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles This underappreciated market is a gem, with specialty ethnic foods and a variety of produce. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/889033/san_francisco_ca/alemany_farmers_market.html Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:28:55 -0800 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles A busy market turns Civic Center's windswept concrete into a great source for low-cost produce. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/863197/san_francisco_ca/heart_of_the_city_farmers_market_u_n_plaza_.html Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:28:55 -0800