An amazing meal never gets old, especially when the restaurant has a special prix-fixe menu for Valentine’s Day. Make your reservation and call the sitter for a night out at one of these spots!
1776 by David Burke
67 East Park Pl., Morristown
973-829-1776
1776 by David Burke featuring Topgolf Swing Suite is a hip place to take your Valentine. There will be Valentine’s Day specials for lunch and dinner.
618 Restaurant
618 Park Ave., Freehold
732-577-0001
During the entire month of February, the Romance Experience includes Granny’s Meatballs and short rib ravioli, burrata, halibut and Pat LaFrieda steak, and pistachio olive oil cake. Note: The special menu will not be available on February 14.
87 Sussex
87 Sussex St., Jersey City
551-256-7864
Level up your Valentine’s date night with oysters and shrimp du jour, bluefin tuna, butter poached Maine lobster, foie gras French toast, escargot wontons, ox and egg, warm ratatouille tartlet, duck a l’orange, stuffed quail, winter tagine, and a butcher block. Vegetarian options are available.
Asbury Ocean Club
1101 Ocean Ave. North, Asbury Park
732-825-6000
The Asbury Ocean Club is one of two hotels in New Jersey to be awarded a One MICHELIN Key, and one of 207 across the U.S. to receive this honor. This is an opportunity to eat in the restaurant without booking an overnight stay.
Avenue
23 Ocean Ave., Long Branch
732-759-2900
While this upscale French bistro on the beach is open year-round, many come out to hang at its beach club, nightclub and bar in warmer weather. On Valentine’s Day, add on a sommelier wine pairing to steak tartare or oysters rockefeller, beet salad or carrot saffron soup, beef wellington or fire-roasted branzino (or opt for a vegetarian dish), and chocolate pot du crème crème brulee.
Battello
502 Washington Blvd., Jersey City
201-798-1798
Take in views of the Hudson while savoring an Instaworthy meal. The seafood tower is teeming with oysters, clams, shrimp, crab, tuna tartare and lobster. Or, open up your appetite with Thumbelina carrots with candied sesame seeds and pickled onions. Share a “Lady & The Tramp” dinner moment with the mafalde cacio e pepe. Entrees include chipotle grilled eggplant and fennel-crusted pork chop.
The Bistro at iPlay America
108 Schanck Rd., Freehold Twp.
732-813-8700
Aside from a fully stocked regular menu, part of the Kiss & Tell Pop-Up Bar is a special menu with with cocktails like Lover’s Kiss and Serenata de Chocolate; mocktails called Sparkle at First Sight and Cupid’s Potion; drunken clams or Bangkok scallops as apps; grilled Cajun NY strip or chicken scampi for dinner; and a blood orange cremoso or Kiss and Tell duo of stuffed cookies.
Blu on the Hudson
1200 Harbor Blvd., Weehawken
201-636-1200
This beautifully designed modern American restaurant has breathtaking views of Manhattan’s skyline. The Valentine’s Day menu will feature a seafood- and steak-centric four-course prix-fixe menu. Highlights include Jewels of The Sea (Kumamoto oysters with sea urchin and haute Kaluga caviar, Nantucket Bay scallops crudo), Maine Lobster & Gnocchi (spicy vodka sauce, whipped ricotta), whole branzino for two (roasted with lemon, winter citrus and chicory salad) and roasted rack of lamb for two (wild mushroom bread pudding, lamb jus). The menu also has add-ons like potato and caviar dip, king crab legs and skull island tiger prawns, as well as large format steaks.
Brick Lane Curry House
136 Newark Ave., Jersey City
201-402-4950
Brick Lane can’t fully promise to bring the spice back to your relationship but they can deliver on romancing those taste buds with curry options like Jalfrezi; medium spiced tomato curry with stir-fried onions, bell peppers, and tomato, Madras; medium to hot gravy tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and finished with coconut milk, Vindaloo; a fiery combination of freshly roasted ground spices and condiments from Goa, cooked with potatoes, and of course, the excruciating Phaal Curry; composed of some of the hottest peppers in the world.
Byrd Restaurant
800 Jackson Ave., Hoboken
201-526-4033
The curated surprise 3-course menu has an optional wine pairing. The prix fixe menu includes salmon sashimi, mushroom tart, grilled Caesar salad or baba ghanoush for your first course. Then choose from roasted chicken breast, beef agnolotti, arctic char or saffron risotto for your main. End the meal with chocolate mousse cake, classic tiramisu or vanilla soft serve for dessert.
