NJ’s Top 10 Valentine’s Day Restaurants

NJ’s Top 10 Valentine’s Day Restaurants

 

Picking the perfect restaurant for Valentine’s Day can be even harder than getting a Valentine sometimes, especially in a state like New Jersey where food is arguably the best of the best. Numerous restaurants across the state serve great food with plenty of options and enjoyable ambiance, but here are NJ’s top 10 Valentine’s Day Restaurants for you and your special person. 

 

Latour – Ridgewood, NJ

This French cuisine restaurant in Ridgewood is quaint, cozy, and delicious. Open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 5 pm to 9 pm and Sundays from 4 pm to 8 pm, this eatery is great for all occasions, but especially Valentine’s Day in NJ. For $115 per person, guests can eat from the Valentine’s Day Menu, which features a special chef tasting of hors d’oeuvres, entrées, and desserts selected by the chef. Country paté, lump crab meat strudel, french cheese ravioli, smoked salmon boursin, and fallen french cheese soufflé are all available as hors d’oeuvres. There is a mesclun salad gourmande, and for entrées, guests can choose from braised boneless short ribs of beef, cassoulet, wild mushroom risotto, lamb noisette, potato-crusted grouper, filet of beef medallions au poivre, coq a vin, and horseradish-crusted salmon. Pastries and confections are chosen by the chef, but there is no fear when these chefs are incredible at what they do and extremely qualified, making them a top Valentine’s Day Restaurant in NJ.

 

 

La Mondina – Brielle, NJ

La Mondina, or “The Weeders,” is a fairly recent restaurant that has exceeded expectations. The name originated from a group of women in the 1940s who saved Northern Italy’s economy by working in the rice fields. The intensity of Italian heritage is obvious here, particularly in the food. Start with the charred octopus or baby artichokes, and pick from risotto, pasta, or piatti for an appetizer. They also have vegan and gluten free pasta, along with extras and sides that include dishes such as a polenta fried maitake mushroom and brussel sprouts. Finish the meal off with the delicious chocolate hazelnut cake or tiramisu. They are open Wednesday and Thursday 4:30 pm to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday 4:30 pm to 11:00 pm, and Sunday 4:30 pm to 9 pm; and on Sundays, they offer an exclusive Sunday gravy.

 

Chart House – Weehawken, NJ

This beautiful, classy waterfront restaurant is perfect for those who enjoy a view—other than their date, of course. They are open Sunday from 11:30 am to 10 pm, Monday through Thursday 4:30 pm to 10 pm, Friday 4:30 pm to 10:30 pm, and Saturday 11:30 am to 10:30 pm. Not only is this a top Valentine’s Day Restaurant in NJ, but a top seafood one as well. As an appetizer, grab the coconut crunchy shrimp with citrus chili, coconut cream, and soy dipping. For those who are not as into seafood, try the brie and fig en croute, with cranberry walnut toast, Granny smith apple chutney spiced candied cashews, and honeycomb. They offer bowls and greens as well, which include dishes like lobster bisque or salads. Their selection of land meals include filet mignon, herb roasted chicken, or a classic NY strip steak, and the sea includes west Australian lobster tail, wild caught king crab, or blood orange lacquered king salmon. They offer companions for steaks, other sides, and a highly recommended hot chocolate lava cake with chocolate liqueur, Heath Bar Crunch, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate sauce. 

 

The Highlawn – West Orange, NJ

The Highlawn, which claims to be “home to the most iconic panoramic views of the New York City skyline,” is an elegant, American cuisine restaurant. One of the top skylines equals one of the top Valentine’s Day Restaurants in NJ. Their menu is filled with interesting and appetizing dishes, with options ranging from duck carbonara to doughnut french toast to prime dry aged bone-in strip steaks. If going for brunch, try the roasted market beets with honeyed yogurt, fennel, sicilian pistachio, and mint or the faroe island salmon that comes with celery root purée, porcini mushroom, braised fennel, sea beans, thyme, and espagnole sauce. At lunch, grab the porchetta sandwich with roasted pork, sauteed broccoli rabe, shaved provolone cheese, and chopped long hots or one of their wood fired pizzas. The whole lobster scampi with bucatini, fresh garlic, EVOO, and parsley or the wagyu steak tartare with caper aioli, quail egg, and crostini are fabulous dinner entrées. Finish the meal with their salted butterscotch cème brûlée or blueberry almond crumble. They are open Tuesday through Thursday 11:30 am to 10 pm, Friday 11:30 am to 11:00 pm, Saturday 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and Sundays 11:00 am to 9 pm.

 

Battello – Jersey City, NJ

This Italian style restaurant is not only breathtaking, but has food cooked by Chef Ryan DePersio, one of NJ’s top chefs. It it only fair that he be featured in the top Valentine’s Day Restaurants in NJ. For Valentine’s Day, he has created a four-course prix fixe menu for $145 per person with an optional wine pairing at $60 per person. For the first course, choose between the beet salad, tuna carpaccio, or beef carpaccio. Risotto d’Emilia Romagna is then served. The second course offers the choices of squid ink fusilli con scampi, prime filet mignon alla Romana, vitello tonnato milanese, or smoked eggplant. For dessert, they offer chocolate hazelnut torta, vanilla cranberry panna cotta, trio citrus sorbet, or an artisanal cheese plate. It is highly recommended to make a reservation prior to February 14th, with times ranging from 5:00 pm until 10:00 pm. There will be live music by jazz artist Danielle Illario, amplifying the romance. 

