January may have felt like forever, but now February is here, and it’s time to get into the Valentine’s Day groove! Jersey Bites has you covered for a romantic dinner in the Garden State. (Updated February 2020.)
Asbury Park
Pascal & Sabine is a Jersey coast gem that encloses the theme of a French bistro in a small space in Asbury Park. The restaurant offers their standard menu for Valentine’s Day, which includes fan favorites like the coq au vin, pan seared sea scallops, and 14-ounce pork chop. To make a reservation, click here. 601 Bangs Avenue, Asbury Park.
Atlantic City
Girasole is an Atlantic City-based Italian restaurant that captures the charm of the old world. Entrée options for the three-course dinner include handmade pastas, a sirloin steak, seafood and more. For dessert, choose from house made Panna Cotta and a decadent chocolate cake. The dinner is $45 per person. To view the full menu click here. To make reservations, call (609) 345-5554 or click here. 3108 Pacific Avenue, Atlantic City.
Knife and Fork Inn features its standard fare plus additional options this February 14. Sink your teeth into the eatery’s traditional offerings, from steaks to seafood, or opt for the Valentine’s dishes, which include Malpeque oysters, prime porterhouse steak, lobster ravioli, and for dessert, chocolate lava cake. For reservations, click here. 3600 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City.
Cape May
Beach Plum Farm hosts two intimate farm-to-table Valentine’s Day dinners on Friday, February 14, and Saturday, February 15. Each dinner will feature the restaurant’s own sustainable meat and poultry, and hand-harvested herbs and vegetables. The dinner will be BYOB. $230.30 per couple, which includes tax and 20% service fee. Each night is limited to only 28 couples. To learn more and make reservations, click here. 140 Stevens Street, Cape May.
Congress Hall’s Blue Pig Tavern features a special prix fixe menu of exquisite farm-to-table selections, served in addition to the regular menu. Guests will enjoy dishes such as warm oysters in puff pastry, artichoke risotto, and crab stuffed shrimp. The Valentine’s special includes a three-or four-course dinner available February 14 to 16. For more information and to make reservations, click here. 200 Congress Place, Cape May.
Ebbitt Room at the Virginia Hotel offers a special four-course dinner for Valentine’s Day. This expansive menu includes char-grilled oysters, yellow tail crudo, lamb chops, strawberry profiteroles, and many other great selections. To see the Valentine’s day menu and make reservations, click here or call 609-884-5700. Dinner is priced at $85. 25 Jackson Street, Cape May.
Chatham
At Restaurant Serenade, husband-and-wife team Chef James Laird and Nancy Laird offer a three-course dinner. Entrée options range from the Nova Scotia lobster to the roasted lamb rack in a classic Romanesco sauce. $140 per person. Click here to view the full menu. Click here to make reservations or call 973-701-0303. 6 Roosevelt Avenue, Chatham.
Clifton
Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas, which specializes in small plates with a modern twist to Italian classics and fine wines from around the world, offers a special five-course prix-fixe Valentine’s Day menu through February 16. The menu is $50 per person, or $75 including wine pairings. Dishes are also available a la carte. Click here to view the menu. For reservations, click here. 70 Kingsland Road, Clifton
Cranford
Pairings offers an intimate and cozy atmosphere, along with an exclusive Valentines week special starting with Wednesday’s four-course prix-fixe exclusive menu at $44 per person. The week continues with another elegant four-course prix-fixe menu served Friday, February 14 and Saturday, February 15 including the ginger shrimp and forbidden rice and lobster and saffron gnocchi. $125 per person. BYOW (bring your own wine!). To view both menus, click here. To make a reservation, click here. 10 Walnut Avenue, Cranford.
Edgewater
Haven offers a romantic waterfront view and features a three course prix fixe menu with entrées like the Alaskan pan seared salmon and plenty more. Seating is available from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. $85 per person. To view the full menu, click here. To make a reservation, click here or call 201-943-1900. $6 valet parking available or indoor parking garage. 2 Main Street, Edgewater.
Fair Haven
Raven and the Peach will offer a special a la carte menu in a beautiful setting. The menu includes options like mushroom truffle lasagna, Brazilian lobster tail, pheasant au vin, king crab torteloni and more. Click here to view the full Valentine’s menu. For reservations call 732-747-4666 or email ravenandthepeachfinedining@gmail.com. 740 River Road, Fair Haven.
Franklinville
Franklinville Inn offers its traditional menu with items like the filet mignon and the house crab cakes. View the full menu here. Make a reservation here or call 856-694-1577. 2526 Chelsea Drive, Franklinville.