Calandra’s Il Vecchio Café
234 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell
973-226-8889
Valentine’s Day Weekend (Friday to Sunday) offers a special three-course prix fixe menu. Each adult gets a free glass of Champagne. Menu items include polenta with beef ragu, eggplant rollatini, smoked salmon carpaccio, farfalle primavera, lamb chops and shrimp risotto. There’s a dessert menu and a kids menu. If you prefer date night, the Valentine’s Dinner for Two is a takeout order with your choice of hot and cold appetizers, entrees and dessert.
Calandra’s Mediterranean Grill
118 Rte. 46 East, Fairfield
973-575-6500
A limited Valentine’s menu will be available Friday to Sunday, with favorites from the dinner menu, including pink lemon drop martini, avocado or red beet salad, spinach ravioli, surf & turf, sauteed pork scallopini and grilled grouper.
Char-Khol
38 South St., Freehold
732-780-2427
This two-floor steakhouse is a romantic setting for a four-course dinner. Start your three-course meal with charred octopus, beet salad or truffle bites. Add on a charcuterie board or seafood tower. The main course options include halibut, short rib gnocchi, scallops or spicy vodka rigatoni. Or, order from the butcher’s block. There are several sides and desserts on the menu, too.
Charm Thai Montclair
600 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair
973-783-3800
If you are craving Thai food, you can get an appetizer like kanom jeeb or a curry puff; followed by pad thai, curry, fried rice or basil kapow for dinner; and finish it off with strawberry mochi or chocolate lava cake.
Chart House
1700 Harbor Blvd., Weehawken
201-348-6628
Chart House is noted for its exquisite seafood menu and gorgeous views of NYC. Come early for Happy Hour, or sit and relax while eating Mac Nut Mahi or slow-roasted prime rib at dinnertime.
The Chozhas Authentic Indian Restaurant
520 Rte. 33 W., Millstone
848-233-9412
On Valentine’s Day, treat your loved one to a multi-course Indian dinner. Come for a lunch thali on Friday, or a full buffet on Sunday.
City Perch Kitchen + Bar
2023 Hudson St., Fort Lee
201-582-7101
This resto is the concept of Chef Sherry Yard, a James Beard Award-winning chef (you might recognize her from Food Network) and is just downstairs from the super lux iPic movie theater, where you can savor signature cocktails and apps during a film. Start with oysters on the half shell, flowed by root vegetable bisque, filet and lobster, and then pannacotta. You can add on Champagne features to toast to your love.
Council Oak Steaks & Seafood
Hard Rock Casino & Resort, 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
609-449-1000
The menu offers USDA prime cuts of beef, seafood selections and more prepared by Council Oak’s chefs on the state-of-the-art J&R wood fire grills and Josper coal ovens. For this special evening, order a three-course prix-fixe menu that begins with amuse bouche of chocolate-glazed pancetta bacon confit. Then select a first course of soup or a mixed green salad. Second course offerings include shrimp scampi with tomato risotto, crispy arugula, and butter chardonnay sauce; free range chicken breast with rosemary demi and sautéed wild mushroom, or an 18-ounce dry-aged bone-in strip steak served with cognac peppercorn sauce, and grilled broccolini. End on a sweet note with raspberry and white chocolate torte accompanied by dark chocolate sauce, crushed berries, and Chantilly cream.
Cucina Calandra
216 Rte. 46 East, Fairfield
973-575-7720
Italian favorites include mozzarella in carrozza, fried calamari, pizzas and flatbreads, red snapper filet, melon salad, baked sole, rigatoni alla vodka, chicken parmigiana and pork chops.
Cuzin’s Seafood & Clam Bar
130 S. Main St., Marlboro
732-780-2526
78 Albany St., New Brunswick
732-979-2141
With a Jersey meets NY meets Miami vibe, either restaurant will be a beautiful spot to take your date. The seafood is fresh, the meat is aged and the cocktails are specialty crafted. If you’d like to share a meal, the 56-ounce tomahawk steak or surf-and-turf are good options. The brownie skillet is perfect for dessert.
