Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and of course, what is Valentine's Day without planning a delightful dinner or a romantic feast?! Fortunately, North Central New Jersey boasts a diverse selection of fantastic restaurants catering to every Valentine’s Day style imaginable. Whether you fancy the sophistication of French or Italian cuisine, prefer an intimate and casual atmosphere, or are seeking family-friendly fun, you're sure to discover the perfect spot for your romantic celebration!
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 Road, Basking Ridge, NJ
With a warm, rustic ambiance that includes striking hearths and beamed ceilings, Grain House Restaurant offers a unique and inviting atmosphere which 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.
The Grain House Coppertop Pub also offers 12 beers on tap, casual cocktails and happy hour specials.
Focacceria
26 Church Street, Basking Ridge, NJ
If you're craving authentic and romantic Italian cuisine, Focacceria is the perfect choice. This quaint little spot serves up pasta, bread, and desserts that are made from scratch each and every morning. With a historic charm reminiscent of the 1800s, there's no doubt that you and your Valentine will enjoy an unforgettable meal at Focacceria.
Hills of Herat
Address: 665 Martinsville Road, Basking Ridge, NJ &
1982 Washington Valley Road, Martinsville, NJ
Hills of Herat sets the stage for an intimate Valentine's experience. Discover the essence of Afghan culinary magic from their famous Kebabs to savory Lamb Chops and tempting dumplings, every bite is a journey into Afghan hospitality. Prepared fresh daily, their dishes promise a symphony of taste and quality.
Can't make it to Basking Ridge? Visit their Martinsville location for the same love-infused flavors.
BEDMINSTER
Pluckemin Inn
Address: 359 Route 206 & Pluckemin Way, Bedminster NJ
Nestled in a meticulously restored Revolutionary War-era farmhouse, Pluckemin Inn seamlessly blends luxurious dining with familiar comfort. Their culinary ethos prioritizes fresh, locally sourced, seasonal ingredients from nearby farms and purveyors. Dedicated to pampering guests with fine flavors and an inviting ambiance, Pluckemin Inn has been a go-to destination for exceptional food and wine for nearly 15 years.
BERKELEY HEIGHTS
Strega Modern Italian Bistro
Address: 430 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ
Strega Modern Italian Bistro is your go-to for classic Italian cuisine with a modern flair. The ambiance is both intimate and bright, creating the ideal setting to savor the bold yet delicate flavors of their pastas, veal, and seafood. It's the perfect place to shake off the winter blues and relish a casual meal with your loved one.
BERNARDSVILLE
Red Horse by David Burke Bernards Inn
Address: 27 Minebrook Road, Bernardsville, NJ
Treat your sweetheart to an upscale and elegant Valentine's Day at the Bernards Inn. This boutique hotel boasts four distinct dining areas, including the Library Piano Bar, where you can delight in nightly live entertainment while savoring the gourmet offerings from their menu. Experience the epitome of fine dining at the Bernards Inn.
Ristorante MV
Address: 1 Mill Street, Bernardsville, NJ
Delight in the authentic and classic flavors of Italian cuisine expertly crafted by the Vitiello family. Immerse yourself in an atmosphere of old-world charm and genuine hospitality at Ristorante MV. As you step through the doors, consider yourself a cherished guest entering their home, where each dish is a reflection of their rich culinary heritage. Embark on a culinary journey to Ristorante MV, a New York-style Italian eatery and bar nestled in the heart of beloved Bernardsville, New Jersey.
BOUND BROOK
Girasole Cucina Italiana Restaurant
Address: 502 W. Union Avenue, Bound Brook, NJ
Girasole offers the ideal setting for an unforgettable Valentine's Day meal with its mix of contemporary and classic Northern Italian dishes and personalized service. The restaurant's ambiance, simple yet refined, effortlessly combines the sophistication of its extensive menu with the warmth of the staff, creating a space that feels like home with a touch of finesse. Come in and experience the welcoming embrace of family at Girasole.
BRIDGEWATER
Dolce Bene
Address: 1938 Washington Valley Road, Martinsville, NJ
Celebrate Valentine's Day in exquisite style at Dolce Bene, where your celebration is elevated to new heights. Immerse yourself in the perfect blend of love, romance, and the indulgence of delectable Italian cuisine. Embark on a captivating culinary journey as Dolce Bene guides you through the heart of Italy, unveiling carefully curated dishes that are a testament to our unwavering dedication to authentic and inspired Italian culinary artistry.
CHATHAM
Restaurant Serenade
Address: 6 Roosevelt Avenue, Chatham, NJ
Indulge in a culinary journey at Restaurant Serenade, where award-winning Chef, James Laird, curates artful creations that elevate your dining experience. Pamper your Valentine with a meal as exquisite as they are, featuring ever-changing tasting menus and expertly paired wines, all within the chic and vibrant atmosphere of the restaurant. From enticing entrees to decadent desserts and expertly crafted cocktails, Restaurant Serenade has everything you need for a truly memorable dining experience!
Scalini Fedeli
Address: 63 Main Street, 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 Avenue, Flemington, NJ
This restaurant is 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 Restaurant & Bar
Address: 168 Maplewood Avenue, 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 overseas 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 Bar & Kitchen
Address: Vail Mansion at 110 South Street, 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 Street, 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
Galeos
Address: 453 Somerset Street, Somerset, NJ
If you're into Mexican Cuisine, then Gaelos redefines romance for Valentine's Day. Reserve your table & embark on a culinary love story. New flavors and warm ambiance make this a great choice for your Valentine's Day dinner.
SOMERVILLE
Cafe Picasso
Address: 81 West Main Street, Somerville NJ
Whether your 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 Street, 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 is served 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 Street, 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 Street, 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 Street, 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 Restaurant
Address: 50 Stirling Road, Warren, NJ
Nestled on 10 acres in the Watchung mountains, the Stone House at Stirling Ridge provides scenic countryside views, 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 rustic elegance. Enjoy gourmet cuisine and allow you and your loved one to be transported to a peaceful landscape at Stone House Restaurant.
Silk Road Restaurant
41 Mountain Boulevard, 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.
Uproot
Address: 9 Mt Bethel Rd, Warren, NJ
Ignite love this Valentine's Day at Uproot with their diverse menu inspired by local ingredients and international flair. Uproot’s modern yet relaxed atmosphere seamlessly caters to quiet romantic dates and laughter-filled family dinners. Whether you're sipping cocktails at the bar or sharing the entire menu with friends in the dining room, Uproot offers a versatile experience.
WATCHUNG
Water and Wine
Address: 141 Stirling Road, 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 Street, 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 Avenue 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 Avenue West, 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.
