Jenna IntersimoneMyCentralJersey.com
On Valentine's Day, any old a la carte menu just won't do.
That's why these eateries, which boast some of the most romantic vibes in Central Jersey, are doing it up for Feb. 14 with prix fixe menus, specials ideal for two, and even steaks branded with messages of love.
Here's what's being served for you and your special someone:
Cranbury Inn, Cranbury
Romance gets a historic flair at the Cranbury Inn, which is one of the state’s oldest restaurants and features original woodwork, molding, windows and chandeliers. Take your storied love here on Valentine’s Day with a three-course prix fixe menu for $42 to $69 per person. Options include dishes like lobster bisque, grilled wild prawns, whole roasted poussin, chocolate-covered strawberries and red velvet cake.
Go: 21 S. Main St, Cranbury; 609-655-5595, thecranburyinn.com/valentine/.
Gladstone Tavern, Peapack-Gladstone
The seasonal American eatery housed in a restored colonial farmhouse dating to 1847 will offer specials from Feb. 14 to 17 like French Kiss oysters, a red velvet heart-shaped cake for two, the “two hearts beet salad,” pan-roasted red snapper, and lobster pasta. On Valentine’s Day, live music will be performed from 6 to 9 p.m., and a red rose will be given to each couple, while supplies last.
Go: 273 Main St., Peapack-Gladstone; 908-234-9055, gladstonetavern.com/menus.
Grain House at the Olde Mill Inn, Basking Ridge
Another one of Central Jersey’s oldest restaurants, the Grain House at the Olde Mill Inn always brings the romance with its fireplaces and original beamed ceilings. For Valentine’s Day, it will offer a three-course, prix fixe dinner for $75 per person with selections like lobster mac and cheese, “Romaine hearts for sweethearts,” sauteed Pacific halibut, and petite filet mignon twins.
Go: 225 Morristown Road, Basking Ridge; 908-221-1150, oldemillinn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/GH-Valentine-Prix-Fixe-Menu-2024.V2-1.pdf.
The Frog and the Peach, New Brunswick
Any date is sure to be impressed by a dinner at the Frog and the Peach, which has been called the best restaurant in the state by various outlets. For Valentine’s Day, the creative New American eatery will offer a three-course menu for $97 per person. Options include chestnut ricotta gnocchi, prosciutto-wrapped rabbit terrine, Iberico pork schnitzel, Long Island crescent duck breast, and a chocolate tasting. Seatings are 4 to 10:30 p.m.
Go: 29 Dennis St., New Brunswick; 732-846-3216, frogandpeach.com/valentines-day-menu/.
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Lambertville Station, Lambertville
Lambertville Station, housed in a former train station on the banks of the Delaware River, will celebrate Valentine’s Day all month long with its special menu designed for couples — offered Feb. 10, 11, 14, 17 and 18. A la carte options include a grilled seafood trio, winter salad for two, lobster tails for two, and baked brie for two.
Go: 11 Bridge St., Lambertville; 609-397-4400, lambertvillestation.com/files/valentines_day.pdf.
Luca’s Ristorante, Somerset
Don’t let its strip mall exterior fool you — this rustic Italian restaurant is decked out with exposed brick walls, Italian murals, an old grape press and more, making you feel like you landed on the Italian island of Ischia. For Valentine’s Day, the BYOB restaurant will offer a three-course dinner for $70 per person, with options like beef meatballs with pine nuts and raisins, grilled octopus, burrata, gnocchi with braised short rib, 50-layer lasagna, Mediterranean sea bass, and tiramisu.
Go: 2019 Route 27, Somerset; 732-297-7676, lucasristorante.com/valentines-day.
Luciano’s Ristorante, Rahway
On Valentine's Day, Luciano's — an Italian fine dining destination with white tablecloths, candlelight and a fireplace — will offer an $86 per person five-course prix fixe menu. Options include rigatoni Bolognese, stuffed chicken, pan-seared scallops, grilled pork chop, shrimp risotto, burrata, and lamb chop lollipops.
Go: 1579 Main St., Rahway; 732-815-1200, lucianosristorante.com/events.
Orchard Park by David Burke, East Brunswick
Celebrity chef David Burke’s New American restaurant on the grounds of a French country estate will offer a $115-per-person three-course dinner loaded with romantic specialties with seatings from 4 to 10 p.m. on Valentine’s Day. Some of those dish options include a heart-shaped tin filled with chocolates, brick Cornish hen, beef tenderloin, grilled veal chop, clothesline bacon, mushroom risotto, and oysters.