DaRosario
31 E. Main St., Freehold
732-845-5440
The Soulmate Menu features Towers of Love (mozzarella, breaded eggplant, tomatoes and roasted peppers), crispy wontons with spinach and ricotta or a strawberry salad; plus veal chop parmigiano, lasagna, risotto or sea bass oreganata; finished with heart-shaped Nutella pizza or strawberry gelato.
Delta’s
19 Dennis St., New Brunswick
732-249-1551
This spot is all about comfort and soul food. Start with Southern specialties like peach BBQ ribs, catfish fingers or soul folk dumplings. For your main, try the southern fried chicken or fried whiting over jambalaya grits. Share banana pudding or sweet potato pie for dessert and toast to an evening well spent.
DRIFTHOUSE by David Burke
Driftwood Cabana Club, 1485 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright
732-530-9760
In addition to its custom-made lobster tanks and oyster spas on display in the dining room, there is now a market-style seafood case stocked with fresh selections displayed on ice where you can select your own “from-the-sea” seafood.
Ebbitt Room
25 Jackson St., Cape May
609-884-5700
Executive Chef Jason Hanin trained at The Culinary Institute of America in NY. Check out the raw bar menu for starters. If you prefer something from the oven, ask about the rabbit cavatelli, rainbow trout or braised lamb shank. Pumpkin cheesecake or sweet ricotta doughnuts are enough for both of you to sample!
Hope you are well. Wanted to share the below deal Fat Choy in Englewood is advertising ahead of Galantines Day and Valentines Day.
Fat Choy
52 E. Palisade Ave., Englewood
To get creative and build a bowl, you choose a base, add three veggies, add on your protein and spruce it up with two garnishes. Or choose from the Chef Lee’s Signature Bowls menu, or other soups and sides. The healthy Chinese restaurant is offering 10 percent off all in-store orders with the code VDAY10 from February 11 to 16, so you can celebrate Galentine’s Day or Valentine’s Day all week.
Fleming’s Steakhouse & Prime Wine Bar
500 North Route 73 N, #1, Marlton
856-988-1351
90 The Promenade, Edgewater
201-313-9463
Surprise your Valentine with more than chocolates this year. The extensive menu starts with sweet chili calamari, seared pork belly or signature onion rings. After having a market salad or lobster bisque, choose from USDA Prime Cuts of ribeye steaks, a bone-in filet mignon or NY Strip accompanied by diablo shrimp, crispy maitake mushroom or truffle-poached lobster. You and your partner can share surf & turf, or stay on land with double breast of chicken or roasted portobello & cauliflower steak. For dessert, share bananas foster brioche bread pudding, chocolate gooey butter cake or carrot cake.
The Franklinville Inn
2526 Delsea Dr., Franklinville
856-694-1577
Franklinville Inn exudes rustic charm inside a Victorian home. The ambiance here is warm and cozy, whether in the main dining area or lounge. They are known for their martinis, with choices like pomegranate, key lime or mint chocolate chip.
The Frog and The Peach
29 Dennis St., New Brunswick
732-846-3216
Dinner appetizers include chestnut and ricotta gnocchi, crispy pig ears, roasted bone marrow or Za’atar spiced flatbread. Entrees include cacio e pepe, grilled shrimp ragout, Long Island crescent duck breast and a 14-ounce veal chop. Top it off with a quince crumb cake, peach sorbet with pizelle, or a chocolate tasting.
Gabriella’s Italian Steakhouse
447 Rte. 35, Red Bank
732-456-6699
Gabriella’s menu features premium steaks, a fresh raw bar and classic Italian dishes. Dinner faves include The Grand Tower, which is chilled king crab leg, crab cocktail, oysters, clams on the half shell, shrimp and lobster. There is an assortment of caviar. Start with their famous garlic bread, truffle ricotta or firecracker shrimp. There is a chef’s selection of meats and cheeses (salumi e formaggi), plus a host of pasta and entrée options.
Garlic Rose Bistro
28 North Ave. W., Cranford
908-276-5749
Two people eating garlic cancel each other out! From Friday to Sunday you can feast on stuffed money bag pasta with candied pears and ricotta, Italian long hot peppers with potatoes, Angels on Horseback (shrimp stuffed with crabmeat wrapped with bacon), Calabrian shrimp and rigatoni, Garlicious chicken rigatoni, premium reserve French onion pork chop, seared Long Island duck breast, limoncello meringue tartufo and toasted almond crunch cake.
