Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and that means it's time to start making reservations! Luckily, North Central New Jersey has a wide array of fabulous restaurants to fit any Valentine’s Day style. Whether your idea of romance is elegant French or Italian fare, intimate and casual ambiance, or family-friendly fun, you will find exactly what you’re looking for here!
Here’s a list of our favorite romantic restaurant options for Valentine’s Day to remember in North Central New Jersey, organized by town for your convenience!
BASKING RIDGE
Grain House Restaurant
Address: 225 Morristown Rd, Basking Ridge, NJ
With a warm, rustic ambiance that includes striking hearths and beamed ceilings, Grain House Restaurant is the perfect spot for an intimate Valentine’s Day dinner. Reserve a table by the fireplace and enjoy a delicious meal with ingredients picked directly from the Grain House Organic Garden. Experience 18th-century romance at the Grain House Restaurant.
TIP: Be sure to check out the Grain House ’s cozy Coppertop Pub Monday-Friday from 4:00p-6:00p for Happy Hour specials.
Focacceria
26 Church St, Basking Ridge, NJ
If you’re in the mood for fresh and romantic Italian fare, Focacceria is the place for you. This quaint little spot serves up pasta, bread, and desserts that are made from scratch each and every morning. With a historic charm that hearkens back to the 1800s, there is no doubt you and your Valentine will have a truly memorable meal at Focacceria.
BEDMINSTER
Pluckemin inn
Address: 359 US-206, Bedminster Township, NJ
A top culinary destination for almost 12 years, the Pluckemin Inn is just the right combination of luxurious dining and familiar comfort. Their staff is dedicated to pampering you with fine flavors, locally-sourced ingredients, and inviting ambiance. If you want exceptional food and wine experience, look no further than the Pluckemin Inn.
BERKELEY HEIGHTS
Strega Modern Italian Bistro
Address: 430 Springfield Ave. Berkeley Heights, NJ
For classic Italian cuisine with a modern twist, Strega Modern Italian Bistro is the spot. The atmosphere is intimate, yet bright, which when paired with the bold, yet delicate flavors of their pastas, veal, and seafood, makes this restaurant perfect for shaking off the winter blues and enjoying a casual meal with your love.
BERNARDSVILLE
The Bernards Inn
Address: 27 Mine Brook Rd. Bernardsville, NJ
If you want to surprise your sweetheart with a Valentine’s Day meal filled with upscale elegance, consider making reservations at the Bernards Inn. Fresh off a multi-million dollar renovation, this boutique hotel features four distinct dining areas, including the Library Piano Bar, where you can enjoy nightly live entertainment while indulging in the options provided on their gourmet menu. Experience fine dining at its absolute finest at the Bernards Inn.
BOUND BROOK
Girasole Restaurant
Address: 502 W. Union Ave. Bound Brook, NJ
With contemporary and classic Northern Italian dishes and personalized service, Girasole is the perfect spot for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day meal. This restaurant’s simple, yet refined atmosphere blends the sophistication of its extensive menu with the inviting staff to create a space that makes you feel right at home with a touch of finesse. Stop on in and feel like part of the family at Girasole.
BRIDGEWATER
Seasons 52
Address: 410 Commons Way Bridgewater, NJ
No romantic Valentine’s Day is complete without a good glass of wine. Luckily, Seasons 52 has an ever-changing list of global wines to pair with any occasion. With a dedicated Sommelier that hand-picks each wine, perfectly matched rustic menu options, and a welcoming atmosphere, you and your Valentine can delight in the best of the season at Seasons 52.
CHATHAM
Restaurant Serenade
Address: 6 Roosevelt Ave. Chatham, NJ
For a meal as beautiful as your Valentine, there is no better option than Restaurant Serenade. Their ever-changing tasting menus and perfectly paired wine selections are a wonderful accompaniment to the restaurant’s crisp and trendy atmosphere. A renowned chef and accomplished sommelier round out this spot’s popular appeal and make Restaurant Serenade the place for any special occasion.