For $580, make a night of it Feb. 14 to 16 by reserving a room at the onsite Chateau Grande Hotel, which includes a bottle of champagne and reservations for the dinner for two.
Go: 670 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick; 732-554-5714, orchardparkbydb.com/valentines-day/.
Osteria Morini, Bernardsville
The Bernardsville outpost of the modern Italian restaurant will offer a four-course prix fixe menu for $70 per person, with seatings from 4 to 9 p.m. Inside the charming space outfitted with mismatched chairs, an open kitchen and hanging pots and pans, choose from options like filet mignon with diver scallops, a raviolo with lobster butter, oysters, and skate wing.
Go: 107 Morristown Road, Bernardsville; 908-221-0040, osteriamorini.com/bernardsville-nj/menus/valentines-day/.
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Pluckemin Inn, Bedminster
The American restaurant housed in a restored Revolutionary War-era farmhouse always has a romantic ambiance thanks to its fireplaces and intimate lighting. On Valentine’s Day, the only Central Jersey restaurant that consistently earns top honors for its wine list from Wine Spectator will offer a three-course, prix fixe dinner for $94 per person. The menu includes dishes such as Maine lobster salad, Icelandic cod, suckling pig, Griggstown chicken, chocolate crème brulee, Meyer lemon mousse, and a pistachio croissant tart.
Go: 10 Pluckemin Way, Bedminster; 908-658-9292, pluckemininn.com/event/valentines-day-at-pluckemin-inn-2-14-2023/.
Red Horse By David Burke, Bernardsville
Burke's newest restaurant has brought new life – and romance – to the former Bernards Inn. The century-old hotel and restaurant will offer a three-course prix fixe menu for $120 per person with seatings from 5 to 10 p.m. The menu features dishes such as a 40-ounce Tomahawk ribeye for two with “I Love You” branded on the bone for an extra $25 per person, as well as a chocolate souffle cake for two in a heart-shaped keepsake tin.
Go: 27 Mine Brook Road, Bernardsville; 908-766-0002, redhorsebydb.com/restaurant-bernards/valentines-day/.
Ryland Inn, Whitehouse Station
This 220-year-old former equestrian estate isn’t just serving Valentine’s Day dinner, it’s having a ball. On Feb. 10, the Ryland Inn will host a $145-per-person celebration with a co*cktail hour, passed hors d’oeuvres, a four-course dinner, music spun by a DJ and open bar. Menu items include filet mignon, fava bean risotto, coconut lime sherbet, and macarons.
Go: 115 Route 28, Whitehouse Station; 908-534-4011, play.landmarkhospitality.com/event/st-valentines-ball/.
Stone House at Stirling Ridge, Warren
As a popular spot for weddings, the Stone House at Stirling Ridge on 10 acres of rustic landscape brings the romance every weekend. It will do the same on Valentine’s Day, as well as Feb. 9 to 11, when it offers a three-course prix fixe menu for $90 per person. The menu includes dishes such as fluko crudo, oyster Rockefeller, young Spatchco*ck chicken, Chateaubriand for two, Granny Smith apple tart and a chocolate tasting for two.
Go: 50 Stirling Road, Warren; 908-754-1222, stonehouseatstirlingridge.com.
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Summit House, Summit
The upscale New American restaurant now helmed by rising star chef AJ Capella will feature a $95 three-course locally-inspired Valentine’s Day menu from 5 to 9 p.m. Feb. 14 to 17, with dishes like Snake River Farm wagyu tartare, butter-poached lobster and chocolate cheesecake. The a la carte menu is also available.
Go: 395 Springfield Ave., Summit; 908-273-6000, summithousenj.com/menus/#valentines-day.
Verve, Somerville
Surrounded by lush red walls and with a speakeasy flair, Verve is the perfect destination for couples looking for a dinner with a spark. The longtime Somerville staple will serve an $85 prix fixe menu on Valentine’s Day with options like crispy pork belly, roasted tomato tartare, Chilean sea bass, vegetarian Bolognese, crème brulee, and chocolate ganache cake. Seatings are 5 to 10 p.m.
Go: 18 E Main St Second Floor, Somerville; 908-707-8655, vervestyle.com/v-day-menu.
Contact:JIntersimone@MyCentralJersey.com
Jenna Intersimone has been a staff member at the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey since 2014, after becoming a blogger-turned-reporter following the creation of her award-winning travel blog. To get unlimited access to her stories aboutfood, drink and fun, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.You can also follow her on Instagram at@seejennaeatand on Twitter at@JIntersimone.