THE GOAT By David Burke
1411 Rte. 36, Union Beach
732-264-5222
This playful Italian-American bistro with a menu that centers around a custom wood-burning oven has a fun and neighborly vibe decorated with amusing goat-themed original artwork. Valentine’s Day will feature a special three-course prix fixe menu or ala carte dishes.
Gordon Ramsay’s Steak
Harrah’s Atlantic City, 777 Harrah’s Blvd., Atlantic City
609-441-5000
This oceanside casino and hotel is a fun and romantic choice for Valentine’s Day. Head to Gordon Ramsay Steak where English pub meets contemporary flair. After a trilogy of seafood tartare enjoy a prosecco course, then mushroom risotto or chateaubriand for two. Dessert options are melted chocolate souffle and strawberry ginger salad.
Grain & Cane
250 Connell Dr., Berkeley Heights
908-897-1920
Couples looking for a nice, romantic meal together can sit down for a prix fixe menu including scallops, Caesar salad, lobster fra diavolo, red wine braised shortrib, grilled chocolate cake, crème brulee cheesecake, passionfruit sangria and Love Potion No. 9. An a la carte menu will be available as well.
Half Moon Point
2154 Bridge Avenue, Point Pleasant, NJ
732-475-6535
Come by for lunch or dinner, and order salad with serrano ham, roasted onion and Manchego cheese; lamb chops with winter orzo salad; beef tartare; braised ossobuco or petite filet. There are two indoor bars serving cocktails and international wines.
Halifax
225 River St., Hoboken
201-253-2500
Halifax is located along Hoboken’s scenic waterfront, so you know this will be a romantic spot, overlooking the water and NYC. Executive Chef Seadon Shouse and Pastry Chef Joshua Coleman created a three-course menu for Friday and Saturday, which includes a mushroom tart, Amberjack crudo, tri-color beet salad, NY strip or halibut or ravioli, and white cherry cheesecake. You can add on caviar or shaved black truffle. There will also be the Famous Bubbles Brunch for Valentines and Galentines all weekend.
Harvest Moon Brewery
392 George St., New Brunswick
732-249-6666
Daily specials include pork osso bucco, crab and spinach dip, polenta nuggets and minestrone soup. Some of the chef’s favorites include chicken schnitzel and spaetzle, shepherd’s pie, fish and chips and pad thai. Discuss your love while chowing down on Brunswick wings, loaded potato dippers or jumbo soft pretzel braids. There are dozens of burgers, sandwiches and pizzas on the menu, too.
Haven
2 Main St., Ste. G, Edgewater
201-943-1900
Boasting New York City views, Haven is known for its contemporary American fare. The regular menu includes pretzel crusted fried calamari, or burrata & heirloom tomato salad; filet mignon or skirt steak; and seafood risotto or roasted duck. There’s a special menu with vegans and vegetarians, too: sweet potato croquettes, crispy edamame dumplings or plant-based “meatballs” and linguini. Save room for the dessert tasting for two: sample portions of white chocolate cheesecake, caramel apple tartlettes, hazelnut chocolate mousse and key lime pie.
Henri’s Hotts Barbecue
1003 Black Horse Pike, Folsom
The Valentine’s Special is a three-course surf-and-turf dinner for two, including caesar salad, cornbread, 8-ounce filet mignon, 4-ounce lobster tail, two sides, chocolate lava cake and ice cream.
The Hudson Rose
238 Franklin Ave., Nutley
973-543-2005
The Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu is available on February 14 and 15. The first course is oysters and Champagne, toro tataki or beef tartare. The second course is chicken ballotine, scallops with nduja, or soy-glazed hangar steak. Dessert is chocolate passion fruit cheesecake. You can add caviar bumps with Prosecco for an additional fee. You can also order off the regular a la carte menu if you’d prefer.
Lita
1055 Rte. 34, Matawan
732-696-8517
Chef David Viana is currently in the qualifying rounds for Guy Fieri’s Tournament of Champions on Food Network. Try his award-winning cuisine on V Day, such as pao (sourdough bread), huevos rellenos (Spanish deviled eggs), salada de pepino (tuna with cucumber and tahini), carne guisada (short ribs with collard greens) and paella for two.