Scalini Fedeli
Address: 63 Main St. Chatham, NJ
For a Valentine’s Day reminiscent of Tuscany, check out Scalini Fedeli. Their modern Italian fare features a romantic French twist that perfectly complements the restaurant’s antique setting. If you want to treat your love to some of the best Italian that New Jersey has to offer, reserve a table at Scalini Fedeli.
FLEMINGTON
Matt's Red Rooster Grill
Address: 22 Bloomfield Ave. Flemington, NJ
Just the right blend of Victorian grace and modern comfort. Matt’s Red Rooster Grill is the ideal restaurant for a casual, yet upscale Valentine’s Day. The chef utilizes a wood-fired grill to bring out only the best flavors in his dishes, including his famous wood-fired romaine heart. Request the chef’s table and never miss out on the action as the dedicated team at Matt’s Red Rooster Grill prepares you a meal that you will fall in love with.
MAPLEWOOD
Lorena's
Address: 168 Maplewood Ave. Maplewood, NJ
Take your Valentine on a trip to Paris without ever leaving New Jersey. Lorena’s offers up deeply rooted French cuisine inspired by the seasons, with flavors that transport you over seas in just one bite. An atmosphere of quiet sophistication allows the food to speak for itself and makes Lorena’s a perfect romantic getaway for lovers of classic French fare.
MORRISTOWN
Jockey Hollow
Address: 110 South St. Morristown, NJ
Experience pure grandeur this Valentine’s Day by dining in a mansion. Jockey Hollow is a glamorous space that includes unique 3-dimensional, 2-dimensional, and video art pieces exclusively designed for the restaurant, plus four distinct dining areas, like the boisterous, yet romantic oyster bar. Luxurious food and drink options top off Jockey Hollow’s opulence and make it the perfect spot to treat your Valentine like royalty.
PEAPACK & GLADSTONE
Natirar
Address: 2 Main St. Peapack & Gladstone, NJ
Why enjoy a farm to table meal when you can enjoy your meal on the farm? Ninety Acres is an extension of the Natirar retreat and features fresh ingredients grown at Natirar’s own onsite farm. The addition of open-concept dining areas, including the innovative “Bring Me Food” dining area, promises a meal that is just your style, from interactive to intimate and everything in between.
SOMERSET
Sophie's Bistro
Address: 700 Hamilton St. Somerset, NJ
If you and your Valentine want high-quality French cuisine without the pretentious atmosphere that some restaurants tout, Sophie’s Bistro is your perfect match. Modeled after classic French bistros, Sophie’s features soft pastels, dark woods, antiques, and family portraits that combine to make a truly cozy little space. The food is authentic and hearty and the menu is simple, so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy a delicious and comfortable Valentine’s Day meal at Sophie’s.
SOMERVILLE
Cafe Picasso
Address: 81 West Main St. Somerville NJ
Whether you’re Valentine is a fan of Picasso or just a fan of really good Italian food, Cafe Picasso has you covered. Cafe Picasso’s decor reflects some of the famous artist’s most well-known paintings and the open Italian-style kitchen and Italian-style espresso bar give this spot a uniquely authentic edge that cannot be beaten. The food and atmosphere are second-to-none, so stop on in for a fun and flavorful Valentine’s Day at Cafe Picasso
Wolfgang's Steakhouse
Address: 119 West Main St. Somerville, NJ
Go classic this Valentine’s Day with a taste of globally-renowned perfection. Wolfgang’s Steakhouse boasts a succulent Porterhouse steak that is dry-aged onsite for an average of 28 days and serving sizzling and juicy. The warm ambiance of cherry wood floors and alabaster chandeliers perfectly complements the food, making Wolfgang’s an absolute must for steak lovers everywhere.
