These Are the Most Romantic NJ Restaurants for Valentine’s Day, According to Diners

It’s Valentine’s week and a handful of restaurants in New Jersey have been named the most romantic in the country to take your sweetie.

Zinfandel Grille surveyed 3,168 diners about their picks for the best hidden gem restaurants to celebrate V-Day. Two New Jersey restaurants made the Top 25 based on charm, character, cuisine and coziness.

The Saddle River Inn in Saddle River sits inside a restored 18th-century barn; in 1840 The Inn was a sawmill and basket weaving factory. Part of the William Packard Estate, now known as Barnstable Court, the restaurant overlooks the Saddle River. No. 17 on the list, it’s known for its French-inspired menu curated by Chef Jamie Knott, who uses only Prime dry-aged beef, fresh and sustainable seafood, and local organic produce when possible. The menu changes twice seasonally. It’s upscale, has a strict dress code and kids 10 and younger have to stay home with a babysitter.

Romance along the Jersey Shore can be found at No. 23, Rosie’s in Ocean Gate, either in 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.

The Top Hidden Gem Restaurants for Valentine’s Day in New Jersey:

17. Saddle River Inn in Saddle River

23. Rosie’s in Ocean Gate

The Top 10 Hidden Gem Restaurants in the U.S.:

1. Moon and Turtle, Hilo, Hawaii
2. Cap’s on the Water, St. Augustine, Florida
3. Mama D’s Italian Kitchen, Newport Beach, California
4. La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway, Las Vegas, Nevada
5. The Hidden House, Chandler, Arizona
6. La Noxe, New York, New York
7. The Wonder Bar Steakhouse, Clarksburg, West Virginia
8. Grappa ’72, Albany, New York
9. Wild Goat Bistro, Petaluma, California
10. 10 IL Lusso, Tallahassee, Florida

In a separate analysis, OpenTable released its list of the most romantic restaurants in the country based on more than 10 million customer reviews. Four New Jersey restaurants were chosen based on the diners’ frequent use of the word “romantic.”

618 Restaurant in Freehold is making its fourth appearance on the list. The main dining room and bar are filled with long-stemmed rose decorations and floral arrangements. The food and cocktails here are Instagram-worthy, from the NY strip steak for two to the pistachio martini to the smoky drinks. 618 is also the one and only New Jersey restaurant on Yelp’s Top 100 Date Night Restaurants in the U.S., coming in at No. 17 based on Yelp reviews and business ratings.

The Franklinville Inn in Franklinville was chosen for the second year in a row. Located 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.

Also appearing for the second year is Il Mulino New York’s Atlantic City location. It’s part of the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino but once inside, you’ll feel like you’re in Italy. The food is from the Abruzzese area of Italy and is served in multiple courses, usually topped off with some grappa.

Chart House in Weehawken made the list for the first time since 2023, most notably for its exquisite seafood menu and stunning NYC views. Come early for Happy Hour, or sit and relax while eating Mac Nut Mahi or slow-roasted prime rib at dinner.

Check out our list of other restaurants in New Jersey that are perfect for date night this weekend.

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