Il Mulino New York
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 1000 Boardwalk at Virginia Avenue, Atlantic City
609-449-6006
Enjoy a taste of Italy a four-course prix-fixe menu: choose from an antipasti course featuring beet salad, eggplant rollatini, octopus salad or lobster bisque; primi or pasta course with choice of lobster ravioli or fiocchetti con pera e gorgonzol; and entrée course choice of scaloppine capriccio, chicken valdostano, halibut francese, or filetto di manzo peppercor. The dessert course features a choice of Italian cheesecake, strawberry panna cotta, and flourless chocolate cake, each served with a glass of prosecco.
Kitchen Step
500 Jersey Ave., Jersey City
201-721-6115
This stunning bistro is located in the Historic Van Vorst District of JC, and offers modern American eats, plus next-level drinks. The semolina zucchini fries are sure to impress your date and the ricotta gnocchi will have you wanting seconds. Save room for the flourless chocolate cake or ricotta zeppoles. On Valentine’s Day, try the Japanese hamachi, winter beet salad, braised oxtail arancini, moroccan braised lamb shank, handmade spaghetti, spiced port poached pears or artisanal cheese plate.
Kona Grill
511 Rte. 1, Iselin section of Woodbridge
732-750-4400
Celebrate the season of love from February 10-16, either as an intimate date night or a fun night out with your Galentines. The star of the show the 6-ounce filet with lobster tail. Add on a Passion-Rita, Jones Soda Root Beer Float or a glass of Chandon Rose. Finish off the meal with a warm chocolate molten lava cake. The Surf and Turf and lava cake are available for takeout and delivery in addition to dining in.
Kuro
Hard Rock Casino & Resort, 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
609-449-1000
The restaurant specializes in contemporary artisanal dishes using locally sourced and imported ingredients directly from Japan. Valentine’s Day specials (from February 14 to 17) include oysters with yuzu soy, Asian pear mignonette and micro cilantro; lobster salad with caviar, shiso aioli and celery; and Surf and Turf featuring Wagyu rib eye, U-8 scallop, beet puree and truffle butter. Perfect for sharing with someone special, Kuro will also feature a sushi omakase for two.
Lokal Eatery & Bar
2 Second St., Jersey City
201-222-6800
It’s no joke: people drive two hours for their housemade focaccia bread. Sit along the waterfront and view the beautiful Jersey City and NYC skylines as you indulge in a raw bar, salads, platters, small plates, flatbreads, sides and large plates made from locally sourced ingredients.
Luca’s Ristorante
2019 Rte. 27, Somerset
732-297-7676
Owner and Chef Andrea Di Meglio is from Ischia, a small fisherman’s island off the coast of Naples in Italy, and the menu reflects the flavors of the region with fresh seafood, braised meats and homemade (and 100 percent organic) pasta.
Maize Cocina & Cocktails
301 N. Ave. W., Westfield
908-936-4050
The four-course prix fixe menu from Chef Jesa Henneberry includes the welcome Love Potion cocktail. Add on an optional wine pairing or agave pairing.
Marcus Live Bar & Grille
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford
After visiting any of the museums, theme parks, attractions or shops inside American Dream, make a resy for a pre-fixe menu that includes seared ahi tuna, fried Maine lobster tail, strawberry royale and crimson sky pavlova.
Masseria Italian Steakhouse
28 Headquarters Plaza Mall, Morristown
973-287-5007
Masseria blends old-world Italian charm with an upscale steakhouse, and Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to make a reservation at the newly-opened vision of Morristown resident and longtime restauranteur Joseph Cetrulo. The menu includes tuna crudo, pappardelle bolognese, fried calamari, fusilli pesto, chicken scarpariello, Faroe Island salmon, panzanella salad, Australian rack of lamb, and Snake River Farms Kurobuta pork chop.
The Mathis House
600 Main St., Toms River
732-818-7580
This gorgeous Victorian tea room will offer two afternoon seatings of a full Victorian tea, including soup, salad, scones, tea sandwiches and desserts at two times every Wednesday through Friday in February.
The Melting Pot
584 Rte. 38, Maple Shade
856-499-5914
2 Bridge Ave., Red Bank
732-845-6536
Melted cheese and chocolate – does it get any better than that? This favored fondue spot is great for Valentine’s Day, where you can share veggies, meat options and dessert dipped in a selection of hot creamy dips.
