Every relationship has its ups and downs. Between work, stress, and everyday routines, it’s easy to slip into the habit of doing the same things over and over. That’s why a well-planned, fancy dinner out can do wonders. It can help you reconnect, talk without distractions, and enjoy something new together.
This list shows some of the most romantic restaurants in New Jersey – the places perfect for when you want something more special than the usual night out. And the best part: all of them serve incredible food in a quiet, cozy setting, ideal for you lovebirds.
The Highlawn – West Orange, NJ
Website: www.highlawn.com
Phone: (973) 731-3463
Address: 1 Crest Drive, West Orange, NJ 07052
The Highlawn is a fine dining restaurant located at 1 Crest Drive in West Orange, New Jersey. It’s inside a restored 1909 building on top of Eagle Rock Reservation, about 20 miles from Manhattan. It’s considered one of the best restaurants in NJ with a view—it has large windows that look out over the New York City skyline, especially beautiful at sunset and nighttime. The dining room has crystal chandeliers, a grand piano, white tablecloths, and candlelight. In the warmer months, there’s a garden terrace and an outdoor bar where guests can sit outside.
The menu is New American, which means it includes modern versions of American dishes. The most popular items include dry-aged ribeye, filet mignon, pan-seared scallops, and oysters from the raw bar. The chef also creates seasonal specials depending on what’s fresh. Prices are high: most main courses cost between $30 and $50, and if you include drinks, appetizers, and dessert, the total can go over $100 per person.
This restaurant is a popular place for celebrations like anniversaries, birthdays, and marriage proposals. Many couples choose it because of the romantic view and quiet atmosphere. They recommend making a reservation, especially if you want a table by the window or are going on a weekend. The dress code is business casual at a minimum. Most men wear jackets at dinner, and many women wear dresses or nice outfits.
Saddle River Inn – Saddle River, NJ
Website: saddleriverinn.com
Phone: (201) 825-4016
Address: 2 Barnstable Ct, Saddle River, NJ 07458
Saddle River Inn is a fine dining restaurant at 2 Barnstable Court in Saddle River, New Jersey. Located right next to the Saddle River, this establishment is, in fact, a renovated barn from the 1700s. The space has wood beams, soft lighting, a working fireplace, and candlelit tables. It’s quiet and private—children under 10 are not allowed.
The menu is French-American with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Dishes include foie gras, black truffle pasta, dry-aged steaks, scallops, and crème brûlée. Chef Jamie Knott changes the menu twice each season to use fresh, local food. The restaurant is BYOB, and there’s no corkage fee, so guests can bring their own wine.
Entrées usually cost over $40. A full dinner for two with appetizers, entrées, dessert, and your own wine typically costs between $150 and $200. There’s also a small private loft space that can seat up to 20 people, often used for proposals or private parties.
As the Saddle River Inn is one of the most sought-after date night restaurants in NJ, reservations are required and should be made in advance, especially for weekends. The dress code is formal. Hats, shorts, jerseys, sneakers, and flip-flops are not allowed. Most men wear jackets, and guests are expected to dress nicely.
Matisse 167 – Rutherford, NJ
Website: matisse167.com
Phone: (201) 935-2995
Address: 167 Park Ave, Rutherford, NJ 07070
Matisse 167 is a fine dining restaurant located at 167 Park Avenue in Rutherford, New Jersey. It’s a small BYOB spot with only about 10 tables, so the space is quiet and private. The dining room has colorful artwork, Victorian-style decor, candlelit chandeliers, and a garden room in the back. The setting is calm and romantic, often picked for anniversaries and proposals.
The restaurant serves a 4-course prix-fixe tasting menu from Wednesday to Sunday. Chef Greg Power creates seasonal dishes using French cooking techniques with modern twists. The menu changes throughout the year, and each dish is carefully plated. On some nights, they offer a 3-course version of the menu at a lower price. Matisse 167 is BYOB, and the staff will chill or decant your wine.
