4 Amazing NJ Restaurants to Reserve for Valentine’s Day!
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and if you’re not sure where to make your date reservations, I have some great NJ restaurants for you to try! 🙂 These restaurants are a bit on the expensive side BUT I think it’s safe to say it’s okay to splurge for this holiday, PLUS the food is 10/10 for all of these! Please note that all 4 restaurants take into account the safety & health of their guests very seriously. Due to COVID-19 regulations, masks are required upon entry, staff must wear masks at all times, and staff are required to disinfect surfaces between visits. Please see below for my recommendations:
1. Washington House Restaurant – 55 S. Finley Ave., Berkley Heights, NJ 07920 ($$$) – This American converted inn has a rustic ambiance and a super cozy feel. Right now, due to COVID-19, the restaurant owner built an entire outdoor seating area with spacious tables which are six feet apart. If you are feeling uncomfortable about the virus for Valentine’s Day this year, I recommend coming here. The outside patio dinning area is very spacious allowing for a lot of air to get in, so I do recommend dressing warm and wearing a heavy coat. Don’t worry! After a few drinks, that coat will come right off! It’s a comfortable temperature but you can feel the briskness of the outside. The outside patio area is decorated so elegantly with white linens and nice silverware. My featured picture (above) was taken at Washington House in their outside eating area. The food is amazing and so are their martinis! I highly recommend the Avocado Fries. It was the first time I ever tried avocado fries and it will not be the last! This spot is perfect for a new couple who might be cautious of the virus but still would like to venture out for a romantic dinner.
2. Bistro Seven Three – 73 Mine Brook Rd, Bernardsville, NJ 07924 ($$) – This upscale Italian & European bistro has such a quant and elegant atmosphere, not to mention, the food is delicious! If you are a sushi lover, I HIGHLY recommend the Sushi Pizza. No questions asked. Order it and thank me later. 🙂 The owner, Afrim Berisha is such a pleasure to be around! He is always greeting everyone, making sure all his guests are happy and making sure things are running smoothly. That says a lot about a restaurant! Plus, the really unique part about this bistro, which I believe sets them apart from their competition, is their after meal surprise! Everyone receives a small plate of hand made cookies with a shot of Limoncello! How adorable? Feels like Europe to me! Food is 10/10! I never had a bad meal there. It’s a really nice spot for a Valentine’s Day dinner and you and your date will be very pleased.
3. The Bernards Inn Restaurant – 27 Mine Brook Rd, Bernardsville, NJ 07924 ($$$$) – If you want to really impress your date, this is the spot to go to. This Contemporary, American restaurant is pricey, but the ambience and the etiquette of the staff will make you feel like royalty. This restaurant is part of the Bernards Inn Hotel so if you feel like making a night out of it, you can stay at one of their cozy rooms afterwards. If you feel like staying out a little later after dinner, no problem! The restaurant is located right across the street from the NJ Transit train station so hop on the train and take a quick trip to NYC for some sight seeing or maybe a late night dessert. To me, that seems like such a romantic night! Of course, that is if you are still hungry. The food at the Bernards Inn is out of this world. 10/10 would recommend. Everything is cooked, prepared and served with such an art, it truly is amazing! Is your date a vegetarian? Not to worry, they have vegetarian and gluten-free options available as well!
4. Summit House Restaurant + Bar – 395 Springfield Ave, Summit, NJ 07901 ($$$) – This creative American cuisine will leave you extremely satisfied. If you and your date are wine connoisseurs, this is the spot for you. Their wine list is top notch. I love an open kitchen setup and that’s exactly what they have! You can actually watch your chef cook your meal. The kitchen is beautifully done and the inside is decorated so elegantly with dim lighting. It’s super romantic! Their menu is filled with creative and unique dishes that you must try. The last time I was there, I ordered the bacon popcorn for desert (I know, it sounds weird) but it was AMAZING! This NJ restaurant is a must try, if not for Valentine’s Day, def. for a special night!
If you try any of the above restaurants, I would like to know how your experience was, so please feel free to email me or direct message me on Instagram (@amanda_jean13). I hope you all have an amazing Valentine’s Day! Love you lots! 🙂
Love always,
Amanda Jean