Meximodo Cocina Mexicana & Tequila Bar
5 Pearl St., Metuchen
732-395-7767
Fire up your Valentine’s Day with some spicy Mexican food – but don’t stop there: the restaurant has the largest selection of tequila and agave in the entire world, with a Guinness Book of World Record to prove it! Appetizers include queso fundido with candied pumpkin seeds, chilaquiles (aka Mexican lasagna), Coconut Tiger’s Milk ceviche, and a variety of guacamole. The tacos come three per order, and range from chicken and steak to roasted cauliflower and jicama. The Chef’s Favorite entree is pollo con mole: adobo-marinated roasted chicken with mole poblano sauce. The dessert menu includes chipotle chocolate lava cake, corn flan and churros. For a special early dinner, call it “Love Without the Rush” – you can kick off Valentine’s week on Wednesday, February 12, with a chef-curated 4-course meal accompanied by cocktails made with Patron tequila.
La Mondina
110 Union Ave., Brielle
732-612-8331
The Italian dishes feature traditional risotto and pasta recipes. Antipasti includes meatballs, steamed mussels, charred octopus, eggplant fritta and baby artichokes. Salads are made with baby kale and farro grains, roasted beets, and arugula and frisee. Even the side dishes are fancy, like maitake mushroom marsala and brussels sprouts with bacon.
Ninety Acres
200 Natirar Dr., Peapack
908-901-9500; call 908-901-4710 for parties of 7 or more
The Farm at Natirar is the center point of Ninety Acres, which uses farm fresh ingredients in all of its dishes.
Northridge Restaurant at Wolverton Inn
6 Woolverton Rd., Stockton
609-397-0802
The new restaurant space is located inside a restored 1830s barn on the Woolverton Inn property. The Valentine’s Day menu includes Yukon potato soup, chicory salad, spiced winter vegetables, tender slow cooked duck, eggplant stuffed pepper with herbed rice, roast lamb loin, sage basted sea scallops, Spatchcock cornish hen, tender braised beef short ribs, warm apple crisp, chocolate mousse and strawberry shortcake.
Nunzio By Chef Michael DeLone
706 Haddon Ave., Collingswood
856-858-9840
Have dinner while imagining yourself in a piazza in Italy. There are separate menus for dinner, Sunday brunch, Italian Sunday dinner, weekly specials and a pasta tasting menu. Some popular items are charred octopus, sweet potato ravioli, apple braised pork shank, and roasted garlic and parmigiana fried potatoes.
The Olde Mill Inn
225 Rte. 202, Basking Ridge
908-221-1150
This restaurant has a ton of history—it’s been around since the 18th century. Savor apps like organic red lentil soup or mini taro chip tacos, go light with seasonal salad or a harvest bowl. Mains include free range turkey burger, all-natural Griggstown Farm chicken and a 10-ounce bistro steak.
Orchard Park by David Burke
At Chateau Grande Hotel, 670 Cranbury Rd., East Brunswick
732-554-5714
Valentine’s Day dinner on Friday and Saturday is a three-course dinner plus an Amuse Bouche menu.
Over Easy Kitchen & Espresso Bar
460 Rte. 520, Marlboro
732-526-4422
2111 Rte. 35, Holmdel
732-533-5578
588 River Rd., Fair Haven
732-383-5374
If a lowkey brunch or dinner is more your thing, OEK has a variety of menu options like “Fancy” burrata, harvest avocado toast, build-your-own omelet, lemon ricotta pancakes, grilled steak sandwich, Birria grilled cheese, Reuban Cuban, Cali Cobb Salad, Greek fries and sweet potato chorizo mash. Plus, it’s Valentine’s Tree makes for an instagrammable Valentine’s date.
pastaRAMEN
6 S. Fullerton Ave., Montclair
The iconic Wafu-Italian restaurant from Montclair Hospitality Group (which is also the first Italian ramen shop) will feature a 5-course Omakase Menu from Executive Chef Robbie Felice, with an added optional 5-course beverage pairing. Select between two dishes for each of the five courses, in addition to various add-ons. The menu will feature a mix from their current menu alongside exclusive dishes that will only be available on this day.