Verve
Address: 18 East Main St. Somerville, NJ
Right in the heart of downtown Somerville, Verve is the ideal spot for a lively Valentine’s Day. Each of the four dining areas are uniquely suited for any style of occasion, whether you prefer the intimacy and warmth of the Red or Main Dining Rooms, the eclectic ambiance of the Landmark Bar, or the casual vintage feel of the 1933 Room. Verve’s country-style French fare is creatively prepared for every palate, so there is no reason not to reserve a table at this hot New Jersey spot.
Melting Pot
Address: 190 W. Main St. Somerville, NJ
Shake things up this Valentine’s Day with a one-of-a-kind fondue experience at the Melting Pot. Their flexible menu allows you to create a meal that is uniquely styled to your palate and their fun atmosphere keeps things as fresh and exciting as the food. Bring your special someone to the Melting Pot and create a night to remember.
Da Filippo's
Address: 132 East Main St. Somerville, NJ
When it comes to authentic Italian cuisine, Da Filippo’s is about as close as you can get without a plane ticket! This rustic spot is the product of years of family-taught culinary expertise and features dishes that are recognized by European patrons the world over. If you want a true taste of Italy in your own backyard this Valentine’s Day, book a table at Da Filippo’s.
WARREN
Stone House Grill
Address: 50 Stirling Rd. Warren, NJ
Nestled serenely in the Watchung mountains, Stone House Grill is a casual, yet sophisticated locale for a romantic and relaxing Valentine’s Day. All meals are prepared using only the freshest ingredients and the design incorporates the five Chinese elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water, giving the space a balanced vibe of country elegance. Enjoy gourmet cuisine and allow you and your loved one to be transported to a peaceful landscape at Stone House Grill.
Silk Road Restaurant
41 Mountain Blvd. Warren, NJ
If you’re in the mood for something more exotic this Valentine’s Day, reserve a table at Silk Road Restaurant. One of only two Afghan restaurants in New Jersey, this unique spot takes you on a romantic journey, with rich reds and dark woods, pictures of the beauty that Afghanistan holds, and fresh, homemade food that is flavored to absolute perfection. Take your Valentine on an adventure with a dinner at Silk Road.
Alfie's
Address: 101 Town Center Dr. Warren, NJ
With a sleek, yet open and inviting atmosphere, Alfie’s is perfect for any Valentine’s Day dinner, whether it’s just with you and your sweetie or the whole family. They feature an extensive selection of fine Italian fare, including freshly baked bread, and their staff makes you feel right at home. For the best Italian cuisine in Warren, there is no beating Alfie’s.
WATCHUNG
Water and Wine
Address: 141 Stirling Rd. Watchung, NJ
Lakeside dining and a setting of relaxed sophistication make Water and Wine the ideal romantic locale for Valentine’s Day. Large open windows in the dining area give way to breathtaking views that perfectly accompany the extensive list of food and wine selections. Whether you’re in the market for a full meal or just a friendly drink, you will find what you’re looking for and more at Water and Wine.
WESTFIELD
Ferraro's
Address: 8 Elm St. Westfield, NJ
A Westfield landmark since 1969, Ferraro’s crafts casual Italian dishes that are just as cozy as the atmosphere. Healthy, traditional, and contemporary fare plus a relaxed dining space ensure that everyone can get exactly what they want (they even have a kids menu!). Experience all that the Ferraro family has to offer your family this Valentine’s Day at Ferraro’s.
Chez Catherine
Address: 431 North Ave. West Westfield, NJ
Transport your Valentine to the Provencal countryside with a dinner at Chez Catherine. Rated one of the best French restaurants in New Jersey from numerous sources, this space’s atmosphere consists of striking wall paintings, eclectic knick-knacks, and bright table settings that pair perfectly with the delicate and artful food selections offered. For a dining experience as beautiful as your love, look no further than Chez Catherine.
Roosterspin
251 North Ave. W. Westfield, NJ
If you tend to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a large group of friends, consider booking a room this year at Roosterspin. This private karaoke club features rooms of all sizes where you and your buddies can sing the night away (and maybe meet someone special) while enjoying exceptional food and drinks. Carry-out and delivery are also available, so the flavor and fun never has to end, thanks to Roosterspin.
