5 Romantic Restaurants in New Jersey for Valentine's Day

Chakra.Named after the Sanskrit concept in eastern medicine relating to centers of energy found in the body, this Paramus, NJ based restaurant is all about the ambiance and decor. The restaurant serves "New American" cuisine (sushi, pasta, fish, and other meats) and despite the association with the eastern world, the menu leaves little to desire for vegetarians. There are tented canopies for parties of 5 or more, however, the most romantic seating is in the booth. The atmosphere is intimate with low lighting and candles on table tops, and there is a stonewall that transitions between the seven colors of thechakra's.

Bernards Inn. The highly rated Inn is a AAA four diamond restaurant located in the wealthy township of Bernardsville. Popular for weddings and romantic getaways entrees start at $28 and some items on the menu include Maine lobster, yellowfin tuna, and cervena venison pig. There is also a 6 course tasting menu available as well as an extensive 60+ page wine menu. If you are unable to make it for dinner, there is also a Sunday brunch, although you will miss the live jazz pianist who plays in one of the two dining rooms.

The Blue Bottle Cafe. Located in Hopewell, NJ this cozy restaurant seats only 65 people in three small dining rooms. One of those three rooms is an enclosed greenhouse overlooking a stream and treeline. Entrees range from $23-$31 and include items like braised beef shortribs and pan seareddayboat sea scallops. The restaurant was even listed in The New York Times as one of 8 romantic places to dine in February of 2009.

La Griglia Seafood Grill and Wine Bar. Located in Kenilworth,and open since 1997, candle lit tables and recessed lighting make this Northern Italian restaurant it's romantic flair. There is an award winning, extensive wine list, with vintages ranging from Austria and Germany to Tuscany. You may order a 3 courseprix fixe or sample the raw bar and free range meats.

Amanda's. Located on Hoboken's "main street" Washington Street, Zagat said in 2009 "Attention to detail is everywhere" at this "classy and elegant" New American in a "charming" 1895 Hoboken brownstone. Among the many bars and casual restaurants in Hoboken Amanda's is a more sophisticated and intimate atmosphere, and has done so for the past 15 years.