Patricia’s of Holmdel
2132 Rte. 35, Holmdel
732-275-0234
This BYOB Italian restaurant will serve a variety of Italian classics including antipasto, salads, pizza, meats, pasta and fish dishes to make you feel like you’re at Nonna’s house on Sunday. The key menu item on Valentine’s Day is their famous Money Bags pasta.
The Perch at Peacock Inn
20 Bayard Ln., Princeton
609-924-1707
The Perch is a great place for afternoon tea, but the restaurant is a beautiful place for dinner. If you’d like to share the tomahawk, it’s big enough for two. If you prefer individual entrees, try the scallops, halibut or Creole cauliflower confit. Start the meal with smoked tomato bisque, crudite or oysters on the half-shell.
Rat’s Restaurant
16 Fairgrounds Rd., Hamilton
609-584-7800
A premier French restaurant located on the 42-acre Grounds for Sculpture campus, Rat’s Restaurant provides a romantic escape for Valentine’s Day, especially if you go to see the Slow Motion exhibit after dinner. This year’s Valentine’s menu features dishes like oysters with Rose Champagne, filet mignon Oscar, and million dollar chocolate tart.
Red Horse by David Burke
26 Ridge Rd., Rumson
732-576-3400
27 Minebrook Rd., Bernardsville
908-766-0002
This modern American steakhouse with an Asian twist is located in the romantic, historic building that once housed the legendary Fromagerie. The kitchen is where Chef Burke began his star-studded career as a teen as a line cook while a CIA student. The super chic, equine art-filled setting serves up a NYC-level dining experience in its bar/lounge, main dining room and sushi bar loft.
Roots Steakhouse
Morristown, Princeton (Ocean Prime), Ridgewood, Summit
Roots is an old-fashioned New York style steakhouse whose name comes from the iconic Roots clothing store, which was the location of the first Roots Steakhouse in Summit in 2006. The vault that held all of the mink coats still remains a part of the location. If you head there for Valentine’s Day you can expect USDA aged prime beef sourced from the highest quality ranches in the Midwest. There are lots of options for appetizers, salads, steaks, vegetarian options, a raw bar, seafood and sides.
Rosie’s Ocean Gate
401 Monmouth Ave., Ocean Gate
Choose a seat inside the main dining area, at the classic bar, or in the lounge. The Valentine’s Day menu includes oysters, lobster ravioli, Wagyu carpaccio, surf & turf pasta, Kung Pow tuna and mini dessert pizza.
Ruocco’s Restaurant
345 Rte. 9, Manalapan
732-851-5359
For a Valentine’s Day special, how about twin lobster tails, sautéed spinach and fondant potatoes with a side of drawn butter? This is a neighborhood favorite, family-owned and -operated.
The Saddle River Inn
2 Barnstable Court
Saddle River Inn sits inside a restored 18th-century barn. The French-inspired menu is curated by Owner and Chef Jamie Knott, who uses only Prime dry-aged beef, fresh and sustainable seafood, and local organic produce when possible.
Saffron Modern Indian Dining
21 W. Front St., Red Bank
732-230-6700
Open up your appetite with sweet potato chat or a mix of potato and jalapeno samosas. Try the tandoor chicken or lamb, the various paneer (cheese) dishes and the biryani (rice). Have a smokin’ hot time with the smoking kulfi – the homemade ice cream pops are served on a carousel that becomes smoky from dry ice. There are lots of vegetarian options on the menu.
Salt Creek Grille
4 Bingham Ave., Rumson
732-933-9272
1 Rockingham Row, Princeton
609-419-4200
Go casual with salt & vinegar potato chips, caesar salad or a housemade burger, or class it up with an array of sushi and sashimi, vegetable farro, bacon and shrimp pappardelle, or wood-fired filet.
Sátis Bistro
201-435-5151
The European-style café is located in the heart of the Paulus Hook section of Jersey City. On February 14, the four-course dining experience created by Chef Alex Diaz includes roasted eggplant, heirloom tomato and basil soup, zucchini flowers stuffed with buffalo ricotta and asiago, hamachi crudo, jumbo prawns and caviar, house fusilli with truffle butter, bucatini with sausage and broccoli rabe, grilled veal chop with spiced basil butter, lemon risotto with cauliflower steak, braised angus beef cheeks with soft polenta, peppercorn roasted duck, and Lava Cake or Queen of Nuts Cake.