 

Haven Riverfront Restaurant and Bar – Edgewater, NJ

Haven Riverfront Restaurant and Bar is also offering a Valentine’s Day special, $95 per person for a three-course dinner prix fixe menu. Located on the Hudson River, this restaurant has spectacular views alongside its great food. Open Monday to Thursday 11:30 am to 9:00 pm, Friday 11:30 am to 10:00 pm, Saturday 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, and Sunday 11:00 am to 9:00 pm with separate brunch and happy hour times, there is no reason not to try it out. Their menu includes meals such as pan roasted bakkafrost salmon with braised fingerling potatoes, oyster mushroom sauté, pickled watermelon radish, cherry tomatoes, and english garden pea sauce or braised Omaha short rib that comes with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, collard greens, heirloom baby corn, crispy sunchoke chips, sweet ruby onions, and smoked fresno crème. They have been recognized by Architectural Digest and The New York Times, adding to their credibility. 

 

The Grain House Restaurant – Basking Ridge, NJ

Previously named one of the “The Most Romantic Restaurants in New Jersey,” earning it’s spot on top Valentine’s Day Restaurants in NJ. The Grain House is an American cuisine restaurant that offers a fascinating 18th century atmosphere. The ceilings, fireplaces, and decor are still the same from the 1700s, among other factors that would be much better seen than explained. Open Monday through Friday 11:30 am to 9:00 pm, Saturdays 10:00 am to 9:00 pm with different hours for brunch and dinner, and Sundays from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm with also differing hours based on meals. They have a full service bar, host lots of events, and serve meals such as blackened Florida grouper, east coast calamari, and grilled 16 oz tuscan ribeye. 

 

Amanda’s – Hoboken, NJ

Offering Valentine’s Day specials alongside their regular menu and live music, Amanda’s is a great spot for February 14th. Open Wednesday through Friday 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Saturdays 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, and Sunday 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, the restaurant serves brunch, dinner, and delectable wine, the wine store open from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm Wednesday through Saturday and Sundays 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Their brunch menu features items such as smoked salmon eggs benedict and fettuccine carbonara. For dinner, start with an appetizer of prosciutto and house-made focaccia or potato croquettes. Entrée options include house made pasta, a la carte, and house specialities. Choose from gnocchi pomodoro or seafood tagliatelle, grilled chicken thighs or eggplant parmigiana, or chicken cutlet napolitana or grilled salmon. For dessert, try their coconut flan or dulce de leche pie. Pair your meal with their options of sparkling, white, or red wines, or house cocktails, beer, and other alcoholic beverages. Not sure which wine is best or what to pair dinner with? Check out The Best Sweet Red Wines. Amanda’s even delivers with DoorDash and Grubhub if you want to celebrate from home.

 

The Frog and The Peach – New Brunswick, NJ

This cute and quaint restaurant not only serves as a nice eating spot for February 14th, but also an activity! “A Taste of Burgundy,” prepared by chefs executive Chefs Joe and Sommelier Donaciano, offers dinners and lunches paired with select Bourgogne wines that compliment the flavors in every dish. Dinner is five-courses for $84 per person and an additional $105 with the wine pairings. Lunch is $55 per person for three-courses, an extra $53 with wine. If going out to dinner is not enough, this is a fun and creative way to add something beyond it, making it an absolute top Valentine’s Day Restaurant in NJ. Their regular dinner menu consists of meals like Cacio e Pepe, Long Island crescent duck breast, and stout braised lamb shank. Before those entrées, try the cured tuna sashimi with cucumber, tobiko, and lemongrass broth, or the charred Portuguese octopus with udon, melted cabbage, kabayaki, and whiskey barrel aged shoyu. For dessert, order a chocolate tasting of white chocolate walnut tart, dark chocolate cremeux, cranberry and orange chocolate bar, and pomegranate molasses. If chocolate isn’t your thing, try the cheese board. They are open for brunch every Sunday from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm, lunch on Thursdays and Fridays from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, and dinner Tuesdays through Thursdays 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Fridays and Saturdays 5:00 pm to 9:45 pm, and Sunday 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm. 

 

Annata Wine Bar – Hammonton, NJ

Open Tuesday through Thursday 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Friday 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and Saturday 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Annata Wine Bar’s slogan is, “Come for the food. Stay for the drinks,” making it a top Valentine’s Day Restaurant in NJ. They offer 125 varieties of wine to pair with their Italian style cuisine. Of course, they also offer drinks such as martinis, beers, and other cocktails, but the wines are available for purchase. Grab a small plate of blue point oysters de medici with spinach, cream, and pancetta or blistered shishitos with smoked sea salt, sweet soy, and cilantro. As an entrée, choose a dish like the duo of gnocchi, which is potato gnocchi with sage brown butter or spinach and ricotta gnocchi with tomato bisque. Try the Chilean sea bass basilica with white wine tomato basil broth or the broiled jumbo lump crab cake if you like seafood, or the pollo annata with chicken medallions, capers, mushrooms, and white wine-tarragon cream or the beef braciole with hard boiled egg, parmigiano reggiano, a filet mignon bolognese if you’re more into meat. The options and pairings are endless!

 

It can be difficult to choose the finest restaurant for you and your date, so refer to this list of the best Valentine’s Day Restaurants in NJ for help. Need more Valentine’s Day ideas? Check out The Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift Box Ideas!