Galloway
The Historic Smithville Inn offers views of the scenic Lake Meone and presents a homey Valentine’s Day menu including entrees like the golden scallops and wasabi crusted ahi tuna. Join the historic landmark for a lively romantic atmosphere. View the menu here. To make reservations, call 609-652-7777 or click here. 1 N New York Road, Absecon.
Haddonfield
Tre Famiglia presents traditional Italian favorites with fresh quality ingredients for a memorable dining experience. Choose from favorites like Chip’s gnocchi pomodoro, and the grab cake famiglia. Click here to view the full menu. Call to make a reservation at 856-429-1447 or click here. 403 North Haddon Avenue, Haddonfield.
Hamburg
Crystal Springs Resort is a one-stop shop for all things romantic. Whether you’re looking for an evening dinner for two or a total romantic getaway, you’ll find it here. Restaurant Latour features a five-course meal for $115/person as well as a wine pairing for $55/person. Springs Bistro has a Tuscan-inspired a la carte menu with kid-friendly options, with made-in-house pasta, pizzettas, and roasted lemon chicken. Meanwhile, Crystal Tavern’s a la carte menu serves the best of local New Jersey farm produce with dishes including the NY strip steak and the buttermilk fried chicken. 855-977-6473, 1 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg.
Hamilton
Grounds for Sculpture will host a memorable Valentine’s Day at Rat’s with an elegant four-course prix-fixe menu. Options include the rich duck confit and the grilled octopus in romesco. $100 per person excluding tax and gratuity. Click here to view the full menu. To make a reservation call 609-584-7800, or click here. 16 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton.
Ho-Ho-Kus
At the historic Ho-Ho-Kus Inn and Tavern, choose from their comforting a la carte menu or select Valentine’s Day specials, available February 14 and 15. Executive Chef Troy Piegaro shares elegant entrees like his Chilean sea bass and braised short rib. Click here to view the regular menu and here for Valentine’s Day specials. Click here to make reservations or call 201-445-4115. One Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus.
Hoboken
Anthony David’s showcases classic Italian dishes along with new creations made with seasonal, local ingredients. Enjoy featured items such as hand-chopped steak crudo, seared dayboat scallops, crispy branzino, housemade rigatoni and black truffles, and more. View the full menu here. Call for a reservation at 201-222-8399. 953 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken.
Jersey City
Lokal Eatery & Bar offers a jaw-dropping view of the NYC skyline. The spectacular backdrop combined with Lokal’s elegant décor make for the perfect place to celebrate with your special someone. Bonus: Lokal will be providing diners with complimentary welcome drinks and a specially created dessert. Check out the full menu here. Make a reservation here or call 201-222-6800. 2 2nd Street, Jersey City, NJ
Maritime Parc‘s executive chef and owner Chris Siversen features a sophisticated three-course prix-fixe menu, with highlights including fresh oysters and red snapper in chorizo sauce, available February 14 and 15. Enjoy dinner with Maritime Parc’s classic New York City skyline backdrop this Valentine’s Day. $85 per person excluding tax and tip. Optional $45 wine pairing. Click here to make reservations or call 201-413-0050. 84 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City.
Montclair
Costanera will be closing its doors at the end of February, so this is your last chance at a special meal there. Check out their authentic Peruvian dinner menu filled with bold flavors made from fresh, quality ingredients. To make reservations, click here or call 973-337-8289. 511 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair.
Samba Montclair boasts a warm, intimate, and dimly-lit atmosphere. Coupled with delicious homestyle Brazilian food, this makes for a perfect date on cold winter nights. For extra privacy, a “hidden” nook is available upon request. Click here to view the menu. Call 973-744-6764 to make a reservation. 7 Park Street, Montclair.
Get more than dessert at Vanillamore, where guests can choose from an entire menu meant for sharing. Featuring a purple dining room and conversation cards on every table to break the ice. Click here to view their menus. Click here to make a reservation or call 973-707-5373. 349 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair.
The Mediterranean vibe and decor of Zeugma provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Guests can expect a four-course menu with selections including the eggplant carpaccio and delectable medi sea bass. $79 per person. Click here to make a reservation or call 973-744-0074. 44 South Park Street, Montclair.
Morristown
Blue Morel Restaurant & Wine Bar offers a unique, sophisticated vibe for a romantic Valentine’s Day escape. $79 per person for a three-course menu crafted by executive Chef Dennis Mathews. Set the mood with oysters. Choices include squid ink tagliatelle and Australian lamb shank. Reserve your table here or call at 973-451-2619. 2 Whippany Road, Morristown.
Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen houses four distinct dining rooms each capturing a stylish, seasonal, and sustainable atmosphere for its guests. Prix fixe menus will be available in all dining rooms this Valentine’s Day with a selection of a la carte items at the bars. Choose from a three-course pre-theater menu for $85 (5 to 6:30 p.m.) or a four-course menu for $115 (7:30 to 10:30 p.m.). Live music by Bullshark in the Rathskeller from 9 p.m. to midnight, $20 cover for non-diners. Highlights include Barnegat scallop ravioli, crispy local golden tilefish, and coconut tapioca. Make a reservation here or call at 973-644-3180. 110 South Street, Morristown.
New Brunswick
New BrunswickCatherine Lombardi’s features an authentic Italian a la carte menu. Enjoy favorites like the pork osso bucco or the seared day boat scallops. Spend time at the cocktail bar before enjoying the crimson dining room with its two roaring fireplaces. Click here to make a reservation or call 732-296-9463. 3 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick.
From Stage Left Steak’s wine list, cheese plate, and a selection of “Big Boy” steaks for two, Stage Left is right. Check out their famous Stage Left burger, or share charcuterie with your date. Click here to view the menu. Click here to make a reservation or call 732-828-4444. 5 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick.
Point Pleasant Beach
B2 Bistro + Bar in Point Pleasant Beach will offer a special Valentine’s menu February 13-16, along with their regular menu. The Valentine’s menu offers selections like winter squash ravioli, surf & turf, and ribeye florentine for two. View the menu here. Click or call 732-295-0709 for reservations. 709 Arnold Ave, Point Pleasant Beach.
Princeton
Salt Creek Grille – Princeton presents a Valentine’s Day sweetheart menu, featuring imported brie in puff pastry, filet mignon medallions, and oven-roasted cauliflower. $99 per couple. View the menu here. Call 609-419-4200 for reservations. 1 Rockingham Row, Princeton.
Rahway
Luciano’s Ristorante is offering a special menu that features a three-course menu and dessert, champagne toast, and coffee or tea for $85, excluding the taxes or tip. “Mangia… Vivere Bene” (“Eat…Live Well”) this Valentine’s Day! Make a reservation here or call 732-815-1200. 1579 Main Street, Rahway.
Red Bank
B2 Bistro + Bar in Red Bank captures a casual, cool vibe offering delectable garden-to-table bistro-style creations. Experience Valentine’s Day Weekend with a three-course prix-fixe menu, featuring upscale entrees like the rich forest mushroom risotto or the divine pan roasted halibut. $125 per couple & $62.50 per person. Offer available February 13, 15, and 16, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and February 14, from noon to 10 p.m. Call 732-268-8555 to make a reservation or click here.141 Shrewsbury Avenue, Red Bank.
Restaurant Nicholas based in Red Bank offers an upscale dining experience. Enjoy a three-course menu featuring the wagyu beef carpaccio and the melt-in-your-mouth lobster ravioli. $135 per person. Each couple will receive a complimentary petit box of chocolate and freshly made banana bread. Reserve your table here or call 732-345-9977. 160 Route 35 South, Red Bank.
Rutherford
Cafe Matisse features decor of its namesake, French artist Henri Matisse, that will make your sweetie swoon. The special menu includes three savory courses and one sweet. Options include the pan seared scallops and the pan seared peppered sirloin. Reserve your table here or call 201-935-2995. 167 Park Avenue, Rutherford.
Sea Girt
Scarborough Fair offers cuisines from around the world. Popular items on the dinner menu include the wild caught salmon and the wild mushroom ravioli. Reserve your table here or call 732-223-6658. 1414 Meetinghouse Road, Sea Girt.
Somerville
Verve Restaurant features a four-course prix-fixe menu for Valentine’s Day. Options include parisian gnocchi and the authentic hand-cut tagliatelle pasta. $75 per person. Seating available 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Reserve your table here or call 908-707-8655. 18 East Main Street, Somerville.
West Caldwell
Mandara Ristorante will warm your hearts with their exquisite Italian family recipes. Can’t get a babysitter? The kids will love their heart-shaped pizza, a twist on their hand-tossed NY-style 18” pie ($15+ toppings). View the full menu here. Pre-order by calling 973-226-3250 or online here. 40 Clinton Road, West Caldwell.
Whitehouse Station
The Ryland Inn, in Whitehouse Station, offers a five-course tasting menu. Items include the roasted beef filet mignon and the farro risotto. $79 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Available Feb 13 to 16. Reserve your table here or call 908-418-4186. 115 Old Highway 28, Whitehouse Station.
—Reporting by Rachel Bozek, Karlo Sta. Cruz, Jon Faronea, Abigail Lyon, Meghan McCarty, Taylor Sumereau, and the Jersey Bites team.