Dinner costs around $115 to $125 per person, not including tax or tip. The price includes all four courses. Since it’s BYOB, guests can save money by bringing their own wine or champagne.
Reservations are required, and they should be made early since the restaurant is very small and fills up quickly. The dress code is smart casual or nicer. Most guests wear jackets or cocktail attire, especially on weekends.
Restaurant Lorena’s – Maplewood, NJ
Website: restaurantlorena.com
Phone: (973) 763-4460
Address: 160 Maplewood Ave, Maplewood, NJ 07040
Restaurant Lorena’s is a fancy French restaurant at 160 Maplewood Avenue in Maplewood, New Jersey. It has an extremely welcoming, calm atmosphere, with its white tablecloths, soft lighting, comfy chairs, and light background music. It’s a good spot for date nights or special dinners. On weekends, they also have a live jazz brunch for a relaxed daytime meal.
The menu is modern French and changes with the seasons. Chef Humberto Campos Jr. is especially known for his duck dishes, which vary throughout the year. Popular items include wild mushroom bisque, chicken liver pâté, and seasonal entrées made with fresh ingredients.
Lorena’s is BYOB, but the good news is that there’s a great selection of wines at the shop across the street, so you can always grab a bottle there before you head in.
Appetizers usually cost around $15–$20, and entrées range from $35 to $50. A full dinner for two, including appetizers and dessert but not wine, usually costs around $150 or more. On holidays like Valentine’s Day, Lorena’s may offer a seasonal tasting menu or a wine-pairing dinner.
Reservations are strongly recommended since the restaurant is small and often booked. The dress code is business casual or better. Most people wear jackets or stylish outfits, especially in the evening.
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Restaurant Latour – Hamburg, NJ
Website: crystalgolfresort.com/dine/latour
Phone: (844) 833-3253
Address: 1 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg, NJ 07419
Restaurant Latour is an elegant fine-dining restaurant located inside Crystal Springs Resort at 1 Wild Turkey Way in Hamburg, New Jersey. It sits next to a AAA Four-Diamond lodge and overlooks the mountains and golf course through floor-to-ceiling windows. The dining room is small, quiet, and designed with natural wood and stone. Children under 12 are not allowed, which keeps the setting peaceful and adult-focused.
The menu is a chef’s tasting format, offering either a 3-course or 7-course prix-fixe meal. The menu changes with the seasons and includes dishes like Dover sole, venison, foie gras, truffles, and caviar. The 3-course menu costs around $115 to $130 per person. The 7-course tasting is about $195 or more per person. Wine pairings are available at an extra cost.
Latour is also known for its wine program. The cellar holds over 6,000 bottles and has won Wine Spectator’s Grand Award every year since 2006. Sommeliers help guests pick wines for each course. For a private experience, guests can request the Chef’s Table inside the wine cellar.
Reservations are required. The restaurant is open Thursday through Sunday and often books out weeks ahead. The dress code is formal. Men are expected to wear jackets, and women should wear elegant attire. Jeans, sneakers, and shorts are not allowed.
Chart House – Weehawken, NJ
Website: chart-house.com
Phone: (201) 348-6628
Address: 1700 Harbor Blvd, Weehawken, NJ 07086
Chart House is a waterfront restaurant at 1700 Harbor Boulevard in Weehawken, New Jersey. It’s known for its direct views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline. Nearly every table in the dining room has a clear view of landmarks like the Empire State Building and Midtown. The space has floor-to-ceiling windows, a large open dining area, and polished décor. At night, the skyline lights up and creates a popular backdrop for proposals and special celebrations.
The menu offers mostly seafood and steak, and it’s cooked to an extremely high quality. Favorites include crab cakes, seared ahi tuna, grilled lobster tail, and filet mignon. For dessert, many guests order the Hot Chocolate Lava Cake, which is made for sharing. Entrées cost between $30 and $50. A full meal for two, including appetizers, drinks, and dessert, usually totals between $75 and $100 per person.
Chart House is a top choice for romantic dinners, especially around sunset or after dark when the view is best. They also serve a Sunday brunch buffet with river views during the day. The restaurant offers valet parking, and guests can request a window seat when booking.
Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and holidays. The dress code is smart casual. Most people wear collared shirts, slacks, or nice dresses. Beachwear, flip-flops, and overly casual clothes are not allowed.
The Frog and The Peach – New Brunswick, NJ
Website: frogandpeach.com
Phone: (732) 846-3216
Address: 29 Dennis St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
The Frog and The Peach is a well-known restaurant located at 29 Dennis Street in New Brunswick, New Jersey. It’s set inside a renovated factory space with a modern design and a garden room filled with greenery. The garden area, with white tablecloths and large windows, is a favorite for date nights and special dinners. In warmer months, there’s outdoor patio seating surrounded by plants. The setting is quiet, and the most fitting for an evening of good conversation.
The menu is New American and focuses on farm-to-table cooking. Ingredients come from local farms and change often based on what’s in season. Dishes include black truffle risotto, scallops, duck breast, and grass-fed steaks. They also offer tasting dinners with wine pairings and host special events like truffle menus or holiday meals.
Main courses usually cost between $30 and $45. A full dinner for two, with appetizers, wine, and dessert, usually costs around $150 to $180. The restaurant also serves a Sunday brunch with a separate menu.
The Frog and The Peach is often picked for birthdays, anniversaries, or business dinners. The staff is experienced with celebrations and can provide extras like printed menus or desserts with messages. Wine dinners are announced on their website throughout the year.
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends. The dress code is business casual. Men often wear button-down shirts or jackets, and women wear dresses or dressy tops with slacks.
Rat’s Restaurant – Hamilton, NJ
Website: ratsrestaurant.com
Phone: (609) 584-7800
Address: 16 Fairgrounds Rd, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619
Rat’s Restaurant is located inside the Grounds For Sculpture park at 16 Fairgrounds Road in Hamilton, New Jersey. The restaurant is built to look like a French countryside village, with stone walls, wooden beams, and views of ponds, gardens, and sculptures. Inside, there are chandeliers, rustic décor, and a stone fireplace that make the space feel warm and romantic. Many tables overlook the gardens or water features, and in warmer months, guests can sit outside on the patio.
The menu is French-inspired American cuisine. Dishes include French onion soup, duck à l’orange, steak frites, and artisanal cheeses. The menu also includes seasonal items that change throughout the year. Appetizers usually cost $15–$20, and main dishes are in the $30–$45 range. A full dinner for two, with starters, entrées, and dessert, is typically between $130 and $170, not including drinks.
Rat’s is popular for birthdays, anniversaries, and proposals. Guests can walk through the sculpture park before dinner (park admission may be required). The staff often helps with special touches, like reserving a specific table or adding a surprise to dessert. The restaurant also hosts special events like wine-pairing dinners, paint nights, and live music.
Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends or if you want a fireplace or garden-view table. The dress code is smart casual. Men often wear jackets or blazers, and women wear cocktail dresses or dressy outfits. While the dress isn’t strictly formal, most guests dress up for the experience.
The Ryland Inn – Whitehouse Station, NJ
Website: rylandinnnj.com
Phone: (908) 534-4011
Address: 115 Old Hwy 28, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889
As elegant restaurants in NJ go, The Ryland Inn just might take the win. Located at 115 Old Highway 28 in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, sitting on a 10-acre property, housed in a restored 226-year-old country estate, its focus is fine dining.
The dining room has stone fireplaces, wood beams, and large chandeliers, giving it a warm feel. Guests come for anniversaries, proposals, and private events. There are also guest cottages on the property if you want to stay overnight.
The menu is contemporary American with a focus on farm-to-table cooking. Ingredients come from local farms and change with the seasons, so it’s worth trying their grass-fed beef tartare, risotto with heirloom vegetables, seared scallops, and seasonal game like duck or venison. Appetizers usually cost $15–$25, and main courses range from $30 to $50. A full three-course dinner for two with drinks typically costs between $150 and $200.
