5 NJ Restaurants Among America’s Most Romantic, New Ranking Says

NEW JERSEY — With Valentine’s Day only a couple of weeks away, there’s no time to spare before making reservations at New Jersey's most romantic restaurants.

The reservation service OpenTable on Wednesday released its 2024 iteration of the Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America, an elite list developed from more than 12 million diner reviews and other metrics, the site said.

In New Jersey, the five restaurants that made the cut are:

618 – Freehold: This restaurant, bar and banquet facility will be hosting a four-course Valentine's Day dinner on Feb. 14. The menu includes pear and mascarpone sachetti pasta, pappardelle bolognese, local scallops, beef tenderloin medallions and much more. The price is $139 per guest. Learn more here.

Franklinville Inn – Franklinville: This cozy restaurant is situated in a restored inn. It boasts an award-winning wine list, excellent service and a "premiere" private dining room. "The Franklinville Inn offers the finest in American cuisine with signature dishes ranging from Crab Bisque to delicately seasoned Crab Cakes and Prime Rib cooked to perfection," according to its website. The dress code is business casual. Learn more here.

Il Mulino New York – Atlantic City – Atlantic City: With multiple locations on the East Coast, Il Mulino New York says it "reflects the infectious enthusiasm and joy in bringing the Italian tradition of fine food and hospitality to your table." The menu is described as "simple, straightforward, wholesome and always fresh." Learn more here.

The Gables – Beach Haven: Located on Long Beach Island, The Gables is a historic Victorian Jersey Shore inn that is open nightly for dinner during the summer and every weekend during the fall and spring. The restaurant will host a three-course prix fixe menu from Feb. 14 to 18. Learn more here.

Washington Inn – Cape May: Washington Inn has grown to be one of the top-ranked and most-visited fine dining restaurants in Cape May, it boasts on its website. "The Washington Inn prides itself on warm hospitality and exceptional New American cuisine," the website says. The restaurant will reopen Feb. 9 in time for Valentine's Day dining. Learn more here.

The full list of "most romantic restaurants" includes restaurants in 33 states and the District of Columbia.

One thing to keep in mind: Reservations book up quickly, with about half gone two weeks before Valentine’s Day, according to OpenTable.

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