“Tru Luv,” “See ya,” “Yes Dear.” Why take a chance on getting a not-quite-right message on your Valentine’s Day heart candy when you can make reservations instead? Real romance is the kind that is best experienced over candlelight and a nice glass of Pinot rather than purchased under bright lights in the checkout aisle of the grocery store. We’ve rounded up the top romantic tables in Bergen County – don’t worry if you’re not able to snag a reservation or a sitter on 2/14, Tru luv is happening all week!
Novo (37 Chestnut Street, Ridgewood, 201-444-4910)
The Menu: Get ready to swoon! The ever-popular Novo will be serving their regular menu but you’ll agree it was worth booking a table when you and your lovey dip into their Taboon Cauliflower and Haloumi cigars. This sleek restaurant known for their Mediterranean cuisine is a Ridgewood favorite, so be sure to book a table ASAP.
The Lowdown: Lunch is served 11:30am-3pm and Dinner 5-9pm. Parking is free for all NOVO customers at the “Town Garage” auto body shop at 120 Franklin Avenue.
Saddle River Inn (2 Barnstable Court, Saddle River, 201-825-4016)
The Menu: Although there is not a “special” menu for Valentine's Day featured at Saddle River Inn, you are guaranteed a VERY romantic and delicious meal at this highly acclaimed French contemporary hot spot. Be sure to book a reservation if you want to fall in love again over chef Jaime Knott’s savory dishes including Rock Shrimp Risotto with black truffle butter and Colorado Lamb Loin served with truffle (yes again) peas and baby carrots.
The Lowdown: Dinner is served 5:30-9:30pm, reservations are a must.
Haven (2 Main Street, Edgewater, 201-943-1900)
The Menu: The sparkling lights of Manhattan would be a great match for a new sparkler on your finger – even if they ARE across the river from this Edgewater eatery. Haven is offering a three-course prix fixe dinner with decadent and creative options including chicken taco spring rolls, rainbow beet salad, spiced crispy Long Island duck and their NOT TO BE MISSED chocolate croissant bread pudding.
The Lowdown: Dinner is $85 per person, with three different seatings at 5pm, 7pm and 9pm.
Orama (Edgewater, 595 River Road, 201-945-2020)
The Menu: It will be difficult to hang on the words of your love without being distracted by the magnificent unobstructed 180-degree view of Manhattan at this Mediterranean waterfront villa. Sharing is optional (as is under the table canoodling), but it will hard to choose just one option from their four-course prix-fixe menu that includes foie gras, lobster risotto and chocolate mousse cake.
The Lowdown: Dinner is $240 per couple which also includes complimentary champagne. Dinner is served from 5-10pm.
BV’s Grill at The Time Nyack (400 High Avenue, Nyack, 845-675-8740)
The Menu: This swanky hotel restaurant will be serving up its first Valentine's Day menu in ultra-hip style with a three-course pre-fixe dinner on both Saturday the 11th and Valentine's Day. We should be ordering Vegetarian Cauliflower Steak but thinking the Beef Wellington might win out. Regardless, don’t skip dessert, or the complimentary champagne toast, as there will be a DJ later in the evening so you can dance off those extra calories or you can book a room and do it another way.
The Lowdown: Dinner is $150 per couple and served on the 11th from 4-11pm and the 14th from 5-10pm. DJ will be spinning from 8pm-12pm.
Café Panache (130 East Main Street, Ramsey, 201-934-0030)
The Menu: Local favorite Café Panache’s cozy dining room is romantic all year long, and paired with Chef Owner Kevin Kohler’s award winning farm-to-table dishes, it’s always a spot for special occasions. But in honor of Valentine’s Day, the normally BYOB will be co-hosting a February 9th, Valentine’s Day Dinner with Carlo Russo’s Wine World where six carefully selected courses will be paired with the perfect wines and listen to live music. If you’re looking for the classic Café Panache experience, the restaurant is taking reservations for Valentine’s Day and will have special dishes on the menu as well as diners' favorites.
The Lowdown: The February 9th Valentine's Day Wine Dinner is $115 per person including wine, food, music and gratuity, reservations can be made by calling 201-444-2033. Or for February 14th, call the restaurant at 201-934-0030.
Acapella West (163 Old River Rd, Edgewater, 201-840-0163)
The Menu: It was love at first sight with this new outpost of NYC’s darling Acapella Restaurant. Couples will love the intimate dining room where everyone feels like a VIP thanks to top notch service, classic Italian food and a wine list with something for everyone.
The Lowdown: Serving a regular menu with seasonal specials and a la carte pricing. Call to reserve.
Viaggio Ristorante (1055 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne 973-706-7277)
The Menu: Grab a bottle of your favorite Italian red and head over to Viaggio for farmhouse vibes and four courses of Batali trained Chef Robbie Felice’s hand-picked Valentine's Day favorites. Lovebirds can linger over perfectly prepared Tagliatelle Bolognese and Pappardelle cooked al dente with fresh tomatoes and basil and then move onto main courses of Short Rib and Branzino al Cartaccio with fregula, tomato and olives.
The Lowdown: $69 per person, plus tax and gratuity, BYOB
Café Matisse (167 Park Avenue, Rutherford, 201-935-2995)
The Menu: Settle into cozy seats in Café Matisse’s whimsical opulent dining room and prepare yourself for Chef Peter Loria’s new American fare that will make your heart sing. A four-course menu with offerings of everything from Hamachi Crudo and Unbaked Lobster “Mac And Cheese” to Sirloin Taco with Asian BBQ Sauce and Peppered Sirloin Medallion, Short Rib Ragu. Finish off with Chocolate Brownie with Marshmallow Crème and a bottle of your favorite wine.
The Lowdown: $115 Per Person, plus tax and gratuity, BYOB, Seating at 5:30pm, 6:00pm, 6:30pm, 8:00pm, 8:30pm, and 9:00pm, reservations must be secured with a credit card.
Carla Sullivan is the dining editor for Bergen Mama and the founder of minimunchers.com, she lives in Ridgewood with her three kids and husband.