Seaview Hotel
609-748-7634
Sharrott Winery
370 S. Egg Harbor Rd., Hammonton
Executive Chef Ian Evans has created a romantic five-course food experience for you and yours to enjoy on Valentine’s Day, from 5-9 pm. Music will be provided by local musicians Brian and Mindy during this special event.
Son Cubano
400-4 Riverwalk Pl., West New York
201-399-2020
Cuban-inspired specialties include empanadas, coconut shrimp, passion fruit shrimp ceviche, pernil pork shank, paella. Churrasco steak, yuca fries and tostones. Fuego Fridays feature salsa dancing, perfect for a spicy V-Day date night.
Spring House
91 W. Clinton Ave., Tenafly
201-353-0080
Chef Paco designed a special menu, in addition to the restaurant’s regular offerings, which includes a Love Board for Two (a sharing platter of parmi-tacos, Gougères, swordfish pinchos, truffled polenta, eggplant parmigiana and fried oysters), risotto saffron and Sicilian shrimp, baked lobster bisque manicotti, dover sole and filet mignon with lobster.
Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas
Clifton Commons, 70 Kingsland Rd., Clifton
973-661-2435
Couples love this spot for its small plates and modern Italian fare. Start your meal with the Spuntino Board from the Tapas Menu: a selection of cured meats, cheeses, mixed olives, orange marmalade and homemade pistachio spread. Top your pizza with long pepper and sausage, clams, pesto and smoked mozzarella, or brussels sprouts and shallots. Pasta is made in-house; bruschetta is made with Brazilian bread. There are various Italian-inspired meat, vegetable and salad dishes.
Stone House at Stirling Ridge
50 Stirling Rd., Warren
908-754-1222
This spot has the same owners as Liberty House Restaurant (Jersey City), Ryland Inn (Whitehouse Station) and Hotel du Village (New Hope, PA). The Valentine’s Day 3-course prix fixe menu includes your choice of little gem Caesar salad, lobster bisque, roasted blue point oysters, handmade burrata or maple glazed baby back ribs; ricotta cavatelli, almond-crusted flounder, lemon-thyme roasted chicken, braised short rib or chateaubriand; and Granny Smith apple tart, chocolate marquise or red velvet cake.
Strickland’s Steakhouse
106 Main St., Woodbridge
732-510-7913
Renovating the former 1900s historic Woodbridge National Bank, husband-and-wife duo and lifelong Woodbridge residents Michael and Jessica Strickland created a modern twist to the traditional steakhouse, specializing in premium dry-aged steaks, seasonal menus, beer, wine, and crafted cocktails.
Texas Roadhouse
Multiple Locations
The viral Valentine’s Day sensation this year is a Baked Bread Bouquet Roll, which arranges their famous rolls into a flower-shaped bouquet. They’re a great way to start your meal of BBQ faves like steaks, ribs, chicken and country dinners.
VENTANAS Restaurant and Lounge
200 Park Ave., Fort Lee
201-583-4777
Ventanas will be offering 4-course prix-fixe menu with wine pairings, along with a complimentary glass of champagne. The Valentine’s Love Affair Menu is available Friday as a prix fixe menu and Saturday and Sunday as a la carte.
Whispers
200 Monmouth Ave., Spring Lake
732-974-9755
The First Course Menu features a lobster crepe, mozzarella burrata and ancho grilled jumbo shrimp. The stars of the Main Course Menu are grilled shrimp, pan seared salmon filet, roasted rack of lamb and center cut filet mignon. Dessert is the kicker: have warm apple strudel or the ultimate cookie cake or try a frozen dessert like Nutty Almond Joy (toasted coconut center topped with milk chocolate and almond crumbs).
Zinna’s Bistro
10 Cedarbrook Dr., Cranbury
609-860-9600
This cute and elegant family-owned and -operated Italian restaurant will serve an intimate dinner for you and your loved one. The Specialz for Valentine’s Day include lobster bisque, jumbo lump crab cup, filet mignon with lobster tail, pretzel chicken cutlet, and housemade lobster ravioli.
Check out a preview of the Kiss & Tell Pop-Up Valentine’s Day Bar at The Bistro at iPlay America.
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