Freehold's 618 Wins Third Year As 'Most Romantic' Restaurant

FREEHOLD, NJ — Three's certainly the charm for 618 in Freehold.

For a third straight year, the restaurant was named by OpenTable as one of the Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America.

618 made the list in 2022 and 2023 - and now it's there again, one of only five New Jersey restaurants.

And a key to its success is its emphasis on the individual experience of each guest, the owners say. Located at 618 Park Ave., the restaurant is owned by Liz and Matt Borowski, who live in Manalapan.

"Each guest can choose what they want to celebrate - a date night or a birthday - and we can make it individual," said owner Matt Borowski. He added that the restaurant was also recently named on a Yelp survey for romantic dining.

Making guests comfortable and cared for might be why the word "romantic" pops up in reviews, he said.

Managers are a presence on the floor to ensure personal service, Borowski said. And, of course, Chef Christopher Dutka's menu pleases the foodie in everyone.

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

In New Jersey, the other four restaurants that made the cut are:

• Franklinville Inn, Franklinville.
• Il Mulino New York/Atlantic City, Atlantic City.
• The Gables, Beach Haven.
• Washington Inn, Cape May.

So Monmouth County residents really lucked out with 618, located in the heart of the county. In fact Freehold, the county seat, has a reputation for its excellent and eclectic dining choices.

Last year, Liz Borowski reflected on why 618 is such a winner among romantics: As important a holiday as Valentine's Day is, 618 pays attention to romance all year long, she said.

It offers many services for newlyweds, but also acknowledges long-lasting love.

"We love to share special occasions with our guests. One of our specialties is anniversaries where we give a couple complimentary glasses of champagne, rose-shaped napkins, and a card from 618 for the celebration upon arrival," she said in a Patch article last year.

According to the OpenTable survey, this Valentine's Day menu will impress.

618 will be hosting a four-course dinner on Feb. 14. The special menu includes, among many other choices, pear and mascarpone sachetti pasta, pappardelle bolognese, local scallops, beef tenderloin medallions and much more. The price is $139 per guest. Learn more about the menu here.