The Ryland Inn offers different dining options. The main dining room serves a formal menu, while the Landmark Tavern on-site offers the same food in a slightly more casual setting. They also host cooking classes, wine dinners, and private tasting events. For special occasions, guests can reserve private dining rooms, a chef’s kitchen table, or a restored barn for larger celebrations.
Reservations are recommended and often necessary on weekends. The dress code is business casual to semi-formal. Men usually wear jackets or sweaters, and women wear dresses or dressy outfits. Shorts, flip-flops, and very casual clothes are not appropriate for the setting.
il Nido – Marlboro, NJ
Website: ilnidonj.com
Phone: (732) 851-6347
Address: 184 Route 9 North, Marlboro, NJ 07726
il Nido is a high-end Italian restaurant at 184 Route 9 North in Marlboro, New Jersey. The name means “The Nest” in Italian, and the space feels warm and private with soft lighting, rustic wood beams, and a fireplace. The most requested table is a small two-top next to the fireplace, often used for birthdays, anniversaries, or proposals. Despite being in a shopping plaza, the interior is elegant and quiet, with Italian music playing softly in the background.
The food is Italian with a farm-to-table focus. The kitchen uses organic local produce and imports ingredients from Italy, including the pasta flour. The menu changes with the seasons and includes hand-rolled pasta like pappardelle and garganelli, Wagyu beef meatballs, branzino, veal chops, and daily seafood specials.
Appetizers are $18–$25, pastas around $30, and main courses usually start at $40. A full dinner for two with wine costs around $150–$200. il Nido also has a full bar with Italian-style cocktails and a curated wine list.
On some Wednesdays and Thursdays, they offer a three-course prix-fixe menu at a set price. If you’re celebrating, you can request the fireplace table and ask for a special dessert plate or message.
Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. The dress code is smart casual. Men typically wear collared shirts or sweaters, and women wear dresses or nice separates.
Dock’s Oyster House – Atlantic City, NJ
Website: docksoysterhouse.com
Phone: (609) 345-0092
Address: 2405 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Ending with perhaps the most romantic restaurant in NJ, Dock’s Oyster House is a well-known seafood and steak restaurant at 2405 Atlantic Avenue in Atlantic City, New Jersey. It opened in 1897 and has been serving fresh seafood ever since. The dining room has an old-school look with a big wooden bar and a classic feel.
The biggest highlight is that, at night, they have a piano player, and the music really sets the mood for date nights or special dinners. Even though it’s in the middle of the casino area, the restaurant feels calm and comfortable.
The menu has a lot of seafood options, including a raw bar with oysters and clams. Oysters can be ordered in many styles—on the half shell, broiled, Rockefeller, or with wasabi. They also have oyster stew. Other dishes include fried shrimp, crabmeat sautée, filet mignon, and prime rib.
Oysters cost about $2–$4 each. Appetizers are around $15, and most seafood and steak entrées cost in the $30s. A full dinner for two with drinks usually costs about $120 to $150. The food comes in big portions and you can tell it’s made with care, so you can’t go wrong.
The wine list has plenty of choices, including many by the glass. If you’re new to oysters, the sampler is a good way to try different types. You can sit at the bar without a reservation, but if you want a table for a special occasion, it’s best to book ahead.
Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends or in summer. The dress code is casual but neat. Men usually wear collared shirts and jeans or slacks. Women often wear dresses or nice tops. T-shirts, shorts, and flip-flops are not a good fit for the setting.
Plan the Night You Both Deserve
You’ve seen the best romantic restaurants in New Jersey—now it’s time to choose one and make it happen. Don’t wait for a special occasion. Don’t wait until things feel “less busy.” Your relationship deserves time and attention now.
Pick a place that fits your style. Maybe it’s a quiet table by the fireplace, a seat with a skyline view, or a cozy room with great pasta and wine. Make a reservation, turn your phones off, and spend a night just the two of you, in the most fitting atmosphere.
Just before you go: have you been to the best places to visit in the Garden State? There’s nothing stopping you from making your date night a date day.
